Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to VCAA compliance issues and a need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's tinnitus is related to service, including a head injury and/or noise exposure. The claim will be further developed with an examination and medical opinion.

The veteran's bilateral defective hearing is not service-connected.,Chronic tinnitus and vertigo are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are granted, with some issues receiving a noncompensable evaluation and others receiving compensable evaluations.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum evaluation available. The RO granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, with a 10 percent rating each effective from November 14, 2000.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeal as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran is currently properly rated as 10 percent disabled for his tinnitus, as this is the maximum schedular evaluation allowed for this disability, as a matter of law.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that the law does not allow separate evaluations for each ear and that there is no legal basis to award such a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran is already receiving the maximum available rating for his bilateral tinnitus, and therefore a separate rating for each ear cannot be granted. The appeal is denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus was denied as the maximum schedular rating has already been assigned.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus has been rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of this rating is denied.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, including obtaining relevant medical records from his VA treatment facility in Bay Pines, Florida.

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

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

The Board found that the veteran's currently diagnosed coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent, and a higher rating is not warranted.

The veteran's claims of service connection for vertigo, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The increased rating claim for right ear hearing loss is also being remanded.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.