Hearing Loss Rated at 0%

[maingun]

So I jumped through all the hoops with the C&P exam and got 10% rating for tinnitus (thanks to you guys on this forum), but my hearing loss was rated at 0%! The determination letter gives me all kinds of numbers:

   Left ear 84% speech discrimination, dB loss 15 at 500 Hz, 25 at 1000 Hz, 50 at 2000 Hz, 65 at 3000 HZ and 80 at 4000 HZ

   Right ear 92% speech discrimination, dB loss 15 at 500 Hz, 15 at 1000 Hz, 50 at 2000 Hz, 65 at 3000 HZ and 70 at 4000 HZ

The letter says the hearing loss was service-related, but is evaluated at 0%.  I assume that means the loss doesn't rise to the level of a disability, which is a big load of BS.  I've been dealing with this ever since getting out of a tank turret.

So what's the best way to appeal?  Should I go to a private audiologist and get myself tested before appealing?  Or just go straight to the appeal process?

[Navy04]

The hardest part is getting the SC granted, once granted then you can always file a claim to request an increase. Good luck

[USMC_VET]

Im on track to be denied again for hearing loss.  I know i am not compsensable but i want them to acknowledge it with 0%.

[waccamawwild]

USMC_VET: Sometimes even a 0% for service connection will give you a little validation even if you don't get paid for it!

[Gastone]

Get your VA issued Hearing Aids, then climb in the boat with all the other  HL SC 0% Vets. You can NOD the 0% for Hearing Loss, just don't get your hopes up. Your word recognition (Or Guesses) from a recording and the Freq Graph generated by the computer got you the 0% rating. No real human interpretation of test results required. An increase may be possible at some future date, not too likely, depending on your age and occupation.

Depending on where and when you served, Hearing loss should be the least of your worries. If no other SC medical conditions ever develop, your basically still good to go. Development of Depression Secondary to your Hearing impairment and Severity of your Tinnitus could be a future SC Secondary  Claim.

Semper Fi

[Navy1966]

Keep in mind that, once service connected, if your hearing ever gets worse, you can request an increase. You don't have to establish service connection again. All it takes is a statement: "I hereby request increased compensation because my hearing loss has become more severe." The VA is required to open a claim and examine you again.

[cugino]

I'm jumping into this old thread because I just got another remand back to my RO. Been at BVA back to RO, back to BVA after 3rd hearing test now it's in Bay Pines. Original claim is from 2007, they need more evidence? Already 10% tinitus, 0% for hearing loss. I'm represented by PVA, who have done nothing for me. Reading all the other replies even if, as I figured out, have a high enough % hearing loss VA will only give a compensation if you're almost deaf. I have 3 weeks to provide new evidence and they say a decision will come "expeditiously", right. Should I just give up? My last test was in 2015. Should I, could I request another or am I beating a dead horse. I am 60%,50% PTSD, 10% tinitus. I'd like to get 10% more so I can apply for 100% unemployability. I'm 69, not ever going to work but in Fla 100% I don't have to pay real estate tax plus I could use the extra money, who cant? Thanks for listening. Any help will be appreciated.