Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the February 1998 rating decision that granted service connection for tinnitus and assigned a single 10 percent disability evaluation.

The initial 10% disability evaluation for tinnitus assigned in the August 1998 rating decision was correct and not CUE.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent evaluations for each ear for bilateral tinnitus is denied as the maximum schedular evaluation available under all applicable VA regulations has already been assigned.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum allowable rating of 10 percent, and no higher. The Board has determined that there is no legal basis to grant a separate evaluation for each ear.

The veteran's tinnitus disability is already rated at the maximum allowed under VA rating criteria, and no separate ratings for each ear are warranted.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already assigned the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, and therefore he does not have legal entitlement for separate 10-percent evaluations for 'bilateral' tinnitus.

The Board denied the appellant's request for separate schedular 10 percent ratings for his service-connected bilateral tinnitus, as there is no provision for assignment of a separate rating for tinnitus in each ear under applicable VA regulations.

The veteran's appeal for a higher rating for tinnitus has been denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already assigned.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not attributable to his military service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service. The VA audiologist concluded that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus were not due to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and further review of the veteran's claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a skin condition, and peripheral neuropathy as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions and they are not related to service or presumed exposure to herbicides.

The RO granted a TDIU effective October 10, 1996 based on the veteran's combined rating of 70% due to his service-connected disabilities. However, an earlier effective date is denied as the veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU prior to this date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a right hand disability and separate 10 percent ratings for bilateral tinnitus, finding no current diagnosis or evidence of such disabilities.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied. He is currently receiving a maximum noncompensable rating for both conditions.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to preclude him from securing and following any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work experience, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the veteran, and additional medical records are needed for consideration.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that he was already receiving the maximum disability rating available under the applicable regulations.

The veteran's appeal for separate ratings for bilateral tinnitus was denied as a matter of law due to the interpretation of VA regulations.

The veteran's claim for separate ratings for bilateral tinnitus is denied as a matter of law.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by military service and denied his claim.