Hearing loss decisions — 2026

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there were errors in obtaining military personnel records and service treatment records, particularly from his Reserve service. The claims will be returned to an examiner to determine if these conditions are related to noise exposure during service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of hypertension and right ear hearing loss were denied. The Board has remanded these issues.,Service connection for hypertension was granted in June 2023 based on the PACT Act, but an earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure, as a VA examination opinion is inadequate for the hearing loss.

The Board dismissed the appeal for eligibility to receive attorney fees based on a past-due benefits award due to the untimely filing of the VA Form 10182.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC in excess of SMC(n) based on his service-connected conditions and additional disabilities, as well as his need for aid and attendance. The appeal was dismissed.

The Veteran is granted increased rates of special monthly compensation (SMC) for his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea, left shoulder bursitis and arthritis, and bilateral hearing loss, effective April 11, 2022.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, and arrhythmia are remanded due to pre-decisional errors in obtaining necessary medical opinions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of tinnitus, anxiety disorder, left hamstring tear, bilateral hearing loss, left knee condition, and lumbar spine condition due to improper concurrent election.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations, and thus service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no current diagnosis of a disability for VA purposes in either ear.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no current diagnosis of a disability for VA purposes in either ear.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to September 6, 2023, for the grant of a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support his contention that he became too disabled due to service-connected disabilities before September 6, 2023.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to September 6, 2023, for the grant of a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support his contention that he became too disabled due to service-connected disabilities before September 6, 2023.

The Board dismissed the appeal for bilateral hearing loss disability due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claims of service connection for psychiatric disorder, back disorder, neck disorder, skin disorder, and CFS were denied as there was no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The Board found the Veteran had a current hearing loss disability, PTSD, and right knee disability but remanded for further examination to determine their etiology.

The Board has identified a duty to assist error and remands the case for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed condition.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected, but his bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing records and a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The claims will be readjudicated after obtaining any necessary records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, qualifying for a TDIU. The appeal of the increased rating for obstructive sleep apnea is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.