Before the Exam Review your medical records and know your diagnosis, diagnostic code, and current treatment plan Write a detailed personal statement describing how your condition affects your daily life, work, and relationships Note your worst days — the VA rates based on your overall impairment, not your best day List all medications you take for this condition and their side effects Prepare a timeline of your condition from onset through current symptoms Document the nature of your tinnitus: ringing, buzzing, hissing, roaring Note whether it is constant or intermittent, one ear or both Describe how it affects sleep, concentration, and daily life Connect the onset to noise exposure in service (weapons, vehicles, aircraft, machinery)
During the Exam Be honest — do not exaggerate or minimize your symptoms Describe your worst days, not just how you feel right now If something hurts during a range-of-motion test, say so Mention all functional limitations: sleep, work, chores, driving, social activities Report flare-ups: how often, how long, how severe, and what triggers them Do not say "I'm fine" out of habit — describe your actual condition Tinnitus is rated at a flat 10% maximum regardless of severity Describe the sound accurately (type, frequency, ear, volume) Explain when it started and connect it to in-service noise exposure Mention secondary effects: difficulty sleeping, concentrating, anxiety, depression Consider claiming secondary conditions (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders) separately for additional ratings