tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post5785566059903162642..comments2023-03-03T00:22:11.460-08:00Comments on The Big News in Military Disability: Now Hear This: Two Bills Address Military Disability for Tinnitus and Hearing LossMilitary Disability Made Easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-58695476223213373442022-05-04T07:08:34.493-07:002022-05-04T07:08:34.493-07:00We hear you. The good news is that if they at leas...We hear you. The good news is that if they at least gave you a 0% for hearing loss, you'll be able to easily increase that rating once your hearing tests qualify you for a higher rating. Hearing loss does have to be fairly significant before it rates more than a 0%. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-13566606956761113302022-05-03T14:26:20.177-07:002022-05-03T14:26:20.177-07:00I was an Army Medic , flying on Choppers daily, an...I was an Army Medic , flying on Choppers daily, and flying on them for a Chem biological team, exposed to noise of the choppers, I was also a KC1`35 Crewchief and exposed to Generators daily, jet engines from 135's and fighter jets at Selfridge Afb,MI Flightline vehicles daily, gators, hanger maintenance when working on KC135 in the hangers, my hearing has gotten worse, they gave me a lousy 10% for tinnitus. That needs to be fixed , we need to be compensated more for our hearing loss. Crewchief4uhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02504892347824485302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-26899499354934080852019-11-14T11:45:55.176-08:002019-11-14T11:45:55.176-08:00You should be good to go with just submitting evid...You should be good to go with just submitting evidence of your MOS since it is listed as high probability. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-15846309018873597182019-11-05T11:54:29.949-08:002019-11-05T11:54:29.949-08:00I have a highly probable NEC(MOS) 23 Radioman (Lis...I have a highly probable NEC(MOS) 23 Radioman (Listed as Information Systems Technician now. On Monday (Veterans Day) I go in for a CPI exam. My secondary designation is 2304 (International Morse Code Operator). My active duty was from 1987 to 1991, later did some reserve time. Anyway, I have had this ringing in my ears since March 1989 and noticed it just after I finished morse code school, where we had headsets on for 8 hours a day for 5 months. I specifically remember it because I had a hard time when I returned to ship distinguishing between real dits and dahs and the constant ring sound I was hearing. Anyway, didn't really know what it was at the time and I really loved my job so I was not going to complain about hearing and be relegated to some other position. To this day I have ringing in my ears, it is much more noticeable now that I am in a quiet office and out of cube land. Should I create a sworn statement or something or is this highly probable designation enough to establish service connection.Matt B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16915249171325519496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-42520161549060529102019-11-04T08:21:05.584-08:002019-11-04T08:21:05.584-08:00You can submit a claim for hearing loss if your MO...You can submit a claim for hearing loss if your MOS (or it's modern equivalent) is marked as moderate or high on the Noise Exposure Listing:<br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/theears.html#noise<br /><br />All you need to do is submit a claim along with proof of your MOS and the length of service. Also include medical history of your hearing loss development. They will approve the claim unless there is sufficient evidence that your hearing loss was more likely caused by other circumstances (significant years of civilian work in a high-noise environment, etc). Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-19167228400371447802019-11-01T15:56:38.399-07:002019-11-01T15:56:38.399-07:00I am 78. I was told 30 years ago that my hearing l...I am 78. I was told 30 years ago that my hearing loss was related to loading 40MM artillery guns without ear plugs. The VA was not interested is discussing. I use hearing aids but always have problems discerning words and speech. My MOS was as a Canoneer. What are my options?billliamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17308212913395068498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-66342305020809825812019-08-22T09:13:07.952-07:002019-08-22T09:13:07.952-07:00Please read this link below - might be of great he...Please read this link below - might be of great help to ditty bop's attempting to figure out the latest version of the MOS aka job code for USAFSS or later... www.6988th.org/Docs/morse_code_operators.pdfStevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11874525928675348363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-45974620597290227672019-05-01T09:20:21.274-07:002019-05-01T09:20:21.274-07:00You can submit outside evidence, but the VA will r...You can submit outside evidence, but the VA will require a VA examination once you submit for an increase. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-16448840330527086132019-04-24T12:24:09.103-07:002019-04-24T12:24:09.103-07:00I am currently rated 0% for hearing loss and 10% f...I am currently rated 0% for hearing loss and 10% for tinnitus. My hearing has definitely worsened since I was rated. Am I allowed to see my own audiologist and fill out my own DBQ or do I have to go through the VA?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07335725463225835373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-64704342916388087272019-04-23T09:07:29.672-07:002019-04-23T09:07:29.672-07:00thank you this is what I thoughtthank you this is what I thoughtAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02535388264103366886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-32475177750059923562019-04-23T08:43:45.731-07:002019-04-23T08:43:45.731-07:00Tinnitus is only rated 10% whether it is in one or...Tinnitus is only rated 10% whether it is in one or both ears, so you can only get a single 10% rating for tinnitus. <br /><br />You are correct that your hearing loss based on those test scores should be rated at 10%. Since they consider both ears service-connected now, and if those are the most recent hearing test scores, then the VA did make a mistake and you should submit an appeal. