Hearing Loss And Tinnitus C&p Results

[charlest27]

I had my C&P for hearing loss and i do not fully understand it can someone help me out here in simple terms please. Here is the DBQ.

I understand the tinnitus it is cut and dry.

Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
Disability Benefits Questionnaire

Name of patient/Veteran: XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXx

Indicate method used to obtain medical information to complete this
document:
In-person examination

Evidence review
---------------
a. Was the Veteran's VA claims file reviewed: Yes

If yes, list any records that were reviewed but were not included in the
Veteran's VA claims file: Service History: 23 Feb 1994 - 30 Sep 2013
Branch of Service: NAVY
MOS: Builder/construction
Noise Exposure: Heavy machinery, forklifts, bulldozers etc., weapons
Hearing Protection: Provided
Recreational Noise Exposure: Minimal
Otologic Surgery/Trauma:None
Post Service Employment: None

Service Audiograms/Consults:
04 Jan 2013 mild hl 4K right
03 Dec 2012 mild hl 4K right
27 Apr 2012 mild hl 4K right
10 nov 2011 mild hl 4K right
13 May 2010 mild hl 4K right
05 Mar 2009 normal hearing acuity bilateral
04 Mar 2008 normal hearing acuity bilateral
02 Nov 2006 mild hl 4K right
27 Jan 2004 mild hl 4K right
26 Mar 2002 mild hl 4K right
02 Apr 2001 normal hearing acuity bilateral
01 Mar 1994 normal hearing acuity bilateral

Service consults for Rhinitis, Sinusitis:
07 Mar 2012 MRI mucosal disease in maxillary sinuses, polyp or retenetion
cyst on left madillary sinus
23 Jan 2012 URI sinusitis
07 Apr 2008 Allergic rhinitis Pollen
07 Dec 2000 URI sinusitis

This exam is for: Hearing loss and/or tinnitus (audiologist, performing
current exam)


SECTION 1: HEARING LOSS (HL)
-----------------------------

1. Objective Findings
---------------------
a. Puretone thresholds in decibels (air conduction):

RIGHT EAR
+==============================================================+
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
|========+========+========+========+========+========+========+========+
| 500 | 1000 | 2000 | 3000 | 4000 | 6000 | 8000 | Avg Hz |
| Hz* | Hz | Hz | Hz | Hz | Hz | Hz | (B-E)**|
|========+========+========+========+========+========+========+========|
| 25 | 25 | 15 | 25 | 35 | 45 | 30 | 25 |
+=======================================================================+

LEFT EAR
+==============================================================+
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
|========+========+========+========+========+========+========+========+
| 500 | 1000 | 2000 | 3000 | 4000 | 6000 | 8000 | Avg Hz |
| Hz* | Hz | Hz | Hz | Hz | Hz | Hz | (B-E)**|
|========+========+========+========+========+========+========+========|
| 20 | 15 | 5 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 20 | 14 |
+=======================================================================+

* The puretone threshold at 500 Hz is not used in determining the
evaluation but is used in determining whether or not a ratable hearing
loss exists.
** The average of B, C, D, and E.
*** CNT - Could Not Test

b. Were there one or more frequency(ies) that could not be tested: No

c. Validity of puretone test results: Test results are valid for rating
purposes.

d. Speech Discrimination Score (Maryland CNC word list):
+=======================+
| RIGHT EAR | 100% |
|=============+=========|
| LEFT EAR | 100% |
+=======================+

e. Appropriateness of Use of Word Recognition Score (Maryland CNC word
list):
Right Ear:
Is Word Discrimination Score available? Yes
Word Discrimination Score appropriateness:
Use of word recognition score is appropriate for this Veteran.

Left Ear:
Is Word Discrimination Score available? Yes
Word Discrimination Score appropriateness:
Use of word recognition score is appropriate for this Veteran.

f. Audiologic Findings
Summary of Immittance (Tympanometry) Findings:

+=============================================================================+
| | RIGHT EAR | LEFT EAR
|

|=====================+===========================+===========================|
| Acoustic immittance | [X] Normal [ ] Abnormal | [X] Normal [ ] Abnormal
|

|=====================+===========================+===========================|
| Ipsilateral | |
|
| Acoustic Reflexes | [X] Normal [ ] Abnormal | [X] Normal [ ] Abnormal
|

|=====================+===========================+===========================|
| Contralateral | |
|
| Acoustic Reflexes | [X] Normal [ ] Abnormal | [X] Normal [ ] Abnormal
|

|=====================+===========================+===========================|
| Unable to interpret | |
|
| reflexes due to | [ ] | [ ]
|
| artifact | |
|

|=====================+===========================+===========================|
| Unable to obtain/ | |
|
| maintain seal | [ ] | [ ]
|

+=============================================================================+

2. Diagnosis
------------

RIGHT EAR
---------
[ ] Normal hearing

[ ] Conductive hearing loss ICD code:

[ ] Mixed hearing loss ICD code:

[X] Sensorineural hearing loss (in the frequency range of 500-4000 Hz)*
ICD code: 389.1
[X] Sensorineural hearing loss (in the frequency range of 6000 Hz or
higher frequencies)** ICD code: 389.1
[ ] Significant changes in hearing thresholds in service***

LEFT EAR
--------
[X] Normal hearing

[ ] Conductive hearing loss ICD code:

[ ] Mixed hearing loss ICD code:

[ ] Sensorineural hearing loss (in the frequency range of 500-4000 Hz)*
ICD code:
[ ] Sensorineural hearing loss (in the frequency range of 6000 Hz or
higher frequencies)** ICD code:
[ ] Significant changes in hearing thresholds in service***

NOTES:
* The Veteran may have hearing loss at a level that is not considered to
be
a disability for VA purposes. This can occur when the auditory
thresholds are greater than 25 dB at one or more frequencies in the
500-4000 Hz range.

