Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss as defined by VA regulations and denied service connection for this condition. However, the Board granted service connection for tinnitus based on in-service noise exposure during combat.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus is denied as the law only allows a single 10 percent rating for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate 10 percent ratings for bilateral tinnitus, finding that only a single 10 percent rating is authorized under current regulations.

The Board has determined that separate initial compensable ratings for tinnitus in each ear are not assignable under the applicable regulations and diagnostic codes.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that the law does not allow separate evaluations for bilateral tinnitus.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral tinnitus was denied as the current 10% evaluation is considered the maximum allowable under VA regulations.

The veteran's tinnitus has been given the maximum rating provided by the Rating Schedule (10 percent). Factors warranting extraschedular consideration are neither shown nor alleged.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of tinnitus, finding that the earliest date that may be assigned is July 27, 2001, based on when his claim was received.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral defective hearing and tinnitus, and denied an increased rating for the residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right forearm. The veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with a 50% evaluation.

The Board has determined that the current rating decision denying a TDIU is not final and requires further development to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist. The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic lumbosacral strain, residuals of injury of the left knee with traumatic arthritis, bronchial asthma, and tinnitus, are being evaluated for their impact on his employability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, arranging for a VA audiological examination, and ensuring that all requested development is completed.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a right knee disorder, or tinnitus. The claims are denied.

The veteran's osteoarthritis of the left great toe and tinnitus have been granted original disability evaluations, with a 30 percent rating for the left foot condition since May 2, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate schedular ratings for bilateral tinnitus as a matter of law, finding that Diagnostic Code 6260 does not allow for separate ratings for bilateral tinnitus.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, eardrum damage, and tinnitus is properly considered. This includes obtaining medical records from a VA examination and ensuring all relevant evidence is reviewed.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus is denied as the law only allows a single 10 percent rating for this condition.

The veteran's claim for separate 10% disability ratings for each ear for his tinnitus was denied as the current rating criteria do not allow for such a division.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent evaluations for tinnitus in each ear was denied as the maximum disability rating of 10 percent has been granted, and VA regulations do not allow for separate ratings for bilateral tinnitus.

The Board found no evidence of current tinnitus and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.