Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for separate schedular 10 percent disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus as there is no provision in the applicable rating criteria for such a determination.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is already receiving the maximum schedular disability rating of 10 percent, which cannot be increased.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent ratings for tinnitus is denied as the maximum authorized rating under Diagnostic Code 6260 has already been assigned.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his previously conceded acoustic trauma in service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining the veteran's service and reserve personnel records as well as medical records. The VA audiologist will provide an opinion on whether the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's intermittent bilateral tinnitus resulted from acoustic trauma during his active duty, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating or establish service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claims.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus has been assigned the maximum schedular rating available, and there is no legal basis for a separate evaluation in each ear. Therefore, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current tinnitus is related to noise exposure during his military service, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a bilateral knee disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bilateral tinnitus has been denied as the condition is already rated at its maximum allowable under VA regulations.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260. There is no legal basis for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is already assigned the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, so a higher evaluation cannot be granted.

The VA has determined that the veteran's tinnitus, which is already rated at 10 percent, cannot be rated higher under any applicable regulations.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating allowed under Diagnostic Code 6260. The appeal for a higher rating is denied as there is no legal basis to award separate ratings for each ear.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 6260, and no higher. The appeal for an increased evaluation is denied.

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

The veteran's appeal for increased evaluations for tinnitus and dizziness was denied. The maximum schedular rating of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus has been assigned, and the veteran is not entitled to separate ratings for each ear.