Hearing Loss

[stillhere]

I just got the copy of my complete c-file and health records from the RO. In it was my request for hearing loss from 1983 it also had my one sentence denial letter. After reviewing my health records they appear to show that I infact did have some hearing loss start while I was in service but the statement "satisfactory for VA purposes" anyone ever heard of that? Also I am now having a very hard time hearing or should I say understanding even with my aids. I was wondering if I should take these records in and have my VA audiologist that I have now go over them and see what they say? I would really like to reopen this claim because I do believe that this really started while i was in service.

Thanks for all your replys, Stillhere

[stillhere]

Thanks I will give it a shot and let everyone know how I make out.

Stillhere

[stillhere]

You will have to reopen...

Gather all audiology records since the 1983 C&P, get another audiology screening and be sure to have the audiologist put in the record that it is "at least as likely as not" that your hearing loss is related to your military noise exposure, then cite BVA Docket No. 91-50 078 where the board found that "a post-service hearing loss may not be dissiciated from service [given that the SMR's showed a change in hearing levels from entry to ETS]." BVA Case

Send in your request for claim, statement in support of claim, and evidence all at the same time. When you send this in, make a statement that you waive your VCAA rights (because you have already turned everything in) and you request that they go ahead and rate your condition based on the evidence you have submitted. You shouldn't even have to have a C&P, because they will have current audiogram evidence to rate on.

I don't think you have a CUE because the reg on assigning 0% evaluations didn't change until 1993. Good luck!

again thanks to everyone for thier help in this matter. I am still a little steamed (after 20 years ) they could should have been honest with me back in 83! Anyhow this is where I am now I have put in for a reopen of my claim but I really think thats this is a cue but I will get back to that later.

Went to my private audiologist and had her review my records and give me an up dated hearing test. Just got the results from her and they were very similar to the VA's test in 06 LE 68% and right ear 95% so pretty bad. Without my aid in I can barely hear anything. She is going to write me a report that says it more than likley as not started while I was in the military and as soon as I get that I will send it off with my claim. My main goal now is to get this service connected I will then go for the EED or a cue claim. My cue would be they had the information in 1984 that I had a high vrequency loss in both ears at discharge and they still denied it as SC even though thier examiner wrote it in my records. My hearing has gotten worse over the years but the main damage and truma was done while I was in service. Wish me luck!!

Stillhere

Edited March 19, 2008 by stillhere

[Jayg]

Thanks I will give it a shot and let everyone know how I make out.

Stillhere

Check your entrance and exit PULHES They fought me saying I had a hearing loss on entry to service. But that hearing was P1. When I ETS'd I was P3 after being in the artillery.

I got my 10% but they won't give me a hearing aid. They say not only will it not do me any good as I hear at about the same level, but that it would make things worse.

I did get an outside exam. He told me the same thing... <_<

[danang_1969]

I have another C&P hearing test coming up. I had one last year on my hearing loss claim in submitting two buddy letter explaining the extreme noise I endured with my claim as a nexus. The VA then ruled I did indeed have a moderate to severe hearing loss but it was not due to loud noise; but old age. I then got an IMO from a certified audiologist; which said much differently than they; it was from extreme noise according to the test graph. I then filed a NOD and resubmitted the buddy letters along with the IMO; which then they countered with another C&P. They are not blowing air in my ears this tesy either. Last time my tinnitus was much worse the months following. Wish me well please.

Danang_1969

[rentalguy1]

danang...if they did a C&P a few months ago and it was favorable to you and acceptable for rating pursposes, I would quote Mariano vs. Principi. This is the 4th example of fishing/doctor shopping I have heard of in the last week or so. There is no need for you to go through a THIRD exam when they have two that are both recent and perfectly acceptable for rating purposes in your C-file.

[stillhere]

Check your entrance and exit PULHES They fought me saying I had a hearing loss on entry to service. But that hearing was P1. When I ETS'd I was P3 after being in the artillery.

I got my 10% but they won't give me a hearing aid. They say not only will it not do me any good as I hear at about the same level, but that it would make things worse.

I did get an outside exam. He told me the same thing... <_<

Jayg, Thanks for the help but what is PULHES and where on the exit papers do I find it.

Thanks, Stillhere