Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

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 tinnitus disability is already rated at the maximum allowed under VA rating criteria, and thus no additional ratings can be granted.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is already rated at the maximum allowed under the applicable rating criteria, and thus no higher rating can be granted.

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 bilateral tinnitus is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260. There is no legal basis for an increased evaluation.

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

The veteran's claim for separate compensable evaluations for service-connected tinnitus in each ear was denied as the law does not permit such a rating. The maximum permissible schedular rating of 10 percent is assigned for bilateral tinnitus.

The veteran's claim for separate compensable evaluations for service-connected tinnitus in each ear was denied as the law does not permit such a rating.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the October 1983 rating decision that assigned a 10 percent rating for bilateral tinnitus, as the current version of the Diagnostic Code (DC) 6260 precluded an evaluation in excess of a single 10-percent for tinnitus.

The VA determined that the veteran's tinnitus was not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, specifically due to a simulated bomb explosion during training. As such, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, hearing loss, tinnitus, a condition manifested by pain in the legs, a condition manifested by back pain, dizziness/forgetfulness, and residuals of a head injury. The appeals on these issues are being remanded to the RO.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and obtaining medical records from Dr. Talley, Dr. Davis, and Dr. McGee.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of in-service noise exposure or current disabilities within one year after discharge.

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

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus, to include a separate rating for each ear, is denied as he is already receiving the maximum schedular evaluation available under VA regulations.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the claim for separate compensable evaluations for service-connected tinnitus, each ear as only a single 10 percent rating is permitted under VA regulations.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is assigned a maximum 10 percent evaluation, and no higher rating is warranted under the applicable regulations.

The veteran's claim for separate initial schedular 10 percent disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus is denied as the regulation only allows a single 10 percent rating for tinnitus, whether perceived as unilateral or bilateral.