Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2002

The veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are currently rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent. No higher rating is warranted as there is no evidence of exceptional or unusual disability.

The veteran's current neurological problems, including vertigo with dizziness and tinnitus, are etiologically related to an in-service accident. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the earliest claim was received in March 1990, which is more than one year after separation from active duty. The decision became final, thus precluding an earlier effective date.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected tinnitus warrants a maximum 10 percent evaluation, which is the highest level allowed under VA regulations. Therefore, his claim for an increased evaluation is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability, finding that no increase in disability had occurred prior to November 8, 1999.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, and service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and venereal disease, finding no evidence of these conditions in service or related to active military duty.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral defective hearing and tinnitus, effective September 23, 1999. The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus and his TDIU claim have been addressed. The RO has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, but the hearing disability does not meet the legal definition of a service connectable hearing disability. The RO also increased the veteran's rating for diabetes mellitus to 40 percent effective July 16, 1998. Additional development is needed due to deficiencies in previous requests.

The Board found that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as they were first noted several years after discharge. The evidence does not support a link between the veteran's post-service noise exposure and his current conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus. The issue of entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches is also addressed, but a final decision on this matter will be provided after additional development.

The VA denied a claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that the current rating is already at its maximum under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension. The veteran was granted service connection for hypertension but assigned a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection for generalized osteoarthritis, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and PTSD are all granted due to combat exposure during World War II.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has determined that the veteran's tinnitus began during his active duty and is therefore service-connected.

The veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than October 8, 1998 for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied. The claim for a rating greater than 10 percent for tinnitus has also been denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus and granted it, finding that there is persuasive evidence both for and against the claim. The Board concluded that the cause of the veteran's tinnitus more likely than not results from the same etiology as his service-connected hearing loss.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted a compensable rating of 10 percent for COPD prior to January 21, 2002. The claims for tinnitus, sinusitis, hemorrhoids, and allergic rhinitis were denied.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting TDIU. The claim of service connection for hypertension is denied due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred in service.