Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that the criteria under Diagnostic Code 6260 do not allow for separate evaluations for each ear and that a single 10 percent rating is appropriate.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus, finding that a higher rating was not warranted based on the current evidence of record.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus and spondylolisthesis of the low back with mild degenerative disc disease were evaluated, but his claim for increased ratings was denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, pes planus, vertigo, and tinnitus were denied. The effective dates of service connection for these conditions are also not established.

The veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities, rated at 60% combined, are found to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment due to his limited education and industrial background.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent ratings for tinnitus in each ear is denied as the condition is rated under a single diagnostic code and no separate evaluations are allowed.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The case is now remanded to determine if tinnitus is related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate 10 percent evaluations for tinnitus of each ear, finding that a single 10 percent rating is appropriate under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The VA denied the veteran's request for an increased disability rating for his service-connected tinnitus, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that the law does not allow separate evaluations for each ear.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because the veteran died during the pendency of the appeal and thus, the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss in service or within one year thereafter, and the veteran's current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is not related to his military service. The claim for tinnitus was granted as reasonable doubt favored the veteran.

The veteran's claim for earlier effective date for additional benefits for a dependent son was denied as the RO had received all necessary forms within one year of notification and the veteran did not file them in time.

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

The veteran's tinnitus is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling and the maximum schedular evaluation available. The Board finds that a higher rating for tinnitus is not warranted, as he is already receiving the highest disability rating possible.

The Board has ordered a remand for additional development due to inadequate examination reports, particularly regarding the appellant's hearing loss and tinnitus.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is rated at its maximum of 10 percent, and no higher rating can be granted.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for service-connected tinnitus was denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has already been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The claim of service connection for a penicillin allergy is dismissed.

The veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus was denied, as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already assigned. The issue regarding service connection for residuals of a left foot injury will be remanded to the RO.