Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

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

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent ratings for tinnitus in each ear is denied as only a single evaluation is assignable for bilateral tinnitus.

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

The Board denied an increased evaluation for tinnitus, finding that the current rating of 10 percent is appropriate based on the criteria in effect at the time.

The VA has determined that the appellant's tinnitus, rated at 10 percent, is already at its maximum allowable rating under the applicable diagnostic code and thus cannot be increased.

The Board found that the veteran is already receiving the maximum schedular rating for his service-connected tinnitus, and thus denied a higher rating.

The VA has determined that the appellant's tinnitus, which is currently rated at 10 percent under the applicable diagnostic code, does not warrant a higher rating as it is already at its maximum schedular evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that a maximum schedular rating is available under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for separate compensable evaluations for his service-connected bilateral tinnitus, finding that only a single evaluation is assignable under current VA regulations.

The veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for service-connected bilateral tinnitus has been denied as the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent is already in place.

The veteran's claim for a higher disability evaluation for service-connected bilateral tinnitus was denied. The RO found that the existing rating of 10 percent is the maximum allowed under current regulations, and separate ratings for each ear are not permitted.

The veteran is seeking separate evaluations for tinnitus of each ear and wishes to challenge the August 1988 rating decision that assigned a single 10 percent rating. The case is being remanded due to VCAA notification requirements.

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for service-connected bilateral tinnitus was denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already in effect.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent evaluations for each ear for tinnitus was denied as the maximum disability evaluation allowed by law has already been granted.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate 10 percent disability ratings for tinnitus of each ear, finding that only a single 10% rating is authorized regardless of whether the tinnitus is perceived as unilateral or bilateral.

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for service-connected bilateral tinnitus was denied as there is no legal basis for the assignment of a schedular disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

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

The veteran's right ear hearing loss is not shown to be more than Level I, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating.,There is no evidence of tinnitus in service or within one year post-service. The current tinnitus was first reported many years after service and there is insufficient medical evidence linking it to military service.

The Board found that the original and revised versions of Diagnostic Code 6260 preclude the assignment of separate disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus, as they authorize a single 10 percent rating for tinnitus regardless of whether it is perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head.