Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate 10 percent disability ratings for each ear under Diagnostic Code 6260 (2003) for his service-connected 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 an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that the maximum schedular rating allowed under applicable rating criteria has been awarded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus, finding that a maximum of 10 percent disability rating is the highest level possible under VA regulations.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disorder and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor are they related to his service-connected left knee disability. As such, these claims have been denied.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for PTSD, hearing loss, otitis externa, and tinnitus due to new evidence submitted by the veteran. However, further development is needed to verify the in-service exposure that could support these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for effective dates prior to March 30, 2001 for service connection of bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus. The veteran did not file a formal or informal claim for these conditions before March 30, 2001.

The veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection as it is related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need to obtain additional evidence from alternative sources.

The veteran's tinnitus disability was separated from his service-connected otitis media and he was granted a separate 10 percent rating effective June 10, 2004.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current headache disorder, anxiety disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are all service-connected as they are linked to his inservice head injury.

The Board denied the claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent evaluation is appropriate under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for bilateral tinnitus, finding that only a single 10 percent rating is available under the current schedular criteria. The veteran was not granted separate ratings for each ear and no other diagnostic codes were applicable.

The Board denied the claim for separate 10 percent initial ratings for bilateral tinnitus as a matter of law, based on the interpretation of VA regulations pertaining to the assignment of separate ratings for tinnitus.

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

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

The Board found that the RO's initial grant of service connection for nicotine addiction and chronic bronchitis was clearly erroneous, and thus severed this service connection. The veteran does not have hypertension or heart disease related to military service or service-connected disability. He also does not have an acquired psychiatric disability, hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, or dizziness that are related to military service.

The veteran claims that he developed tinnitus as a result of in-service acoustic trauma. The case is being remanded for further examination and development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VCAA notifications and the need for additional VA examinations to determine the nature, severity, and etiology of the appellant's claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his noise exposure during service, warranting service connection.