Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already assigned the maximum rating of 10 percent, and no higher evaluation can be granted under current regulations.

The veteran's appeal for service connection on hearing loss disability is dismissed. The Board finds that tinnitus was incurred in service and grants the claim of service connection for tinnitus. The issue of PTSD remains pending as it has not been verified.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently assigned a 10 percent rating, which is the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260. There is no legal basis for an evaluation in excess of this rating.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, effective December 7, 1999.

The VA Board found that the evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD and thus denied service connection for this condition. The veteran's claims for hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to the need for further medical examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of May 18, 1999 for his service-connected tinnitus and hearing loss.

The veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, shoulder/arm disorder, forearm scars (shrapnel wounds), and degenerative arthritis of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine were all denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board is unable to grant the requested increases or establish service connection due to a lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent ratings for each ear for his service-connected tinnitus must be denied under both the new and old versions of the regulation. As a consequence, the veteran is not entitled to an evaluation in excess of a single 10 percent rating for tinnitus.

The Board denied an initial compensable rating for bilateral varicose veins, finding that the maximum schedular evaluation available under applicable criteria is a noncompensable rating.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent evaluations for each ear for bilateral tinnitus is denied as the maximum schedular evaluation available under both old and new versions of the governing regulation has already been assigned.

The Board has determined that the veteran is already receiving the maximum disability rating available for tinnitus under the applicable rating criteria. The claim for separate 10 percent ratings for each ear for his service-connected tinnitus must be denied.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete military service records and requests for VA examinations.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already assigned the maximum evaluation of 10 percent, and no higher rating can be granted under current regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, a right wrist disorder, or migraine headaches that are service-connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for tinnitus and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The decision found that his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred in service, and his PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent. The claims are granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a right knee disability, and a back disability. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, and chronic liver disease secondary to Hepatitis C. The veteran was not diagnosed with PTSD during or after service. Tinnitus is not related to service. Chronic liver disease is more likely due to the veteran's history of intravenous drug use.