Citation Nr: 18159767
Decision Date: 12/20/18	Archive Date: 12/19/18

DOCKET NO. 16-61 798
DATE:	December 20, 2018
ORDER
Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.
Service connection for tinnitus is granted.
FINDINGS OF FACT
1.  Resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran’s favor, his bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to service.  
2.  Resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran’s favor, his tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to service.  
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
1.  The criteria for service connection for bilateral hearing loss are met.  38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 5107(b); 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303(a).
2.  The criteria for service connection for tinnitus are met.  38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 5107(b); 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303(a).
REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
The Veteran had active duty from May 1969 to February 1973.  
In an October 2016 rating decision, the RO granted service connection for diabetes mellitus.  As such, that matter is not before the Board. 

Service Connection
1.  Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.  
The Veteran contends that his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus developed due to in-service noise exposure, including his work as a machinist on a naval ship.  He has also provided credible lay statements as to chronic bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus since service.
The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus and that they are related to in-service noise exposure.  38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 1131, 5107(b); Holton v. Shinseki, 557 F.3d 1363, 1366 (Fed. Cir. 2009); 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(a).
Per November 2011 VA examination findings, the Veteran has current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.  The examiner found that she was unable to provide an opinion as to the etiology of hearing loss as speculation would be required.  The examiner also found that tinnitus was not due to service due to there being no medical report of it in service.    
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However, given the Veteran’s credible reports of in-service noise exposure and his limited post-service noise exposure, in conjunction with reports of chronicity, and giving the Veteran the benefit of the doubt, the Board finds that service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is warranted.
 
H.M. WALKER
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	A. Lindio