present. However, consider credibility and weight of the evidence in deciding whether to accept lay testimony as proving tinnitus in service or presently. The Hearing Loss and Tinnitus DBQ tinnitus-only examination includes a number of options for examiner opinions on etiology. The examination may be conducted by an audiologist or non-audiologist clinician. Only ask the audiologist to offer an opinion about the association to hearing loss if hearing loss is concurrently claimed or already SC. g. Considering Use the table below when considering an medical opinion in a examiner’s Medical case involving tinnitus. Opinions in Cases Involving Tinnitus If ... Then ... the examiner states evaluate tinnitus separately under if the tinnitus is a symptom of hearing loss is determined to be SC, and hearing loss establish SC for tinnitus on a direct, not secondary, basis. Notes: If the hearing loss is SC, and the tinnitus is a symptom of the hearing loss, we concede that the hearing loss and tinnitus result from the same etiology. Therefore, SC is warranted for tinnitus on a direct basis in these cases. Under , a single 10-percent disability evaluation should be assigned for tinnitus, regardless of whether tinnitus is perceived as unilateral, bilateral, or in the head. Separate evaluations for tinnitus for each ear cannot be assigned. determine, based on all the evidence of record, the examiner whether or not the etiology of tinnitus requires states tinnitus is not further assessment by one of more additional related to hearing examinations. loss, or is unable to The type and need for any additional Note: determine the examination(s) will depend on the Veteran’s etiology within claim as to the cause of tinnitus. reasonable certainty, or Examples: there is no hearing loss If the Veteran claims tinnitus due to hearing loss, and the examiner says they are not related, no further action is needed. If Veteran claims tinnitus due to another condition (such as head injury, hypertension,
present. However, consider credibility and weight of the evidence in deciding whether to accept lay testimony as proving tinnitus in service or presently. The Hearing Loss and Tinnitus DBQ tinnitus-only examination includes a number of options for examiner opinions on etiology. The examination may be conducted by an audiologist or non-audiologist clinician. Only ask the audiologist to offer an opinion about the association to hearing loss if hearing loss is concurrently claimed or already SC. g. Considering Medical Opinions in Cases Involving Tinnitus Use the table below when considering an examiner’s medical opinion in a case involving tinnitus. If ... Then ... the examiner states tinnitus is a symptom of hearing loss evaluate tinnitus separately under if the hearing loss is determined to be SC, and establish SC for tinnitus on a direct, not secondary, basis. Notes: If the hearing loss is SC, and the tinnitus is a symptom of the hearing loss, we concede that the hearing loss and tinnitus result from the same etiology. Therefore, SC is warranted for tinnitus on a direct basis in these cases. Under , a single 10-percent disability evaluation should be assigned for tinnitus, regardless of whether tinnitus is perceived as unilateral, bilateral, or in the head. Separate evaluations for tinnitus for each ear cannot be assigned. the examiner states tinnitus is not related to hearing loss, or is unable to determine the etiology within reasonable certainty, or there is no hearing loss determine, based on all the evidence of record, whether or not the etiology of tinnitus requires further assessment by one of more additional examinations. Note: The type and need for any additional examination(s) will depend on the Veteran’s claim as to the cause of tinnitus. Examples: If the Veteran claims tinnitus due to hearing loss, and the examiner says they are not related, no further action is needed. If Veteran claims tinnitus due to another condition (such as head injury, hypertension,
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