[Path to SC for tinnitus withOUT hearing loss?]

If your MOS is on the  VA hearing list, then you are presumptively service connected.  Read the M21. https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000014464/M21-1,-Part-V,-Subpart-iii,-Chapter-2,-Section-B---Conditions-of-the-Auditory-System

[Path to SC for tinnitus withOUT hearing loss?]

On 6/30/2021 at 5:46 AM, GBArmy said:

mb76 You need a current diagnosis and a statement from the audiologist saying that the disability originated from trauma that occurred while you were in the service. You don't have to have a hearing loss along with your tinnitus; they are separate disabilities. However, now days, it is very difficult to have a rating higher than 0% for hearing, as the standards for disability are quite high (severe.) IMHO, the majority of veterans that file both will get the tinnitus at 10% but be only 0% for the hearing loss. Get the diagnosis from you own doc, then you should have a "buddy letter" form 21-10210, describing what action caused your tinnitus. If you can get someone to also submit another buddy letter, maybe  a battle buddy or family member or close friend that can attest that you showed the symptoms during or shortly after your service time, that will go a long way. Unless you really have a severe hearing loss, I wouldn't appeal hearing. Also, start getting evidence on your headaches; get a current diagnosis  and get meds from your doc. Start keeping records/log for frequency, duration  and serverity of them. I wouldn't submit as secondary NOW to your supplemental claim for tinnitus, but build a case for after your appeal. Build evidence; you can use Migraine Buddy app if you want; I just kept a paper log for 3 months. You may be able to get a disability later for that. If it is messing with your mental health, like causing anxiety or depression because you feel isolated because it interfers with your group participation, hearing issues in crowds etc., that can result in another secondary. If you can get a doc to prescribe some medications for the tinnitus, that could also help (doesn't happen a lot.) So, as you see over and over you need 3 things for a successful claim. 1) a current diagnosis, 2)an event or injury in service (I assume your str's do not mention anything on your tinnitus. If you did, request a copy of them.) and 3) a nexus or connection between the first two.  Your diagnosis and comments from your doc and your buddy letters.  Good luck.