Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for service connection purposes due to lack of evidence showing hearing loss or tinnitus during service. The VA examiner found no link between in-service noise exposure and current bilateral hearing loss, and concluded that it was more likely caused by occupational noise exposure post-service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including clarification of the audiologist's opinion and consideration of the Veteran's new theory that medications could have caused his hearing loss.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, despite some interference in his employment due to urinary leakage and frequency.

The Board has remanded the claims due to allegations of worsening symptoms and unclear reference to which disability(ies) are being referred. The Veteran needs new examinations for his asbestos-related pleural disease and bilateral hearing loss.

The appeal is being remanded due to the need for audiometric testing results and a new VA audiological examination.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA and private treatment records, clarification of employment status, and a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to audio technical difficulties during a previous hearing. The Veteran is scheduled for another Travel Board Hearing.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated noncompensably disabling, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied as the condition did not manifest during or relate to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, type II diabetes mellitus, and lumbar spine disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, headaches, and vertigo. However, further development is needed as VA examinations did not address the relationship between current symptoms (including dizziness) and service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of current disability within one year post-service. The Board also noted that the Veteran did not have a history of hearing problems prior to discharge.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and granted it. The issue of bilateral hearing loss is pending.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his initial disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to March 25, 2013, and from March 25, 2013, he is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been withdrawn. The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to in-service traumatic events.

The Board has remanded the hearing loss claim for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran currently suffers from hearing loss and whether it is at least as likely as not related to his active service. The appeal will be returned to the agency of original jurisdiction after this development.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to active service or any incident of service.

The Board denied the appeal, finding that the scheduler standards were adequate to compensate for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The Board also granted a TDIU as of May 15, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes, and therefore service connection is denied.