Citation Nr: 21009024 Decision Date: 02/18/21 Archive Date: 02/18/21 DOCKET NO. 20-06 964 DATE: February 18, 2021 ORDER Entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. Entitlement to 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 August 1954 to August 1957. This matter is on appeal from a September 2018 rating decision. In February 2021, the Veteran had a hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge. Service Connection 1. Entitlement to 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 working as an aircraft repairman and mechanic. The Board notes that the Veteran’s DD 214 supports that the Veteran performed such duties. During the Board hearing, the Veteran reported that he did not receive hearing protection and has had bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus for decades. The Board finds that the Veteran has current diagnoses 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). A September 2018 VA examiner noted in-service noise exposure, without protection, but indicated no post-service noise exposure. The examiner opined that she was unable to provide an opinion as etiology of either determine if hearing loss or tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure without resorting to mere speculation. The Board notes that the VA medical records document a long history of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, such as in VA medical records from August 2008 and May 2018. Given the Veteran’s high probability of hazardous noise exposure, in conjunction with credible 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. The appeal is granted. H.M. WALKER Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board A. Lindio The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.