Oh, and one more thing.
That 10% tinnitus claim is paying for your healthcare right now. Every new claim you make opens an overall review of your situation, in ALL aspects. This is called “poking the bear”.
You have free healthcare for life. And you’re now making a claim for hearing loss that may add (probably) just 10% more -— OR -— it may get your tinnitus claim re-visited. And ended.
You really want to poke the bear? This is a lot of risk for just 10% more reward.
Good advice
I'm of the understanding that if someone has been retired for 10 years or longer with rated disabilities, they are not subject to reductions of ratings. The process is designed to weed out those with temporary disabilities. In my case, none of my ratings will ever get better with age.
This might be a newer policy from after 911?
I don't know how this applies to non-retired or medically-retired vets.