Hearing loss decisions — 2025

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding a relationship between the Veteran's in-service noise exposure and his current disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss based on the results of a VA examination that showed noncompensable hearing acuity levels.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression; lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS); a left lower extremity nerve disability; and a right lower extremity nerve disability. The claims were remanded for further development regarding hypertension and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board remands all service connection claims for further development, including making efforts to obtain VA treatment records from the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas.

The Board denied service connection for lumbosacral strain and myofascitis, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine (claimed as bulging disc C3-C4 and C5-C6), an increased rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease, bilateral hearing loss, headaches, and allergic rhinitis. The Board also denied earlier effective dates for these conditions.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and left ear hearing loss to correct an error by the AOJ in satisfying its duty to assist under 38 U.S.C. § 5103A.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss, as well as his claims for service connection for a disability manifested by the loss of sense of smell, chronic headaches, and bilateral foot disability.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a foot disability, hearing loss, heart disability, sleep apnea, and PTSD due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, but her claims for SMC based on housebound status, service connection for an eating disorder, bilateral hearing loss disability, and hematochezia are denied.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for coronary artery disease with hypertension and congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy, upper and lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to a need for further development including obtaining records in the possession of the federal government and obtaining an adequate medical opinion.

The Board granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and denied it for left ear hearing loss, while remanding claims for right ankle disability, right knee disability, and back disability.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a pending application for a discharge upgrade with the Army Board for Correction of Military Records.

The veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection and rating issues, resulting in the dismissal of all claims.

The Board granted service connection for a neck disability and an initial 50 percent rating, but not higher, prior to September 7, 2021, for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. The remaining claims were denied or remanded.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and TDIU due to a need for further development of evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, back pain, and emotional temperament as there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss due to an inadequate VA examination and opinion.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss to obtain an adequate VA medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the condition.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death while it was pending.

The Board denied entitlement to an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss prior to September 3, 2021.