Tinnitus

While doctors do not fully understand the exact cause of tinnitus, it is commonly linked to abnormal activity in the brain’s auditory processing system.

For veterans, tinnitus is often caused by:

• Exposure to explosions or IED blasts
• Gunfire without adequate hearing protection
• Aircraft engine noise
• Heavy machinery
• Combat noise exposure
• Long-term occupational noise during service

Other causes may include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Head trauma
• Hearing loss
• Meniere’s disease
• Certain medications
• Aging

Many veterans also experience secondary conditions related to tinnitus, including:

• Migraines
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Fibromyalgia
• High blood pressure
• Hearing loss

If your tinnitus is connected to another service-connected condition, you may qualify for additional compensation beyond the standard tinnitus rating.

To qualify for VA disability compensation, you must establish service connection. This requires three key elements:

1. A current diagnosis of tinnitus or credible lay evidence of symptoms
2. Evidence of in-service noise exposure or an event that caused the condition
3. A medical nexus linking your tinnitus to military service

Tinnitus does not always require formal medical testing to qualify for service connection. Because tinnitus is subjective, the VA may accept credible lay evidence from the veteran describing symptoms.

However, obtaining a medical diagnosis can strengthen your claim. A physician may:

• Conduct a physical exam
• Perform audiometric testing
• Review your service history
• Order imaging tests if necessary

If diagnosed with tinnitus or recurrent tinnitus, you may move forward with your claim.

A nexus letter is a medical opinion that links your current tinnitus diagnosis to your military service. A strong nexus letter should include:

• The doctor’s credentials
• Review of your medical and service records
• A clear statement that your tinnitus is “at least as likely as not” caused by service
• A detailed rationale explaining the connection

A well-written nexus letter significantly improves your chances of VA approval.

The VA assigns disability ratings based on severity. For tinnitus alone, the maximum schedular rating is: 10% VA disability rating

Unlike many other conditions, tinnitus does not receive ratings higher than 10% under standard VA regulations.

Under current VA compensation rates, a 10% disability rating provides monthly compensation. The exact amount may vary annually based on cost-of-living adjustments.

Although 10% may seem low, many veterans receive higher overall ratings by:

• Filing secondary claims (such as depression or anxiety caused by tinnitus)
• Combining tinnitus with hearing loss
• Establishing Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

A skilled VA disability attorney can evaluate whether you qualify for additional ratings.

Unfortunately, tinnitus VA claims are frequently denied. Common reasons include:

Incomplete information
Failure to establish service connection
Missed Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam
Pre-existing condition disputes
Insufficient nexus evidence
VA determination that symptoms do not warrant compensation

Carefully reviewing your VA denial letter is critical to determining your next step.

If your VA tinnitus claim is denied, you have one year from the date of your denial letter to file an appeal. Appeal options may include:

• Supplemental Claim with new evidence
• Higher-Level Review
• Board of Veterans’ Appeals review

Because the VA appeals process is complex and highly technical, working with an experienced VA disability lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success.

At Wettermark Keith Veterans Disability Attorneys, we:

• Review your denial letter in detail
• Identify evidentiary gaps
• Help obtain nexus letters
• Gather buddy statements and lay evidence
• Prepare supplemental claims and appeals
• Represent veterans before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals

We understand how to build strong service-connection arguments for tinnitus claims.

No. We handle VA disability claims on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney fees unless we secure past-due benefits on your behalf. Our fee comes from a portion of the retroactive award.

If you are a veteran suffering from tinnitus due to military noise exposure, you may be entitled to VA disability compensation.

Do not let a denial stop you from pursuing the benefits you earned through your service.

Contact Wettermark Keith Veterans Disability Lawyers today for a free consultation. We are committed to helping veterans nationwide secure the VA disability benefits they deserve.