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.

[MarkInTexas]

It also helps to establish a solid point sometime DURING your military service when you began to have tinnitus symptoms......buzzing, high pitched sound, white noise, etc, and that it is chronic in nature from that point forward. I realize that tinnitus can probably develop later in life, and probably does, but it sure does help if you can pin it to your military service and certain events or a series of events.

I ended up doing that, along with getting the private IME/IMO from a local audiologist prior to the VA scheduling my C&P, and it seemed to work. Just a thought.

Mark

[TALON II FE]

When I did my C&P in April, I mentioned to the Doc that I had issues not filed yet, like tinnitus, and would be filing those claims once the ones I had in were completed. She said she had already 'put down tinnitus' on my DBQ. I am guessing that was probably due to two of my three AFSC (both 2A672 and 1A171) were in the 'highly probable' category? I get high pitched whining sound constantly whenever there is not enough background noise to drown it out and occasionally the 'cricket' sounds when there is some noise but not enough. I honestly believe that 10% is not enough for how maddening it is, much less that my wife can't sleep with ANY noise and I need noise or I can't sleep. We have to sleep in separate bedrooms now because of that and my sleep apnea / snoring, so that really puts a cramp in my style, if you know what I mean.

It is frustrating to think that people who don't deal with it still claim it (especially when I can't even get a Hardship claim processed in a reasonable amount of time and the system is already clogged up), but I would rather see those 'types' get paid than those who do have to deal with it not get at least the measly 10% rating. I have issues that will rate a lot higher that don't have the impact on my daily life that tinnitus does.

[MarkInTexas]

I have read on here and elsewhere that the VA likes to throw a bone to Veterans by giving them a 10% for Tinnitus, then deny all other claimed conditions as a "first line of defense." Basically, it's a strategy that by shooting down a Veteran on most everything, and giving them that smaller amount, they think he/she will shrug their shoulders and take the consololation prize and walk away with filing a NOD.

Probably happens much more often that we know. I don't know this for fact, but it does make me wonder.

You're right about Tinnitus being something that disrupts your life much greater than 10%. I wonder who the individual who was that actually decided on that percentage for this condition?

Mark

[ArmyVet97B]

So I just checked ebenefits and it said my tinnitus and hearing loss claim was not service connected. Not sure if it was denied or just not service connected. Now what? Not sure why. I am waiting for the letter in the mail.

[MarkInTexas]

When you get your denial, maybe consider getting an audiologist to do an IME/IMO for you, then file a NOD. You could go ahead and file the NOD first, but you have a year and I don't think that it takes much time to schedule an examination in most areas. Then you can file it all together. Just a thought. Good luck!

Mark

[ArmyVet97B]

I haven't received my denial in the mail yet, but I am confused why I was denied. I thought my combat action ribbon from OEF proved a service connection along with the va audiologist test (not a cp exam, and I was never scheduled for a cp exam) that showed hearing loss and my statement to the va audiologist about constant tinnitus would guarantee my service connected hearing loss and tinnitus claim? My va audiologist exam from my va pcp referral was only a week before the raters decision.