Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete notification and missing medical records.

The veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a nervous condition secondary to tinnitus. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including searching for the veteran's records from 1955, scheduling an examination, and obtaining private medical records.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is assigned a maximum 10 percent evaluation, and no higher. The Board denied the claim for an increased evaluation.

The Board found that the rating decision in April 1998 denying the application to reopen claims of service connection for tinnitus and traumatic joint disease of L-5 was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The veteran's claim for peripheral neuropathy secondary to a service-connected low back disability was denied as there is no current evidence of this condition.

The veteran's increased rating claims for residuals of a right knee injury, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and appendectomy scar were denied. The RO found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The veteran is granted service connection for PTSD, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The veteran's claim for a single 20% evaluation for his hearing loss and tinnitus, currently rated separately at 10%, is denied as the law does not allow for such an assignment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a gunshot wound of the right knee with retained metallic fragments.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The veteran's appeal for separate 10 percent ratings for each ear under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. � 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260 for service-connected bilateral tinnitus is denied as he is already receiving the maximum disability rating available.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already assigned the maximum rating of 10 percent, and therefore a separate rating for each ear cannot be granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that new and material evidence was not received to reopen his previously denied claim of hearing loss. The Board also found no medical evidence linking the veteran's current tinnitus to his period of service.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus in service, and the medical evidence does not link current bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus to service. The veteran's left shoulder disability is rated as moderately severe to severe functional disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The veteran's claim for a separate 10 percent rating for his service-connected tinnitus is denied as the maximum allowable rating of 10 percent has already been assigned.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are all service-connected. The initial noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for tinnitus prior to June 10, 1999 and a rating in excess of 10 percent as of that date. The maximum schedular ratings available under VA regulations were assigned.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and tinnitus, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. He is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on his housebound status.

The veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, and his left ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found that the veteran's tinnitus was first diagnosed many years after service and there is no competent evidence linking it to any incident or event during service. The only supportive evidence comes from the veteran's own lay statements, which are not considered significant due to lack of medical knowledge.