tinnitus Tinnitus Claim

[onrope]

I was discharged in 92. I was an armorer practically my entire time in the service. I spent many days of support on the rifle, pistol and M203 and MG ranges especially prior to deployment to Desert Storm. Then I logged over 10000 miles in a 2 1/2 ton truck. All of this often without hearing protection. When I discharged I already had ringing in the ears.

I sought assistance in 1994. Was turned away because I needed an appointment. VA was 70 miles one way and I was unemployed. Same happened in 1997 happened while I was seeking help for Gulf War issues. I filed again in 2003. Paperwork was lost. Unfortunately I didn't know about VSO or anything like that.

Today I'm a little more educated. I have been set up in the VA system and have been regularly visiting the CBOC as my primary medical care. I had my GW Registry and complained of tinnitus.

My tinnitus is so bad that is keeps me awake at night. The doc at the registry exam set me up for an audiology test. I found I have 80% loss in one ear and 40% in the other. I have never worked in a noisy environment and am only 43. Prior to entry I had perfect hearing.

I have filed a claim for tinnitus. I'm certain due to remembering being nearly deaf on those days after the ranges that it's service connected. But I am wondering if I'm wasting my time in a claim. How to prove its S/C? I have a driver badge, and an accommodation medal that proves I was an armorer. I should be able to get a buddy letter.

Any other tips?

Edited August 20, 2014 by onrope

[boomer2]

When you apply for HL you will be given a C & P exam by an audiologist. The results of that test will determine your level of hearing loss. It is extremely difficult to be granted above 0%. I recommend that you read and understand the following CFR concerning how the VA rates HL before you take the test.

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?rgn=div5&node=38:1.0.1.1.5#se38.1.4_185

[georgiapapa]

Passing the hearing test during your exit exam will not necessarily kill your claim. When I was discharged in 1970, I was only given the "whispered voice" test. Since then, the VA has determined the "whispered voice" test is not a reliable indicator of high frequency or noise induced hearing loss.

I applied for hearing loss and tinnitus in 2010, 40 years after I was discharged from the USMC. I wasn't sure if I would succeed with my claim or not because I had worked in civilian (federal and local) law enforcement for almost 30 years. I filed and received 10% for hearing loss and 10% for tinnitus.

The evidence I submitted included the following: IME/IMO from my private audiologist who had been giving me hearing tests since the mid 1970s, reports from my audiologist, spousal statement, my statement in support of claim, photos of me firing 105 howitzers in Vietnam without hearing protection, DD214 showing MOS as Field Artillery Batteryman, etc., 1986 receipt of purchase of "white noise" machine used to mask tinnitus, photo of white noise machine, etc.

I wish you luck with your claim.

[Navy04]

Agree with advice given above. I have SC for Tinnitus as I was Naval Aviation and SC for HL for both ears but only at 0%. I am considered to have severe hearing loss in R Ear and Moderate in L ear, yet it is only at 0%. I personally know a few Vets that have Hearing Aids and still only get 0% for HL. Good luck and keep us posted

[lotzaspotz]

Not entirely true. I was denied hearing loss and got 10% for tinnitus.

I worked right underneath the flight deck right by the arresting gear. For good measure I slept by the catapults for part of my enlistment. My Rate/MOS was low risk and I failed the hearing test three times when I separated. Still just got the 10% tinnitus and denied HL on first try. So it is possible to get just tinnitus. Jmho

Just because you weren't rated for hearing loss, it doesn't mean you don't have a hearing loss. It's just not serious enough, in the VA's judgment to warrant service connection. My husband has been offered hearing aids at the VA for hearing loss, but has been denied service connection for hearing loss. His tinnitus is service connected. We're appealing the hearing loss denial.

[sixthscents]

I honestly don't ever remember a single vet I worked with being denied a Tinnitus claim. Hearing loss yes, Tinnitus no. Further I seem to remember seeing something last week saying they were considering making it presumptive for certain MOS's. It is NOT presumptive at this time however.

The legislation I saw at Thomas was here:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d113:1:./temp/~bdQnCZ::|/home/LegislativeData.php|

As you can see this has not passed the House etc., but Sanders was the Co-sponsor of the new VA reform law that passed and I'm thinking this has a good chance when it comes out of committee.

Edited August 26, 2014 by sixthscents

[saxman]

I submitted a claim for Tinnitus Aus 2013 and was denied Jun 2014 because the audiologist from the c&p exam said that it was " least likely than not it was cause by my service"

Please note that I was a jet engine mechanic from 1982 until I got out dec 1992 working on the fight line. The first time I had ringing was when I stated working on engines in 1982. I just sent a NOD for the denial and two other audio gram test stating that i have some hearing loss in the high range and Tinnitus. I hope this is enough evidence to win my case. Another thing that was noted in the c&p exam it that I never complain of ringing in service and nothing was in my records. Good luck onrope!