Common symptoms
- ▸Constant or intermittent ringing, buzzing, hissing
- ▸Worse in quiet rooms
- ▸Interferes with sleep or concentration
Common evidence
- ▸MOS/duty showing noise exposure (artillery, aviation, infantry, motor pool)
- ▸Lay statement describing onset and continuity
- ▸Audiogram
- ▸C&P exam with audiologist opinion
Primary service connection examples
- ▸Combat arms / weapons fire
- ▸Aircraft / flight line noise
- ▸Heavy equipment operators
- ▸Generator and engine room exposure
Secondary service connection examples
- ▸Migraines secondary to tinnitus
- ▸Sleep impairment / insomnia secondary to tinnitus
Rating basics
Single 10% rating under DC 6260 — whether one or both ears. Cannot be rated higher even if severe.
Common denial reasons
- ✕No documented noise exposure
- ✕Examiner says onset was post-service
- ✕No lay statement establishing continuity of symptoms since service