As of fiscal year 2020, more than 1.3 million Veterans were receiving disability compensation for hearing loss, and more than 2.3 million received compensation for tinnitus, according to the Veterans Benefits Administration compensation report. https://www.research.va.gov/topics/hearing.cfm A proposed VA rule change involves removing the separate rating for tinnitus. If enacted, tinnitus will only be rated in conjunction with its underlying cause, such as hearing loss. For example, if hearing loss is non-compensable (rated at 0%), then tinnitus associated with it could be rated at 10%. However, if the hearing loss is compensable (rated at 10% or more), an additional rating for tinnitus will not be given. Veterans currently receiving a 10% rating for tinnitus will be “grandfathered in” under the old system, meaning their ratings will not change. However, the new rules could mean veterans who have not yet received a rating for tinnitus will not be able to get a separate compensable rating for tinnitus in the future.

The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States strongly supports maintaining the 10% veteran disability rating for tinnitus.