Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating allowed under Diagnostic Code 6260. The appeal for a higher evaluation has been denied as there is no legal basis to award separate schedular evaluations for each ear.

The veteran's claim 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 there was no clear and unmistakable error in the January 1996 decision granting a 10 percent evaluation for bilateral tinnitus, as the veteran is already receiving the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 6260. There is no legal basis to assign a higher evaluation.

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

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 6260. The appeal for a higher evaluation 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 claim for an increased rating is denied as there is no legal basis to assign a schedular evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's tinnitus has already been assigned the highest possible rating of 10 percent, so no higher rating can be granted.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 6260. The appeal for a higher evaluation is denied as there is no legal basis to award separate ratings for each ear.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated as 10 percent disabling and there is no legal basis for a higher rating.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is already assigned the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, and no separate evaluations are allowed under current regulations.

The veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his military service, with the onset likely occurring during active duty. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Board denied an extraschedular rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that the case does not present such an exceptional or unusual disability picture to render the regular schedular evaluation inadequate.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the October 10, 2002 rating decision that granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and assigned a 10 percent rating. The claim is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of degenerative disc disease, peripheral neuropathy, left knee arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, or tinnitus. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

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 claim for increased evaluations for tinnitus is denied as he is already receiving the maximum schedular evaluation.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for healed corneal scars of the right eye, with cataract, and a separate rating for bilateral tinnitus was denied. The veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating for his right eye disability or a separate rating for each ear for tinnitus.

The veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, and no higher rating can be assigned.