Another Claim Question On Hearing

[tom91]

ANother question on my hearing claim. In 1991 my rating docs state the following:

Exams in xx 1986 and xx 1986 show veterans hearing to be within normal limits. Discharge exame of xx1991 shows hearing to be within normal limits within the speech range for which service connection can be granted. It goes on to say: Service connection for hearing loss must be disallowed as the veteran's hearing is shown to be within normal limits, for which service connection can be established.

Are these comments not contradicting? Should they have not given me sc rating?

The exame dated in 1991 by the Army states - service member demonstrates hearing loss and needs further evalution. I have the audio tests results from the exam but not sure how to read the findings.

[rentalguy1]

They'll want to do it at the VAMC. It shouldn't take them more than a couple of weeks to schedule a audio C&P...they're pretty quick. If it takes longer than three weeks, let me know and I'll put you in touch with my contact in the C&P clinic at Mountain Home.

If you are still living in Jonesboro and want me to take a look at your audiograms, etc. just let me know. I'd be glad to drive down your way.

[tom91]

Rentalguy - We're actually still in TN but not home in JBO. Thanks for the info and offer!! B)

The 1991 report from ARMY has recordings that range from @500-15 to @6000-40 on my left and right @ 500-10 to @ 6000-10. Further research online shows that average hearings should be 10-20; however, my 6000 range was 40 and the dr noted that I demonstrated hearing loss at the 91 discharge exam with these results. I noticed today that the VA only goes up to the 4000 scale based upon the info Berta directed me to. High pitch noise (6000+) is what I was exposed to as a diesel mechanic.

My current dr. (civilian) audio report showed right - 25 SRT, 88%, 65 HTL/MCL and left 25, 88%, 60 HTL/MCL.

Again, there is a difference in how the dr.'s documented the results so I can't figure out the difference between the two. Maybe somebody out there can.

What is your opinion on them asking for me to have another exam done by the VA? Atleast I didn't get a straight out denial of claim.....

[rentalguy1]

For rating purposes, they only go up to 4000mHz, but if there is a difference in your levels at higher frequencies (5000 and 6000) from your entrance physical to your exit physical, that is proof of service connected hearing loss. Your speech discrimination scores are equally important in the proof of service connection and for rating purposes.

[Jayg]

For rating purposes, they only go up to 4000mHz, but if there is a difference in your levels at higher frequencies (5000 and 6000) from your entrance physical to your exit physical, that is proof of service connected hearing loss. Your speech discrimination scores are equally important in the proof of service connection and for rating purposes.

Do they still use something like pulhes? I entered with hearing of p1 and etessed from the artillery with a hearing profile and p3 rating (with 4 max for those possibly not familiar with the system) and they still denied me. They said I had a minor loss in one ear when enlisted and my hearing was the result of natural progression. Ohhh-Kay! yeah. Right!! B) Anyway, I have my tinitus 10% and bi-lat hearing 0%. They told me years ago I can't have a hearing aid because I hear at the same level as the aid already. Now my hearing is worse, h-aids are much better, but the story is the same. B)

Then they will put you in a nice sound proof booth with a thick earmuff headset on and give you word recognition tests. They ought to set you down in the middle of a Lubys or in your living room with a window ac, TV and 3 kids and try your word recognition. Some real world testing. B)

[nlualum82]

Then they will put you in a nice sound proof booth with a thick earmuff headset on and give you word recognition tests. They ought to set you down in the middle of a Lubys or in your living room with a window ac, TV and 3 kids and try your word recognition. Some real world testing.

I agree with that! I recognize about 50% or so of 1 and 2 syllable words stated by a professional voice-over guy under the described circumstances - real world? TV/DVD's are useless without captions, the possibility that I may have to do business over the phone with a person or recording sends me hiding under the covers. Conversation? A patient person who knows me well may be able to get across what is needed. Forget groups, can't take part/socialize. And then there's background noise!!!!!!

[stillhere]

hey Tom, When I finally got a copy of my c-file which if you have not gotten you should. On my discharge papers they had normal audiogram on discharge. BUT, it also said in the comments part by the same doc it has the box checked Hearing loss. And goes on to say hearing loss unilateral high frequency. I filed in 84 and was denied even though my exam was stamped in bold letters "Adequate for rating"

I am appealing right now and have not heard anything yet but I truly believe we have to challenge them on their grounds and what they write down. Your argument is good and I believe you will win this stay on them.

Thank you for your service and may your ears keep hearing the music!

Edited September 9, 2008 by stillhere