Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is service-connected, but there is no evidence of left ear hearing loss or recurrent ear infections. The examiner found no current scarring on the tympanic membrane.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral pes planus and a neurological disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his military service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss was not present during active service, did not manifest within one year of discharge from service, and did not develop as a result of any incident during service. Therefore, the Board finds that the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD have been denied as he does not meet the criteria for service connection or an increased rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and right ear hearing loss are service-connected. However, there is no evidence of left ear hearing loss meeting VA criteria for compensation purposes during the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. However, the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is not rated higher than noncompensable.

The Board has found that further action is required due to the Veteran's Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits, and thus the case is being remanded for the RO or AMC to obtain SSA records and any other necessary development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure. Service connection for COPD was denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service. The Board found that the current disabilities are not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and updated treatment records. The RO/AMC will reassess his employability status in light of all evidence.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection for tinnitus as it was granted by a May 2013 rating decision. The Veteran's claim of an initial, compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss remains on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes and his tinnitus is less likely as not caused by or a result of military noise exposure. Therefore, service connection for both conditions is denied.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is due to noise exposure during service and has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining clarification from Dr. Brager regarding the cause of his colorectal cancer and scheduling an examination to determine if it was caused by herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and opinion are inadequate for the issues of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and Parkinson's disease. The case is REMANDED to obtain clarification on the etiology of these conditions and to verify herbicide exposure if applicable.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are as likely as not related to his military service due to noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to his military service, specifically noise exposure as a Construction Mechanic. As such, the claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, including noise exposure. The evidence does not show a chronic disease during service or within one year of discharge, and there is no medical opinion linking the current condition to service.

The Board has determined that the VA examination conducted in July 2011 is inadequate and a new examination should be conducted to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss.