Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

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

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is already rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 6260, which only allows a single 10 percent rating for tinnitus regardless of whether it affects one or both ears. Therefore, an increased evaluation beyond 10 percent is denied.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for tinnitus, to include a separate rating for each ear, is denied as the maximum schedular rating available under VA regulations has already been assigned.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is already assigned the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, and therefore there is no legal entitlement for a separate 10-percent evaluation for each ear.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent ratings for bilateral tinnitus is denied as the VA interpretation of the applicable disability rating criteria limits a veteran to a single 10 percent rating for tinnitus, regardless if it is unilateral or bilateral.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus has been assigned the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent since July 31, 2001.

The veteran's claim for separate schedular 10 percent disability ratings for tinnitus in each ear is denied as there is no legal basis upon which to award such ratings.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is assigned a maximum rating of 10 percent, and the Board finds no legal basis for separate ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the connection between the appellant's tinnitus and in-service noise exposure.

The veteran's tinnitus is already rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, so he cannot receive separate ratings for each ear. The claim is denied.

The veteran's appeal for separate 10 percent ratings for tinnitus of each ear is denied as there is no legal basis to award such ratings given the maximum schedular rating available for tinnitus has already been assigned.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus has been assigned the maximum schedular rating available, and there is no legal basis to award separate ratings for each ear. Therefore, his appeal for a higher initial rating is denied.

The veteran's claim for separate schedular 10 percent disability ratings for tinnitus in each ear is denied as there is no legal basis to award such ratings.

The Board found that the veteran's need for regular aid and attendance is not supported by evidence, as his service-connected anxiety disorder does not require such assistance.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for tinnitus as there is no competent medical evidence linking the condition to service, despite significant noise exposure. The veteran's current recollections of when he first experienced tinnitus are inconsistent with his service records.

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

The veteran's claim of entitlement to separate schedular 10 percent ratings for tinnitus in each ear is denied as there is no legal basis upon which to award such ratings.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus is denied as the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent has already been assigned.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining updated notice of what evidence has been received and not received by VA.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus is due to service, and therefore grants service connection for bilateral tinnitus. The left ear hearing loss claim is denied as it was not incurred in or aggravated by service.