ptsd Any science or assertion linking: SC Hearing Loss & faster than average hearing loss afterwards?

[MKAH]

	Good morning, this is a post I made on another VA message site.
Posts: 177 Feb 25 16 5:20 PM	Based on a recent hearing test below, and using Hutsky hearing loss calculator (he is a Genius), I am now showing a 50% hearing loss rather than 20% that I had back in 2011.  #1) Is it common or more typical for vets to loose hearing more quickly as a person ages, due to a previous service connected HF SNHL military loss?   In the mid 1980's I was a combat medic in an artillery battalion; 8" guns (constant TOT shots) and MLRS, flew all over the place in helicopters, was hauled around in 113's, 577's, M88s, C130's C140's, Crappy Gamma goats and up rivers Portable Bridge Boats.  I was also involved in explosive demolition, training in close proximity to impact areas with US Army Rangers, regular army, and other multinational units. The combination of this led to my service connected hearing loss. #2) Should I upload this report described as an; "audiometric re-evaluation of his known HL"  on Ebenefits, or submit it thru the local VSO? I recall taking this same hearing test from the VA, prior to being rated back in 2010) #3) When or If, I do file for an increase, do I need any other supporting documentation other than this recent VA test and the fact that I have a SC hearing loss since 2011?  My occupation, hobbies and lifestyle have not changed since 2010.  I do not and have not, hunted, fired any guns, blasted music, ridden RTV's or done anything to exacerbate my hearing loss.  Pretty boring eh? However, I am now being treated by the VA for PTSD and take medication and get frequent physiological treatment  for that condition;  Sertraline 150mg day, Prozasin 4mg day, Zopladine 10mg bedtime.  I have not been able to work since 1/4/2016 and currently on SDI until May 16 which will be likely extended due to continued PTSD treatment at the VA. Any advice would be great.  ************************************************************* Disability Rating Decision Related To Effective Date tinnitus 10% Service Connected   03/08/2011 bilateral hearing loss 20% Service Connected   03/08/2011 ************************************************************* On 2/16/16 had a hearing test (entire report below), that I requested because my hearing seemed to be much worse and the VA hearing aids were not working well for me..  This is the VA audiology report I just downloaded via MHV. ************************************************************ Note Title: Audiology 10100 Location: No CA Healthcare Sys-Martinez Signed By: XXXXXX,LEE Co-signed By: XXXXX,LEE Date/Time Signed: 16 Feb 2016 @ 1740 Note LOCAL TITLE: Audiology 10100 STANDARD TITLE: AUDIOLOGY NOTE DATE OF NOTE: FEB 16, 2016@17:33 ENTRY DATE: FEB 16, 2016@17:34:09 AUTHOR: XXXXXX,LEE EXP COSIGNER: URGENCY: STATUS: COMPLETED *** Audiology 10100 Has ADDENDA *** Hearing Evaluation (60 mins) MyLastName, Mark, MALE, MyLastName, MARK CONFIDENTIAL Page 8 of 19 123-12-1234 S: Vet came to the clinic for an audiometric re-evaluation of his known HL. The Vet identified himself by name and SS#. Vet describes a subjective, bilateral, constant tinnitus with an unsure onset. O: See Audiometric Evaluation in CPRS found in the Tools menu under Specialty Applications, under Audiogram Display. A: Audiologic evaluation was completed. Findings indicate: AD: Mild sloping to a severe HF SNHL. AS: Mild sloping to a severe HF SNHL. Physical Examination (Objective Findings): 1. Measured pure tone thresholds in decibels HL at the indicated frequencies (air conduction): Right Ear Left Ear A* 500 - 20 A* 500 - 35 B 1000 - 50 B 1000 - 50 C 2000 - 75 C 2000 - 70 D 3000 - 85 D 3000 - 80 E 4000 - 95 E 4000 - 85 **average 76 dB HL **average 71 dB HL * The pure tone threshold at 500 Hz is not used in determining the evaluation but is used in determining whether or not a ratable hearing loss exists. **The average of B, C, D, and E. 2. Speech Audiometry Results: Speech Reception Thresholds were: 50 dBHL AD and 45 dBHL AS. Maryland CNC word recognition scores were: 56 % right ear 56 % left ear Comfortable listening levels were obtained. Bilateral BTE/RIC style hearing aids were ordered. Also ordered remote, ComPilot and remote Mic. P: Vet was counseled on test results, communication techniques and listening strategies. Vet to RTC for a hearing aid evaluation 3/14 @ 9:00 AM. /es/ Lee XXXX, MS Audiologist, Audiology Signed: 02/16/2016 17:40 02/19/2016 ADDENDUM STATUS: COMPLETED Hearing Aid Service LastName, MARK CONFIDENTIAL Page 9 of 19 S: Lt unit died while here for AE. P: Returned this unit to Mnfctr for repair. Holding EM in cupboard. call Vet or hold for appt. 3/14. /es/ Lee XXXXX, MS Audiologist, Audiology Signed: 02/19/2016 14:32 *********************************************************************** End Mark US ARMY Combat Medic 1/94th FA C Battery MLRS 1983 - 1986 SC - Bilateral Hearing Loss 20% SC - Tinnitus 10% PTSD-MST: Claim submitted 11/14/15

[broncovet]

1.  VA TDIU form is available here:

http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-8940-ARE.pdf   You can apply either through ebenefits or your VSO.

