Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

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

The Board finds no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current diagnoses and his period of active service, resulting in denial of all claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his request for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The Board found that there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his period of military service.

The Board denied the veteran's request for separate schedular 10 percent ratings for his service-connected bilateral tinnitus, finding that only a single 10 percent rating is available under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus has been rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent. The Board finds no legal basis to grant a higher rating, and thus denied the appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder impingement, right anterior cruciate ligament deficient knee, status-post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction left knee, and left ear hearing loss. The claim of service connection for depression was withdrawn by the veteran prior to a decision being made.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum of 10 percent, and there is no legal basis for a higher rating.

The Board found that the veteran's posttraumatic headaches and tinnitus were not related to his service, including boxing activities in service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, which are currently service-connected. The veteran will also receive proper VCAA notification.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to new and material evidence. However, further development is needed before rendering a decision on the merits as VA will notify the veteran if additional action is required.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's tinnitus to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including verification of stressors and VA examinations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for Chapter 31, Independent Living Services as it is not necessary to assist him function more independently in his family or community.

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

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is assigned a maximum rating of 10 percent, and the claim for separate ratings in each ear has been denied.

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

The veteran's claim for a schedular evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus was denied as there is no provision for separate ratings for each ear. The veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was also denied because the evidence did not show he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already assigned the maximum rating of 10 percent, and no further increase in ratings is warranted.

The veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied, as the RO assigned a noncompensable rating. The claims for service connection of left foot, leg (knee), and ankle conditions were also denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing VCAA notice.