Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not shown to be present during service and is not related to service.,There is no evidence that the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected diabetes.,The Veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities.,The Veteran does not have peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure, and the Board finds that service connection should be granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and initial rating for migraine headaches were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a hearing loss disability or establish service connection for migraine headaches.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and does not meet the criteria for an increased rating for tinnitus. The maximum schedular ratings have been assigned.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, cancer, and an enlarged prostate were denied. The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for right ear hearing loss was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for an examination and opinion regarding his employability, as well as consideration of whether the criteria for extraschedular TDIU are met.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as an increased rating for right ear hearing loss. The case will be remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's pre-existing left ear hearing loss was aggravated by military service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that a new VA audiological evaluation is needed due to the possibility of worsening hearing loss and additional private treatment records are requested.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be made on the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is therefore REMANDED to obtain missing service treatment records, including the separation examination, and to schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to in-service noise exposure, with the exception of the hearing loss which is not presumed due to service. The claim for tinnitus is granted as it is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral high frequency hearing loss. Resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, the criteria for establishing service connection have been met.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no jurisdiction remains for the claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a rib injury, and hepatitis C. The decision found that current evidence did not meet the criteria for disability due to hearing loss in the right ear, left ear hearing loss was not chronic in service or within one year post-service separation, and there was no nexus between any diagnosed conditions and service.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, but his bilateral ear drainage is not. The Board found that the Veteran has no qualifying wartime military service or nonservice connected disabilities preventing him from working.

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

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion from the January 2011 VA audiologist regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, including consideration of his in-service noise exposure and post-service occupational noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA audiological evaluation to determine the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss and whether referral for an extraschedular rating is indicated.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to ensure there is a complete record upon which to decide the issue of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, including on an extra-schedular basis. An additional VA audiological examination is needed to determine the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are at least as likely as not related to his service-connected right ankle disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.