Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

The Board has granted the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that his conditions are related to military noise exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus and also found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his claim of service connection for hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an initial compensable rating for a scar on his left forearm. The veteran was not diagnosed with current chronic tinnitus, and there is no evidence of limitation of function due to the scar.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus require additional development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for headaches and compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 (West 2002) for various disabilities are being remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records, lack of proper notice regarding the VCAA requirements, and need for additional medical examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's tinnitus was not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for hearing loss, tinnitus, and scars on the face were denied. The RO found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA regulations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that new and material evidence was submitted. The Board also found that these conditions are related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied an initial compensable rating for residuals of a pilonidal cyst excision and grafting. The veteran's claim for increased compensation remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and a non-compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service, while the hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that a maximum schedular rating is available under Diagnostic Code 6260 (tinnitus), and separate ratings for each ear are not allowed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the current disability ratings were appropriate under both the former and revised criteria.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and his TDIU claim is denied as he can still secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board found service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied the claim of service connection for basal cell carcinoma due to exposure to ionizing radiation. The veteran's new claims are being reopened based on submitted evidence.

The Board has established service connection for tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current diagnosis of tinnitus is related to his exposure to acoustic trauma during active military service.

The veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which he claims are related to noise exposure during his military service. The case has been remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether these conditions are related to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records review.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a right hip disability that was secondary to his service-connected right foot disability.