Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate 10 percent disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus, finding that only a single 10 percent rating is authorized under current regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for bilateral tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent evaluation is the maximum schedular evaluation provided in VA's schedule for rating disabilities.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and an evaluation of tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found that the veteran's tinnitus was not incurred or aggravated by wartime service and is not attributable to any incident of service, including plane engine noise exposure. The Board also found no nexus between the veteran's current tinnitus and his service-connected left otitis externa.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for hearing loss. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be incurred in active military service, and service connection is granted.

The Board found that the veteran does not have current bilateral hearing loss by VA standards and denied service connection for tinnitus as it did not manifest during or within a year of service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate schedular 10 percent disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus as it is not shown to be a matter of law.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected bilateral tinnitus, finding that separate ratings for each ear under Diagnostic Code 6260 are not assignable due to the prohibition against assigning such ratings.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for separate compensable ratings for each ear for his service-connected bilateral tinnitus, finding that only a single 10 percent evaluation is assignable under current VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate compensable evaluations for bilateral tinnitus, finding that only a single 10 percent evaluation is assignable under current regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate compensable evaluations for bilateral tinnitus, finding that only a single 10 percent evaluation is assignable under the current rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is already rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent, and therefore no higher rating can be assigned.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent evaluation is appropriate as there is no basis to assign separate ratings for each ear.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for separate schedular 10 percent disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus as it is not shown to be a matter of law.

The veteran's tinnitus has been rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent since January 31, 2002. The RO found that a separate rating for each ear was not warranted under the applicable regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation and training benefits, finding that he has overcome the effects of impairment of unemployability through employment in an occupation consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for further development, including a review of the veteran's claims file by an examiner.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The RO found that there was no competent medical evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board found that the veteran's service records did not show any in-service hearing loss or tinnitus, and his current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, finding no evidence of chronic conditions in service or that they are related to service. The initial ratings assigned were upheld.