Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2004

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of in-service acoustic trauma or chronic conditions within one year post-discharge.

The Board found no evidence to support a link between the veteran's current hearing loss, tinnitus, and severe headaches with his active service. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent evaluation was appropriate regardless of whether it is perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head.

The VA has denied the appellant's claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus, currently rated at 10 percent. The maximum schedular rating allowed under Diagnostic Code 6260 is 10 percent and applies to both ears.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and low back disability. The veteran does not have current disabilities related to these issues.

The veteran's tinnitus is rated at the highest available rating of 10 percent, and no higher rating is granted.

The Board and RO have denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss, heart condition, weakness of the left lower extremity with paresis, sensory deficit on the left side of his body, tinnitus, depressive disorder, headaches, and memory loss. The evidence submitted since previous decisions does not support reopening these claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service. The RO must obtain all available medical records, arrange for a VA examination, and provide the veteran with another opportunity to submit evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran currently has bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, both of which are service-connected based on direct evidence. The decision affirms the grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected bilateral tinnitus, finding that the maximum schedular rating allowed by law is 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected bilateral tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent rating adequately compensates his disability level.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his period of service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board found that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, while his right and left knee disorders are not shown to be service-connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss in the left ear was aggravated by noise exposure during service, and they have ordered a VA examination to determine if his current tinnitus is related to service. The case will be remanded for further development.

The veteran's tinnitus is currently manifested by occasional ringing in the ears, more noticeable in the evenings. The RO granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus with a 10 percent rating effective from November 21, 2001. However, as the maximum schedular evaluation has been assigned, no higher evaluation can be granted.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are related to military service, while his back disorder is not shown to have been present in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication due to a previous denial of service connection for tinnitus. The veteran is required to report for an examination, and VA will notify him if further action is needed.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus, finding that a maximum schedular rating of 10 percent could be assigned.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's tinnitus since February 19, 1998. The effective date remains to be determined as it is not specified in the decision.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to new and material evidence submitted since the April 1976 rating decision. The issue of service connection for tinnitus and vertigo is remanded.