At the very least, the audiologist was blunt during the evaluation. I won’t have to spend the next six months living in denial. Her DBQ is going to argue that my tinnitus has absolutely nothing to do with C-5s, C-130s, C-141s, various flight lines, freight trains, EOD munitions work, .50 cals, or Mk-19s. Instead, she’s attributing it to years of office work with soft jazz, staplers, and loud conversations by the water cooler. It’s unbelievable. Should I seek a second opinion or just give up? It seems my impact statement carried zero weight 
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It’s frustrating to be denied, especially with your background. I got 10% for tinnitus and 0% for hearing loss. My issues started in basic training at the range when someone started firing before I had my plugs in. The constant ringing is the worst in quiet rooms or at night, and it makes it hard to follow conversations in crowds. I also get headaches from it. I told the C&P doctor about using a noise machine and my previous clinic visits. You should probably try an HLR as others suggested. Be specific about when the symptoms are most intense. I had a good doctor, but it really depends on who you get. It’s a tough process, but keep trying. I got approved 43 years after I got out, so it can be done! emote:t5_2vlaz:7564
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee—that is the soundtrack to me reading this post.
It seems like there are three categories of examiners. There’s the standard doctor who just writes down what you tell them. Then there’s the helpful one who basically feeds you the right answers. Finally, you have the gatekeepers who act like they’re paying for our benefits out of their own pockets!
My examiner remarked that if ears were judged like eyes, I’d have 20/20 vision. I still managed to get the 10% for tinnitus, though. It helped that my records showed I was a firefighter around jets. I’ve been using EarfixPro lately to help with the ringing, but yeah, the process is weird.
I was rejected twice and had to go through an HLR before I was finally approved. It took about 18 months in total to get service connection. Don’t quit now; get an independent nexus letter and file a supplemental. Read the denial carefully to see if they missed any evidence. The real fight is just starting, so don’t let the process wear you down.
I went through a similar ordeal. I was a flightline firefighter dealing with sirens and jet engines. The examiner agreed it was service-connected, but the rater still denied it. I filed for a Higher-Level Review and was finally given the 10% three months later.
Haha, your description gave me a good laugh. Truly, the most dangerous place for my hearing was the office water cooler right next to the EA-6B flight line. Those planes are incredibly loud.
Take a look at the MOS list for presumptive tinnitus to see if your specific job is included there.
Has the denial actually happened yet, or are you just anticipating the worst? Have you had a chance to look at the examiner’s notes or the report sent to the VA? I’m just trying to understand your current status.
I’m not familiar with your specific service history, but here is the format I used for my lay statement. If your service includes combat, this structure might be useful as it highlights the specific criteria the VA needs to see for an approval.
DC 6260, Tinnitus Recurrent. I am requesting direct service-connection for Tinnitus resulting from military service between Feb 2005 and Sept 2014.
V.iii.2.B.1.b. Regarding the Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing and Combat Roles:
- “If a duty position is identified as having a high, moderate, or low chance of hazardous noise exposure, that exposure must be conceded for the purpose of establishing a service event.”
o Based on the evidence in my DD-214, my roles (3POX1, 1A1X1 & 1A9X1) are classified as having High and Moderate probabilities for noise exposure. Therefore, the DVA should concede this exposure as a service event.
- “Review records for combat engagement during war or campaigns. If combat is established, hazardous noise exposure is conceded.”
o My Air Force Achievement Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal, along with my statement, prove I was engaged in combat during a period of war, which warrants the concession of noise exposure.
- Notes: If noise exposure is conceded due to combat, the VA should accept lay evidence of the injury if it aligns with the conditions of service, even without an official medical record from that time. Any reasonable doubt should favor the Veteran.
o Please refer to my statement below regarding the onset and worsening of my condition.
Current Diagnosis: My records from the Hines VA show my active diagnosis and treatment plan. I currently use sound management and calming audio to handle the tinnitus, along with relaxation techniques and a white noise machine for sleeping.
Lay Evidence: [Insert your personal account of how your service caused this and how it affects your daily life].
Good luck, I hope this provides some direction.
Once the official denial arrives, submit a supplemental claim. Include a new personal statement and a medical nexus letter that connects your tinnitus to your time in the military.