Hearing loss decisions — 2025

The Board remands the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to an inadequate VA examination and to obtain additional evidence.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and denied increased ratings for multiple conditions, including left ear hearing loss, cervical spine arthritis with degenerative disc disease, thoracolumbar spine strain with degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve. The Board also remanded service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and right ear hearing loss.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus to obtain an adequate addendum medical opinion regarding their etiology.

The appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was dismissed as a matter of law. The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound was granted.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and dismissed the appeals for other conditions including right shoulder disability, right ear hearing loss, left upper molar problem in service cracked root, right foot condition (claimed as inflammation to bilateral feet), left foot condition (claimed as inflammation to bilateral feet), right elbow problem with inflammation, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction secondary to PTSD, and initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for PTSD, hearing loss, and asthma to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board granted service connection for a heart murmur and a left foot heel spur, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hearing loss based on the results of a February 2024 VA audiogram.

The Board granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychotic condition including PTSD due to a lack of evidence supporting the claims.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss to schedule a VA audiology examination.

The Board granted service connection for atrial fibrillation, residual surgical scar, mandibular bone disability, and left ear hearing loss. The claims for earlier effective dates were denied, and some claims were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's active service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, kidney dysfunction, and hearing loss due to lack of evidence supporting a current diagnosis or nexus to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of a current disability at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim. The claims for service connection for unspecified traumatic stressor related disorder, bipolar I disorder, alcohol use disorder, and cannabis use disorder were remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased, compensable disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss.

The appeal concerning the issues of service connection for various conditions was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating for hypothyroidism with adjustment disorder with depressed mood and an earlier effective date of January 14, 2021, for the award of service connection for bilateral cataracts associated with hypothyroidism.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right and left shoulder disabilities due to an inadequate medical opinion.