Hearing loss decisions — 2025

The Board denied a rating higher than 60 percent for heart disease and a rating higher than 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss, but restored the 60 percent rating for gout effective June 1, 2020. The claims for ratings higher than 30 percent for right shoulder disability were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for left cervical radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and a compensable rating for Hashimoto thyroiditis. The Veteran's asthma, non-allergic rhinitis, and right shoulder scars were rated as initially granted or denied based on the evidence of record.

The Board granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and an initial rating of 30 percent for paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction from January 29, 2020.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as well as remanded several other claims for further development.

The Board remands the claims for further development and to ensure proper due process, including adequate requests for service and medical records, and adequate medical examinations based upon an accurate record.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as the evidence did not support a direct or presumptive basis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) from June 4, 2022, to October 2, 2025, as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, colon cancer, and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss to secure additional evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of a nexus between the current disability and in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence to support a direct link between his in-service noise exposure and current hearing loss, or that his pre-existing left ear hearing loss was aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disability, right and left upper extremity disabilities (residuals of cold weather injuries), right and left lower extremity disabilities (residuals of cold weather injuries), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board denied entitlement to a finding of total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on the Veteran's service-connected conditions prior to July 8, 2021.

The claim for service connection for hypertension was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew it during a hearing.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus based on the evidence showing a relationship to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals for failure to timely file a notice of disagreement within one year of the rating decisions.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the claim for bilateral hearing loss due to an inadequate VA medical opinion.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for a left elbow disability, bilateral hearing loss, and a left knee disability due to untimely filing of the notice of disagreement.

The Board denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the remaining claims for further development, including service connection evaluations.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied initial compensable disability ratings for various scars, inguinal hernia, and other conditions. The issues related to lumbar discogenic pain with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, thoracic spine pain, adjustment disorder, alcohol use disorder, right clavicle facture, and left hand boxer's fracture were remanded.