Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and have denied all of his claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional medical inquiry regarding whether the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is at least as likely as not caused by in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the Board finds that his current hearing loss is not related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable under the applicable VA rating criteria. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's right and left ear hearing loss disabilities were not service connected. The Board found that the current hearing loss was not aggravated by service, and denied both claims.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and headaches as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. Other claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran requested a hearing on his appeal, but failed to attend. The issue of service connection for a nasal condition was withdrawn by the Veteran in an August 2010 submission.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is found to be related to in-service noise exposure, and he is granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and thyroid disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and to ensure all development actions have been accomplished. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to his acoustic trauma in service.

The Board has determined that a VA audiological examination and opinion are needed to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed hearing loss and tinnitus, as the current evidence is inadequate for decision-making.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and scar of the right hand were denied as his conditions did not warrant a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's tinnitus was caused by his active service, to include noise exposure therein. The Board has granted the claim for service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating of his left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss have been withdrawn. The Board has also determined that additional development is needed for the remaining claims, including a VA examination for sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA), as well as any associated service treatment records. The VA will also schedule examinations to assess the current status of his claimed conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, sinusitis, low back disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, diabetes, and lower intestinal disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is pending as it relates to a separate issue.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and the collective evidence suggests that his service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss or respiratory infections that are service-connected. The evidence does not show current disabilities for VA purposes, and the medical opinions do not support a link between any current conditions and service.