Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

The Board found that the veteran's tinnitus is rated as a single disability entity and cannot be divided into bilateral ratings. Therefore, he was denied an increased rating for his service-connected tinnitus.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent ratings for each ear for his service-connected tinnitus was denied as a matter of law due to the VA General Counsel's opinion that only a single 10% disability rating is authorized for tinnitus regardless of whether it is perceived in one ear, both ears, or somewhere in the head.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected bilateral tinnitus was denied as the maximum schedular rating allowed by law is 10 percent.

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 regardless of whether it is perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head.

The Board found that the veteran's service connection for tinnitus, which was granted in a previous decision, is not eligible for separate evaluations as per the revised rating criteria. The maximum allowable evaluation under the current regulations is 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate 10 percent disability evaluations for each ear for his tinnitus, finding that such a rating is not allowed under current 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 regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate schedular 10 percent disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent rating applied to recurrent tinnitus regardless of whether it was perceived in one ear, both ears, or within the head.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disability and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for further development, including VA examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, to include separate ratings for each ear. The maximum schedular evaluation available is 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VCAA notice and development of his claims.

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

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus has been denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10% is already assigned and no additional factors warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board denied a higher initial evaluation for tinnitus, finding that the current 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 6260 is appropriate and that separate evaluations for each ear are not warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent rating is authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260 regardless of whether it is perceived as unilateral or bilateral. The appeal was dismissed.

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 regulations.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate compensable ratings for service-connected tinnitus, finding that only a single 10 percent rating is authorized under current Diagnostic Code 6260.

The VA has determined that the appellant's tinnitus, which is currently rated at 10 percent, cannot be increased as it already represents the maximum schedular evaluation.

The VA has denied a higher initial evaluation for tinnitus, currently rated at 10 percent.