I noticed that hearing loss is commonly related to a category of veterans the VA and Veteran Advocates classify as "COMBAT VETERANS." The phrase "Combat Veteran" is generally conceived as veterans engaged in combat with enemies of the USA. However, during my tour of duty aboard a US Warship, Destroyer USS Leary DD-879 between 1965 and 1967, the 6th Fleet routinely engaged in "war games" which involved practicing for actual engagement under various scenarios. This often involved constantly enduring the tremendous noise of 8 and 16 inch guns fired from the ships as training exercises. The USS Leary DD-879 was also equipped with a Submarine Killing weapon called ASROC which when fired during training exercises sounded like an atomic bomb and was so powerful it vibrated the ship so violently it would knock sailors from their racks in the sleeping compartments. The ACTUAL FACT is that these "war games" training exercises are constant throughout the entire US military and actual wartime engagement are only intermittent intervals involving much less exposure to Artillery Noise than the routine "war games" training exercises.
Yes, probably more combat vets get hearing loss ratings than non-combat vets, but if you search the decisions at the BVA website, there are still a lot of non-combat vets that get them from training accidents, flightline duty, certain navy ship duty, etc. I've read a number of cases there where Purple Heart recipients were denied for hearing loss because their records didn't show any change in hearing ability while they where in.
I have a buddy that filed his first claim after over 40 year gap. He finally decided to try and he got 50% rating on his hearing. I'm like, you've got to be kidding, barely anyone gets rated and he strolls in and gets 50% right off the bat!, Crazy!
The VA gave me the hearing test, their diagnoses was minimal hearing loss. But my complaint is pressure in my eardrums similar to the sensation of the pressure you feel while flying on a plane. Also my eardrums react to loud musis, or loud speaking voices while I'm listen to video's on my phone. The pressure in my eardrums is a constant pressure, then release. Over and over until I turn the sound way down or off. Tinnitus comes in many ways.
I get hearing aids from the VA for my hearing loss, but I don't get any compensation for the loss of hearing. I do get the 10% for the tinnitus. Can I get a percentage for the hearing loss?
I am a Navy veteran who is residing on an island without resources and tools to use except to wait for VA personnels who come ocassionally to those islands to help VA veterans that are forgotten after you got out of the military. Those VA personnels have not been here since the beginning of the pendamic. There is no VA office or even a clinic to help with our injuries. It is very frustrating or emotional disturbing to have no where to turn to for help
I got herbal supplements in form of ear drop from dr Ogbebor herbal centre,on RU-vid.,,2 drops into both ears 3 times daily after two weeks my tinnitus was gone
I got rated at 20% in 1975 about 5 years ago it was raised to 70% and told at the present time there are no hearing devices out there that would work for me.
They told me the same exact thing then i insisted on hearing aids they kept saying they wouldnt help im also at 70 percent with out my hearing aids i cant hear shit im on my fourth pair every four years get new pair
Sometimes Veterans will tell the examiner that tinnitus started after service which may end up having an unfavorable impact their claim. The actual type of hearing loss is considered by the examiner.
A vet would only say that if he/she didn't have it from service. Those who aren't trying to steal from the taxpayers didn't have this problem. For us, there was an unmistakable noise incident in service that caused an immediate ringing that never went away such as combat action, training accident, flightline duty without hearing protection (i.e what Air Force Security Forces had to deal with back in the day because they had to listen to their radios while around jets), etc. All the con artists out there didn't have this experience, so they answer accordingly which the VA notices and then rejects their claims. This is why the VA still uses hearing loss as a basis for judging the legitimacy of tinnitus claims, because you can't fake hearing loss with modern technology.
@@csucujo Does this mean you should have lied to win a claim? Those of who have real in-service hearing loss and tinnitus don't have to concoct lies because it was unmistakable when it started. Anyone filing for tinnitus who doesn't have from service is committing fraud and stolen valor.
