The standard rating for recurrent tinnitus is 10 percent, and this rating applies whether your condition affects both or just one ear. According to the VA compensation table for December 2021, a 10 percent rating warrants a monthly benefit of $152.64 for tinnitus.
Under 38 CFR 4.87, a veteran diagnosed with recurrent tinnitus will receive a 10% disability rating for that condition. If tinnitus is hearing-loss associated, the rating may be higher based on the underlying condition. The condition itself is rated at 10%, regardless of the specifics of your condition.
Most personal injury claims for tinnitus arise in car accident cases. There is no payout calculator where you can punch in your injuries and get a settlement amount. But the average settlement compensation payout range for tinnitus or hearing loss claims in an auto tort case seems to be $50,000 to $250,000.
There isn't one set payout amount of compensation for tinnitus. Instead, a successful claimant can expect to receive compensation for the physical and mental suffering tinnitus has caused them (general damages) as well as any costs they've incurred (special damages).
Severe symptoms of tinnitus can cause impaired concentration, inability to follow conversations, poor memory, poor sleep, extreme fatigue, depression, and anxiety. These symptoms can interfere with your ability to work, and you may find yourself needing to file a long term disability insurance claim as a result.
If tinnitus is especially noticeable in quiet settings, try using a white noise machine to mask the noise from tinnitus. If you don't have a white noise machine, a fan, soft music or low-volume radio static also may help. Limit alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.
1. Mental Health Conditions (e.g., PTSD, Depression) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most frequently filed claims by veterans, but it's also one of the hardest to get approved.
Who is exempt from paying the VA Funding Fee? Veterans with a disability rating of higher than 10%, Purple Heart recipients, and surviving spouses of veterans who died in the line of duty are exempt from paying the VA funding fee.
It is unfortunate that after you pass away, your spouse will not be able to receive your VA disability compensation. However, after your passing your spouse may qualify for a monthly allowance also known as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
The standard rating for recurrent tinnitus is 10 percent, and this rating applies whether your condition affects both or just one ear. According to the VA compensation table for December 2021, a 10 percent rating warrants a monthly benefit of $152.64 for tinnitus.
Warlike vs Non-Warlike Conditions and Compensation
For instance, non-warlike tinnitus may result in a payout of around $50,000, while warlike tinnitus can lead to compensation of up to $85,000.
Since it's rare to receive a rating of more than 10% for your tinnitus, it's possible that you may receive a 0% or non-compensable rating. This means, the VA recognizes you have a service-connected disability, but your current condition isn't severe enough to qualify for cash benefits.
The ENT will ask you to describe the tinnitus sounds and when they started, and will examine your head, neck, and ears. You might also be referred to an audiologist, who can measure your hearing and evaluate your tinnitus. The ENT may order imaging tests, especially if your tinnitus pulsates.
Under the new rating criteria, you won't be able to get a separate 10% VA rating for tinnitus anymore. Instead, you'll only receive a rating for tinnitus if it's tied to another underlying condition.
Conditions including diabetes, thyroid problems, migraines, anemia, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have all been associated with tinnitus.
0 percent disability rating: $0.00 per month. 10 percent disability rating: $175.51 per month. 20 percent disability rating: $346.95 per month. 30 percent disability rating: $537.42 per month.
Don't Lie or Stretch the Truth
This should go without saying, but never lie or try to stretch the truth. The VA has seen it all, and if they catch you in a lie, it could seriously harm your credibility and potentially result in your claim being denied. It's also against the law.
To receive a rating of 100 percent, there must be sufficient evidence to support the severity of the service-connected condition. This can come from medical documentation as well as testimony from friends, family, co-workers, and others who can attest to the seriousness of the disability.
Listening to music, podcasts or other audio can be a great trick to distract yourself from tinnitus by giving you something else to focus your attention on. White noise or ambient sounds can help cover up the sound of ringing in your ears.
Successful VA tinnitus claims require service records, medical evidence, and statements from healthcare providers linking tinnitus to military duties. The VA grants a maximum 10% disability rating for tinnitus, regardless of symptom severity or whether it affects one or both ears.
The quick answer to the VA disability rating for tinnitus: A standalone diagnosis of tinnitus typically yields a 10% VA disability rating and $171.23 monthly compensation according to 2024 veterans disability compensation rates.