Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically PTSD, have rendered him unemployable for the period prior to December 22, 2009. The Board has granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, residuals of head injury (other than balance problems), and balance problems have been granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for PTSD or right ear hearing loss, and there was no evidence linking the current conditions to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss does not meet VA criteria for a disability and his left ear sensorineural hearing loss did not become manifest to a compensable degree within one year of service separation. The Board also found no evidence linking either condition to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus did not manifest in service or for many years thereafter, and are unrelated to service. The claim is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right hip disability, right leg disability (to include arthritis), left leg disability (to include arthritis), hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left wrist disorder. However, there is no current diagnosis or manifestation of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes.

The Board found that the Veteran's bladder disability, diagnosed as urethral stricture, was not incurred in active service. The preponderance of evidence failed to establish an etiological link between his active service and his current diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus. However, the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for tinnitus and denying TDIU due to the lack of a current disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, conducting a new VA examination, and considering all evidence in the claims file.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's preexisting bilateral hearing loss was not shown to have increased in severity during his active service, and thus he is denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

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

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

The Board has granted the claim to reopen service connection for hearing loss and remanded the issue of service connection for tinnitus.

The Board found that the November 1970 rating decision denying service connection for left mastoidectomy with hearing loss was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The Veteran's increased evaluation and TDIU claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and opinion to consider the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

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

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and shell fragment wound to the neck, muscle group XXIII were denied as there is no legal basis for an increase in these disability evaluations.