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-84412471207243663442019-04-16T20:43:52.033-07:002019-04-16T20:43:52.033-07:00I filed for tinnitus and hearing loss had c&p ...I filed for tinnitus and hearing loss had c&p exam va opioned tinnitus sc 10% right ear sc left ear not sc they reversed left ear to sc I look on e-benefits it now states 10% tinnitus sc bilaterall hearing loss sc 0% don't understand am I missing something left ear 72% speech discrimination 35 threshold ave right ear 72% speech discrimination 49 threshold ave. I looks to me on the hearing disability chart I have a IV for ears and they calculate to 10% am I missing something if not why are they not seeing this thanksAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02535388264103366886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-40021162587571795652019-04-08T07:54:21.866-07:002019-04-08T07:54:21.866-07:00Please do, and good luck!
Please do, and good luck!<br />Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-13271188070398138312019-03-29T19:16:45.984-07:002019-03-29T19:16:45.984-07:00Thanks so much, thinking of trying to get an attor...Thanks so much, thinking of trying to get an attorney to set the stage at the BVA for the eventual appeal to the court.<br />again, thanks for all you do, will try to keep you postedAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02115400244294610512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-44751297877607658932019-03-12T10:25:01.716-07:002019-03-12T10:25:01.716-07:00You are fighting a hard fight. The reality is that...You are fighting a hard fight. The reality is that the DAV does not have the power to grant an exception to a rule at this level. In order to get a change, you will have to appeal to the US Court of Appeals after being denied by the BVA and may require a lawyer. <br /><br />An easier option would be to wait until the VA releases its proposed changes to the ratings for the ears. They are in the process of rewriting the rating requirements and haven't yet done hearing conditions. As a part of the rewrites, they are updated tests/terminology/etc. to reflect more current best medical practices. <br /><br />When they publish their proposed changes (which we will blog about), you can submit comments regarding the changes and propose additional adjustment/changes, including this very issue. They then must fully consider all comments and apply those well argued and supported. <br /><br />While I don't suggest removing your appeal since it still must go through the BVA before you can appeal to the higher courts, commenting on the proposed changes may be more effective and faster. <br /><br />http://blog.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/2019/02/proposed-changes-to-ratings-of.htmlMilitary Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-46034062646381633782019-03-09T17:08:23.466-08:002019-03-09T17:08:23.466-08:00My case has just been put on the docket for the bo...My case has just been put on the docket for the board of appeals. I am appealing that the Pure Tone testing procedure is not definitive enough to establish a truer or more accurate reading of the actual amount of loss when compared to the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) my research indicates an average differential of 34% decrease in speech recognition as opposed to the pure tone. Can you provide guidance or advice? Would love to discuss this with you. If my research can be supported, a decision in my favor would have a profound, nation wide affects to those suffering with hearing loss. My hopes would be improved/better hearing aids to allow for better voice recognition. The state of CA. only allows the HINT test for Public Safety employees I may have a case on behalf of our vets. I need help and guidance. I am a one man show! Thanks for all that you do for our Veterans. DaveAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02115400244294610512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-44160197070299572212019-02-26T10:47:27.365-08:002019-02-26T10:47:27.365-08:00If you can provide proof of your noise dosimetry a...If you can provide proof of your noise dosimetry and sound level work (including the length of the testing to show prolonged exposure), then the VA may grant your claim. It is always tricky to get a decision overturned, but not always impossible. You have to be able to provide the VA with a firm case that makes it clear that your hearing loss was definitely caused by this service and no other circumstances. If you are able to do this, they will grant your claim. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-47085582854115242042019-02-26T08:29:16.285-08:002019-02-26T08:29:16.285-08:00Wales10--good luck with your VA claim. I'm cur...Wales10--good luck with your VA claim. I'm currently receiving a 20% disability rating from the VA as a result of my work in and round aircraft during my Navy years (Aviation Electrician). My ability to understand conversations (speech discrimination) has worsened over the years, however, even after providing the VA with hearing test results from my own doctor and the VA testing facility, my request for higher benefits was denied. Why? My hearing tests need to be "Maryland CNC" type testing in order to be considered for higher compensation. My point here is despite having medical documentation or working in jobs such as Wales10, nothing is assured with the VA. Best wishes with your claim(s) !!