When I went to basic training in 1980, ear plugs were scarce on the range so we were told to find some cigarette butts on the ground and to use the filters as hearing protection. Not only did that method not work very well, but about the lead particles that we might have been shoving into our ears. Ear cell hair damage?
Tinnitus is when exposed if you have buzzing, ringing. Effective date is when exposed, and state that. It is a subjective complaint and there is no test for it.
I’m 100 P/T, when I got out in 2018 I was told by the VA that they will never award anyone for hearing loss whether legitimate or not. I was artillery and have legitimate hearing loss in both ears. I never tried to fight it and saw in one of your other videos I would qualify for additional SMC rating for hearing loss.
Who in the heck told you that nonsense? That's absurd and untrue. I am a non-combat Army Reservist and got it for a training accident plus records that showed in-service hearing loss. My records right after service showed it got worse. I was in a combat support MOS. Yes, the VA can be hard on hearing loss cases, but that's because too many people, even with legit claims, go into hearing tests trying to "pad" them by feigning even worse hearing loss thinking it will help. The opposite happens because experienced audiologists know when this is happening and then mark you as a malingerer, which is a death sentence for future VA claims. If you have legit, documented hearing loss from service and it got worse after service, just apply and be honest and you will most likely win if your MOS has high noise exposure. But too many idiots that are like 65 file claims for hearing loss despite having normal hearing for 30 years past service and then try to claim it as service connected when it happens when they are old. There are literally a ton of these claims at the BVA website if you click "search decisions." Getting back to my original point, my VA audiologist was actually really tough, but fair and explained this me after the test and he was satisfied that I was legit and had service-connected hearing loss. He explained that he loves to help vets, but there is an epidemic of stupidity among veterans today that encourage them to fake hearing loss to get service-connected because they that is easy to get away with. It is not. They have computers now that tell how much hearing loss you have by measuring damage to the hearing follicles in your ear. They use this after the regular tone test to see if you're lying, but they don't tell you they're doing it. My VA audiologist said that he's caught so many vets lying that he's became jaded. He said it's a breath of fresh of air when a vet comes in, has some in-service documentation and post-service documents showing hearing loss, and then passes the hearing test and has hearing loss without any deception. He said he actually goes out of his way to write a positive nexus for these types of vets.
Get a Board-certified ENT doc to examine / test you, explain your issue with VA and request a Nexus for service connection. Need phrase, " as least as like as not' or ' more than likely" in the letter tied to your exposure.
I enlisted in 1973, to avoid the draft, which I would have probably had an infantry MOS and sent to Nam. My draft lottery was in the teens, so I knew I was destined to be drafted. So I joined and picked an obscure MOS, with a waiting period of 14 months, so I could avoid going to Nam. Did basic at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Back then, all basic training was geared towards infantry MOS going to Nam. We were issued these cheap ear plugs, which constantly worked their way out of the ear canal, leaving me exposed to loud noise exposure. Almost immediately I started experiencing tinnitus, which gradually worsened. I complained to the Drill Sergeant that I had ringing in my ears, and he said "what, you want me to cry:"? Typical old school Army jargon. I continued firing my weapon, day after day, along with grenades, mortars, claymore mines....Hell, I can't remember all the explosive weapons we were trained with. My tinnitus increased exponentially. Ear plugs kept working their way out, as I jumped, dove, crawled,...some of you know the drill. Needless to say, I eventually had permanent hearing damage due to tinnitus. Not all did, but I guess my DNA had a weak link to loud noise exposure. After basic, I went to AIT and was giving a hearing test. Failed epically, and wes given a H3 profile, Remember, I entered with acceptable hearing at the induction station. After I ETSd, I applied for disability. DENIED... So I never followed up until recently, thanks to President Trump. So, I went to my local VA rep, sponsored by the county and applied for a hearing disability. Long story short, I can barely hear conversation in a busy environment. I avoid talking to people because I'm ashamed of not being able to understand them. I am constantly asking people to repeat themselves, and try to read their lips in order to communicate. The VA says I have a service connected hearing loss, but gave me a 0% disability. I'm damn near deaf, but I marginally passed the Maryland CNC. I am of the opinion, the VA rigs your hearing test so you will not be financially compensated, unless you are damn near deaf. Veterans need to write their Congress representative, and demand the VA revamp their hearing loss evaluations. I know, thousands of Vets have hearing loss, and it would cost the government much more, but we deserve rightful compensation.
thanks for this video I just filed my claim for tinnitus 42 years later...was not aware about tinnitus..I had hearing tests due to buzzing and hissing while serving as a marine at the air station.
