Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete evidence and need for further examination. The hearing loss claim will be evaluated based on in-service noise exposure, while the lung cancer claim will require verification of herbicide exposure at a specific base.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to service, specifically exposure to hazardous noise during active duty. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected progressive otosclerosis is manifested by bilateral hearing loss, which has been evaluated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period. The Board finds that a compensable evaluation for this disability is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and personnel records, as well as an addendum opinion from a VA audiologist regarding the etiology of his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and whether he is unemployable due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected renal cell carcinoma is granted, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as non-compensably (zero percent) disabling since December 2009. The Board finds that the criteria for a compensable disability rating have not been met at any point during the relevant time period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current right ear hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain clarifying medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as to ensure all relevant development actions have been conducted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no current evidence of these conditions meeting VA criteria. The Veteran also failed to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability was evaluated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and multiple myeloma, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's hearing loss has not worsened since July 27, 2012, and therefore a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not aggravated by his service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus due to a lack of adequate reasons or bases regarding his lay statements, as well as the rejection of his claim that he was diagnosed with hearing loss during post-service employment physicals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin cancer is at least as likely as not caused by his military service, including sun exposure. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and cold injury residuals of the bilateral lower extremities have been denied.

The Veteran's overall combined disability rating is 40 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is found to be caused by his active service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, bronchitis, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for hearing loss of the right ear. The appeals are dismissed.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining SSA records and VA examinations for the Veteran's back disorder, right shoulder disorder, bilateral hearing loss disability, and headache disorder.