The Board denied the veteran's claim for separate compensable evaluations for each ear for his service-connected tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent evaluation is currently in effect and the evaluation is the maximum schedular evaluation assignable for tinnitus.
The deciding factor: The version of Diagnostic Code 6260 in effect prior to June 13, 2003 required the assignment of separate compensable evaluations for each ear. However, on June 13, 2003, the Secretary amended the regulation clarifying that recurrent tinnitus warrants a single evaluation regardless of whether the disability is unilateral or bilateral.
- Claimed conditions
- left ear tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- August 30, 2006
- Citation
- 0627393
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0627393.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The appeal for service connection for right ear and left ear hearing loss was denied.,The appeal for service connection for right ear and left ear hearing loss was denied.,Service connection for right ear tinnitus is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for left ear tinnitus is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for right foot disability is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for left foot disability is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for right ankle disability is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for back disability is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for right knee disability secondary to service-connected right foot disability is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for left knee disability secondary to service-connected left foot disability is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to service-connected right and left knee disabilities is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for back disability, left foot plantar fasciitis, respiratory condition, skin condition, left leg shin splints, right leg shin splints, left knee disability, left leg arthritis, right knee disability, and right leg arthritis. However, the Veteran's claim for migraine headaches was granted.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for left ear tinnitus as the evidence did not support a finding that it began during active service or was related to an in-service injury.
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