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]

 Some veterans never did there Primary MOS while in combat zones....Duty MOS can be found at NPRC in St Louis  from  Unit Morning Reports  Thats where I got mine. there's special name for that form  I'll see if I can find it.

Edited August 13, 2016 by Buck52

[nlualum82]

I described mine. I also referenced some articles by experts, at least one from someone employed by VA medical. One said "tinnitus is a problem if the person feels it is a problem" or words to that effect. As far as I know there is no actual test for it.

[Gastone]

10 pages on Tinnitus, gotta be a record. Here's my $0.02.

I never saw a VA ENT, either for Treatment or C & P. Same Hearing Dept Clinician that fits the Hearing Aids and does the Hearing Testing, did the Hearing C & P exam in 08 & 12. I believe she's a Certified Audiologist.

If you have a Combat Award and your described associated Noise Exposure, regardless of MOS, is verified by your records, SC is conceded. In 1 ear or both, 10% SC is max, no Bilateral Factor.

As to getting anything above a 0% SC for Hearing loss, good luck there. I've been in twice over the past 8 yrs for Hearing Tests, 1 reg & 1 for C & P Rating Increase. VA computer Hearing test actually says my Hearing Loss, Frequency wise is about the same, word recognition {Guess Wise) has improved. 

Semper Fi

 

[Fat]

I could be wrong; however I don't think there is a test for tinnitus.

However; a person can be diagnosed by symptoms and other factors.

[MarkInTexas]

I didn't really have a test either.  For a good three or four years, the VA could not find my STR's, and then only part of them.  I had to find them from the NPRC, and then the audiology records from my separation examination were still missing.

However, I ended up getting an IME from a local audiologist, who provided an IMO with attached records.  That worked for hearing loss in my left ear and tinnitus.  The VA sent me to Veterans Evaluation Services for a C&P for the hearing loss and tinnitus.  Several tests were run on me for the hearing loss, but never anything for tinnitus.  Just a great deal of questions about when it started, if it continued and was it still affecting me today.

A few months later, I was service-connected 10% for the tinnitus and of course, 0% for the hearing loss, left ear.

All questions, no tests.

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

[nlualum82]

That's a shame, Tex! They rated me at 0% on my first visit in '78. It was 9 years later before I met a friendly VA rep who had a kid on my football team and was a friend of my principal. He told me that was pretty standard and that I should've gone back right away. He got me an appointment and I got a rating.

Do you do your own paperwork? I once met a rep who believed that 20% was fair for ANY hearing loss, so the people who trusted him were getting a 20% rating because that's what he requested in the paperwork he submitted.

It helps to get a copy of your test results and compare them to the table in the CFR.