I am sorry if this has already been covered.

I am rated 10% service connected for tintitus(sp). Infantry, Vietnam 66/67.

I filed a new claim. Got tested and it showed 'significent' loss in both ears. I had a really really serious ear infection that required both ears drums lancing while in Korea in 64.

My loss was rated service connected but at 0%.

It is really hard to understand this.

quote:

My loss was rated service connected but at 0%.

Being rated service connected at 0% means your condition is service connected, but the impairment is not severe enough to affect yout ability to function. You are eligible for treatment for your hearing loss including hearing aids.
This is where it is important for you to advise the treating medical providers, when your hearing loss increases in severity. The audiologist will, upon referral from your primary care physician, test your hearing. The results of those tests are used by the Rating Specialist to determine if it affects your ability to function.
Please remember tinnitus and hearing loss are separate issues.

Was wondering if somebody here would be kind enough to assist me. I was in the military 70-72. My AFSC was 6055X as I was a “dangerous cargo specialist.” My job was to get high priority cargo on/off the plane. Most had to be signed for so I was required to meet the plane sign and get the cargo then get it to the plane have the cargo signed for and released. A lot of it was human remains returning from Nam and such that required me to be there when the plane pulled in. Also, I worked in the air freight terminal which was located right next to the passenger terminal at Yokota AB which was probably the busiest airport in its day as all cargo going to Nam went through here. Mostly C-5s and C-141s. But we loaded and unloaded planes – that was our job. Spent most of my working day on the flight line.

I have terrible hearing. When I went to work for Digital back in the late 70s I was given a hearing test and they asked if I had worked around airplanes due to the results. She said my hearing was bad at high frequency. I know I have terrible hearing. I got my medical records from the VA which shows my hearing test when I enlisted and when I was discharged. I am listing them here to hopefully get some advice. The numbers in parenthesis are the numbers recorded on my hearing test when I was discharge.

Right ear 500=5 (5); 1000=5 (5); 2000=0 (10); 4000=5 (15); 6000=- (20)
Left ear 500=5 (10); 1000=0 (10); 2000=5 (10); 4000=0 (20) 6000=-(40)

It appears they never tested for the 6000 range when I enlisted. But the bottom line is when I went in my hearing was all 0s and 5s and when I was discharged it was a lot worse. Now I know it is absolutely terrible. But when you look at the hearing tests from when I went in and was discharged, coupled with the job I performed I didn’t think it was questionable. So I filed a claim and was denied and was told I needed more info. I talked to a VA service officer and unknown to me he had it appealed and it was still denied saying they need more info. What more do I need? I had a private hearing test done and they confirmed my hearing is absolutely terrible. So when the VA did one to support my claim they looked at my test results I had and said they were the same. The graph I got back shows my hearing at high frequency is completely gone. I did go to a VA service officer here where I live and wasn’t impressed. I told him what my paperwork said and he told me that physicals when I went in and got discharged didn’t “mean anything” as they could have given me the test wrong. What kind of an answer is that? He is supposed to assist me. Anyway, if anybody has any recommendations of what I should do next I will do it. I really need to get my hearing fixed as it is almost embarrassing how bad it is. The only thing I know is the numbers of my hearing tests when I went in and got discharged as I have a copy of them as well as the job I performed when I was in as well as my hearing today is absolutely terrible. Possibly somebody could recommend a VA service office in the state of Colorado. I don’t care what city as I would travel if I know I would get somebody who would sincerely assist me.

Thanks – Ricky C. Swanson shorttimer1@gmail.com

Ps please feel free to e-mail me directly

Dave, this is Hubert Harris just to let you know in June of 2006, per your advice I filed for hearing loss and tinnitus and was initially denied, I filed a letter of disagreement and they are still dening on the hearing loss but I was 1 week ago this past friday advised by my representative from the DAV that the VA was now going to approve on the tinnitus at 10%. So just to let people know don't ever give up on your claim, there is always a chance, remember to have all of your ducks in a row when you go in, have the supporting documents as I did, and be lucky as I was and have a good support group to help you with your fight (DAV, VFW, AM Vets) it doesn't matter which one just have one of them and don't try to do it by yourself.

quote:

RickySwanson: "I did go to a VA service officer here where I live and wasn’t impressed. I told him what my paperwork said and he told me that physicals when I went in and got discharged didn’t “mean anything” as they could have given me the test wrong. What kind of an answer is that? He is supposed to assist me. Anyway, if anybody has any recommendations of what I should do next I will do it. I really need to get my hearing fixed as it is almost embarrassing how bad it is."

