Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist disability and bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that there was no current disability or evidence of in-service injury. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for COPD were both denied. The Board found that the Veteran had not established entitlement to either benefit.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The issues of CUE in the 1976 RO decision and earlier effective date for service connection were also addressed, but no specific outcome is provided.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, but his bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a disability rating.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as obtain a copy of the Sacramento Bee article discussed at the August 2013 DRO hearing. Additionally, the VA must attempt to obtain the Veteran's complete Social Security Administration (SSA) record.

The Board found no evidence of a current bilateral hearing loss disability or tinnitus that is related to service. The Veteran's service treatment records did not show any complaints, treatments, or findings of these conditions during his military service. His current diagnoses were first noted many years after separation from service.

The Board has determined that the VA examination conducted in April 2009 is insufficient to determine if there is a causal connection between the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and his period of service, including his claimed in-service noise exposure. The case is therefore being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is reasonably shown to be related to acoustic trauma in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The right knee disability claim remains pending as it was not addressed by the RO.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his active duty service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability was withdrawn. The Board also dismissed the remaining claims as there is no evidence of a current bilateral foot disorder, acquired psychiatric disability (specifically PTSD and depression/anxiety), or hypertension that is related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, but left ear hearing loss remains pending as the evidence is not sufficient to meet the threshold criteria under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of diabetes mellitus, PTSD service connection, and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for diabetes mellitus or service connection for PTSD or bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus claims, specifically concerning the relationship between current conditions and service. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records and undergo a new VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his in-service acoustic trauma, resulting in a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate and additional development is needed, including verification of service dates and obtaining STRs. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and low back disability will be remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the appeal can be adjudicated, including verifying the Veteran's claimed stressor and obtaining medical opinions regarding his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a lower back condition due to new evidence submitted since the last denial. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and left ear hearing loss is established with right ear hearing loss also being established.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current left ear hearing loss disability for which service connection may be granted. The VA examination results do not meet VA criteria for a disability during the pendency of the appeal or prior to the Veteran filing a claim for benefits.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran met the schedular criteria for a TDIU on October 30, 2009, and his service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The effective date of the TDIU rating is set at October 30, 2009.