Hearing loss decisions — 2025

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied service connection for the other conditions listed.

The Board denied all claims for increased ratings and remanded several service connection claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, except for a 20 percent rating for cervical IVDS with degenerative arthritis and segmental instability from December 22, 2021 to January 12, 2023.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a right wrist disability, and a left wrist disability as there is no evidence of current disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss as the Veteran does not have a current disability that meets the definition of a disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran was granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for the periods from October 20, 2023 to November 13, 2024 and from January 1, 2025 to January 13, 2025. Service connection was granted for right hand degenerative arthritis, but an initial compensable disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss due to a need for additional evidence.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as the evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's active service.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and right ear hearing loss, granted an initial rating of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol use disorder (PTSD), and denied increased ratings for non-allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as the evidence did not show that the condition was present during or within a year of active service, and there was no medical evidence linking it to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence that it was incurred in or related to his active service.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the conditions are at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory condition, restless leg syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, and higher ratings for allergic rhinitis, tension headaches, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, and generalized anxiety disorder with unspecified mood disorder and alcohol use disorder. The claims for chronic sinusitis, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and lumbosacral strain were remanded.

The Board denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for asthma, bilateral hearing loss, curvature of the spine, and thyroid condition/nodules to correct duty to assist errors.

The Board dismissed the appeals for an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss and service connection for right ear hearing loss due to a duplicate appeal stream.

The Board remands the claim for an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss to obtain outstanding VA medical records.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, as well as an initial disability rating of 50 percent for depressive disorder due to chronic pain syndrome. The remaining claims for service connection were remanded.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for the Veteran's psychiatric condition, an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, and service connection for right ear hearing loss. The claims for initial ratings in excess of 20 percent for lower extremity radiculopathy were remanded.