Do I Even Qualify For An Va Disability Rating?

[minority711]

I've been in the Army as an Artilleryman for almost 4 years now and am ETSing in a few months, so I decided to start my VA claims online. I deployed to Afghanistan once for 12 months also. I've accumulated several injuries during my time in the military and was wondering if I'd qualify for any disability rating from the VA:

1. Hearing loss: My hearing in my right ear is perfect, but my hearing in my left ear is almost gone(8000 decibels). I took 2 hearing tests that day for confirmation and they noted on my medical records that I was referred to an off post audiologist(I never scheduled and appointment with them though).

2. Ringing in the ears: I have ringing in both of my ears and have had 2 appointments for it in the last month. It has gotten so bad that sometimes I get headaches from it and it'll even keep me up/wake me up in the middle of the night.

3. Back: I injured my lower back badly a few months ago in the field and was given a steroid shot as well as pain and anti-inflammatory medications. The injury left a permanent dull pain and now the pain's starting to get worse. It's also getting harder to stand up straight. I start feeling pain/tingling in my lower back if I stand up for longer than 30-40 minutes(i.e in formation).

4. Knee: I have a history of knee pain in both knees since I even joined the military. I've gone to the hospital as well as many sick call appointments for knee pain. I was on crutches and boots several times throughout my time in the military for popping/cracking, bursitis, and sprained ACLs. Now both knees hurt when I climb stairs(especially the left one) and doing squats in the gym is just out of the question.

5. Jaw: I had an accident with a circular saw which resulted in getting the right side of my face cut open. They had to perform surgery(with anesthesia and everything) to stitch it all back up(87 stitches). Since then I've always had a dull pain in my jaw. It hurts to eat chewier foods or even putting a decent amount of pressure on my jawline. I've just now started going to appointments for it now since the pain just recently started bothering me after being dull for months.

Anyway, would I qualify for any VA disability rating? My unit PA suggested that I file claims and estimates that I'd get around 30-40%. Does that sound reasonable?

Thanks!

[Notorious Kelly]

Welcome!

Take it from us oldtimers: your primary MOS now is to get all of your medical issues addressed and documented while you are still in.

You need copies of all of it to ensure it's documented and to state your case both now and in 20 years.

A minor issue now could be decbilitating later and your family may lose their home if you are too proud to devote yourself to looking out for yourself.

You are not a malingerer; you're a short timer.

You've paid your dues and now it's time for your dime.

(gets off soapbox)

Good luck!

[NJBB62]

Make sure everything is in your medical records and you get copies.

Good Luck and Thank you for your Service,

NJ

[JR Reihs]

Along with what was already said..........Make sure you have all your dental needs taken care of.

[71M10]

Welcome,

A point to consider on your back issue, don't do a one and done. What I mean by that is often times after a person has dinged themselves and they receieved treatment for a problem they have a tendancy to live with the residuals (don't want to be a complainer ect). The problem with this is, if you only had treatment for the back injury during the acute injury and you suffer through/live with the chronic discomfort without going back on sick call the service medical records read that you had an accute injury and that it resolved. When you apply for compensation for it they will want to deny, indicating it was accute not a chronic condition. What I am saying is if it isn't right get in get it looked at, do the physical therapy, if it still isn't right go back again.

Best regards,