Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2005

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, to include separate ratings for each ear, is denied as the maximum schedular evaluation available (10%) represents the maximum disability level.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disabilities for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and therefore service connection is denied.

The veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation for his service-connected tinnitus was denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already assigned.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied as only a single evaluation is assignable for recurrent tinnitus, whether the sound is perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head.

The Board found that the appellant did not incur tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, or migraine headaches due to any incident of active military service and denied these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for various service-connected conditions, including tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. The veteran was not granted any additional ratings.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for separate 10 percent ratings for tinnitus in each ear, finding that only a single 10 percent rating is available under current VA regulations.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the case to obtain a VA examination. The decision on tinnitus is pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate schedular ratings for bilateral tinnitus as it is not a distinct disability and therefore cannot be rated separately.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent evaluation is appropriate under current VA regulations.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected tinnitus was denied as the current evaluation of 10 percent is considered the maximum available under the applicable diagnostic code.

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 ordered additional development to verify the dates of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA) during the appellant's service in the Missouri Army National Guard and Army Reserves, specifically his time with the 138th Inf. Div. Tank Company from October 1954 to October 1960.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus, to include a separate rating for each ear, has been dismissed due to his death.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus was dismissed due to his death.

The Board found that the veteran's tinnitus and hearing loss were incurred in service, while his claims for chloracne, skin disorder, healing disorder, and sleep disorder were not supported by evidence of a nexus to service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the appeal. As a result, no decision can be made on the issues.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent. The claim for an increased rating is denied.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus has been denied as there is no legal basis for separate evaluations for each ear.

The VA has determined that the appellant's service-connected tinnitus, rated at 10 percent, is not entitled to a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for a separate evaluation for each ear.