Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The veteran's tinnitus is already rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations, and thus no additional rating can be granted.

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

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already assigned the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, and separate evaluations for each ear are not warranted.

The veteran's request for a higher rating for his bilateral tinnitus was denied as there is no legal basis to assign separate ratings for each ear.

The veteran's claim for a separate 10 percent rating for service-connected tinnitus is denied as the condition is already assigned a single 10 percent rating.

The veteran's appeal for a separate 10 percent rating for each ear for service-connected tinnitus is denied as there is no legal basis to award such ratings.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating allowed under Diagnostic Code 6260. The RO denied an increased evaluation because there is no provision for separate ratings for each ear.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is already receiving the maximum rating of 10 percent, which is the highest evaluation allowed under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The veteran's claim for separate schedular 10 percent disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus is denied as the condition is assigned a single 10 percent rating under applicable VA regulations.

The veteran's tinnitus disability is already rated at the maximum allowed under VA rating criteria, and thus a separate rating for each ear cannot be granted.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is properly evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is properly evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent ratings for bilateral tinnitus is denied as the current version of Diagnostic Code 6260 precludes such evaluations.

The Board has determined that a separate compensable rating for tinnitus in each ear is not warranted as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already assigned.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is assigned a 10 percent rating, the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6260. Factors warranting extraschedular consideration are not shown.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outpatient treatment records and a VA audiology examination. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen his claim of service connection for tinnitus will also be addressed.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus and skin condition are not related to his military service, specifically due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to in-service noise exposure or radiation exposure. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent initial disability ratings for tinnitus of each ear was denied as there is no legal basis to award such ratings.