tinnitus How Is Tinnitus Tested By The Va For Compensation Purposes?

[ArmyVet97B]

I am trying to understand how I will be tested for tinnitus by the VA. I have a pending compensation claim for hearing loss and tinnitus (and a couple other things) that is in stage 5 (preparation for decision). I am now awaiting a C&P exam (I believe). I am already S/C for shoulder and lower back (20% total). How is tinnitus tested by the VA to receive the 10% rating? I served in OEF and have a Combat Action Badge (all on my DD214). I have hearing loss, but what happens if I pass as “normal” for hearing loss. I have occasional ringing in both ears from OEF (artillery/heavy machine guns/IED’s), and it has gotten worse over time. My tinnitus came later after I had separated from the US Army. I am trying to understand how I am tested for tinnitus to received the 10%, even if I get 0% for hearing loss (which I have heard is very difficult to get above 0% for hearing loss). With my claim I submitted my civilian primary care physician’s professional opinion that I could definitely have/probably do have hearing loss and tinnitus from combat. I have read/heard differing opinions, and I am just trying to find a straight answer to how tinnitus is tested for by the VA (since I see that some vets get 0% for hearing loss, but 10% for tinnitus). And what are my chances of getting the 10% for tinnitus even if I get 0% for hearing loss? Great, good, not good, etc? Please help. Thank you.

[Buck52]

ArmyVet97B

Combat on your DD 214 it helps prove you were around loud noise exposure but it don't guarantee you will be rated for tinnitus or Hearing loss, That depends on what your hearing test are & how bad your hearing is usually from the VA Audiologist but IMO too, it mostly depends on the test results and if you don't tell them you have a ringing in your ears or weird sounds like chirping, humms, crickets or similar sounds you won't get a rating for tinnitus.

jmo

...........Buck

[Andyman73]

I remember when I was getting my hearing tested during AD and since then, that I was pushing the button for hearing noises in my ears even when the machine wasn't making any. When asked, I said that I heard high pitched sounds that I thought were from the machine. And the harder I tried to concentrate the more I heard the phantom sounds. It's so hard to pick out the phantom beeps from the real ones, especially at lower volume, cuz the voices in my head just won't be quiet long enough.

[ArmyVet97B]

I saw in my ebenefits that I am at the stage of preparation for decision. My understanding is that I might not receive a cp exam, but in my case I believe the cp exam would help my case for hearing loss and tinnitus because the tinnitus has gotten worse. What to do? Wait for a decision and if it is not good, then appeal or what?

[MarkInTexas]

On ‎7‎/‎21‎/‎2015 at 4:47 PM, ArmyVet97B said:

I saw in my ebenefits that I am at the stage of preparation for decision. My understanding is that I might not receive a cp exam, but in my case I believe the cp exam would help my case for hearing loss and tinnitus because the tinnitus has gotten worse. What to do? Wait for a decision and if it is not good, then appeal or what?

You might think about scheduling an appointment with a local audiology clinic, preferably one that is veteran-friendly and knows how to write a good IMO report. It may not make the VA change their rating yet, but might well force them to order a C&P examination for you.

Good luck!

Mark

Edited September 29, 2018 by MarkInTexas

[ArmyVet97B]

Update: had a va audiology exam today. Minor hearing loss. They are giving me hearing aids. Briefly discussed tinnitus. Ent doc said my tinnitus is also part of hearing loss from combat. I am assuming that should get me at least the 10% tinnitus?

[rootbeer22]

Folks:

From what I've heard and what happened to me is that most of it is decided upon what your MOS was and how much exposure that you may have had during your time in service? I was an Army Tanker and it was amazing what a main gun blast does to the environment and a human body. Frankly, it would stand to reason that anyone with the requisite exposure to loud noises and machinery in the military would probably be rated for tinnitus? However, that's a big "probably" because in many cases the rules are pretty straight forward with regard to noise exposure in the military -but many of the Docs can and do make their own interpretations which can result in a negative outcome for the vets? Like everything else, a lot of it is determined on who you get (the luck of the draw) to exam you and if they know their stuff or not? I was involved in a major explosion in the army that ruptured both my ear drums and really hurt me, I'm still having problems with numerous ear infections in my right ear? But the last ear doctor made a big issue about the unusual wax buildup having an effect and I said "of course" my ear us trying to protect itself. But, none of this happened before the blast and it was only after the blast that I had trouble? Frankly, I'm learning that a lot of doctors, both VA and Non VA have no experience with explosions and the damage they cause? Good Luck and Godspeed...rootbeer22