Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development, including obtaining outstanding audiological evaluations and scheduling a VA examination. The case will be readjudicated after all relevant evidence has been considered.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinea pedis are found to be related to service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred during a period of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) from 1981 to 1989. Therefore, service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling appropriate examinations. The issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to a TDIU are within the jurisdiction of the Board.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that no higher rating is warranted.

The Board found that the reduction of the disability rating for bilateral hearing loss from 50% to 10% was proper based on evidence showing improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted, with the effective date being November 4, 2010. The Veteran is now rated at 60% for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his in-service acoustic trauma, thus service connection is granted for these conditions. The issue of an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA medical opinion and instructed the examiner to consider additional service treatment records, including a December 1960 service treatment record indicating the Veteran was treated for pain in his left ear; a July 1961 service treatment record diagnosing the Veteran with a left ear infection; and service audiology findings reported in October 1965, June 1967, July 1967, September 1968, October 1971, October 1975, July 1977, and September 1979.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability, but denied both on the merits as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the VA examination and the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable since his claim was filed, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the VA examination and the need for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lung disorder and bilateral hearing loss disability, and has determined that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision. The issue of service connection for asbestosis is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection is granted for both conditions.