tinnitus Service Connection Granted , now what ?

[Bigwrench]

Hello everyone , I'm new to the site and new to the VA as far as Disability and ratings go . I'm not sure if this post is in the right area so feel free to move it if needed.  

Army 13 Bravo 87-91

filed a claim on bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus in December 2015, in January I was called back to the VA for another test and February 8th I was granted service connection for both with a 10% on Tinnitus and 0% for the hearing loss. I am somewhat confused by the 0% Rating for the bilateral hearing loss , the reason for the 0 rating was given as a speech discrimination in right ear of 86 with avg dB loss of 46 and left ear SD of 88 with avg dB loss of 44

   The audiologist also noted a moderate to severe sensoneuroial damage to both ears 

my ear problems started at Ft Bragg 8/88 with a field training exercise where someone threw a simulator grenade under the net of our gun in the middle of the night which landed very Near my sleeping bag . I Couldn't hear for a couple days and ringing off and on since. I wore hearing protection during all live fire missions but not while sleeping on a dry fire training exercise. At that time a hearing test was done which is on record as showing hearing loss at higher hertz levels. The pre enlistment hearing test also showed perfect hearing. 

My Hearing has progressively gotten worse over the years and I really hadn't thought of filing for a claim until a hearing test was done at the VA in 2010 and the audiologist at the time recommended I file , I stewed on it and figured it would be a long drawn out hassle and not worth my time . I was issued hearing aids and life went on. Well I finally filed in December as stated due to the worsening of both conditions and was absolutely floored that a decision was made in 6 weeks which was somewhat favorable.  A friend suggested I add the sensoneuroial loss (since their most recent audiologist added this in her findings during the January 16 test) to the claim and ask for an increase in rating on the hearing loss, which I have done . Also everything has been done electronically online at the eBenefits site up to this point. 

 My questions are many but I guess I just wanted to see if there is anything else I should do or if there has been something I have done wrong up to this point to cause the 0% rating ? I uploaded copies of the audiologist statements about the sensoneuroial damage with my last request also. Any suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated , Thank you for this outlet and resource. I have been reading through a bunch of posts today and thought id introduce myself.  

[bleggett29]

1) Addressed with reply to Chuck 75

2) The C-File is a different animal than just medical records from the NPR archive. You have to request the C-File from the VA with a FOIA request.

3) This will be a no-go unless you already filed within 1 year of separation and were denied and have new and substantial evidence.

[Buck52]

bleggett29

Anytime you don't understand what the VA Dr's or any one else  says....

Please ask them to say it as to where you understand it just tell them you have a hearing problem and you don't understand. have them to repeat them self or say in terms that you can understand.

And if you can't find a certain office at your VAMC check with the information desk usually up front  or just ask a co-worker or even a veteran.

to use the choice program ask your PCP to refer you to the choice program if your VAMC Can't get you an appointment within 30 days  or your VAMC don't have the particular clinic you need.

.............Buck

[Gastone]

Can You Hear Me Now??

Hearing SC at 0% is very common. You and I say, that can't be right. WTF, we can't hear, how on earth can that be a 0% rating?

I NOD'd (09/10) a 09 Hearing SC of 0%. During the DRO Hearing wait time, had 2 non VA ENT Hearing Tests. Both computer generated results were just about identical to the VA C& P Hearing Exam Results from 08. Even the "Spoken Word" recognition pretty much mirrored the VA C & P "Recorded Word" recognition results.

When I finally had my DRO Hearing 06/14, elected an (Informal Hearing) format, DRO and I had a very informative discussion regarding the 0% Rating. He had already Awarded all my major SC$ issues. I already knew this, but he elaborated on the fact that the Hearing Test Results (Including Recorded Word Recognition results) being computer generated, are not subject to Rater interpretation. The numbers are the numbers, compare them to the 38 CFR Hearing Rating Graph and that's your disability rating.

My lay opinion, it all comes down to your Word Recognition Score (accurate or guessing). If your above about 90%, your definitely looking at a SC 0%. If it gets worse, file for an increase. It's been 8 yrs now and both VA and Costco (free test) show Hearing and word recognition are the same as 08.

VA Hearing Aids, do help quite a bit, get'em.

Semper Fi

[Bigwrench]

I emailed my PCP yesterday through the secure messaging app and hopefully he will respond sometime today , he is usually pretty fast on that stuff .

Another thing that happened yesterday that I'm not sure I understand  , I received a retroactive paper check from Treasury issued on 2/12/16 for one month , I then went online and setup the direct deposit . My start date according to my award letter was Jan 1 2016 . Yesterday I got a notification that a deposit was made to my bank account for another month. I am afraid that they may have paid me twice so wasn't sure and thought I would ask you guys. I was under the impression from reading the Ebenefits site that the check was issued in February for January and my February payment would come in March . Afraid to touch the money lol

[Buck52]

Just my opinion

Most veterans get a deny for hearing loss first time claim  then he NOD and is sent to C&P and is given a S.C. but at 0%, then later files for increase  and its what the Audologist writes down as for as testing purposes, the VA Criteria is very high to get any rating % .

 If your hearing at 50% That is very bad hearing, damn near deaf.

I tell veterans to just keep on and Appeal their decision if he/she feels it is not right & the best way to trump the VA is with a private specialist certified License audiologist, if your 0% S.C. this is a little easier to do.

just make sure the private Dr goes by the VA Criteria  & Maryland CNC word test.

 

..........Buck 

[Buck52]

Bigwrench

Don't spend it just yet   just put it in another account for now.

call the 1-800 Number and ask them to figure it out and what are you suppose to do   just ask them plan is this your $$  and have them to send you an email to confirm it.  if they say  yes its yours...usually they pay for the next month  if your claim is decided on Dec 1st  then they pay from Feb 1st...that's the way I understand it.

but I certainly could be wrong    so when your not sure   just set that $$ aside and have the VA to figure it out   if the say send it back then you will have it to send back...anyway that's what I'd do.

 

............Buck