Tinnitus is like hearing a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears when there’s no actual noise around you. Many veterans experience this because of loud noises they were exposed to during their service, like gunfire, explosions, or loud machines.
These intense sounds can damage tiny hair cells inside the ear that help us hear. When these cells are damaged, the brain can get mixed signals, making you think you hear a sound that isn’t really there. Because tinnitus is often connected to military service, veterans may be able to get disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
To get these benefits, veterans usually need to prove their tinnitus is related to their time in service. This means showing that the tinnitus started while they were in the military, within a year of leaving the military, or that it was caused by noise they were exposed to during their service. They often use medical records and hearing tests to show this connection.
Tinnitus is rated as 10 percent disabling under diagnostic code 6260.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute financial or legal advice.