Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already rated at the maximum allowed under the applicable rating criteria, so a higher rating cannot be granted.

The veteran's claim for a separate 10 percent rating for the service-connected tinnitus is denied as he already receives a 10 percent rating.

The veteran's claim for separate compensable ratings for bilateral tinnitus was denied as there is no legal basis to award such ratings given the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has already been assigned.

The veteran's claim for a separate compensable evaluation for his service-connected tinnitus was denied as the condition is already assigned a single 10 percent evaluation.

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

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral tinnitus, to include entitlement to separate evaluations for each ear, is denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has already been assigned.

The veteran's claim for separate compensable ratings for bilateral tinnitus was denied as there is no legal basis to award such ratings given the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has already been assigned.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus is denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has been assigned under the applicable VA regulations and criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a separate schedular 10 percent rating for tinnitus in each ear, finding that the current version of Diagnostic Code 6260 precludes such a rating.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the April 2001 rating decision that granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and assigned a 10 percent rating, as Diagnostic Code 6260 did not allow for separate ratings for each ear.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected tinnitus disability warrants a single 10 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular evaluation allowed under applicable VA rating criteria. There is no legal basis for an increased rating or separate ratings for each ear.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and an initial evaluation of 30 percent for migraines, effective July 3, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for separate ratings for tinnitus and service connection for loss of balance, finding that he was already receiving the maximum disability rating available for tinnitus under applicable regulations.

The veteran is seeking service connection for tinnitus, either on a direct basis or as secondary to his service-connected otitis media of the left ear. The case must be remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for higher SMC ratings and an earlier effective date, finding that he did not meet the criteria for a higher level of care or aid and attendance based on his service-connected disabilities.

The VA has decided to remand the case for further examination and review, as there is conflicting evidence regarding whether the veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current tinnitus and there is no causal relationship between his claimed disability and service. As a result, the claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied.

The veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss, and there is no legal basis for separate 10 percent evaluations for bilateral tinnitus.