tinnitus Need Some Help

[Runrdud3]

Jan 2014 I was pursuing an increase for two disabilities.

1). 10% for Foot

2). An initial for hearing loss/ w tinnitus and vertigo

I was granted 10% for the foot and received a 30% for Menieres disease which both were service connected by the VA rater in 2014.

Menieres symptoms have got so severe I have filed for IU in Dec 2014.

Yesterday, went to my CNP and met with an ENT at the Salt Lake VA. He did the exam and I gave him all the symptoms and he did a few tests, but I had never met such a weird doc in all my life. He said Menieres can in no way be service connected and he said he was going to document that in his review, service connection should never accompany this disease for disability benefits. He did write that I have episodes 2-3 time a week and all the other things associated with Menieres. I thought since it was service connected under diagnostic code 6205 I could be rated at a higher rate when symptoms progress. I have been out of work because of it for a year. I am real nervous that his comments will reduce/eliminate the 30% I already have. My private doc even wrote a letter stating that my disease warrants unemployable and that he is treating me for it. I saw Audiology an hour later and my hearing loss is still quite significant.

Any advice?

[lotzaspotz]

If you can't work due to your disabilities, file for SSD. You can do this at the same time you have a TDIU claim pending. One is not contingent upon the other. Personally, I always recommend getting an SSD attorney at the beginning of the process, instead of waiting until any denial possibly occurs and then having to get an attorney to help appeal it. Others may disagree, but this approach worked out successfully for us. You can file online immediately and find representation later on, if you choose to go that route.

[Runrdud3]

Thanks,

I will absolutely look into it.