Hearing loss decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and tinnitus have been granted. The claim for bilateral hearing loss has been denied, as the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations. The claims for neck and back disabilities are remanded due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations. The issues include bilateral hearing loss, digestive system disabilities (GERD and IBS), back injury, foot issues, right hand nerve damage with chronic pain, and left hand nerve damage with chronic pain.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and left foot disorder due to inadequate etiological opinions provided by VA. The Veteran's service records indicate exposure to hazardous noise during active duty, which may be relevant to his claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause incapacity requiring regular aid and attendance, and the Board has granted SMC effective March 17, 2023.

The Board has found that the Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT) decision is legally inadequate, and a new medical determination is needed to assess whether the Veteran requires personal care services or supervision.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss disability and remanded the right ear hearing loss disability and right ankle disability service connection claims.

The appeal concerning service connection for left hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired mental health condition (depression, anxiety and insomnia), a lumbar spine condition, a right knee condition, and a left knee condition is dismissed. The appeals for service connection for headaches, erectile dysfunction, and gastrointestinal condition are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, cervical strain, and other conditions are denied. The case is remanded for further development on several issues.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current disability and in-service noise exposure meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(b).

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connected due to in-service noise exposure, despite not meeting the criteria for a current disability at the time of the July 2019 rating decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are granted, except for stomach disorder, erectile dysfunction, neck disorder, migraine headaches, bilateral pes planus, acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety), back disability, and hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted, as the evidence supports a finding that it began in or was related to service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because there is no persuasive evidence linking the current condition to service. The Board finds the June 2024 VA examination report most probative.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is denied, as there is no persuasive evidence that it began in or was related to service. The September 2024 VA examiner's opinion is considered more persuasive than the Veteran's assertions.,Service connection for a gastrointestinal disability is remanded due to incomplete examination report and need for further investigation into the etiology of the condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of right foot injury (including fifth toe fracture and calcaneal spur), and sleep apnea. The appeal is remanded for additional development regarding the claim for service connection for a right side sciatic nerve.

The Veteran's claims for an initial rating of 20 percent for right knee tendinopathy status post right ACL tear with knee instability, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and service connection for tinnitus have all been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have caused him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of October 20, 2023, for the service connection of PTSD, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's right foot pain is found to have begun during service and granted service connection.,Bilateral hearing loss was not shown as a disability for VA purposes, thus denial of service connection.,No current diagnosis of rhinitis or sinusitis has been established, leading to denial of service connection.,Upper respiratory infections and sore throat conditions were not found at any time during the appeal period, resulting in denial of service connection.,Vertigo and dizziness have not been diagnosed, leading to denial of service connection.,Chronic chest pain, shortness of breath, and stress induced anxiety have not been shown as a disability for VA purposes, thus denying service connection.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as they were withdrawn by the Veteran's representative. The claims of service connection for a bilateral eye disability, prostate cancer, skin cancer, left knee disability, right knee disability, cardiovascular disability, and headaches are being remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to March 18, 2021 is denied as his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.