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

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MKAH

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Good morning, this is a post I made on another VA message site.    

 

 

imageimage

 

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
 

 

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What everybody else said about Hearing Increases, C & P Exam Computer generated Freq & Word Recognition Results, rule the day. The numbers are the numbers.

As to your MST/PTSD Denial, if you could post a redacted copy of your recent C & P DBQ and Award/Denial letter, it would be very helpful. What was the filing Date of your MST/PTSD Claim?  I have to believe that your recent Denial Decision was based on the "New Liberalized MST/PTSD Evidence Standards."

You might want to tune into Floridanurse's posts.  The final outcome of her "Pending" MST/PTSD Decision should be very informative.  Her VA MST Counselor believes she'll have a 100, maybe 70% T & P rating in the very near (few weeks?) future.

Did you avail yourself of the VA MST Councilor Program?

Semper Fi

.

Semper Fi

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