Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2005

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus, currently rated at 10 percent, has been denied as the maximum schedular rating is already assigned.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent ratings for tinnitus in each ear is denied as the maximum rating available under current VA regulations and diagnostic codes does not allow for such a division.

The Board found that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated during his periods of active duty service. The VA audiologist opined that it is unlikely that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete medical records and need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD have been denied. The residuals of a post-traumatic concussive disorder claim is also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and a higher initial disability rating for hearing loss of the right ear. The evidence did not support these claims.

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

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for service-connected bilateral tinnitus is denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10% has already been assigned.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate 10 percent evaluations for each ear of his bilateral tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent rating was appropriate under the regulations.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent ratings for tinnitus in each ear is denied as the maximum rating available under current VA regulations and diagnostic codes does not allow for such a division.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for a separate 10 percent disability rating for bilateral tinnitus.

The Board found that the veteran's current complaints of tinnitus are not related to his active service, including a service-connected disease or disability.

The VA denied a higher initial rating for bilateral tinnitus, as the disability is already rated at its maximum of 10 percent under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss as defined by VA regulations and denied service connection for this condition. However, the Board granted service connection for tinnitus based on in-service noise exposure during combat.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus is denied as the law only allows a single 10 percent rating for this condition.

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

The Board has determined that separate initial compensable ratings for tinnitus in each ear are not assignable under the applicable regulations and diagnostic codes.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that the law does not allow separate evaluations for bilateral tinnitus.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral tinnitus was denied as the current 10% evaluation is considered the maximum allowable under VA regulations.

The veteran's tinnitus has been given the maximum rating provided by the Rating Schedule (10 percent). Factors warranting extraschedular consideration are neither shown nor alleged.