Hearing loss decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC higher than the (l) + (1/2) rate due to lack of anatomical loss or use of extremities, blindness, or permanent bedridden status.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate medical opinions in the June 2021 decision. The Veteran was exposed to noise during active duty, but there is no evidence of permanent auditory damage or post-service noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence.,Service connection has been granted for tinnitus, with the condition presumed related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain an adequate VA medical opinion for his claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected, with the Board finding that these conditions began in service and have continued since.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hearing loss, auditory processing disorder, and depression and anxiety due to potential inextricably intertwined issues.

The Board denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to March 18, 2019 due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The medical evidence did not support his claim of being unable to work due to these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a heart disability other than hypertension, hypertensive heart disease, and valvular heart disease.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and his TDIU is granted with an effective date of July 1, 2020.

The Board has determined that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his active-duty service. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions and granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's right knee disability. The rating for hemorrhoids was also addressed, with some ratings restored or reduced.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC claims are denied as he does not have a single service-connected disability rated at 60% or more, nor is his TDIU based on a single disability. The Board found that the Veteran has multiple disabilities but no single disability rated as total.

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

The Veteran's lumbar disability is granted service connection, and a 70 percent rating for his psychiatric disability is granted. The claims for left ear hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, and dermatosis of the right leg are denied.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, hypertension, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability due to a lack of evidence showing the conditions had their onset during or were related to service.,The Veteran's assertions regarding in-service injuries did not align with the service treatment records, which showed no complaints or issues with his shoulders. The Board found that there was insufficient evidence linking current disabilities to service.

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

The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly adjudicate the claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and addressing service connection under TERA. The cause of death was attributed to cardiovascular disease, but there are uncertainties regarding the Veteran's lung cancer status and potential service-connected causes.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension are remanded due to incomplete STRs and inadequate VA examinations.