Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2005

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for tinnitus and granted it. The issue of an increased rating for PTSD remains unresolved.

The veteran's initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus prior to June 10, 1999 was granted. Effective from June 10, 1999, a 10% evaluation is assigned.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is related to his military service due to acoustic trauma.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for PTSD, and the case is being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have residuals of injuries to the head, disc disease of the cervical spine, tinnitus, or temporomandibular joint syndrome during his active service. The claims for service connection are denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied.,His service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating available under current regulations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

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

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

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that only a single 10 percent disability rating is authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus, to include entitlement to separate ratings for each ear, is denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has been granted and no additional legal basis exists for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to incomplete development of his service records, including duty assignments. The VA examiner is requested to provide an opinion on the etiology of any diagnosed tinnitus.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board denied an increased rating. The veteran also filed a claim for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, but the Board found that he did not meet the criteria for this benefit.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus, to include a separate evaluation for each ear, is denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has been granted.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision can be made on the veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine if he currently has these conditions and whether they are related to his military service.

The veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, frostbite residuals, defective hearing, and tinnitus, render him unable to work due to his mental health condition and physical impairments. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these factors.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or any link to service.