Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent, and a higher rating is not warranted.

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 assignable under current and prior regulations.

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 assignable under current and prior regulations.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation of his service-connected tinnitus was denied as the current evaluation (10%) is considered the maximum under VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for service-connected tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent rating is the maximum available under current regulations.

The VA denied a request for an increased evaluation of tinnitus, currently rated at 10 percent. The criteria under the Schedule for Rating Disabilities do not allow for a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus was denied as the regulation does not allow for such ratings.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development on both claims of service connection, including obtaining any outstanding service medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as a matter of law due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has ordered a VA audiologic examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to service exposure. The case is being remanded for compliance with VCAA requirements.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for tinnitus, scars on the right forearm, and scars on the right thigh was denied. The Board found that a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for tinnitus, finding that he is already receiving the maximum schedular evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his exposure to acoustic trauma during his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus was denied as the maximum schedular rating has already been assigned.

The Board found that the veteran is not entitled to separate ratings for tinnitus of both ears, as the regulations authorize a single 10% rating for recurrent tinnitus regardless of whether it is perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected tinnitus disability, finding that only a single 10 percent rating is authorized under current regulations.

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

The Board found that the veteran is not entitled to separate ratings for tinnitus in both ears as the revised version of Diagnostic Code 6260 precludes such a rating. The maximum single rating available for tinnitus is 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus and a higher rating for iron deficiency anemia is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.