Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already assigned the maximum disability rating of 10 percent, which cannot be increased further under current regulations.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260. The Board finds no legal basis for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran is already receiving the maximum disability rating available for tinnitus under the applicable rating criteria, and therefore an evaluation in excess of 10 percent and/or a separate compensable evaluation for each ear may not be assigned.

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

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent evaluations for each ear of his service-connected tinnitus is denied as the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 6260, which pertains to tinnitus, is already assigned.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to separate 10 percent disability ratings for tinnitus in each ear is denied as there is no legal basis upon which to award such ratings.

The veteran seeks service connection for tinnitus and various disabilities including a low back disability, neck disability, left knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The RO is directed to obtain relevant medical records and arrange for the veteran to undergo examination by an orthopedic specialist.,The veteran seeks service connection for his low back disability, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The RO is directed to obtain relevant medical records and arrange for the veteran to undergo examination by an orthopedic specialist.,The veteran seeks service connection for his neck disability, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The RO is directed to obtain relevant medical records and arrange for the veteran to undergo examination by an orthopedic specialist.

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 claim for separate schedular 10 percent disability ratings for tinnitus in each ear is denied as there is no legal basis upon which to award such ratings.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral tinnitus has been denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10% is already assigned under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus did not begin during service and is not otherwise related to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied.

The veteran's claim for separate compensable evaluations for tinnitus in each ear is denied as there is no legal basis to award such ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus began in service and is therefore granted service connection.

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 currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating allowed under Diagnostic Code 6260. The Board finds that there is no legal basis for an increased rating.

The veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than September 4, 2003 for the grant of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there was no prior claim submitted within one year of separation from service.

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

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral tinnitus was denied as there is no legal basis for a higher rating. The August 1988 rating decision assigning a single 10 percent rating for tinnitus is not considered to be a clear and unmistakable error.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen his previously denied claims.

The veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.