Ricky read the post right under yours, there is the theme. You do not give up, thanks Hubert! Hearing tests can be incorrect. Back in the 1960's and 70's many tests did not reflect hearing loss accurately. That being 35 years ago you most likely have had hearing tests done regarding employment, or maybe during routine health examinations. If so, those can be used as a nexus.
When you said VA service officer did you mean an organization service officer? If you do not feel your VSO is on the same page as you, look around for someone who you do trust.
Original hearing loss claims after several decades are quite difficult.

Thank you both Dave and citybilly. I guess I was just under the assumption that when you look at the job I performed when I was in and then that my hearing was a lot worse when I got out I would like to believe that it wouldn't be that difficult. But I am to the point where I really can't hear and so I was told I am entitled to free hearing aids from the VA. That is all I am looking for. The VSO was from our county veteran's office. But what I plan to do next is to get a private (maybe 2) doctor who is board certified and test my hearing then I will resubmit it. But I will keep at it, I just can't imagine it would be this difficult. Also, it might be noted that I was never issued any hearing protection. And like I said we probably spent 80% of our time on the flight line. And when we weren't we were in our office which was the freight ramp located right next to the flight line. So I will go get a hearing test from a private doctor as well as a letter.

Thanks!

Ricky

To some degree Ricky, your Veteran's Service Officer is right. The physicals you received on your entrance and discharge to the military don't mean much. Not when trying to apply for VA benefits.

For example, I had a normal, healthy physical upon entrance -- of course, or I wouldn't have been allowed in. That's true for anyone who actually served. Or you were given a waiver for something, and basically the same thing. You were for all intents and purposes healthy.

As for the discharge physical -- I wasn't even given one. I did however have mounds of medical records and such in my Military Medical Files, to show there was a problem which developed several years after my entrance into the military... but the discharge physcial, as there was none, meant nothing.

Exit physicals mean little, they are looked at, but they are certainly not enough in the VAs own system of proving a disablity was caused, or aggravated by military service, to indicate you are warranted a service-connected disability.

Hearing loss shown in an exit physical, could be deemed genetic, or just 'typical progression of aging' depending on your length of service. It takes quite a bit of medical and other documented evidence to prove that your military service caused it or aggravated it. This is true for many disabilities.

So the fact that your service officer told you that, doesn't mean he's trying to blow you off, or not helping you. However, if you don't like the person, of feel they aren't helpful, you can always find another one, who you do like.

But entrance and exit phyiscals aren't enough, or really ANY proof that your military service caused your disability.

As a county VSO, I share in everyone's frustration in developing hearing loss claims. But I will share, these type of claims take a little creativity, not dishonesty, just a little more development if you will, to lay the facts out before the adjudicators to get your award on the right track.

NEC's, MOS's, etc.. create strong supporting evidence, combat veterans are even sometimes conceded by the VARO, but as I tell my veterans, list all your traumatic acoustic events that occured while in the service, it may not even be related to your job field, but it is still evidence for consideration.

Also, the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine, has provided the Secretary of VA with Noise and Military Service. Heavily recommend reading. My favorite quote is found on page 44.

In only 3 of more than over 60 intensity-duration exposure combinations, the individuals’ hearing thresholds failed to fully recover to baseline levels established before the series of exposures; that is, some PTS occurred in only 3 of 60 cases (5 percent). On this basis, it was assumed that if an individual completely recovered from a TTS, the inner ear had not sustained permanent structural damage. However, because the inner ears of these individuals were not examined microscopically, the occurrence of permanent structural damage could not be ruled out.

