The Unseen Noise: Understanding Tinnitus and Your VA Benefits Journey 

For many veterans, military service leaves a lasting impression—one that extends beyond the visible. Among the most common yet frequently overlooked conditions faced by veterans is tinnitus—a persistent ringing, buzzing, clicking, or hissing sound in the ears that can affect concentration, sleep, and overall quality of life. 

Tinnitus is one of the most prevalent health issues reported by veterans, with approximately 2.3 million veterans receiving compensation for it as of 2023. 

If you’re experiencing these symptoms after your time in service, you’re not imagining it—and you’re certainly not alone. Understanding the potential connection between tinnitus and your military experience is a meaningful first step toward navigating your VA benefits journey. 

What Is Tinnitus and How Might It Be Service-Connected? 

Tinnitus isn’t a disease, but a symptom of an underlying issue. It’s generally categorized as: 

• Subjective tinnitus – heard only by the person experiencing it (most common) 

• Objective tinnitus – a rare form heard by a medical examiner during evaluation 

For veterans, frequent exposure to intense noise—such as gunfire, explosions, jet engines, and heavy machinery—is a well-documented risk factor for developing tinnitus. 

Additionally, tinnitus can also be caused or aggravated by: 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) 

• Ototoxic medications (drugs that damage the inner ear, such as some antibiotics or chemotherapy agents) 

• Chronic conditions that develop during or after military service  

Recognizing this possible service connection is crucial. While Trajector Medical does not assist with preparing or filing VA claims, we help veterans like you gain clarity on how your symptoms may be linked to your service—an essential step in exploring potential eligibility. 

Why Documenting Your Medical Experience with Tinnitus Matters 

To build a strong foundation for your benefits journey, thorough documentation is key. A detailed and organized medical record can make the difference between an approved claim and a denial. 

The VA relies on medical evidence to determine service connection and the impact on your life. That’s why it’s important to: 

• Record the onset and progression of your tinnitus 

• Track the frequency and severity of symptoms 

• Note how it affects your daily life (e.g., sleep, concentration, work performance) 

• Retain detailed records from audiologists, primary care visits, and any specialists 

This documentation paints a more complete picture of your health and can support your path toward recognition and support. 

Exploring Overlooked Medical Conditions Related to Your Tinnitus 

Tinnitus rarely occurs in isolation. It’s often linked to or exacerbated by other health issues, particularly among veterans. These may include: 

• Hearing Loss – commonly co-occurs with tinnitus due to shared damage to auditory pathways 

• Sleep Disturbances – the persistent noise can disrupt restful sleep 

• Anxiety and Depression – the chronic nature of tinnitus can contribute to or be worsened by mental health conditions 

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – stress and hyperarousal may intensify tinnitus perception  

Understanding these interrelated conditions can help ensure that your complete medical picture is considered. At Trajector Medical, we specialize in helping veterans uncover and document these connections through comprehensive medical evidence services. 

The Distinction: Medical Evidence Services vs. Claims Filing Assistance 

It’s important to clarify what we do—and what we don’t. 

Trajector Medical does not assist in preparing or filing VA disability claims. 

Instead, we help veterans understand their medical history and build objective, clear medical evidence that may support future evaluations or claims. 

By keeping documentation services separate from legal or administrative claim assistance, we stay focused on helping you gain clarity and understanding, not guarantees of specific outcomes. 

Taking the Next Step in Understanding Your Medical Journey 

If you’re living with tinnitus and believe it may be related to your service, gaining a clearer understanding of your medical situation can empower you. Many veterans find that insight into their health brings: 

• Peace of mind

• A sense of control 

• Improved ability to navigate next steps 

Whether you’re just starting your journey or revisiting past evaluations, our medical evidence services can help you develop a deeper understanding of your health and how it may relate to your military experience.  

References 

[1] National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research. Prevalence of Tinnitus Among Veterans. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from: https://www.ncrar.research.va.gov/ 

[2] Mayo Clinic. (2023). Tinnitus – Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156 

[3] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. Retrieved from: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss 

[4] Department of Veterans Affairs. Tinnitus: Causes and Treatment Options. Retrieved from: https://www.va.gov/HEALTH/tinnitus.asp 

[5] Folmer, R.L., Griest, S.E., & Martin, W.H. (2001). Chronic Tinnitus as a Result of Head Trauma: A Survey of 2,400 Veterans. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 38(4), 505–512.