Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

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

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate schedular 10 percent disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus, finding that a single rating is appropriate due to the nature of the condition.

The VA denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that the veteran's condition is already rated at its maximum under applicable rating criteria.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus, to include separate evaluations for each ear, was denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already assigned. The Board found that a single evaluation for bilateral tinnitus is appropriate under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected tinnitus, finding that VA regulations do not allow separate ratings for bilateral tinnitus.

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 RO denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus, specifically denying entitlement to a separate rating for each ear. The maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already assigned.

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

The Board denied the claim of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the April 1987 rating decision that granted service connection for tinnitus with a 10% evaluation. The evidence at that time did not support a finding of bilateral tinnitus, which is required to establish CUE.

The VA has determined that the appellant's service-connected tinnitus, rated at 10 percent, is already at its maximum allowable rating and thus cannot be increased.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and Parkinson's disease. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board found no evidence of a link between the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service, including exposure to acoustic trauma. The claims were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and to reopen his claim for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no new and material evidence submitted.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for an effective date of January 31, 1986 for service connection for tinnitus. The decision was based on the submission of a claim for entitlement to service connection for tinnitus in January 1986.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no current medical evidence to support these conditions.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral tinnitus, finding that only one 10 percent evaluation is assignable under current VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence showing in-service noise exposure or a current disability. The veteran's complaints are not supported by medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus, which is related to his military service, warrants a single 10 percent rating for both ears. The claim for separate ratings for bilateral tinnitus is denied as a matter of law.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus has been rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent. The Board found no merit in his claim for separate evaluations for each ear, as tinnitus is considered a single disability regardless of whether it is perceived as unilateral or bilateral.