Auditory/Hearing

Tinnitus C&P Exam Guide

Associated DBQ Form: DBQ Ear Conditions

What to Expect During Your Exam

The tinnitus C&P exam is typically brief (15-20 minutes) and straightforward. The examiner will ask about your symptoms and their impact on your life.

The exam includes:
1. Questions about when tinnitus started
2. Description of the sounds you hear
3. Assessment of severity and impact on daily life
4. Connection to noise exposure in service
5. Review of audiological records

Questions the Examiner May Ask

  • 1 When did you first notice ringing in your ears?
  • 2 What does the sound sound like (ringing, buzzing, hissing)?
  • 3 Is it constant or intermittent?
  • 4 Which ear is affected, or is it both?
  • 5 How does tinnitus affect your sleep?
  • 6 Does it interfere with your ability to concentrate?
  • 7 What noise exposure did you have in service?
  • 8 Did you use hearing protection during service?
  • 9 Have you had any treatment for tinnitus?

Documentation to Bring

  • Service treatment records showing hearing tests or complaints
  • Documentation of noise exposure (MOS, duty stations, combat)
  • Audiological evaluations
  • Personal statement describing noise exposure and onset
  • Buddy statements about shared noise exposure
  • Current treatment records

How to Prepare

Before your exam:

1. **Document noise exposure** - List all sources of loud noise during service (weapons, machinery, aircraft, explosions)

2. **Establish timeline** - When did you first notice symptoms? During or after service?

3. **Describe the sound** - Is it ringing, buzzing, hissing? Constant or comes and goes?

4. **Note the impact** - Does it affect sleep? Concentration? Mood?

5. **Get supporting statements** - Buddies who shared the same noise exposure

Helpful Tips

- Be specific about noise exposure in service (weapons training, flight line, combat)
- Describe how the tinnitus sounds to you
- Explain if it's constant or intermittent
- Mention impact on sleep and concentration
- Tinnitus is often paired with hearing loss claims
- The exam is usually straightforward - just be honest and consistent
- Recurrent tinnitus qualifies for the same rating as constant tinnitus

Common Mistakes to Avoid

- No documented noise exposure during service
- Claiming tinnitus started before service
- Inconsistent description of symptoms
- Denying recreational noise exposure that could be a factor

How VA Rates This Condition

Tinnitus is rated under 38 CFR § 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260:

**10%** - Recurrent tinnitus

**Important notes:**
- 10% is the maximum schedular rating for tinnitus
- Only ONE 10% rating is assigned, regardless of whether it affects one or both ears
- This is one of the most commonly service-connected conditions
- Often claimed alongside hearing loss