Hearing loss decisions — 2025

The Board remands the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to an inadequate VA examination and the need for a TERA specific medical opinion.

The Board granted service connection for skin cancer and a 50 percent disability rating for PTSD, while dismissing claims for compensable ratings for neurodermatitis and a right hip disability, and denying an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for atrial fibrillation, a compensable rating for restless leg syndrome, and service connection for irritable bowel syndrome. However, the Board granted service connection for generalized anxiety disorder.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the remaining issues for further development.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and fibromyalgia as there is no current disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus as the VA examination provided is inadequate.

The Board denied increased ratings for PTSD and IBS, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss, migraines, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a need for an addendum opinion that considers the full extent of the IOM report's findings.

The Board granted a 70 percent initial disability rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder, but denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied higher disability ratings for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss, an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain, and a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine disability. However, service connection was granted for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity as secondary to the low back disability.

The Board denied ratings in excess of the current levels for diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, and otitis media; granted a separate 30 percent rating for vertigo; and granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, left ear otitis, and seborrheic keratosis as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for headaches, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, and a compensable rating for hemorrhoids due to untimely Notice of Disagreement (NOD).

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left hip, left knee, left shoulder, lumbar spine, and left lower extremity nerve disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection for right knee strain was granted, while his claim for bilateral hearing loss and increased rating of PTSD prior to June 19, 2023, were also granted. Other claims were either denied or remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss based on the results of an audiological examination and the application of the rating criteria.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, as the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on the audiometric test results.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a foot disability (claimed as foot pain/plantar fasciitis), and a left knee disability (claimed as left knee replacement) due to the lack of evidence supporting current disabilities or a link to in-service events.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.