** The Veteran may have impaired hearing, but it does not meet the criteri
a
to be considered a disability for VA purposes. For VA purposes, the
diagnosis of hearing impairment is based upon testing at frequency
ranges
of 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz. If there is no HL in the
500-4000
Hz range, but there is HL above 4000 Hz, check this box.

*** The Veteran may have a significant change in hearing threshold in
service, but it does not meet the criteria to be considered a disability
for VA purposes. (A significant change in hearing threshold may
indicate
noise exposure or acoustic trauma.)

3. Etiology
-----------
Right Ear
Was there a permanent positive threshold shift (worse than reference
threshold) greater than normal measurement variability at any frequency
between 500 and 6000 Hz for the right ear? Yes
Opinion provided for the right ear: Yes
If present, is the Veteran's right ear hearing loss at least as likely as
not (50% probability or greater) caused by or a result of an event in
military service? Yes
Rationale (Provide rationale for either a yes, no answer or speculation
reason): Review of the Vet's STRs show that the vet had detectablemild
hearing loss on right ear which is still evident at present. His MOS
has a moderate risk of hazardous noise exposure hence this conslusion

Did hearing loss exist prior to service? No

Left Ear
Was there a permanent positive threshold shift (worse than reference
threshold) greater than normal measurement variability at any frequency
between 500 and 6000 Hz for the left ear? No

4. Functional impact of hearing loss
------------------------------------
Does the Veteran's hearing loss impact ordinary conditions of daily life,
including ability to work: Yes
If yes, describe impact in the Veteran's own words: Mild difficulty
listening to consversations

5. Remarks, if any, pertaining to hearing loss:
-----------------------------------------------
Otoscopy: Patent canals with intact TM bilateral


SECTION 2: TINNITUS
--------------------
1. Medical history
------------------
Does the Veteran report recurrent tinnitus: Yes
Date and circumstances of onset of tinnitus: 2010, bilateral,
intermittent, 3 secs to 6 secs, 2 - 3x a day

2. Etiology of tinnitus
-----------------------
At least as likely as not (50% probability or greater) caused by or a result
of military noise exposure.
Rationale: Vet has a moderate risk of hazardous noise exposure based on
his
MOS and can result in the sensation of tinnitus.

3. Functional impact of tinnitus
--------------------------------
Does the Veteran's tinnitus impact ordinary conditions of daily life,
including ability to work: Yes
If yes, describe impact in the Veteran's own words: He has difficulty
understanding what is being said when the ringing is present.

4. Remarks, if any, pertaining to tinnitus:
-------------------------------------------
Tinnitus Matching
Right: 70dB 6KHz
Left: 60dB 6KHz

NOTE: VA may request additional medical information, including additional
examinations necessary to complete VA's review of the Veteran's
application.

38 CFR CHAPTER 4

6260 Tinnitus, recurrent 10

Note (1): A separate evaluation for tinnitus may be combined with an evaluation under diagnostic codes 6100, 6200, 6204, or other diagnostic code,
except when tinnitus supports an evaluation under one of those diagnostic codes.

Note (2): Assign only a single evaluation for recurrent tinnitus, whether the sound is perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head.

Note (3): Do not evaluate objective tinnitus (in which the sound is audible to other people and has a definable cause that may or may not be
pathologic) under this diagnostic code, but evaluate it as part of any underlying condition causing it

[boomer2]

It looks to me like you will get 10% for tinnitus and 0% for the right ear. According to the DBQ you have normal hearing in the left ear. Your speech discrimination scores are at 100% for both ears to be considered a HL they need to be at or below 92%. It does say you have a sensorineural hearing loss in your right ear which would indicate a 0%. If you take the readings they had for each ear at 1000 thru 4000 your right ear is at 25 and your left ear is at 13.75 according to CFR 38 you need to have a 26 for HL. I can't tell you anything about the sinusitis.

[stillhere]

I agree, hard to get hearing loss when you have speech recognition of 100%! Did I miss it or what was you MOS in service sometimes the VA will give you 0% SC which in itself is actually good because as you get older and if it gets worse you will be eligible to feel for and increase.

Stillhere

[Navy04]

Boomer is on the money. The VA did the same to me last year. I got 10% for Tinnitus, and 0% for Hearing Loss, even though VA exam stated I have hearing loss compared to when I first entered the Navy. Good luck and keep us posted.

[killemall]

Your hearing actually looks pretty good to me. Very very slight loss. Perhaps 10% for tinitus if you told them your ears ring

[justrluk]

I ended up in exactly this boat. I'm getting hearing aids to help with the specific frequency loss (didn't realize the technology supported this), but through private insurance. BC/BS FEP pays up to ~$1200.00 so I'm getting the bottom-of-the-line model.

[GEEBEE711]

I agree, hard to get hearing loss when you have speech recognition of 100%! Did I miss it or what was you MOS in service sometimes the VA will give you 0% SC which in itself is actually good because as you get older and if it gets worse you will be eligible to feel for and increase.

Stillhere

Correct! My first claim for disabilty was when I got out of the service in 1977. I was awarded 10% right knee and 0% hearing loss. I'm now rated at 10% hearing loss when I did a another claim many years after the first one. Even at 0% rating, you'll be able to receive hearing aids from the VA at no cost to you if they feel that you can benefit from wearing them.