If you need additional information, drop me an email edball@bizwoh.rr.com and I'll ensure you get it. I concur! Never give up! My first hearing loss award case was for a WWII veteran denied all the way through Court of Veterans Appeals since 1954, for firing 137,000 rounds out of a 105mm howitzer across Europe, provided in a Press Release by HQ 5th Army Public Relations Section 15 Sep 1944. We reopened with new evidence, he was Granted 40% bilateral SNHL and 10% Tinnitus on Aug 3, 2004. There was some key information missing in previous filings that precluded the case being awarded. Best Regards, Ed

quote:

Originally posted by HEBall:
However, because the inner ears of these individuals were not examined microscopically, the occurrence of permanent structural damage could not be ruled out.

In addition to identifying a "traumatic acoustic event(s), I include "in conjunction with Noise Induced Hearing Loss" in the claims I submit, which seems to give further weight to the claims.

A good government website to refer to is Noise Induced Hearing Loss definition

Bottom line, NIHL is caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises or traumatic acoustic events. The hair cells are damaged in the inner ear, and do not grow back. It's hard to find a veteran that was not exposed to loud noises throughout his/her career. Providing audiograms reflecting 55db or greater and speech discrimination of 92% or less would be a great indicator to at least file for loss of hearing/tinnitus, as appropriate, as having incurred while on active duty.

When I received my Physical after starting with the VA I was given a hearing exam automatically. It is part of the preliminary exam and I received 10% disability.

That is part of the comp & pen exam process though Bob -- this person was talking about outprocessing physicals from the military.

If he gets one of those, that is where the weight is put. Not outprocessing.

I have about 15% hearing loss, from having to stand 10=15 feet away from the exposed engines of the c130 during work 5 days a week. Though I wasn't doing most of the maintenance, we did Isochronal Inspections, and my office was right next to the engine bay. Try proving that == because I wasn't "performing engine diagnostics". I have to have the TV cranked up in a silent room, to hear...

Oh well.

First, thanks for everybody's assistance so far. I do not plan to give up.

I guess what is the frustrating part is when I initially started looking into this they said if your job was on a flight line then that holds a lot of weight. And the best supporting document you can get is a VA medical report that shows your hearing tests when you went in and when you got discharged. And if they show your hearing was worse when you got out that is extremely helpful. And mine showed exactly that. I mean if it showed my hearing was the same or better then that would be different.

I know my hearing today is extremely bad - about -90.

I have an appointment with an audiologist and will have them write me a letter. I guess they need to say "more likely than not." One question is do you think it is enough for one letter or should I get 2 appointments with 2 doctors who will write 2 different letters. I guess the tests and letter will be about $300. But if I can get hearing aids from the VA it will most certainly be worth it. I just feel strongly that I have a legitimate case.

Thanks again!

Ricky

You can always get another if you feel like it. It won't hurt really... but the biggest thing you'll need is that VA Compensation and Pension exam, that will say the feel your hearing more likely than not was damaged in the performance of your military service.

If the VA examiner doesn't feel that that is the case, you'll have an uphill battle getting those hearing aids, regardless of how many other civilian docs agree with you.

That is the same situation that plagues veterans of ALL disabilities. They may have 3,4 or MORE docs, saying, THIS VETERAN HAS A SEVERE DISABILITY CAUSED BY X,Y, and Z during their military service, only to be denied for health benefits and compensation by the VA because the VAs examiner disagreed.

I would get yourself a good VSO (one that you like, and feel is helpful to you) and all the documentation from your noise exposure etc, during your service. If you still feel you need those civie audiologist reports, get them also. But don't think that ANYTHING you provide is a 'obvious' thing -- even if it really is. THis is the VA.

Hello and thanks again.

The C&P - can I request another. I know I had one in Jun of 2005 at Ft. Snelling in Minneapolis. They did a hearing test only and said the results would get submitted to the VA. Nothing was mentioned about my job in the military or anything. Just took the test and they sent me on my way saying I would hear from them. Could I go to my local VA office and request that a test be done?

Thanks!

Have you ever received a response from the VA that they told you would get? Like an awards letter, or a denial of your claim?

It can be anywhere from 6-18 months or longer for the VA to make a determination.

If you've never received this paperwork from the VA, your claim is still pending. If you did, but never responded to it, you may have exceeded the time limit to file a Notice of Disagreement.

