Filing Tinittus Claim. How?

[saguaro]

Greetings,

Developed tinittus and hearing loss about three years ago. Worked as a weapons mechanic in an F-100 squadron in the Ohio Air Nat'l Guard back in the early '60s and believe my work on the flight line is the cause. My doctor is willing to support me on this.

Would like to know the short of how I might file a VA claim for this, or whether it is even worthwhile to do so.

Thanks for your help.

saguaro

[Guest Vietnam Tanker]

It is alway's worth while to file a simple claim, most I know that have S/C for tinnitus are rated at 10% or less

[Berta]

With that MOS and the doctor's statement your tinnitus claim should succeed.

The VA only pays 10% for tinnitus.

Make sure in the claim that the VA fully comprehends how your MOS put ypu in vicinity of acoustical trauma.

Now is the time to add request for a higher hearing rating too if that has gotten worse since the last C & P.

Welcome aboard.

[SgtD6970]

Do you currently have a disability for hearing loss if so it's easier to get approved for Tinnitus, I was reading thru my papers today from when I retired from the Army and the VA awarded me 10% for Tinnitus and 0 % for hearing but service connected both that was in 1990. In 2004 I applied for an increase for the hearing loss and was awarded 10%, anything above 10 % for hearing I have no clue as to how bad your hearing has to be for mine is really bad even with the hearing aids the VA provides me. If you ask my wife she thinks I just have her on ignore. Sgt D

[Jayg]

I have no clue as to how bad your hearing has to be for mine is really bad even with the hearing aids the VA provides me. If you ask my wife she thinks I just have her on ignore. Sgt D

I can give you an idea of the dividing line. I was in the artillery. I have the 10% for tinnitus and 0% bilateral hearing loss.

I do not have hearing aids however. They tell me (and have for years) that I hear at the same level that a hearing aid would provide. Since hearing aids ahve improved I checked it out independently. The diagnosis was confirmed. the problem is that my (like most of us I suspect) hearing is worst in the high frequency ranges. (That's where most women and childrens voices fall so that's why your wife thinks you have her "on ignore" ;) ) and there's little they can do for that. I was told that there are some very expensive experimental models coming out that might help.

So the dividing line between 0% & 10% lie somewhere between where the hearing aid begins and Sgt. D. :)