Hearing loss decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus due to the lack of a current diagnosis, and remanded issues related to bilateral hearing loss and right ankle disability for further development.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension and ED, denied service connection for obesity and bilateral hearing loss, and granted ratings of 20 percent or less for various lower extremity radiculopathies and right hand strains.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of adequate medical examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss based on audiometric test results showing Level I and II hearing acuity in both ears, which do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss due to a lack of evidence supporting current disability.

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including ankle, foot, back, and various musculoskeletal issues due to the lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board remands the case to the AOJ for further development, including obtaining additional service treatment records and a new medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board denied service connection for hyperlipidemia and right ear hearing loss, but remanded claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes mellitus type II, mixed component of obstructive and central sleep apnea, and bilateral varicose veins.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection, except for tinnitus which was granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, as there was no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his bilateral hearing loss disability, as the evidence did not support a higher rating. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis was remanded due to outstanding medical records and an incomplete examination.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss as there was no evidence of a current disability.

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

The Board denied service connection for anxiety disorder, PTSD, sleep disturbance, right elbow disability, and bilateral hearing loss as the evidence did not support a current diagnosis or a link to active service.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and remanded the claims for right ear hearing loss and lower back injury due to insufficient evidence.

The Board granted service connection for headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral athlete's foot. The claims for right ankle pain, left ankle pain, foot pain, left knee pain, right knee pain, initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left hip strain with limitation of flexion, initial compensable rating for left hip strain with limitation of extension, and initial compensable rating for left hip strain with thigh impairment were denied. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was remanded.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral hearing loss, but denied service connection for traumatic brain injury (TBI), diabetes mellitus type II, lumbar condition, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Board granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and denied service connection for arthritis in multiple joints. The claim for an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss was remanded.

The Board granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and denied service connection for basal cell carcinoma, sleep apnea, and centrilobular emphysema.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss to secure an addendum opinion that adequately addresses the Veteran's lay statements regarding the onset and course of his hearing loss.