Hearing loss decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy and hearing loss were denied, while the claim for restoration of a rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted but not restored due to procedural issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability and that any hearing loss found during service did not result in a compensable degree within one year of separation. The Board also noted that there was no medical opinion linking the current hearing loss to service.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, TBI, a deviated nasal septum, lumbosacral strain, and a respiratory condition. The decision is based on the appellant's dishonorable discharge from military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including vestibular neuronitis, hearing loss, and tinnitus, did not prevent him from working as an electronic technician earning six figures. The Board denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to September 5, 2021.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are etiologically linked to the Veteran's exposure to hazardous noise during his active military service.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions have been withdrawn.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for sleep apnea, tinnitus, vertigo, and other conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status as he does not have a single disability rated at 100% and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60%, nor is he permanently housebound by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered them unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted their TDIU claim.

The Veteran's heart disease, due to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam, is granted. However, his bilateral hearing loss does not warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure causing current disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to errors in the May 2025 rating decision.,The issue of earlier effective date for TDIU has been rendered moot by the grant of SMC.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and bilateral hearing loss have been denied as there is no evidence of one or more incapacitating episodes of sinusitis requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment, or three to six non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting. For bilateral hearing loss, the Veteran's pure tone thresholds do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms were chronic in service and continuous since separation. The decision is based on presumptive service connection due to exposure to loud noise during active duty.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus and hearing loss was denied in the April 1966 rating decision, but it remained pending until a new evidence-based reopening in 2003. The Board finds that there is no CUE warranting revision of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy, hearing loss of the left ear, and gout of bilateral feet have been denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for gout of bilateral feet has also been denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various conditions, including appendectomy scar, back pain, neck pain, bilateral feet pain, left knee strain, right knee strain, gingivitis, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to service. The claim will be reviewed again with an addendum opinion from a VA audiologist.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee strain and denied service connection for left shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD. The case is remanded for further action on the right hip disability claim.