Increase for tinnitus?

[Buck52]

I realize the VA Only pays 10% for tinnitus for both ears.

But what if the Veterans tinnitus was so bad it caused other problems. I realize he could file a hearing loss claim if his hearing was bad  and file secondary to Depression.

but what if the Dr mention his tinnitus was very severe, so bad it made it hard for him to speak correctly.

I think I seen a regulation for this  some where ? I can't remember the #  but its called something I can't remember what its called  but tinnitus plays a big roll in the cause or related to the tinnitus to his speech.

Anybody Know?

[brokensoldier244th]

You can file things secondary to tinnitus, just like any other claim. 

 

[Buck52]

38 minutes ago, brokensoldier244th said:

You can file things secondary to tinnitus, just like any other claim. 

 

What would they be beside the ones I mention?   Hearing loss and Depression.  can be secondary to Tinnitus.  but other conditions that effect a veterans speech  can one of those condition be Tinnitus?

Like what type of claim would it be? Is there any regulation on Tinnitus making  a veteran speech so impaired they have a regulation for that?  Do you know what is the reg?

[brokensoldier244th]

It would still be a secondary claim- you are claiming that tinnitus causes *something*.

From what I can find, there are no studies that link tinnitus to speech issues- one of the most recent that I found actually says that in Journal of Neuroscience Jul 2020 that it doesn't, so I don't know how much success you would have. 

https://www.jneurosci.org/content/40/31/6007

If Tinnitus affects speech due to not perceiving spoken words, that would be covered by the word discrimination test for hearing loss. 

[john999]

I would think you might be able to file a "depression" claim due to misery of tinnitus.  Many people with physical disabilities suffer depression.  I think a tinnitus claim is worth about 10%.  It is different from hearing loss.  You have to be deaf as a post to get major disability for hearing loss. 

[Buck52]

This is not for me  its  Veteran that is rated with combined ratings  to include hearing loss and tinnitus,and  a secondary claim for depression, but since his rating  I am not sure how long ago   maybe a few years now?

he is at 100% but he wants to be compensated for the tinnitus being much worse or louder since his last rating  and since they only rate tinnitus at 10%  ??/??  I don't know what secondary claim he can file???

...he said his tinnitus is a lot worse louder in his head  he can't hear himself talk  so he blures his speech

Audiology Clinic  can't help him.

   he can't mask the sound out and the techectial hearing aids he has that depresses the tinnitus  some what but it don't anymore and the sound is constant 24-7  and about to drive him krazy ect,,ect,,... Now I realize other things can make tinnitus worse  like  certain Meds  and  even the foods we eat  can make tinnitus worse.....and I think that's what his issues are  on his S.C. Tinnitus   but I don't know what to tell him?

 they only rate tinnitus 10%   so being the tinnitus effects his speech  & the Maryland CNC word test   if he is being paid for that mixed in with the 10% he gets for tinnitus  &   a rating for hearing loss  then   they must have a regulation that effects his speech  and if he can find a Dr that will state that it does   he may have a chance at a higher rating   unless he has to go with a secondary claim  but what would it be ?  if they don't rate on his speech impairment  that the tinnitus causes?  I don't know what to tell him?

Edited January 29, 2021 by Buck52

[GBArmy]

Buck As you said the max he can get is 10% for tinnitus. Period. What about applying for extra schedular? Above what is already maxed out? Not sure of the process but obviously he would have to get IMO's from specialists that call out the extreme difficulty he has dealing with it. You didn't say, but does he have a MH disability that he can tag onto or submit new? Certainly it affects him with depression/anxiety, etc. If he hasn't done so that is an avenue. Then maybe SMC (s)? I'd probably research some good claims agents on something special like extra-scheduler IMHO.