Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied as he did not have qualifying military service during a period of war. The Board also found that the Veteran should be afforded VA examinations and opinions to determine whether his current respiratory disability, hearing loss, and other disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is also granted for right hearing loss.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not meet the criteria for service connection as there was no evidence of a chronic disability during or within one year after service. The examiner opined that the current hearing loss is less likely related to military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of in-service acoustic trauma or a significant increase in hearing loss during service. The Veteran's current conditions are attributed to other factors such as occupational noise exposure and recreational activities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes and finds no evidence of tinnitus within one year following separation from service. The VA examiner's opinion is against the claim, stating that the bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are less likely as not caused by or a result of his active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period. The medical evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration of the claims, including a review by the Veteran's representative.

The Board finds that the Veteran's pre-existing right ear hearing loss did not worsen during service and is not related to any in-service noise exposure. As a result, he cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain service treatment records from the Veteran's Army National Guard service and to provide a supplemental VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of his hearing loss disability. The case will be returned for further review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are likely due to his exposure to hazardous noise levels during service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging an audiological examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss. The AOJ is also required to refer the case to the Director of Compensation and Pension for a determination on whether an extraschedular rating is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left knee disability have been denied as there is no competent evidence to support these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to active military service and granted his claim for service connection.,The Board also found that the Veteran's tinnitus was incurred during active military service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service hearing loss or tinnitus. The Board also found that any current hearing loss and tinnitus were not related to active duty service.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. Bilateral pes planus was presumed to have existed prior to service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not established as they are not considered presumptively related to military service.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed tinnitus is causally related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and the Board grants entitlement to service connection for tinnitus on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining STRs and VA examinations to address his claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying stressors. The Veteran is diagnosed with various psychiatric disorders and may require a VA examination to determine if any are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a supplemental medical nexus opinion.