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Q102: I’ve been told by several Air Force veterans that jet fuel (JP4 & JP8) is one of the causes of tinnitus. I worked as a crew chief on many Air Force bases and around many MDS aircraft for over 27 years. I have tinnitus real bad. Ringing, buzzing, high pitch chirps, and crackling in both ears. It’s driving me crazy. If the jet fuel caused my tinnitus, can I get compensation for it?
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A1: Your tinnitus was caused by noise exposure, not JP4 fuel. Yes, tinnitus is compensable. (RJ) 8/14/18
A2: I never heard of jet fuel causing tinnitus BUT if you worked as a mechanic AROUND jet engines that is definitely a proximate cause for exposure to loud noises. If your DD214 shows your service MOS as a jet or other type of mechanic you have a substantial claim for both tinnitus and hearing loss. My advice is go see a veteran's service organization like Disabled American Veterans and have them file a VA disability claim for you ASAP. If you have private medical evidence from a doctor that you have hearing loss and tinnitus bring it with you and include it as part of your claim. (KG) 8/14/18
A3: Unfortunately, jet fuel does not cause tinnitus. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds is the most common cause of tinnitus. Up to 90% of people with tinnitus have some level of noise-induced hearing loss. The noise causes permanent damage to the sound-sensitive cells of the cochlea, a spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear. You are eligible for 10% disability for tinnitus. (AP) 8/14/18
A4: Jet fuel has just been diagnosed as causing a type of hearing loss in which certain words sound different as in "I am going home" and you hear I am getting cold. So that might be a compensation course you should look into. (CR) 6/8/21