Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which he asserts are related to noise exposure during his military service. The Board has conceded the Veteran's exposure to hazardous noise in service but requires a VA audiological examination to determine if any current hearing problems are of service onset or otherwise related thereto.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or medical treatment for these conditions. The VA examinations concluded that the current hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely due to occupational noise exposure during civilian employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and the need for additional VA audiological examination.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have right ear hearing loss and therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right thumb disability is service-connected, as it was incurred during his period of active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema due to acute bronchitis and bilateral hearing loss. The decision on the latter issue is pending further action.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development of the evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss was denied as the current evaluation of 40% is considered adequate based on the criteria provided in DC 6100. The Veteran's symptoms, while reported, do not warrant an increase in disability rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities. The combined disability rating of 70 percent is maintained.

The Board has determined that the issue of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disability has been granted and rendered moot, thus dismissing this claim without prejudice.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and PTSD have been granted service connection, with the PTSD receiving a rating of 70 percent prior to March 29, 2011, and 100 percent from that date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for a videoconference hearing due to his failure to appear at the scheduled date. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected left knee disability, left ear hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to his military service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board found that the appellant does not have standing to file a notice of disagreement with the February 23, 1988, rating decision. The issue as to whether the appellant timely filed a notice of disagreement with the February 23, 1988, rating decision is deemed moot.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be as likely as not related to his active military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and determine the character of his discharge. The claims for service connection will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.