Hearing loss decisions — 2026

The Veteran's left lower abdominal scars were granted a 10% rating, while his service connection claims for right ear hearing loss and H. Pylori were denied. The denial of the left testicular atrophy and left varicocele claim is due to lack of evidence showing removal or atrophy of both testes.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss disability is causally linked to his in-service exposure to hazardous noise.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by hearing acuity no worse than Level II in the right ear and no worse than Level III in the left ear. The Board finds that a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is not warranted as his reports of subjective symptoms are not part of the legal requirements for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because the evidence does not show that he has qualifying hearing loss for VA disability purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible testimony about noise exposure during active duty.

The Board has determined that the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a low back disability should be remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. A new examination is required for both conditions.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as the Veteran did not have a qualifying disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is remanded for a TERA opinion considering the combined effects of all exposures, including vinyl chloride, carbon tetrachloride, and polychlorinated biphenyls.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, with Level I hearing acuity in both ears. The Board found the evidence did not support a compensable rating.

Entitlement to an earlier effective date for tinnitus is dismissed.,Entitlement to an effective date prior to March 25, 2014, for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to February 23, 2024, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter, for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss but denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals, indicating he is now 100% service connected as of January 28, 2025. As a result, the Board dismisses all pending appeals.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for various conditions, including Parkinson's disease and skin cancer, due to asbestos exposure. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant private treatment records from the Veteran’s providers.

The Board has remanded the case due to a significant threshold shift issue, requiring further examination and instructions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The claims are being returned for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral blepharitis are denied. The claim of service connection for peripheral retinal degeneration is remanded.,The Veteran seeks service connection for peripheral retinal degeneration, but a VA medical examination or opinion addressing the relationship to his military service has not been provided.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle injury and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no credible evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence.