tinnitus Nexus Letter In Support Of Hearing Loss

[stillhere]

To Whom it may concern:

Patient was seen at this center on September 15, 2009 for a complete audiological evaluation. He complained of difficulty hearing in all listening situations and intermittent tinnitus that have been occurring for several years. Case history indicated no trauma to head, otalgia,or ottorrhea. After review of his military records complete C-file there is a history of excessive exposure to noise while in the military. He was exposed to gunfire,grenade launchers, helicopters, and large machinery constantly.

Impressions:

A severe to profound asymmetrical hearing loss was observed bilaterally. It is my professional opinion this hearing loss is more likely than not due to his military service and his history of his excessive noise exposure he suffered.

Audiology Test Results:

1. Pure tone testing indicated an asymmetrical, bilateral, sensorineural hearing loss, poorer in the right ear.

2. Using the MD word recognition test, his scores represent a 68% in the left ear and could not test the right ear.

your truly XXXXXX

The above is my nexus letter from my audiologist in support of my BVA appeal.

I would appreciate any feed back. Thank you, Stillhere

[stillhere]

sh

Great letter, only thing I would add is what the source of the acoustic trauma (loud noise) was. Aircraft (flying/flighline), weapons firing, armored vehicles, crew-served weapons, etc. Yes, the VA should have this, but don't make the RO search for what the noise exposure was. were you issued hearing protection (I don't think the army began issuing until late 60's--I know I was issued in 1972)?

My father-in-law just got SC for hearing (10%) and tinnitis (10%) for service as a tank platoon leader in the late 60's. He had a letter from the audiologist (pretty similar to yours), along with post-service medical records, and statement from a buddy and his former doctor.

Side note...he was denied SC in 1995; now he has to NOD for the EED...it's always something.

Side note #2...10% more may, or may not, increase your rating. If you are at least 83% (which rounds to 80), another 10% will bring you up to 85% which rounds to 90%.

I suspect with my hearing as bad as it is it will more than likely rate at 40% and with the tininitus another 10% that would probaly get me to 90% Thanks for the response glad for your Dad too.

[Berta]

Yes-stillhere -that is how I won my past claims-they considered my evidence prior to the BVA transfer.( and after 2-3 SSOCs)

But if that transfer date is coming soon- I would send it to the VARO as well as the BVA unless you want to waive the RO's consideration and have the BVA make the decision.

[stillhere]

Yes-stillhere -that is how I won my past claims-they considered my evidence prior to the BVA transfer.( and after 2-3 SSOCs)

But if that transfer date is coming soon- I would send it to the VARO as well as the BVA unless you want to waive the RO's consideration and have the BVA make the decision.

OK thanks again Berta. The audiologist I am seeing now has said she will sign whatever I write to a point (I think she likes! NAH!)

Anyhow any suggestions before I send it to her would be appreciate it.