Tinnitus is one of the most common conditions Veterans experience as a result of their military service. As a direct result, tinnitus is also one of the most common conditions Veterans claim for VA disability compensation. It may sound like ringing, buzzing, humming or another noise in the ears or head, even when there is no external source of sound.
If you are considering a VA disability claim for tinnitus, understanding the condition’s disability benefits questionnaire can help you know what to expect during the claims process.
What is a tinnitus DBQ?
A Disability Benefits Questionnaire is a standardized form used to collect medical information about a Veteran’s claimed condition. VA uses information from DBQs, along with other evidence, to help evaluate disability claims.
The Hearing Loss and Tinnitus DBQ covers both hearing loss and tinnitus. However, VA does not currently make this particular DBQ available for public use. It lists hearing loss and tinnitus among the DBQs that require specialized training or have other limitations on public use.
If the VA schedules you for a compensation and pension examination, a medical professional may complete the examination and provide the information VA needs to evaluate your claim.
What evidence can support a tinnitus claim?
A tinnitus claim generally involves evidence showing that you have the condition and that it is connected to your military service.
For many Veterans, noise exposure is an important part of that connection. Military noise exposure can come from weapons fire, explosions, rockets, cannons, jets and aircraft, heavy equipment, engines and other loud environments.
Your service records may provide information about your duties and potential noise exposures or occupational hazards. Medical records can provide information about tinnitus and other hearing or ear conditions.
Your own statement can also provide important information about your history. You can describe when you first noticed tinnitus, what you were doing at the time, the types of noise you experienced during service and whether the symptoms continued afterward.
A lack of a tinnitus complaint in your service treatment records does not automatically prevent you from filing a claim. VA considers the evidence and circumstances of individual claims.
How does VA rate tinnitus?
Under VA’s current rating schedule, recurrent tinnitus is assigned a 10% disability rating under Diagnostic Code 6260. It assigns a single rating for recurrent tinnitus whether the sound is perceived in one ear, both ears or in the head.
Tinnitus is not assigned separate ratings for each ear.
Tinnitus can also be claimed alongside other conditions. For example, hearing loss may be evaluated separately when the evidence supports service connection and a compensable evaluation.
How should you prepare for a tinnitus examination?
You do not need to memorize answers or prepare a script before your examination. Instead, think through your history so you can describe it clearly.
Consider:
- When you first noticed tinnitus
- What you were doing when it began
- The different types of noise exposures you experienced during military service
- How often you experience tinnitus; its duration, intensity, whether it’s constant or intermittent and what times of day it occurs.
- Whether it affects one ear, both ears or your head
- Whether you have received treatment for tinnitus or other hearing problems
The goal is to give the examiner an accurate picture of your condition and your history. Do not exaggerate your symptoms or guess about details you cannot remember.
Getting help with a tinnitus claim
A tinnitus claim can involve several pieces of information, from your current symptoms to your military history and the evidence connecting the two. Understanding what information the VA considers can make it easier to prepare your claim.
If you are considering a tinnitus claim and would like help understanding your options, VBG can help you get started.