Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2005

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

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected tinnitus was denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already assigned, and separate ratings for each ear are not allowed under current regulations.

The VA has determined that the appellant is receiving the maximum schedular evaluation for tinnitus, which is a single disability evaluated at 10 percent. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected bilateral tinnitus is denied.

The veteran's PTSD with panic attacks and agoraphobia is rated at 30 percent disabling from December 12, 2000. The veteran's bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's tinnitus and his military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

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 has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active military service, and thus denied the claims for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that there is no competent and probative evidence linking current tinnitus to his military service.

The veteran's claim for separate compensable evaluations for tinnitus in each ear is denied as the law does not allow for such ratings under current VA regulations.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for bilateral tinnitus, including entitlement to separate evaluations for each ear, is denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has already been granted.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to have originated during his active military service, warranting the grant of service connection for these conditions.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have right ear hearing loss disability as defined by VA standards and there is no medical evidence linking left ear hearing loss or tinnitus to service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found that the appellant's hearing loss, bronchitis, and skin disorder were not incurred in service or related to service. The VA denied these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in prior rating decisions of May 8, 1992, and August 20, 1992, denying entitlement to service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The RO's decision of August 20, 1992, is final.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence received and a need for readjudication of the low back disability issue. The tinnitus issue is also pending, but will be certified only if a timely substantive appeal is submitted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent rating is appropriate under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The Board found no competent medical evidence of a current bilateral hip or leg disability separate and distinct from the veteran's service-connected low back disorder. Therefore, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, and no higher evaluation is warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than October 30, 2000, for assignment of a total disability based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.