Hearing loss decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and an initial compensable disability rating for right ear hearing loss were denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have left ear hearing loss as defined by VA regulation, and his right ear hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a noncompensable rating under Diagnostic Code 6100. The claims for increased ratings for right hip trochanteric pain syndrome and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective September 22, 2017. His bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not rated higher than the current 10 percent. The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective September 22, 2017.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at a 20 percent rating, effective June 30, 2021. The issues of service connection for left shoulder disorder, RLE radiculopathy as secondary to LLE radiculopathy, and RLS as secondary to LLE radiculopathy are all granted. Service connection is also granted for basal cell disability, hypertension, diverticulitis, diabetes mellitus, Barrett's esophagus, asthma, cervical spine disability, bilateral foot gout, residuals of frostbite to bilateral feet, OSA, and GERD.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a skin disorder are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right knee condition, hypertension, and bilateral plantar fasciitis due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran's STRs show elevated blood pressure levels during service, which may be related to his current hypertension.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is denied as the evidence does not show it was aggravated by service.,Tinnitus and Hodgkin's lymphoma are granted as related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss of use of a hand or foot, permanent impairment of both eyes, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ankylosis of a knee or hip. Therefore, the Veteran is denied financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and migraine headaches are granted service connection.,Service connection is granted for generalized anxiety disorder with an initial rating of 70 percent.,Heart disease, hypertension, and sleep apnea remain remanded for further review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to his active-duty service, including combat operations. As a result, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable due to the audiometric test results showing hearing acuity no worse than Level II in each ear.

The Veteran's appeals for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeals.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there is no persuasive evidence that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's military service exposure to noise contributed to his current conditions.

The appeal for service connection of cluster headaches, bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus is granted. The Veteran's claims for these conditions are remanded to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other specified trauma and stressor related disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and persistent depressive disorder, is denied. The hearing loss claim remains remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss disability, and the Board dismissed it.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to correct a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the issuance of the HLR rating decision currently on appeal. The Board will obtain a VA examination to determine whether his service-connected disabilities alone render him in need of either regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and sinusitis have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a left foot condition and right foot condition have also been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a low back condition has been remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The remaining issues are remanded for further development and examination.

The appeal for service connection of right ear hearing loss is dismissed due to a procedural defect. The claims for service connection of acquired psychological condition (PTSD) and right hand condition, including right hand/finger ankylosis are remanded.