I was an air-wing Marine stationed at MCAS El Toro in California In the 1990s. I filed for tinnitus 20 years later. I was denied. Let me know if you get approved or not brother...I’m curious. Oorah.
@@csucujo Do a higher level review. Air wing is under high risk category for tinnitus. I was Marine Corps infantry and just got awarded 10% for it. You did tell the audiologists your tinnitus started while in service, correct?
Brian I was denied twice. Reason for denial was that both my hearing tests came back normal - both audiologists said that my tinnitus had no connection to my military service. I hate them so much. Yet, I see veterans who worked desk jobs get their tinnitus claims approved easy. When in fact, I busted my azz on the flight line with helicopters spinning everyday..I was also deployed on a navy ship where I worked on the flight deck with 6 months of sea duty under my belt...I always get screwed! Fml. And yes, I did tell them that the ringing started in service...cause it really did..o well. MOS: 6072. USMC 95-99 🇺🇸 Corporal
I've had tinnitus since Basic back in 1963 and I have had a VA Audiologist perform an audiology exam a 3 or 4 years or so and he said he thought my exposure to firearms and heavy weapons was the likely cause. Is that test going to be readily available for disability examiners?
My husband has a C&P Exam for hearing loss/ tinnitus tomorrow ...is it ok to take a “buddy” letter or lay evidence to the actual exam even though it has not been uploaded to the VA yet?
Hi, i been to my audio appointment and schedule for a exam. My audio test exam indicate boarded line hearing loss and was giving a machine for noise suppressor machine and Hearing Aids from the VA center. The information has entered in the VA computer do having a hearing aid help with my VA claim.
Any veteran who went through BMT and the firing range without protective ear devices, had ringing after firing or with larger dB's exposure devices, cannon, that is a service connection often not considered. Does not have to be combat related. From late 1960's, Firing a M-16 generated 165 dB pf sound which can be direct cause for Tinnitus. One exposure at that level is all it takes for Tinnitis and is irreversible. There were no enforced guidelines for ear protection devices until late 1980's. Look up and understand what the decibel level was related to what you were exposed to. Get ENT doc to examine you, provide your history, get tested and ask him given your evidence for a Nexus letter.
On remand, the VA regional office sent me to get a hearing test for hearing loss and tinnitus, the examiner seemed to agree that my issues were related to service and compensatable, now, it’s been 2 weeks and the VA is sending me to another exam at a different office, what’s up with that?
After 7 years since my last hearing evaluation at VA they recently conducted another evaluation for my service connected 0% hearing loss now they are issuing hearing aids. Do i file for an increase or does the VA do this automatically.
at 11:27 she says "they're performing these two tests at the VA doctor" what two tests and at the va doctor?? does that mean my audiologist would have to go to the VA doctor's office to perform the tests?
I was wondering how long I can wait for an appeal? It's been 17 months since I initially filed my appeal. My claim was for tinnitus and I had the help of vet comp and pen to file my claim. On the website it says it's waiting for a reviewing officer. I guess my question is if it's really common why is it taking so long to get a final decision.
nicholas simmons you can appeal up to 12 months after initial claim date. If past the 12 months, I believe you can file a brand new claim on tinnitus again....I think.
Thank you for reaching out to us. We would like to learn more about your situation to determine if we can help you. Please contact our office at 844-567-1185 for a free consultation. Thank you, and we look forward to speaking with you soon.
