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.

[lotzaspotz]

I haven't seen the stats on Navy04's claim that we all know most don't have it but claim it anyway. Would like to know if there are any hard numbers available, or if this statement is merely anecdotal or an opinion.

[ArmyVet97B]

Scotter 04, my mos is listed as "low" for noise exposure, but my noise exposure came from combat in oef, which is listed on my dd214 along with my CAB, as I was always on missions outside the wire with infantry units and around artillery, heavy machine guns, and ied blasts.

[Buck52]

Same here Armyvet,

only it was in Vietnam years & years ago.

but my noise induced hearing loss came years later, although I had a c&p examiner opine my hearing was tested when I was separated from service and showed no hearing loss at that time which was a lie, because that audiologist at my seperation just check it off my separation list,as most did when I was getting things check off the list, I still have a copy of that list it was used as part of my evidence to prove my hearing loss, but I never claim my hearing was bad back then and never had a claim in for it,like I said it was years later before I started having hearing problems and was tested then.

Edited July 18, 2015 by Buck52

[Navy04]

A bud I was stationed with in DC now works at RO in a position he calls, Simple Claim Resolution. He reviews most of the Tinnitus and Hearing loss claims filed. He told me that Tinnitus is granted 99% of the time if the Vet worked in an MOS that is on an Official VA List, Vet served in War, or has SC Hearing Loss issues. Not saying that anyone has or does not have Tinnitus, but we get this question atleast once a week. All we can do is go in there be honest with Exams, and either be granted or not.

[Andyman73]

I was surprised to read that a lot of Vets on here, have had a lot of issues trying to get the tinnitus SC'd. It was one of my first ones, was easy as P I E, no questions asked. At my C&P for hearing, which was initially rated 0%, they asked what my MOS was, I said, Airwing Maintenance, KC-130s and CH-53s. They asked about hearing protection, I said yep, but you can't wear them in the workshop, cuz you can't hear the phone or hand held radios. So when the fast movers are going down the line, straining for the air...especially the EA-6Bs...so dang loud your ears would be going in and out, overloading with the noise.

But that was just my experience.

[Buck52]

I might add just because you tell an audiologists or an ENT you have ringing /buzz, white sound (HUMMS) ect,,ect don't necessarily mean your going get 10% for it. although 10% is all one or two ears is rated at.

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

Edited August 9, 2015 by Buck52