Citation Nr: 18147004
Decision Date: 11/02/18	Archive Date: 11/02/18

DOCKET NO. 15-21 383
DATE:	November 2, 2018
ORDER
Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.
FINDING OF FACT
The March 2014 VA audiological examination establishes that the Veteran has a current bilateral hearing loss disability (as defined by VA regulations); he testified that he experienced serious acoustic trauma during service when a landmine exploded near him; immediately after the explosion, he reported that his hearing was noticeably impaired for several days after the incident; shortly after service (in 1971 or 1972) he noticed that his hearing was mildly impaired, more so on the left side than on the right, which is the side of his body that was facing the landmine blast.  The Veteran’s competent and credible testimony and statements and the medical evidence of record establish that the Veteran’s hearing impairment began during service and has persisted and gradually worsened since that time. 
CONCLUSION OF LAW
The criteria for service connection bilateral hearing loss have been met.  38 U.S.C. § 1110; 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. 
REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION
The Veteran served on active duty from November 1968 to November 1970.  These matters are before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from an April 2014 rating decision.  In October 2018, the Veteran testified at a hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge of the Board.  
Service connection for bilateral hearing loss
For the reasons outlined above, service connection is warranted.  
The Board is grateful to the Veteran for his honorable service.
 
VICTORIA MOSHIASHWILI
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	N. Robinson, Associate Counsel