Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is already assigned the maximum rating of 10 percent, and no higher evaluation can be granted under current regulations.

The March 1995 rating decision did not involve clear and unmistakable error in assigning a single 10 percent evaluation for bilateral tinnitus.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus and PTSD were evaluated, but the veteran requested a separate evaluation for each ear for tinnitus. The RO denied his request as there is no provision for assignment of a separate 10 percent evaluation for tinnitus of each ear under DC 6260. The veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for PTSD was not addressed due to lack of proper notice and assistance.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus was denied as there is no legal basis to award separate schedular evaluations for tinnitus in each ear.

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

The initial 10 percent disability evaluation for tinnitus assigned in October 1993 is upheld as correct.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is assigned a maximum 10 percent rating, and there is no legal basis for an increased rating.

The August 2001 rating decision did not assign separate evaluations for tinnitus in each ear, as the veteran's service-connected tinnitus was already assigned the maximum schedular rating available. Therefore, it did not involve clear and unmistakable error.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently assigned a 10 percent rating, the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260. The Board finds that the veteran is already receiving the maximum disability rating legally available for tinnitus under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has determined that there is no clear and unmistakable error in the January 1991 rating decision which awarded service connection for tinnitus and assigned a 10 percent disability evaluation. The veteran's claim must be denied.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum of 10 percent, and there is no legal basis for a higher rating.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260. There is no legal basis for an increased evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus has been assigned the maximum schedular rating available (10 percent), and there is no legal basis for a higher initial rating.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the November 10, 1999 rating decision that assigned a 10 percent rating for bilateral tinnitus. The current version of Diagnostic Code 6260 precluded an evaluation in excess of a single 10-percent for tinnitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to separate ratings for tinnitus perceived in each ear, finding no clear and unmistakable error in the October 1993 rating decision that assigned a single 10% disability evaluation.

The Board has determined that there is no clear and unmistakable error in the January 1990 rating decision which awarded service connection for tinnitus and assigned a 10 percent disability evaluation. The veteran's claim must be denied.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 6260. The Board finds no legal basis for a separate evaluation for each ear.

The veteran's appeal for clear and unmistakable error in the February 2001 rating decision that assigned a 10 percent evaluation for bilateral tinnitus is denied.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is already assigned the maximum rating of 10 percent, and therefore a separate rating for each ear cannot be granted.

The veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, and no higher. The appeal for a more than single 10 percent rating for tinnitus has been denied.