The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at a maximum of 10 percent, which is the highest rating available under VA's Rating Schedule. The Board has determined that separate ratings for each ear are not warranted due to the interpretation of the regulations as of June 13, 2003.
The deciding factor: The revised regulation effective June 13, 2003, requires that tinnitus be evaluated as a single disability, whether bilateral or unilateral. Therefore, separate 10 percent ratings for tinnitus in each ear are precluded.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral tinnitus, Hearing loss, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 21, 2007
- Citation
- 0705026
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 0705026.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 27, 2019 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no earlier claim document in the claims file and the Veteran did not timely perfect an appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left toe amputation, triple bypass surgery, blockage in legs, and bilateral tinnitus due to procedural errors and the need for additional medical opinions regarding potential exposure to toxins during service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted as a result of military sexual trauma (MST) that occurred during service. The Board found the Veteran's testimony and supporting evidence credible, including her VA and private treatment records.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for TDIU is granted with an effective date of August 17, 2022. The decision also denies the Veteran's request for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) due to lack of need for aid and attendance or being housebound.
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