Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to in-service acoustic trauma, thus resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and low back disability was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, with the exception of normal hearing bilaterally. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the threshold minimum requirements of VA regulations to establish a ratable hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or current disabilities meeting VA compensation criteria. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 70 percent effective February 19, 2014. Service connection for hairy cell leukemia has been granted based on new and material evidence.

The Veteran's chronic headaches are found to have had their onset during active military service and are therefore granted service connection.,The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome is found to be caused by his service-connected PTSD and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to address the claims of service connection for a lung disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lumbar spine disability. The case will be reviewed after all requested actions are completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA audiological examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Board hearing via video conference. The case will be returned to the Board after scheduling the hearing.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure all relevant evidence is considered in the decision regarding the Veteran's claims. Specifically, clarification is sought as to whether the Veteran wishes to pursue the issue of bilateral hearing loss and if so, whether she desires a hearing on this issue. Additionally, efforts are required to obtain missing service treatment records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) and any outstanding VA outpatient treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer and hearing loss/tinnitus was granted, with the effective date set at the date of his initial claim (March 7, 2011). The conditions are considered to have arisen during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a new VA audiological examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is not related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as evidenced by his significant limitations due to his service-connected lower extremity disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, or bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not establish service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn. The Board denied the service connection claim for hepatitis C as there is no medical evidence linking the condition to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and confirming periods of Active Duty Training Reserve (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty Training Reserve (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his service-connected disabilities. His hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service or any incident therein. The Veteran's left leg being shorter than the right leg is related to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional information regarding his in-service duties and to provide a new VA examination to address the etiology of his bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, headaches, and depression were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish current disabilities or a nexus to service.