Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to separate 10 percent disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus, finding that only a single 10 percent rating is authorized under current regulations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus. However, after reviewing all available evidence, including VA examinations and treatment records, the Board found no medical nexus linking the current tinnitus to active military service.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus was assigned the maximum rating of 10 percent and is not entitled to a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate 10 percent disability ratings for each ear due to tinnitus, finding that only a single 10 percent rating is authorized under the current regulations.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, or that any such disability was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for a skin rash of the elbows, a back disability, bilateral hip and knee disabilities, residuals of dislocation of the right middle finger, and a tail bone disability. Service connection was granted for tinnitus with an initial rating of 0 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current left ear hearing loss or tinnitus, and therefore cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus, finding that no informal claim was filed prior to October 2001.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus can be adjudicated. The veteran's claim will be remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of his claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral tinnitus, finding that a higher schedular rating is not available as there is only one possible evaluation under the VA Rating Schedule.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate 10 percent disability ratings for each ear for his bilateral tinnitus, finding that such a rating is not allowed under current regulations.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating greater than 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus, finding that only a single evaluation is assignable for bilateral tinnitus under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The Board has dismissed the appellant's appeal due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The veteran's initial claim for service connection and increased rating for hearing loss was granted. The RO assigned a non-compensable rating until October 23, 2002, then upgraded to 20 percent effective from October 24, 2002. For tinnitus, the veteran received a 10 percent rating since June 10, 1999.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of his tinnitus and proper notification regarding effective date issues.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and separate 10 percent disability ratings for each ear for tinnitus.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent rating is the maximum allowed under current regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus, finding that a maximum 10 percent disability rating is the highest level possible under VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent rating is appropriate under Diagnostic Code 6260.