How To Receive VA Disability Benefits For Tinnitus

When you serve in the military, certain health conditions may emerge after you finish. Among the many post-service health conditions veterans face, tinnitus is one of the most common. The Veterans Affairs (VA) system acknowledges this issue and offers affected veterans benefits to ensure they have the support they need. If you’re suffering from this condition, this post will guide you through the process of how to file a successful disability claim.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a hearing disorder when the affected person has the perception of ringing, hissing, buzzing, or clicking in the ears, even if their surroundings are silent. Like other conditions veterans face, tinnitus can vary in severity. Some experience mild intermittent sounds, while others face a constant and loud noise that can significantly alter their sleep, social interactions, and other daily activities.

Is Tinnitus Common Among Veterans?

Studies show that up to 30% of veterans will have this disability after their time in the military. Many veterans, especially those in combat missions, expose themselves to loud noises ranging from gunshots to explosions. Even with proper ear protection, long-term exposure to these environments can result in auditory complications, especially tinnitus.

VA Disability Ratings For Tinnitus

The VA utilizes a disability rating system to determine your disability and how much you’ll receive each month. For tinnitus, the VA will generally assign a 10% disability rating for chronic tinnitus. This number might seem low, but you need to understand that this condition has no exact test to determine its severity. However, tinnitus is often comorbid with other disorders like hearing loss, depression, or anxiety. If that’s the case, you may receive separate ratings for each, increasing your monthly payout.

How To Receive Benefits For Tinnitus

Receiving VA disability benefits for tinnitus follows a similar format to other conditions:

Gather Medical Evidence: Before anything else, you need to have proof that you have tinnitus. Get yourself a thorough medical examination that shows you suffer from this condition. You can use these records as primary evidence.

Show A Service Connection: Demonstrating that your tinnitus is related to military service is crucial for securing benefits. For instance, if you were around loud blasts during combat, there’s a direct connection between your duties and the condition. Service records, buddy statements, or other evidence can show this connection.

Submit A Nexus Letter: A nexus letter from a certified medical professional will significantly help your case. Have the doctor detail your condition and how it’s directly connected to your military service.

Once you file everything, you’ll need to wait for the VA’s decision and final compensation amount. Keep in mind that while the process seems straightforward, there are many steps involved in filing a successful claim. Hiring an experienced attorney can simplify the process as much as possible.

Contact Our Disability Attorneys Today

Tinnitus is a debilitating condition that can prevent you from living life the way you were used to. If you’re grappling with tinnitus and want to secure your VA benefits, our team of experienced New York veterans’ disability lawyers is here to help you. Please contact us online or at 855-208-9799 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys today.