Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's tinnitus is causally related to noise exposure during his active duty service, and the Board finds that service connection for tinnitus has been met.

The Veteran's appeal of the noncompensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to a need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as arranging for an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for nonservice-connected pension benefits has been withdrawn. The appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Fremont Area Medical Center on June 21, 2010, and June 22, 2010, are approved as the nearest VA facility was not feasibly available and a prudent layperson would have sought treatment from a private hospital.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is as likely as not related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain the Veteran's November 2004 audiological testing and will consider whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen his claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeals for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a psychiatric disability have been dismissed as there are no remaining allegations of error in the determination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain private medical records and VA treatment records, as well as to review the claims file for any errors in adjudication. The Veteran's claims will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to active service, with the Veteran's tinnitus being shown to have been incurred during active service with continuous symptoms since separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with current evidence of in-service noise exposure. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss as there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a current disability, and the Veteran's hearing loss is not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has directed that the Veteran undergo additional VA examinations and review of his claims file to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, burn scars, psychiatric disorders, and lung disorder. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for a more comprehensive medical nexus opinion addressing the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, particularly insofar as whether it is related or attributable to his military service. The claim will be considered again after the additional examination and review.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, as the Veteran's STRs are silent for complaints or findings related to hearing loss. The audiometric results did not show any hearing loss at the time of discharge and the Veteran specifically denied having ear trouble or hearing loss during his separation examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, and various types of peripheral neuropathy. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current hearing loss or tinnitus for VA purposes and thus cannot establish service connection. The claims for sleep apnea, depression, and Meniere's syndrome are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss due to the Veteran not meeting the definition of impaired hearing and there being no indication of an etiological relationship with military service. The claim was denied as new and material evidence had not been received.