Hearing loss decisions — 2026

The Veteran withdrew her appeal before the Board could make a decision on her service connection claims for various conditions.

The Board has determined that the VA audiologist's opinion regarding left ear hearing loss is inadequate and remanded for further examination and an updated opinion.

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum available under VA rating criteria for bilateral hearing loss. The Board found that the current evaluation adequately reflects his disability level and symptomatology.

The Veteran's appeal for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted, with the Board finding that the Veteran has provided competent and credible statements regarding the continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service noise exposure and resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete records from Kaiser Permanente. The Veteran's private audiological evaluation is considered, but legible copies of relevant audiograms are needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability of hearing loss for VA purposes.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for allergic conjunctivitis is denied due to inactive conjunctivitis with no evidence of impairment or disfigurement.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hematoma spleen.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss disability, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left upper extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are all denied.,The Board found that there is no current evidence of a hearing loss disability meeting VA criteria. The Veteran had normal hearing at entry to service but later developed impacted cerumen which obscured her ability to be tested for hearing loss.,For carpal tunnel syndrome, the Board determined that there was no onset during service and no compensable manifestation within one year after separation from service. There is also no evidence linking current symptoms to in-service events or diseases.,Regarding an acquired psychiatric disorder, the Board concluded that there were no signs or findings of a psychiatric condition during service. The Veteran's military records indicate she was rated highly and had good relationships with her peers.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent, effective July 3, 2023. The Veteran's hemorrhoids do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for PTSD and sleep apnea are inextricably intertwined with the Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder pain and sebaceous cyst.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to their death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as they are moot.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and central serous chorioretinopathy, ptosis, and cataract (claimed as damaged retina) were remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss and a higher rating for degenerative disc disease with IVDS, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis of the thoracolumbar spine have been denied. The evidence does not support granting these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations, which did not consider the Veteran's lay reports of continuity of symptomatology since separation.

The Veteran's need for supervision, protection, or instruction on a continuous basis due to his medical conditions has been established. Therefore, an increased stipend in the PCAFC is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and urinary incontinence has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims.,Service connection for bilateral wrist carpal tunnel syndrome was granted, with the Board finding that the Veteran had significant bilateral wrist and hand pain during service which continued since.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability resulted with hearing loss, at worst, in findings no greater than Roman Numeral IX (right) and IX (left). The Board denied a rating in excess of 60 percent for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss from June 12, 2024 to January 7, 2025.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder, unspecified, is now rated at the highest possible initial rating of 70 percent.,Service connection for urinary disability (claimed as urinary frequency) has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA audiogram and developing the TDIU claim. The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated at 50 percent from March 17, 2023.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's testimony during his August 2021 hearing and a need for a new VA medical opinion.