Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for an increase in the evaluation of his tinnitus was denied as he is already assigned the maximum schedular rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent evaluation is appropriate as per VA policy and precedent opinions.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development due to the failure to provide proper VCAA notice.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the initial disability ratings assigned for various conditions were also denied. The appeals are not granted.

The VA has granted a maximum 10 percent rating for tinnitus in the right ear, which is the highest schedular rating available. The appellant's request for an increased rating was denied as his condition already meets the criteria for the maximum evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate 10 percent disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus, finding that tinnitus constitutes a single disease entity and thus only one rating is appropriate.

The VA has determined that the veteran's tinnitus is rated at a maximum of 10 percent, and no higher rating can be assigned due to lack of schedular basis. The case will now be remanded for further development to determine if an extra-schedular evaluation is warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus, finding that the criteria for such a rating do not apply under current VA regulations.

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

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral otitis media, perforated tympanic membranes, and related disabilities. The issues of entitlement to service connection are now remanded for further development.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected, and he was granted a 10 percent rating for his tinnitus. The appeal regarding the initial disability rating for tinnitus is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA audiological examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of the maximum schedular evaluation (10%) for service-connected tinnitus was denied as there is no provision for separate evaluations for each ear under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently-diagnosed tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus, finding that the existing regulations do not allow for separate ratings for each ear.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a separate evaluation of 10 percent for tinnitus in each ear, finding that there was no legal basis to assign such evaluations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a separate schedular 10 percent rating for service-connected tinnitus in each ear, finding that the law does not allow for such a rating given the revised criteria for Diagnostic Code 6260.

The Board found that the veteran's claim of entitlement to separate 10 percent ratings for his bilateral tinnitus is denied as a matter of law due to the regulatory scheme and diagnostic codes pertaining to the auditory system.

The veteran's claim for a separate evaluation of tinnitus in each ear was denied as the maximum schedular rating (10%) has already been assigned.