Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability is denied. The initial rating of 10 percent prior to November 12, 2012 for the service-connected bilateral pes planus, metatarsalgia, calcaneal spurring with heel spur syndrome is denied. An increased rating of 30 percent from November 12, 2012 to the effective date of November 12, 2012 for the service-connected bilateral pes planus, metatarsalgia, calcaneal spurring with heel spur syndrome is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left ear hearing loss and emphysema have been withdrawn. The claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence that suggests the Veteran's knee disabilities may be related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and denied his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's tinnitus was also denied as there is no evidence of its onset in service or causation related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss disability and its functional impact.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service treatment records did not show any hearing loss or tinnitus. After service, the Veteran reported first experiencing hearing loss and tinnitus in March 2010.,VA examination in July 2010 found no current left ear hearing loss disability under VA criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current tinnitus had its onset in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not shown to be related to his active military service, including noise exposure. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against finding a link between the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and his service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are related to his service, including exposure to loud noises during combat. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and interstitial lung disease. The claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder (COPD) is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability does not warrant a compensable rating as his audiometric results did not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a legible copy of the pre-induction examination and requesting an opinion from the VA examiner regarding the etiology of his hearing loss disability and tinnitus. The issue of service connection for PTSD will also be adjudicated.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable for the period on appeal. The Board finds that his disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen claims for service connection for left wrist, low back, and right knee disorders. The Veteran's other service connection claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus onset in service and is granting service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it does not involve a direct link to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lung disorder (COPD and bronchial pneumonia) have been granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise regarding a causal link between these conditions and in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hepatitis C, and a liver condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of various claimed conditions. The appellant's military service is also being reviewed to clarify her periods of active duty.