Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

The VA determined that the veteran's tinnitus warrants a maximum 10 percent disability rating, effective from June 13, 2003. The decision found no need for separate evaluations for each ear and concluded that the case does not present an exceptional or unusual disability picture.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for tinnitus, finding that the current rating criteria provided a maximum 10 percent disability evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected tinnitus, evaluating it as 10 percent disabling. The maximum available rating under current regulations is 10 percent.

The Board found that the revised version of Diagnostic Code 6260 precludes the assignment of separate ratings for tinnitus in both ears, as it authorizes a single 10 percent rating regardless of whether perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head. Therefore, the veteran is not entitled to separate evaluations.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent ratings for tinnitus in each ear is denied as the law prohibits such a rating assignment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected tinnitus, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The maximum available rating under current regulations is 10 percent.

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 has determined that the veteran does not have service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence to support a link between these conditions and her military service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, a sleep disorder, right ear hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The veteran does not have PTSD or a sleep disorder related to service. Right ear hearing loss was not manifest during service nor is it related to service. Tinnitus was also not related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his bilateral tinnitus, finding that the current evaluation of 10 percent is appropriate given the maximum schedular criteria under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current conditions are due to acoustic trauma incurred in service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claims, including obtaining records from the Social Security Administration and any service hospitalization records.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to a request for a personal hearing.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to separate schedular 10 percent disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus was denied as the regulations pertaining to tinnitus do not allow for separate ratings based on unilateral or bilateral involvement.

The veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including consideration of a claim regarding clear and unmistakable error in a previous rating decision.

The VA has denied a higher initial rating for tinnitus, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate compensable evaluations for tinnitus in each ear, finding that only a single evaluation is assignable under current regulations.

The veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that separate ratings for each ear are not warranted.

The VA has determined that the veteran's tinnitus, currently rated at 10 percent, does not warrant a higher rating. The maximum disability rating available under the current schedular criteria is 10 percent for recurrent tinnitus.