Hearing loss decisions — 2026

The Board has denied a compensable evaluation for right ear hearing loss and has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar spine disability, adjustment disorder, vertigo, chronic sinusitis, and sleep apnea. The AOJ is instructed to obtain private treatment records and provide VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, hearing loss, loss of teeth, and hypertension are remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claims.

The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of December 16, 2020 for both TDIU and DEA benefits. The Board found the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment since December 16, 2020.

The Veteran's service connection claim for left ear hearing loss is denied as he does not have a ratable disability.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence of a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and earlier effective dates for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, left eye disability, tinnitus, lumbar spondylosis with facet arthrosis and Schmorl nodes, right wrist disability (status post ganglion cyst removal), night coughing, chest pain and recurring rib displacement, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, headache disability, bilateral pes planus, right hand disability, and left knee disability has been dismissed due to untimely filings of the Notice of Disagreement.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and cellulitis on the right foot due to failure to report for VA examinations. The Veteran's current disabilities are not established.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of a current disability meeting VA's criteria, and the Veteran did not have hearing loss during or within one year after service.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) claimed as secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to an inadequate VA opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding an incomplete opinion on whether the Veteran's Meniere's disease was aggravated by his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence in their favor. A new VA examination is required to determine if there is a relationship between the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to in-service noise exposure and that any hearing loss found post-service is not due to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, specifically due to inconsistencies in test results and lack of a valid diagnosis.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss should be remanded due to inadequate ABR testing and referral to the Director of Compensation for consideration of extraschedular ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his condition did not manifest in or shortly after service and was otherwise unrelated to service. The Board also dismissed the Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).,The Veteran had previously filed a TDIU claim but withdrew it before the Board could make a decision, which resulted in the dismissal of that issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral hearing loss did not increase in severity during service, and therefore, does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's insomnia and depressive disorder with anxiety symptoms are granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus and hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing conditions were aggravated by service. The decision also found that the Veteran experienced noise exposure during service which contributed to his current symptoms.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating or service connection in all cases.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a duty-to-assist error in failing to provide an adequate VA examination.