Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

The Board denied the claim for an increased rating for tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent evaluation is appropriate as per VA regulations and Diagnostic Code 6260.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his medical records and an examination to determine if he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran is already receiving the maximum disability evaluation for his tinnitus, and therefore a separate 10% evaluation for each ear is not warranted under any circumstances.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for tinnitus, finding that only a single 10 percent rating is authorized under current regulations.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus was denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already in effect.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The maximum schedular evaluation available is a single 10 percent rating for recurrent tinnitus.

The veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for service-connected tinnitus was dismissed as the veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the veteran's dizziness, which is rated as 30 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 6204, does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus, finding that the disability is evaluated as a single condition under Diagnostic Code 6260 and that separate ratings for each ear are not warranted.

The Board found that the veteran does not have current hearing loss or tinnitus disabilities, and there is no evidence linking his claimed PTSD to service. As a result, the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD were denied.

The Board found that the veteran's right ear sensorineural hearing loss did not begin during service and is not related to his military service. The claim for tinnitus was denied as there was no evidence of current tinnitus at the time of the examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an audiological examination.

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that the current evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6260 is appropriate and that separate evaluations for each ear are not warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that the current evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6260 is appropriate and that separate evaluations for each ear are not warranted.

The veteran's claim for a separate evaluation for tinnitus in each ear was denied as there is no legal basis to assign such evaluations under the applicable regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active duty service, and thus denied these claims.

The Board denied all the claims, including service connection for various conditions and reopening of certain disability claims. The denial was based on lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service or exposure to herbicides.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were all granted. The veteran was awarded a rating of 100 percent for PTSD, which meets the criteria for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, sinusitis, and right foot fracture were not incurred or aggravated during active service. The VA examinations did not provide sufficient evidence to establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to the RO for further action, including scheduling hearings.