Right Ear Tinitus

[orlando107]

Back in Apr 1984 while at Ft. Bragg, NC., I developed an ear pain that almost busted my ear drum. After a few years I developed this ringing in my ears and was told by the doctor that there is no medication and no cure for this. I let it go and continue to live with this situation and got somewhat use to it. later in years it started to bother me to the point of not being able to sleep. I spoke to an Army friend which told me that I can file for compensation with the VA. I file my claim in Sept. 2009 and was denied. I appeal it and, I am waiting for their decision. What are my chances of getting any compensation since the only proof I have is the medical report from 1984 which state that I had an ear infection with almost ear drum busted. I have no other proof or doctors follow ups, and I was so naive as not to know anything about it. Any input is greatly appreciated

[sharon]

You need to get a statement (nexus) from your doctor/ENT specialist showing a connection between the ear infection and your tinnitus. It is important that they state that "I have review the service medical record and it is my medical opinion that the current condition is a result of the ear infection that occurred while in service in 1984.

[Roger Louis]

Make sure that when and if you get a C&P for this that you are aware if the rinning in you ear comes from one ear or both. They will as this question and you should be aware of the correct answer for the question as it will impact on the results of the C&P.

[carlie]

Make sure that when and if you get a C&P for this that you are aware if the rinning in you ear comes from one ear or both. They will as this question and you should be aware of the correct answer for the question as it will impact on the results of the C&P.

Being that Tinnitus is capped at 10 % and there is no option for a bilateral rating,

there is no impact on whether it's in one or both ears.

FWIW - Tinnitus is only perceived in the ears - it happens in the head.

JMHO

[boomer2]

Orlando

Sharon is right on, get an ENT doc to write the IMO. Carlie is right as well they only give 10%. I would suggest that you also do some research on the infection you had and if indicates that the infection can cause tinnitus print it and send it to the VA as well. What was your MOS? I posted a link that lists all of the MOS's that are subject to hearing loss, this should help as well. Just go to the search feature and type in hearing loss and it will show all of the posts on that subject.

Rmember anything sent to the VA has to be return receipt.

[boomer2]

Forgot to add something. When you filed your claim in 2009 did they give you a hearing test? If your hearing was normal in that ear that may be why they denied the claim. The test should show some hearing loss in the high frequency range. That's why it is important to know if your MOS is on the list for hearing loss.

Remember the proof is in the pudding....you need to prove to the VA that your condition and it's effects are the result of what happened to you while on active duty.

[carlie]

I file my claim in Sept. 2009 and was denied.

Post what was stated in the Reasons and Bases Section of the decision

to support the denial.