Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

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 Board denied the veteran's claim for separate 10 percent disability ratings for each ear under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260 (2003) for his bilateral tinnitus as only a single 10% rating is authorized regardless of whether the tinnitus is perceived as unilateral or bilateral.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for separate compensable ratings for tinnitus in each ear, finding that only a single 10 percent evaluation is assignable for bilateral tinnitus under current VA regulations.

The veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent disabling. The Board denied the claim for separate ratings for each ear as such a rating scheme is not allowed under VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The decision found no evidence of current disabilities, and thus denied both claims.

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

The VA has denied the claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus, finding that the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already in place.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not develop during service, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to military noise exposure. As a result, the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied.

The veteran's claim for separate evaluations for each ear due to tinnitus was denied as the criteria do not allow for such a division.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus and granted it, finding that exposure to acoustic trauma during active duty likely caused his current condition.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disability was incurred in service, resolving an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence in favor of the veteran.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings and an earlier effective date for his service connection grants of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the criteria for such were not met as a matter of law.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of his claims, including whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The VA denied the veteran's request for an increased evaluation of his tinnitus, currently rated at 10 percent. The criteria under the current rating schedule do not allow for a separate evaluation for each ear.

The VA has determined that the veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular evaluation allowed for this disability as a matter of law.

The Board has denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for tinnitus, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted since the final RO decision in May 1999.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate 10 percent evaluations for each ear of his bilateral tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent rating was appropriate under the applicable regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, a bilateral knee disability, and residuals of cold injury to his face, hands, and feet. The evidence did not support these claims.

The veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which he claims are related to his military service. The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.