Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is assigned a maximum 10 percent evaluation, and the claim for an increased rating is denied.

The veteran's claim for separate ratings for bilateral tinnitus is denied as a matter of law due to the interpretation of VA regulations.

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

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 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 Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, cervical spine, low back, and left shoulder disabilities as secondary to a service-connected disability. However, the evidence does not support a finding of current diagnoses or a link between these conditions and active service or a service-connected condition.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating authorized under versions of Diagnostic Code 6260 in effect prior to and beginning June 13, 2003. The disability picture caused by the tinnitus is not so unusual as to render the application of the regular schedular rating provisions impractical.

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

The Board denied the appellant's request for separate 10 percent ratings for his service-connected bilateral tinnitus, as there is no provision for assignment of a separate 10 percent rating for tinnitus in each ear under Diagnostic Code 6260.

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

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

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus, to include separate evaluations for each ear, is denied as there is no legal basis upon which to award such a higher schedular rating.

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

The veteran's appeal for separate 10 percent ratings for service-connected bilateral tinnitus is denied as he is already receiving the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260. The appeal for restoration of a 100 percent rating for residuals of prostate cancer is remanded to the RO.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already assigned the maximum disability rating of 10 percent, and therefore a higher evaluation is not warranted.

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 veteran's claim for a separate 10 percent evaluation for tinnitus in each ear was denied as there is no provision for such under the applicable rating criteria.