Nearly three million veterans (2,703,655 claims) have been service-connected for tinnitus–a persistent ringing, buzzing or similar noise with no external source.
It is the most common disability in the veteran community and understandably so, given the nature of military service and the constant exposure to loud noises.
Other causes can include:
- Age-related hearing loss
- Earwax and blockages
- Changes in ear bones
- Circulatory system disorders
How Do I Get Service Connected for Tinnitus?
Tinnitus seems as if it would be an easy win, given that there is no test that can be utilized to prove or disprove the condition.
In extremely rare cases, tinnitus can be heard by a doctor during an examination and is usually caused by a blood vessel problem, a middle ear bone condition or muscle contractions.
Typically, however, it is only heard by the veteran, so the diagnosis is subjective.
To establish service connection for tinnitus, three critical elements must be present:
- A current diagnosis of tinnitus
- An in-service event that could have caused or aggravated the condition
- A medical nexus linking the tinnitus to service
Medical examiners and doctors who diagnose this condition rely on the veterans’ (and family/friends) interpretations about the impacts it has.
Evidence from service personnel records showing exposure to loud noises, medical records indicating the onset of symptoms and expert medical opinions are also critical for strengthening claims.
What is the VA Rating for Tinnitus?
Despite what may seem like an easy route to benefits, the VA assigns only a 10% rating for tinnitus, regardless of whether one or both ears are affected.
While tinnitus itself is capped at this rate, veterans are encouraged to consider claims for secondary conditions related to tinnitus, which can lead to additional compensation.
These secondary conditions are assessed independently and could potentially greatly increase a VA disability rating.
To learn more about potential conditions that relate to tinnitus, continue reading.
What Other Conditions Connect with Tinnitus?
Tinnitus very rarely operates in isolation.
Often it exacerbates other conditions, further impairing a veteran’s quality of life.
This is why it’s important to consider these secondary conditions to help increase your VA disability rating.
Secondary conditions commonly associated with tinnitus include:
- Hearing Loss: Often the most obvious connection, tinnitus often goes hand-in-hand with varying degrees of hearing loss.
- TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury): A prevalent concern among veterans, TBIs can exacerbate or even induce tinnitus symptoms.
- High Blood Pressure: There’s evidence suggesting a link between elevated blood pressure and tinnitus onset or severity.
- Meniere’s Disease: This inner ear condition can lead to vertigo and ringing in the ears.
- Mental Health Issues: Conditions such as anxiety , depression or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be intensified by or have a causal relationship with tinnitus.
- TMJ Pain: The temporomandibular joint, when affected, can contribute to tinnitus symptoms.
- Pressure-Related Conditions and Obstructions: Sinus pressure, earwax buildup, or other obstructions can be related to tinnitus onset or severity.
- Migraine Headaches
- Sleep Disorders and Sleep Apnea
- Fibromyalgia
- Hypo and Hyperthyroidism
- Lyme Disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Otosclerosis
It’s also important to note that while Tinnitus itself will not qualify you for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits, service-connecting other secondary conditions to tinnitus could increase your chances of getting this benefit.
If you are struggling to maintain gainful employment because of disabilities, it’s even more important for you to connect other disabilities.
How Hill & Ponton Got 100% Disability Rating for a Veteran with Tinnitus
Hill & Ponton’s expertise has made a difference in many veterans’ lives. One such veteran from the artillery division suffered from tinnitus and related anxiety post-service. Initially given only a 10% rating for his tinnitus, he sought our help. Recognizing the full impact of his service-connected issues, including hearing loss and anxiety, we successfully advocated for him, increasing his overall rating to 100%.
How Do I Get Tinnitus Service Connected?
Typically, the most important thing a veteran can do to ensure a more successful outcome for his or her claim, is provide concrete evidence.
This could include such things as:
- A nexus statement/letter, which connects tinnitus to your service.
- Proof of instances of noise exposure or other elements that causes tinnitus
- Service medical records
- Personal Testimony and Lay Statements and Buddy Statements
With the right evidence and approach, veterans stand a better chance of receiving the ratings that truly reflect the gravity of their condition.
Why Worry About All the VA’s Complicated Tables When We’ve Done the Work for You?
Navigating the VA’s complex disability rating tables to figure out multiple ratings can be overwhelming and confusing.
That’s where our VA Disability Calculator comes in – a tool specifically designed to save you time and effort!
With just a few clicks, you can gain insights into:
- Your Expected Disability Rating: No more guessing or trying to interpret complicated tables. Our calculator provides a clear estimation of the rating percentage for your specific condition or combined conditions.
- Your Potential Compensation: Understand the financial support you might be eligible for. Our calculator breaks down the compensation tied to various disability ratings, giving you a clear picture of your potential benefits.
Ready to find out what your VA disability rating and compensation could look like? Try it now.
