Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus in service, and the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service. Therefore, he is denied service connection for both hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral hearing loss did not worsen during his military service, and therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted, and he is now receiving a 20% rating since March 6, 2012.

The Veteran likely has bilateral hearing loss attributable to his military service and is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 60 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has been withdrawn.,The effective date for a temporary total rating for treatment for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine requiring convalescence is denied as there are no records showing an increase in severity prior to March 1, 2008.

The Veteran is rendered unemployable solely as a result of his multiple, service-connected disabilities of a common etiology ratable in combination as 60 percent disabling since December 2012 and with due consideration of his educational and occupational background. As such, the Board grants TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no credible evidence of pathology during or immediately following service. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected right ear and bilateral hearing loss have not met the criteria for a compensable rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain relevant medical records and clarify the VA audiologist's evaluation. The case will be readjudicated after all necessary steps are taken.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability did not manifest in service or within the first post-service year, and is not etiologically related to military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle disorder is likely aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities. The left eye trauma may be related to a foreign body in the eye during service, but no current diagnosis has been established. His hearing loss is presumed to have occurred due to noise exposure in service. The right flank injury is not believed to be related to service.,The Veteran's bilateral ankle disorder is likely aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities. The left eye trauma may be related to a foreign body in the eye during service, but no current diagnosis has been established. His hearing loss is presumed to have occurred due to noise exposure in service. The right flank injury is not believed to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Board videoconference hearing. The issues on appeal include reopening claims for service connection and seeking service connection for various conditions, including heart failure, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral hearing loss, all potentially related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities. The case will be returned to the AOJ after further review.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral heel condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service connected, with the former due to noise exposure during his military service.