Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The veteran's appeal for a higher initial evaluation for bilateral tinnitus was denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has already been assigned.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent evaluations for tinnitus in each ear is denied as the maximum rating of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 6260 applies to both ears.

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 Board finds that there is no legal basis for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have right ear hearing loss or tinnitus attributable to service and therefore denied both claims.

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his 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 bilateral tinnitus, to include entitlement to separate evaluations for each ear, is denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has already been assigned.

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

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

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

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

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

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is assigned a 10 percent rating, the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260. There is no legal basis for the assignment of a schedular evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus.

The Board finds that the veteran's current right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to his active service, including noise exposure during military service. As such, the appeal is granted for both conditions.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already assigned the maximum evaluation of 10 percent, and a higher rating is not warranted under either the old or new versions of the applicable regulation.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected bilateral tinnitus has been denied as the maximum schedular evaluation assignable for tinnitus is currently in effect.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus with a history of vestibulitis and vertigo, and suppurative otitis media are denied as his current disability does not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.

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 already receiving the maximum rating of 10 percent, which is the highest evaluation allowed under Diagnostic Code 6260.

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

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