Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for separate compensable evaluations for tinnitus in each ear was denied as the current rating criteria do not allow for such a division.

The Board found that the veteran's tinnitus, which is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating. The maximum available rating under current regulations is 10 percent.

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 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 separate compensable evaluations for bilateral tinnitus, finding that only a single 10 percent rating is assignable under current and previous VA regulations.

The Board has determined that a separate disability evaluation of 10 percent for tinnitus of each ear is denied as the maximum schedular evaluation provided in the rating schedule for unilateral or bilateral tinnitus has already been granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a separate disability evaluation of 10 percent for tinnitus in each ear, finding that the maximum schedular evaluation provided under the rating schedule was already granted.

The veteran's claim for a separate evaluation for tinnitus in each ear was denied as there is no legal basis to assign such evaluations under the provisions of Diagnostic Code 6260.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently manifested by symptoms of constant, very loud noise bilaterally and does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the failure to file a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) regarding his bilateral plantar fasciitis claim. The remaining claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied.

The veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and increased rating for tinnitus were denied as the criteria for these conditions have not been met.

The veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a schedular rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus are denied. The effective dates for the assigned ratings remain pending.

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

The Board has determined that a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is not warranted as the maximum schedular evaluation provided in the rating schedule applies.

The veteran seeks increased evaluations for his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The case is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. However, additional development is needed before a decision can be made on whether there is an etiological relationship between active duty and these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and failure to obtain necessary medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, degenerative arthritis of the right arm, upper gastrointestinal disorder, cardiovascular disorder, bilateral hearing loss, irritable colon syndrome, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, right ankle disorder, and left ankle disorder. The decision also addressed his claim for PTSD.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of tinnitus and service connection for hearing loss were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a current disability as defined by VA, thus denying both claims.