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Q657: I have a 10% rating for my ringing of my one ear. How can I get a 20% rating that some friends of mine are getting for just 1 ear like I am? Please let me know what to do?
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A1: In your award letter from the VA for tinnitus you should find this one clause. This is the allowable by law or something to that effect. 10% is the rating for tinnitus regardless one or both ears. Hearing loss is a separate disability with a rating from 0% to 100% depending on decibel loss. When someone says I get this much for that have them to reread their letter. (GR) 2/2/21
A2: If DAV is representing you go and ask for a rate increase. (AD) 2/2/21
A3: 10% is the maximum rating for tinnitus regardless if it is one ear or both ears. You cannot get more. (MM) 2/2/21
A4: You can request to get reevaluated but if your hearing got better, you might lose the 10% you have. Good luck! (EA) 2/2/21
A5: Take what you hear from the "barracks lawyers" with a grain of salt. Everyone's rating is different and when they tell you about it, you don't get the whole story. 10% for tinnitus is all you can be awarded. If you have service connected hearing loss and it has gotten worse, you can file for an increase. Hearing loss is one of the only "objective ratings" in the VA's schedule of ratings. What ever your hearing test shows, that's what you get. The chart tells the rater what to award. If the hearing test shows better results than your last test, then you could be reduced. (DS) 2/3/21
A6: You need to contact an Accredited VSO with Am Vets, VFW, Am Legion or DAV. They will explain to you what was sent to you in the Decision Letter and what was sent to you in the Award Letter which gave you 10%. Tinnitus will never be increased, However there are some secondary issues. Hearing loss is a separate award and can be from 0 to 100%. I suggest you get your info regarding claims from an Accredited representatives. I would also advise you to tell your friends to reread their award and decision letter. (GH) 2/3/21