Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2005

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of tinnitus, finding that the earliest date that may be assigned is July 27, 2001, based on when his claim was received.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral defective hearing and tinnitus, and denied an increased rating for the residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right forearm. The veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with a 50% evaluation.

The Board has determined that the current rating decision denying a TDIU is not final and requires further development to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist. The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic lumbosacral strain, residuals of injury of the left knee with traumatic arthritis, bronchial asthma, and tinnitus, are being evaluated for their impact on his employability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, arranging for a VA audiological examination, and ensuring that all requested development is completed.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a right knee disorder, or tinnitus. The claims are denied.

The veteran's osteoarthritis of the left great toe and tinnitus have been granted original disability evaluations, with a 30 percent rating for the left foot condition since May 2, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate schedular ratings for bilateral tinnitus as a matter of law, finding that Diagnostic Code 6260 does not allow for separate ratings for bilateral tinnitus.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, eardrum damage, and tinnitus is properly considered. This includes obtaining medical records from a VA examination and ensuring all relevant evidence is reviewed.

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 veteran's claim for separate 10% disability ratings for each ear for his tinnitus was denied as the current rating criteria do not allow for such a division.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent evaluations for tinnitus in each ear was denied as the maximum disability rating of 10 percent has been granted, and VA regulations do not allow for separate ratings for bilateral tinnitus.

The Board found no evidence of current tinnitus and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a current hearing loss disability and denied service connection for hearing loss. The Board also found no in-service event or diagnosis related to tinnitus, and thus denied service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed low back and left knee disabilities.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for headaches, but denied service connection for vertigo, tinnitus, and brain injury.

The Board has granted service connection for defective hearing and tinnitus, as well as increased ratings for PTSD and right hip wound. The veteran's claim for TDIU is also granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, residuals of a head injury, and scar of the scalp. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The VA denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that the criteria under the current rating schedule do not allow for separate evaluations for each ear.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent disability rating is appropriate and separate ratings for each ear are not warranted.