Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims of reopening and service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, a back condition, neck condition, right knee condition, and left knee condition are pending. The RO found new and material evidence in some cases but denied others on the merits.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not related to his active duty service and has denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and a VA examination to address the Veteran's hearing loss disability and tinnitus claims. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not due to noise exposure during his period of active service, including artillery and other weapons noise in Germany. As such, the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability, as evaluated under the general rating criteria for hearing impairment, does not warrant a compensable evaluation. The noncompensable rating has been continued throughout the appeal period.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and determined that new and material evidence has been presented. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current tuberculosis or bilateral hearing loss, including whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be remanded for additional examinations and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active duty service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and residuals of burn scars to the head, face, and neck are not related to active service or any incident of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to service, as evidenced by a worsening during service and no evidence of natural progression after service. As such, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines, sleep apnea, low back strain, left knee strain, right knee medial meniscus tear, tinnitus, hypertension, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of these service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all of the remaining issues on appeal, including service connection claims and a claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for Dupuytren's contracture of the right hand.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is required.

The case is being remanded for further development, including an audiometric examination and obtaining additional VA and private treatment records. The Veteran's claim for TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for allergic conjunctivitis and pterygium have been withdrawn. The remaining claims of increased rating for hearing loss, service connection for hyperlipidemia, and loss of use of a creative organ (erectile dysfunction) are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination for his left ear hearing loss disability and left shoulder disability.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, epididymitis, and diabetes mellitus type 2 are service-connected due to exposure to noise in service for hearing loss, treatment of epididymitis during active duty, and presumed exposure to herbicides respectively. The psychiatric disorder claim is pending as it relates to PTSD.