Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, to include based on assignment of a separate rating for each ear, is denied as the revised version of Code 6260 prohibits a schedular rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already receiving the maximum disability rating of 10 percent, and a higher rating is denied.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is properly evaluated as 10 percent disabling, and a separate rating for each ear is denied.

The veteran's claim for a separate 10 percent rating for each ear for his service-connected tinnitus must be denied under both the old and current versions of DC 6260, as the maximum schedular rating available for tinnitus by regulation has been upheld.

The veteran's tinnitus disability is already rated at the maximum allowed under VA rating criteria, so a higher evaluation cannot be granted.

The Board dismissed the appeal as there was no clear and unmistakable error in granting service connection for tinnitus with a single 10% evaluation, as per the applicable regulations at that time.

The veteran's current single 10 percent evaluation for tinnitus is the maximum allowed under VA rating criteria.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus is denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10% has been assigned and upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

The veteran's appeal for separate schedular 10 percent ratings for tinnitus in each ear has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus was denied as there is no legal basis to award separate ratings for each ear, and the maximum schedular evaluation has been assigned.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations, so no higher rating can be granted.

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

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

The veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, and no higher. The appeal for a more than single 10 percent rating for tinnitus has been denied.

The initial assignment of a 10 percent rating for tinnitus in the January 1995 rating decision was not found to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a new examination and consideration of the veteran's claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence showing a relationship between current tinnitus and his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing as requested. The issues of service connection and increased evaluation are pending.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for service-connected tinnitus is denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has been assigned and upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

The VA Board has determined that the veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of hearing impairment meeting the criteria for impaired hearing at separation from service. The claims are therefore denied.