Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is granted.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing hearing loss did not undergo a permanent worsening during his active duty periods. The Board also found no evidence of aggravation by in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, vertigo, and status post nasal bone fracture were denied. The decision did not address service connection via a presumption like PACT Act/Agent Orange/Camp Lejeune.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not have its onset in service or within one year of his discharge, and is not shown to be a result of disease, event, or injury in service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is being remanded for a VA opinion.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral hip disability, and bilateral hearing loss. However, the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and coronary artery disease was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss or an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new examination of his bilateral hearing loss and clarification on whether he receives disability benefits from SSA. The TDIU issue is also considered inextricably intertwined with the hearing loss rating issue.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active military service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for right pointer and right middle finger disorders with scars is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cold weather injury and bilateral hearing loss, finding no current disability related to these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are found to have been incurred during service, thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The AOJ is instructed to obtain relevant VA records, SSA disability benefits information, and any additional private medical records from the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including an audiologist's opinion on whether the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to service or preexisted service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and left knee osteoarthritis were denied. The Board found no evidence of exceptional patterns of hearing impairment or instability warranting higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide adequate examinations and opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, with the latter being more likely than not due to combat exposure. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be etiologically related to his active duty service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and ensuring all relevant records are considered.