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13846134327668655348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-89225350154992578772019-02-26T08:08:14.726-08:002019-02-26T08:08:14.726-08:00Good morning. I was a 4B0X1 in the Air Force, whic...Good morning. I was a 4B0X1 in the Air Force, which is low on the spreadsheet. However, we went out to conduct noise dosimetry and sound level readings for employees and equipment, would there be a high likelihood for a reversal on my "not service connected"?Wales10https://www.blogger.com/profile/00598448795735216912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-11706781773329848722019-01-04T11:41:02.918-08:002019-01-04T11:41:02.918-08:00This is the only official list used by the VA that...This is the only official list used by the VA that I am aware of presently, but you can convert the old AFSC to the current MOS used on this list. That is what the VA does, so your AFSC should still correctly translate here. <br /><br />http://www.airframeandpowerplant.com/Airforce.htm<br /><br />You could site this to them and it could help, but they should already be using this as reference and converting to the current MOS codes. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-68491767409004621032019-01-01T23:34:12.768-08:002019-01-01T23:34:12.768-08:00Thanks for the quick reply. However, my VA counsel...Thanks for the quick reply. However, my VA counselor says that the AFSC list/chart I mentioned in my original request would greatly help my appeal. As stated before, this list was compiled before the AFSC to MOS conversion was compiled.<br />So, once again my question is: Do you know the name of the Air Force chart or list that states the probability of hearing loss by AFSC?doctorwho52https://www.blogger.com/profile/14651002698297728102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-67198144679202417192018-12-16T22:39:45.379-08:002018-12-16T22:39:45.379-08:00Yes, since your MOS is on the Noise Exposure Listi...Yes, since your MOS is on the Noise Exposure Listing, you should be granted service-connection. We have the full list on our site: <br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/theears.html#noiseMilitary Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-41443961517217971912018-12-15T01:16:19.917-08:002018-12-15T01:16:19.917-08:00I have bilateral hearing loss that recently requir...I have bilateral hearing loss that recently required the use of hearing aids, which I received through the VA. I applied for VA disability for the hearing loss but VA denied it claiming the hearing loss is not service connected.<br />In my online research on this matter I came across a chart of Air Force AFSCs that were considered assumptive for hearing loss, but I did not bookmark the site. This chart was probably created before the AFSC to MOS conversion was completed. Can you provide the website address or name of this AFSC chart?<br />FYI - My AFSC WAS 32852, Airborne Early Warning Radar Specialist. MOS conversion is 2A553 This MOS is listed as "High Probabilty" on the Duty MOS Noise Exposure Levels list.doctorwho52https://www.blogger.com/profile/14651002698297728102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-16966321220979060672018-03-21T15:10:02.300-07:002018-03-21T15:10:02.300-07:00Before giving up, definitely try to submit the NEX...Before giving up, definitely try to submit the NEXUS letters from those physicians who do feel it is service-connected. Try to get one from each of the 3 doctors, if possible. You can submit a statement (it won't be a nexus since you aren't a physician), but your statement will not be very powerful. The letters from the 3 physicians will hold the most weight. If after you appeal with these NEXUS letters the VA still denies it, then it may not be possible. But definitely try this before giving up. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6251565681889366489.post-60475822514226934992018-03-17T18:22:21.504-07:002018-03-17T18:22:21.504-07:00Dr. George, my husband served on an aircraft carri...Dr. George, my husband served on an aircraft carrier in the Navy during the Vietnam Wars(1965-1969). He is service connected for hearing loss (50%) and tinnitus(10%), bladder cancer(20%), headaches(30%). He also has been diagnosed with meniere's disease by his neurologist. He gets episodes of dizziness and loss of balance almost daily now. He is taking medication which helps. He didn't know much about the VA disabilities so didn't put in a claim for anything until 2 years ago. They have denied the Service Connection for the Meniere's Disease. We filed a reconsideration and it was also denied. There are 3 doctors saying it is service connected and 2 doctors (one which is in another State and has never met him) the other is a VA ENT practicing plastic surgery that do not agree. The approving doctors are his private Neurologist, and two VA doctors (ENT's). The two that disagree are both VA doctors. He plans to appeal but wants to make sure he gets the Nexus letter correct. He has had episodes of vertigo/dizziness on his service medical records as well as several ear issues. We got married 4 months after he got out of service, but were dating/engaged 2 years before. Since we have been married (1969) he has experienced dizziness and balance problems off an on. I'm sure he mentioned it to doctors through the years but we always thought it was inner ear infections since he had the hearing issues. The dizziness and loss of balance used to be maybe once a month, but progressively gotten worse over the years. The Neurologist has done MRI & MRA and has said in his medical records that it is likely caused by his noise exposure in the service. We are going to appeal the decision. Will it help if I write a Nexus letter indicating that I have witnessed his episodes of dizziness and loss of balance over the years? I plan to also go back to his Neurologist and possibly another doctor to have them write Nexus letters as well. If I write a statement, what should I say in my statement? I'm at a loss and just don't know what else we can do. Should I just give up or keep fighting?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00834683938852668065noreply@blogger.com