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Q130: I filed for tinnitus compensation in 2005. I was denied because the VA told me I did not have any evidence to support service-connection. I asked the VA for any test to determine tinnitus, and none was given. I filed again for tinnitus in January 2017, and this time I submitted with my claim a list of MOS’s that I got from the Department of Defense (DoD) that show all military jobs that qualify veterans for tinnitus. All three of the MOS’s I held in the military are on the list. To date, I have not received any response from the VA. It’s going on two years. Why haven’t I received any information?
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A1: Sign up for eBenefits to track your claim status. (RJ) 9/17/18
A2: The VA process is all BS. My claims just keep sitting in some pile and nothing has happened. Just keep on top of it buddy. I don?t think a lot of their employees give a RatZ A. (MB) 9/17/18
A3: I got out of the military in Aug 1991. I put in a claim for tinnitus in 2015 and in 4 months I was granted for tinnitus at 10%. The key thing is your SMR, like in my case it showed that I was exposed to high levels of noise which was noted on my medical exam. My MOS was 44-B. (PB) 9/17/18
A4: I to had the same problem. Also had loss of hearing. Finally got fed up and went to my Congressman. I received a call the next day and was fitted for a heaing aid that stopped my tinnitus, didn't do much for hearing, but I did get some help. I had to drive over 50 miles each way to the VA Hospital, and received no mileage, plus I paid 50 dollars each time I went to the Audiologist. (RH) 9/17/18
A5: Nothing new for the VA deny, deny and deny in hopes you will give up. Did you go to a VSO or thru them if not do so plus write to your congressman for they more they can see what is going on then the better chance you have. Let other know the same thing for Congress knowing may change laws or put down laws that the VA wants to pass to make it easier for them to screw us veterans and not pay for service-connected conditions. I have degenerative bone and joint disease and they recognize it for both my knees but my other joints including my spine from neck to tailbone they deny. I get paid at 100 percent and have 90 percent service-connected and if they take 10 percent away will only be paying me half then I will most likely sue for I hope 3 million then that may get their attention. Then it will be cheaper for them to pay me at 100 percent for the next 15 to 20 years then to pay me 3 million instead. It is caused by my having type II diabetes but they kept denying it was related and had to prove each health issue one at a time over 30 plus years to get them to accept most of them but still deny others. Now that the VA budget and congress wants them to save money and reduced disability ratings but don't stop or give up just get different doctors stating where it comes from and why. (JRM) 9/18/18
A6: The key word is "exposure" and "acoustic trauma", you need document that you were exposed to Hazard noise , aircraft's, artillery, atomic engines, jet engines, helicopters, etc.... (RG) 9/19/18
A7: Unfortunately, that list does not show MOS's with tinnitus. I lists MOS's that have probability of exposure to noise that causes hearing loss. You can provide a lay statement to verify that you have tinnitus and it should suffice. Basically, it;s all in how the statement is written u,p. I suggest you seek assistance from a DAV service officer. 10% is the most they will give for tinnitus anyway. (AP) 9/22/18