Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The veteran's appeal for separate 10 percent ratings for tinnitus in each ear is denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has already been assigned.

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

The veteran's tinnitus disability is already rated at the maximum allowed under VA rating criteria, and no separate ratings for each ear are warranted.

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 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 ratings for each ear.

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

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus has been assigned the maximum schedular rating available (10 percent), and there is no legal basis for a separate evaluation in each ear. The appeal must be denied.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral 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 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, which is the maximum rating allowed under Diagnostic Code 6260. 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 tinnitus is assigned the maximum schedular rating available, and there is no legal basis for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current diagnosis of tinnitus is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that November 6, 2001 is the correct date.,The Board also granted an earlier effective date of September 6, 2002 for the grant of service connection for residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right foot and lower right leg.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding no etiological relationship between his in-service exposure to acoustic trauma and his current tinnitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, a gastrointestinal disability, and arteriosclerotic heart disease due to lack of evidence showing an in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board has dismissed the claims for an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus due to a lack of timely filed Substantive Appeal on the matter of an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are rated at 10 percent each, which is the maximum schedular rating for these conditions.

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.