You really need to get with your VSO and yes, they can request another Comp & Pen, but usually you have to have a hearing at teh Regional Office, based on what reasons you feel you need another one (usually improper procedure or something, that a VSO would be able to figure out).

I had posted back in November of last year that I was looking into opening a claim for hearing
loss & tinnitus from my service time from 73-77. I was a 63B20 (Wheel Vehicle mechanic)and was
exposed to noises from different types of engines, heavy duty equipment, etc. I recently had
my C&P done @ Beckley VAMC. I had to have another hearing test performed even though one had
earlier been done just a few months ago. I recieve hearing aids & batteries through the V.A. I
obtained a copy of the C&P report. Several things were noted by the Audiologist: (1) Trouble
comprehending conversational speech, even face-face. Patient relies on lipreading as secondary
source of communication. Puretone Avg. for Right ear was 53.75, Left ear was 48.75 db. % Right
ear speech recognition score 84 & Left 88. Diagnosis: Patient suffers from Moderate severe to
mild to profound sensoineural hearing loss in left ear & moderate severe to moderate to severe
sensoineural loss in right. (2) Service MEDICAL & V.A records were reviewed. Examiners Medical
opinion that "hearing loss & tinnitus was most likely aggravated by consistent, excessive noise
while in military" (working as diesel mechanic). Ratonale given "it is my professional opinion
patient's hearing loss was as least as likely as not aggravated by his noise exposure in the
military". (3) There was also notation "Patient's hearing showed a decline upon enlistment in
the military, however, exit exam revealed a severe decline in his hearing, not sure if exit
exam had conductive component". I provided VARO IN Huntigton with info on Private audiology
records since leaving service in 1977, but apparantly they were not reviewed. I plan to call
my DAV VSO tommorrow for his opinion of this C&P. Perhaps someone in this forum community could
provide some input. Thanks to all who participate in this forum, it's great. I already get 30%
for another SC disability.

quote:

Diagnosis: Patient suffers from Moderate severe to mild to profound sensoineural hearing loss in left ear & moderate severe to moderate to severe sensoineural loss in right. (2) Service MEDICAL & V.A records were reviewed. Examiners Medical opinion that "hearing loss & tinnitus was most likely aggravated by consistent, excessive noise while in military" (working as diesel mechanic). Ratonale given "it is my professional opinion patient's hearing loss was as least as likely as not aggravated by his noise exposure in the
military". (3) There was also notation "Patient's hearing showed a decline upon enlistment in the military, however, exit exam revealed a severe decline in his hearing, not sure if exit exam had conductive component".

It appears the examiner feels your condition is due to your service. It certainly was aggravated by service. In my opinion it should be rated service connected. The examiners key phrase "it is my professional opinion patient's hearing loss was as least as likely as not aggravated by his noise exposure in the
military".

Please come back and give up an update.

I Thank You so much for your input Dave. I plan to call DAV in Huntington this morning to discuss with them the findings. For sure I will be back and give an update. I wish I had done this 30 years ago. These forums are a wealth of information, as a License Social Worker I can appreciate the resources.

quote:

I plan to call DAV in Huntington this morning to discuss with them the findings.

The DAV office in Huntington is a quite qualified, extremely professional staff. I have met with them mulitple times.

As VSOs continue to advocate service connection for hearing loss amongst veterans, one little known fact in this region is that if in fact a veteran is receiving medical services in a VA facility, and continues to do so, discuss your hearing problem with your Primary Care physician and request a referral to Audiology.

38 CFR ch 1 Part 17 § 17.149 Sensori-neural Aids. (b) VA will furnish needed sensori-neural aids (i.e., eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids) to the following veterans: (8) Those visually or hearing impaired so severely that the provision of sensori-neural aids is necessary to permit active participation in their own medical treatment.

Depending on the Priority Group you are assigned within VAMC, you may be required to pay the co-payment of $50 to see the audiologist, though you may be entitled to a free set of hearing aids, but you won't know unless you ask. Important: Ask your Primary Care Dr. for a referral first! Can't get there without it unless you are service connected for hearing loss or tinnitus.