Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claim for dual (separate) 10 percent ratings for bilateral tinnitus, finding that the regulation in effect at the time did not allow for separate ratings and that the decision was not CUE.

The Board has determined that there is no clear and unmistakable error in the February 1948 rating decision which assigned a single 10 percent evaluation for tinnitus.

The Board found that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the December 2001 rating decision which assigned a 10 percent evaluation for tinnitus, as it was consistent with existing law and regulations.

The veteran's claim for separate schedular 10 percent disability evaluations for bilateral tinnitus is denied as the current version of Diagnostic Code 6260 precludes such evaluations.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently assigned a 10 percent evaluation, and the Board finds no legal basis for an increased rating.

The veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for bilateral tinnitus, to include separate ratings for each ear, is denied as the condition only warrants a single 10 percent disability rating under applicable VA regulations.

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 tinnitus in each ear.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral tinnitus, finding no competent medical evidence linking his current condition to service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no legal basis for assigning a schedular evaluation in excess of the maximum rating authorized for tinnitus, and denied service connection for neck and low back disorders.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus of the right ear, finding that there is no competent medical nexus evidence relating his current condition to in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus between these conditions and service. The only competent medical opinion was against the veteran's claims.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status.

The veteran's claim for separate ratings for each ear of his service-connected tinnitus is denied as the maximum schedular rating (10%) has already been assigned under both old and new versions of VA regulations.

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

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already assigned the maximum rating of 10 percent, which is the highest available under Diagnostic Code 6260. Therefore, he cannot receive a higher evaluation.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a right foot disorder. The veteran's service records did not show any complaints or treatment related to these conditions during his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are due to in-service noise exposure, warranting service connection. The issue of whether his varicose ulcer disease and chronic erythema is related to his service-connected peripheral neuropathy remains unresolved.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent and no higher, as the maximum rating for bilateral tinnitus under Diagnostic Code 6260 has been assigned.

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