Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The veteran's claim for a separate 10 percent rating for his service-connected tinnitus is denied as the maximum allowable rating of 10 percent has already been assigned.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are all service-connected. The initial noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for tinnitus prior to June 10, 1999 and a rating in excess of 10 percent as of that date. The maximum schedular ratings available under VA regulations were assigned.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and tinnitus, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. He is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on his housebound status.

The veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, and his left ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found that the veteran's tinnitus was first diagnosed many years after service and there is no competent evidence linking it to any incident or event during service. The only supportive evidence comes from the veteran's own lay statements, which are not considered significant due to lack of medical knowledge.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current tinnitus did not begin during or as a result of his military service.

The veteran's appeal for a separate 10 percent rating for service-connected tinnitus is denied as the condition is already assigned a single 10 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of tinnitus or leukemia/leukopenia, and there is no evidence to support a finding of radiation exposure in service. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus, including a separate 10 percent rating for each ear, was denied as there is no legal basis to award separate schedular evaluations for tinnitus in each ear. The veteran's service-connected tinnitus has been assigned the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an essential tremor and a back disorder, finding no legal basis for higher initial evaluations for tinnitus, and concluding that there is no evidence linking his current back disorder to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, kidney disorder, incontinence, prostate enlargement (claimed as prostate cancer), arthritis of multiple joints and the spine, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The decision found no evidence of these conditions during active duty or continuity of symptomatology thereafter.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to July 10, 2006. The earlier effective date claim is also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus do not warrant a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of radiation exposure, chronic ear infection, and tinnitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not support higher evaluations under VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for a VA audiology examination to determine if the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no legal basis to award separate schedular evaluations for each ear of tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have left ear hearing loss disability as defined by VA standards and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The heart condition claim was not addressed due to lack of information.