Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

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

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is assigned the maximum schedular rating available (10 percent), and there is no legal basis for a separate rating for each ear.

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

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 assigned a maximum rating of 10 percent, and there is no legal basis for an increased evaluation.

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 assigned a maximum rating of 10 percent, and there is no legal basis for the assignment of a schedular evaluation in excess of this.

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

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is assigned a maximum rating of 10 percent, and there is no legal basis for assigning separate evaluations for each ear.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the June 1984 rating decision that assigned a single 10 percent rating for tinnitus, as there was a tenable basis in the record at the time.

The VA has determined that the appellant's service-connected tinnitus is rated at the maximum allowed under the applicable diagnostic code, and thus no higher evaluation can be granted.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 6260, and no higher. The Board finds that there is no legal basis for a schedular evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's request for a higher rating for tinnitus was denied as there is no schedular basis to award more than the maximum allowable rating of 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus, which is rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 6260, cannot be increased as there is no provision for separate ratings for each ear. The maximum schedular rating has been assigned.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for service-connected tinnitus is denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has been assigned.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected tinnitus is denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has been assigned under the applicable VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining a VA audiometric examination to determine if the appellant's current hearing loss disability is related to his noise exposure in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely due to noise exposure during his period of active service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is assigned a maximum 10 percent disability rating, and the Board has determined that no higher rating is warranted under current VA regulations.