Balls_B

Good advice from Buck52 and good listening by ardodd. As much as we’d all like favorable decisions, we need to keep the basics in mind. Talk to and trust your doctor or get a second opinion. If your examiner was mindful, he made a note on the different areas of pain and the source. Very good discussion for me as I study for accreditation.

ardod, Good for you! As others have said before, Tinnitus does not usually need more than a noise-connected MOS.

Trying to correct a 'lost post'. I had agreed with Buck52 on getting a an 'audiogram' by a private clinic. However, my post stated that the only tests the VA would accept is a Maryland CNC. I doubt my wisdom. there are many 'frequency' tests but you will need the Maryland CNC which is a 'speech recognition' test.

Buck52 has some good advice saying "take another test from the VA and maybe go take a state license Audiologist private test that use the VA Guidelines/Criteria...ask the audiologist to compare the results of the two test." In addition, the VA is likely to call for a C&P exam whether or not you submit the results of a privately administered exam with your claim. To my knowledge, the 'Maryland CNC exam' are the only test results the VA accepts for hearing. Many hearing aid dealers offer 'free test' promotions throughout the year - go for it but let the VA give the first test. Then, (with your audiologist's opinion) you can offer your test results to counter the VA's. The VA can deny or issue a '0' percentage but cannot call for a third opinion. That would considered "Developing to Deny" and it holds true with all private exams.

Wish I had an answer but I am following this as my friend has the same question. All of his VA ratings / award letters specify his left side - shoulder, hip and ankle from combat wounds. You may want to specify your conditions accordingly. Wishing you a positive outcome and looking forward to hearing an answer.