I copied Morse code for endless hours throughout the sixties during my time on submarines. I’ve had Varied sounds of varying intensity which have increased over the years. In the last two or three years, there has been a dramatic increase in these sounds which have become very difficult work through. Is there a VA office in North Texas that would be able to guide me through an application for possible benefits?
@robert kelleher, We're sorry to hear that you have been having a hard time. Our office gets involved in the appeals stage of a claim, meaning that we help once VA denies a claim. If you are seeking to file a claim, we recommend working with a Veteran Service Organization (VSO), such as our colleagues at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). They can be reached at (859)-441-7300.
i had a hearing loss from firing a M-1 grenade launcher with a booster i was in the 69 infintry in NYC they classified me non combatant and assigned me to a drive a truck 1966
I am wearing hearing aid provide by the VA, but I am not rated %. I am schedule for C&P audio exam, should take the exam with my hearing aid? Thanks Marco
My name is Whitey collins and I served in us navy on aircraft carrier and I had a hearing test done last year and my hearing is getting worse how do I go about reporting that to add to my hearing loss
what about a TBI ? boxing team for Air Force for 4 years and now has Dementia and is helping and ,Might even caused the Dementia? Per Neurologist, Private Dr, Hearing is not clear and the hearing comes through as static, Have had the one ear drum surgery on deaf right ear, a few years back hearing was improved but now the right ear is deaf again, Vhb tested and then sent to VA benefit gave 10 percent disability, Is getting hearing aids by VA health Care , Thinks it will slow down Dementia, your thoughts Was in the Cuban Crisis standing for hours by roaring Jets , Your thoughts?
Any thoughts on the 3m settlement regarding faulty earplugs? There are many of us that feel we’ve had hearing loss in service but haven’t filed or are being 0% at this point, and as you point out years passing may prove to be related to service, do you feel that there is going to be a fund set aside for future claims?
If you're rated 10% you should be getting comp pay. That doesn't make any sense. That would be like them not covering injury from getting shot because you didn't have your flak jacket pulled down far enough.
@barry graham, there are ways in which one can challenge C&P exam result. Check out our blog to learn more.cck-law.com/blog/how-to-challenge-va-cp-exam
What if a vet doesn't even qualify for VA benefits of any sort for that vets household income is, according to veterans benefits office, says that you don't even qualify? Can you please explain why that is?
They're talking about disability compensation claims here. I'm pretty sure you're talking about health care. You can file a claim for compensation regardless of qualifying for VA health care. The higher claim rating you have the easier it is to qualify for health care.
You mentioned "One rating for both ears" in case of hearing loss.I have service connect 0% for left ear but for my right ear is (not service connected" How is that possible?
You might not have enough "loss" in the right to where it's at a level to warrant a rating. Another possibility is when you took a hearing exam when leaving service your left ear showed hearing loss but your right ear didn't. That's what happened to me for my left ear. I was awarded tinnitus years later but denied hearing loss in my left ear due to me passing my hearing test at my exit exam. You would think if I was awarded for tinnitus I would get the hearing loss too. It's pretty mild though and would only be rated at 0% right now anyways. I may fight it later after I finish up some current claims. Look at your decision letter. It should explain why you weren't service connected for your right ear. My letter specifically says left ear denied due to passing exam when exiting Marine Corps and audiologist said less likely than not service connected. For the right ear it said hearing loss wasn't at a level to where it's considered hearing loss. I'd be interested to find out why you were denied for one and not the other. If you have anymore details post and maybe we can figure it out.
I got herbal supplements in form of ear drop from dr Ogbebor herbal centre,on RU-vid.,,2 drops into both ears 3 times daily after two weeks my tinnitus was gone
I weny on VA .Gov and learned they Combined my Hearing Loss(new claim) and and Hyperacusis& Migraines(Both secondary to Service connected to Tinnitus). Is that good or bad. ???
I got herbal supplements in form of ear drop from dr Ogbebor herbal centre,on RU-vid.,,2 drops into both ears 3 times daily after two weeks my tinnitus was gone
