Hearing loss decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not show that his disability warranted a compensable rating.

The Veteran's lumbar disability, bilateral hearing loss, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and an alcohol use disorder) are all remanded for further development.,No specific rating has been assigned as the claims are being returned to the AOJ for additional consideration.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has decided that service connection is granted for tinnitus. However, the claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending and requires further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, right shoulder, left-hand, and tinnitus disabilities. The claim for right ear hearing loss is remanded due to the grant of service connection for tinnitus. The claims for neck disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, patellofemoral pain syndrome status post traumatic injury of the right knee, left knee tendonitis with painful motion, and left knee tendonitis with limited extension were denied. The claim for left knee patellar instability was granted with a 10% rating effective January 16, 2024.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability. The Veteran's pre-existing condition is presumed, and the VA examiner needs to provide an opinion on whether the increase in severity of his hearing loss during service was clearly and unmistakably due to natural progression.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral tinnitus is dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to May 3, 2006, is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for bilateral hearing loss from May 3, 2006, to November 2, 2023, is granted.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss from November 3, 2023, and continuing, is denied.,The Veteran's claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was granted service connection with a 20% disability rating. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left knee disability were denied.

Your appeal for service connection regarding tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board cannot make a decision on these claims as they are pending.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the claims of right and left ear hearing loss due to pre-decisional error in the VA opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's in-service reports of hearing loss and credible testimony about his tinnitus beginning in service are sufficient to establish a nexus.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of June 22, 2019 for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for headaches/migraines, an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back condition, a right knee condition, a left knee condition, and bilateral pes planus due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The other issues have been granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and left knee disability are not service-connected.,The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or a left knee disability incurred in service.

The Veteran's appeals for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee strain with painful flexion and for a compensable rating for hearing loss, left ear have been withdrawn by the Veteran through his authorized representative. As such, these issues are dismissed.

Your appeal concerning the service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board cannot issue a decision on these claims as they are pending.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing acuity has been no worse than Level II in both ears, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for hearing loss and granted service connection for right elbow condition. The remaining issues of left elbow, cervical spine, left hand, right hand strain, left shoulder, lumbar spine, left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatica), right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatica), movement disorder of the leg, movement disorder of the foot, and bilateral plantar fasciitis are remanded for further development.