Hearing loss decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a hearing disability that meets VA criteria.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is rated at 50 percent, but not higher. The decision also notes that the non-service-connected left ear hearing loss meets criteria for a disability rating under 38 C.F.R. § 3.385.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss to a degree recognized as a disability for VA purposes, and therefore service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable evaluation for hearing loss disabilities are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been presented with respect to the Veteran's supplemental claim for service connection of a bilateral hearing loss disability. The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an audiological examination and addressing whether the hearing loss disability is secondary to or aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's reduction in disability rating from 50 percent to 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss, effective July 1, 2024, was proper. The Board found actual improvement of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and concluded that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. As a result, both conditions are now granted.

The Veteran's hypertension, ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease), diabetes mellitus type 2, and bilateral hearing loss are all granted as they are presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during service.,Service connection for OSA, an acquired psychiatric disability, and erectile dysfunction is also granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, as it started during her military service.,Bilateral hearing loss is denied as the Veteran does not meet VA criteria for a disability rating under the applicable regulations.,Migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent, with attacks occurring once per month and no very prostrating and prolonged attacks noted.,Diverticulitis has been granted an initial 10 percent disability rating based on symptoms of occasional episodes of bowel disturbance.,Left foot hallux valgus is granted a 10 percent disability rating due to pain causing functional impairment.,Right foot hallux valgus is also granted a 10 percent disability rating for the same reasons as left foot hallux valgus.

The Board denied service connection for left upper extremity diabetic neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and kidney disability due to lack of a current diagnosis and no causal relationship between the disabilities and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's clinical hearing loss and its relation to his active service, as well as tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure, but the VA examiner found no significant shift in hearing thresholds from entrance to separation. The case is remanded for another medical opinion regarding the etiology of his currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and any identified disability manifested by ear fullness.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's dementia, which was related to his in-service head trauma, contributed to or caused his death.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss is related to military noise exposure. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, but has remanded the issue of his bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current hearing loss disability and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination, and thus further action is required.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that these conditions are related to his active-duty service.