Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, and no higher. The appeal for a separate rating in each ear was denied as there is no legal basis to award such.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already rated at the maximum allowed under the applicable rating criteria, and thus no additional compensation can be granted.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already assigned the maximum rating of 10 percent, and no separate evaluation for each ear is allowed under current regulations.

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 VA denied the appellant's claim for separate evaluations for each ear for service-connected tinnitus, as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already assigned.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum of 10 percent, and no higher rating is warranted.

The veteran's appeal is dismissed as there is no current award for tinnitus, and the issue of entitlement to separate 10 percent ratings for tinnitus of each ear cannot be decided due to lack of jurisdiction.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus as new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claims.

The veteran's appeal regarding separate 10% disability ratings for tinnitus and a rating in excess of 20% for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The maximum schedular rating available for tinnitus is already assigned.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for dual (separate) 10 percent ratings for bilateral tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent rating was appropriate under VA regulations and that the appeal is without legal merit.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but the issue of service connection for prostate cancer due to exposure to ionizing radiation is being remanded.

The veteran's appeal for separate 10 percent ratings for tinnitus of each ear was denied as there is no legal basis to award such ratings given the maximum schedular rating available for tinnitus has already been assigned.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus disability picture more nearly approximates one of being unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, consistent with his educational background and previous work experience as an electrician. As such, the claim for TDIU is granted.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent ratings for each ear for his service-connected tinnitus is denied as the version of Diagnostic Code 6260 in effect prior to and after June 2003 precludes an evaluation in excess of a single 10 percent.

The veteran seeks an effective date earlier than July 27, 2001 for the awards of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. However, there was no pending claim for these conditions prior to July 27, 2001, when he filed a claim for an increased rating for otitis media.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's tinnitus is not related to service, and her claim for an increased rating for mixed headaches migraine and tension is denied. The veteran's shin splints are currently rated at the minimum level of disability.,The VA examiner found no evidence that the veteran's tinnitus was incurred in service or due to a service-connected condition. For the mixed headaches and tension, while the veteran reported symptoms consistent with migraines, she did not experience prostrating attacks as required for a higher rating. The veteran's shin splints are currently rated at 10 percent based on limitation of motion.

The veteran's appeal for a separate 10 percent disability evaluation for his service-connected tinnitus is denied as the condition already has a single 10 percent rating.

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