Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected tinnitus, to include separate ratings for each ear, was denied as the current evaluation of 10 percent represents the maximum schedular evaluation available.

The veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an initial compensable evaluation for his residual scar of the right hand were not addressed due to procedural issues. The claim for a rating greater than 20 percent for healed fractures of the second and third digits of the right hand was denied, while he received a noncompensable rating for his service-connected residuals.

The VA has determined that the appellant's service-connected tinnitus, rated at 10 percent, is not entitled to a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for a separate evaluation in each ear.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence now shows a current diagnosis of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, which is consistent with noise exposure during military service.

The veteran's claim for separate compensable evaluations for tinnitus in each ear is denied as the current rating criteria do not allow for such a division.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to separate 10% ratings for tinnitus in each ear, as such a claim is without legal merit.

The veteran's claim for separate schedular 10 percent disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus is denied as the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent has already been granted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound prior to August 30, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and headaches. The appeals were decided on the basis of direct service connection without any presumption or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the back, knees, and shoulders, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of a concussion. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is set at November 29, 1999.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current bilateral hearing loss disability, and her service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee is manifested by tenderness on palpation without functional limitation. The initial evaluations for tinea versicolor, polynephritis, and tinnitus are denied as well.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for further examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, bilateral defective hearing with tinnitus, and an increased evaluation for his gastrointestinal disorder. The denial was based on the absence of new and material evidence to reopen the claim for cervical spine disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected tinnitus and did not address or grant service connection for inner ear damage.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current hearing loss or tinnitus disabilities and therefore cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a reopening of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging appropriate examinations to determine if the veteran's current back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and assigned a noncompensable rating for chronic urticaria. The veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military service, while the urticaria is currently rated as noncompensably disabling.

The VA has determined that the appellant's service-connected bilateral tinnitus warrants a maximum 10 percent evaluation, and no higher. The claim for an increased rating is denied.