Gail, I just noticed this thread. A few years back I got a 30% rating based on tinnitus and subsequent hearing loss, as well as a foot surgery the Navy messed up. Both items were in my service record so approval was made easier but I also used a VA advocate office to do all the paperwork. All they do is process VA disability requests. The advantage of getting at least a 10% rating enables you to use VA facilities; I get free hearing aids and just had cataract surgery in November- what a blessing that’s been for better eye sight!
If you haven’t used an advocate yet I recommend you do.
I’ve read that 80% of people with tinnitus have hearing loss. From the number of system people with tinnitus I suspect it’s all related. My unscientific opinion is that it’s related to the vacuum system and the constant hissing sound it created. One more point, with hearing aids in I am not aware of the tinnitus.
I wish you luck with this effort, it’s worth the trouble.
Thanks Randy for sharing your experience. I had not considered an advocate to assist.
As you read, this only became consistent 3 years ago & I have no hearing loss. Just outright aggravation at the constant crackling. I was wondering is there had been any noise studies at the Navfacs concerning the vacuum systems, the always on noise from the actuators, & the A/C. Does anyone know of such a study, and if so, what the numbers were or the results of the studies or where to dig them up?
I had to fight through this also. I have 10% service connected for tinnitus. The hearing loss was denied even though above 3k hz
I can't hear anything.
Crazy system.