2.  File an "intent to file" for both:  http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0966-ARE.pdf

3.  If you like, you can calculate how much it will cost you by waiting to file.  Or, you can just file now, and not figure it out.  I recommend the later.  The later you file, the later your effective date, as your benefits wont be earlier than the date you file.  (with some exceptions such as if you file within a year of discharge.)

4.  I dont recommend quitting your job to file for disability.  If you can continue working, then do so.  There are many reasons for this, such as your health, your finances, your self esteem.    Social Security disability is like VA in that they dont want to pay your disability if you "can" work.  Work if you can, if you cant then file for disability.  Even if its tough, working is still better than being on disability.  

Edited March 28, 2016 by broncovet

[MKAH]

10 minutes ago, broncovet said:

1.  VA TDIU form is available here:

http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-8940-ARE.pdf   You can apply either through ebenefits or your VSO.

2.  File an "intent to file" for both:  http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0966-ARE.pdf

3.  If you like, you can calculate how much it will cost you by waiting to file.  Or, you can just file now, and not figure it out.  I recommend the later.  The later you file, the later your effective date, as your benefits wont be earlier than the date you file.  (with some exceptions such as if you file within a year of discharge.)

4.  I dont recommend quitting your job to file for disability.  If you can continue working, then do so.  There are many reasons for this, such as your health, your finances, your self esteem.    Social Security disability is like VA in that they dont want to pay your disability if you "can" work.  Work if you can, if you cant then file for disability.  Even if its tough, working is still better than being on disability.  

Thank you Broncovet,

I did not quit my, but I am simply not able to work due to panic attacks, paranoia and severe anxiety. Leaving the house to go to the grocery store a few times per week with my wife is a real accomplishment for me. 

 

I will do as you have suggested and submit an intent to file for both TDIU and SMC-K (ED).  Thank you for the links and great advice.

[killemall]

Did you ever do a c@p for hearing loss?

 

The numbers you posted are far greater than a 20% rating. Likely 40%.

 

[MKAH]

9 hours ago, killemall said:

Did you ever do a c@p for hearing loss?

 

The numbers you posted are far greater than a 20% rating. Likely 40%.

 

Killemall,

The Regional office used the examination for re-evaluation as the C&P.  I discovered this as it was annotated in my medical notes that I was able to view via Blue Button in MyHealEVet.

The rating ended up being:
50% Bi-Lateral Hearing Loss / Word Recognition
10% Tinnitus
=VA math 55%, rounded up to 60%.
This is a fair and accurate representation of my SC hearing loss and how it effects my life and work.

However, the PTSD-MST claim was denied without the use of a C&P, as I did not officially report the crime while in the Army back in 1984.  The rater simply made an incorrect decision, which was absolutely devastating to me.  I don't expect the rater to fully understand how this could happen to a man and not be officially reported. No one deserves to understand that first hand. 

It took me a few months to write up a short statement of disagreement as instructed by my VSO.  

Interestingly, the VA (Medical / Physiological) division of the US Government, consisting of Clinical Psychiatrists and other experts in the field, believe I need intensive and specific treatment for my PTSD-MST.  So on November 6th, I will be heading to another VA inpatient PTSD facility located in Virginia for seven weeks.   This particular program is a tertiary referral center which has a division that specializes specifically on male MST cases like mine, which the Regional Office rater said does not exist due to lack of documentation.

This matter will now last for many more painful years and I vow to never give up, just like when this unthinkable crime against me was committed. 

I apologize for going off topic. BTW, this is the place I am headed to in November:  http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=116

 

 

Edited September 26, 2016 by MKAH
spelling / link

[broncovet]

Congratulations, it sounds like you got an increase in your hearing loss.  As far as PTSD denial, then you should likely appeal this denial.  Make sure the big 3 are in your records:  Current diagnosis of PTSD, in service event or aggravation, and nexus statement.  

If you post the decision "reasons and bases" for denial of PTSD, we may be able to help wording a NOD.  Cover your name and address.  I suggest a new post, on PTSD denial so its not confused with your post on hearing loss.  

[MKAH]

2 hours ago, broncovet said:

Congratulations, it sounds like you got an increase in your hearing loss.  As far as PTSD denial, then you should likely appeal this denial.  Make sure the big 3 are in your records:  Current diagnosis of PTSD, in service event or aggravation, and nexus statement.  

If you post the decision "reasons and bases" for denial of PTSD, we may be able to help wording a NOD.  Cover your name and address.  I suggest a new post, on PTSD denial so its not confused with your post on hearing loss.  

Thanks Broncovet.