ptsd Any science or assertion linking: SC Hearing Loss & faster than average hearing loss afterwards?

[MKAH]

	Good morning, this is a post I made on another VA message site.
Posts: 177 Feb 25 16 5:20 PM	Based on a recent hearing test below, and using Hutsky hearing loss calculator (he is a Genius), I am now showing a 50% hearing loss rather than 20% that I had back in 2011.  #1) Is it common or more typical for vets to loose hearing more quickly as a person ages, due to a previous service connected HF SNHL military loss?   In the mid 1980's I was a combat medic in an artillery battalion; 8" guns (constant TOT shots) and MLRS, flew all over the place in helicopters, was hauled around in 113's, 577's, M88s, C130's C140's, Crappy Gamma goats and up rivers Portable Bridge Boats.  I was also involved in explosive demolition, training in close proximity to impact areas with US Army Rangers, regular army, and other multinational units. The combination of this led to my service connected hearing loss. #2) Should I upload this report described as an; "audiometric re-evaluation of his known HL"  on Ebenefits, or submit it thru the local VSO? I recall taking this same hearing test from the VA, prior to being rated back in 2010) #3) When or If, I do file for an increase, do I need any other supporting documentation other than this recent VA test and the fact that I have a SC hearing loss since 2011?  My occupation, hobbies and lifestyle have not changed since 2010.  I do not and have not, hunted, fired any guns, blasted music, ridden RTV's or done anything to exacerbate my hearing loss.  Pretty boring eh? However, I am now being treated by the VA for PTSD and take medication and get frequent physiological treatment  for that condition;  Sertraline 150mg day, Prozasin 4mg day, Zopladine 10mg bedtime.  I have not been able to work since 1/4/2016 and currently on SDI until May 16 which will be likely extended due to continued PTSD treatment at the VA. Any advice would be great.  ************************************************************* Disability Rating Decision Related To Effective Date tinnitus 10% Service Connected   03/08/2011 bilateral hearing loss 20% Service Connected   03/08/2011 ************************************************************* On 2/16/16 had a hearing test (entire report below), that I requested because my hearing seemed to be much worse and the VA hearing aids were not working well for me..  This is the VA audiology report I just downloaded via MHV. ************************************************************ Note Title: Audiology 10100 Location: No CA Healthcare Sys-Martinez Signed By: XXXXXX,LEE Co-signed By: XXXXX,LEE Date/Time Signed: 16 Feb 2016 @ 1740 Note LOCAL TITLE: Audiology 10100 STANDARD TITLE: AUDIOLOGY NOTE DATE OF NOTE: FEB 16, 2016@17:33 ENTRY DATE: FEB 16, 2016@17:34:09 AUTHOR: XXXXXX,LEE EXP COSIGNER: URGENCY: STATUS: COMPLETED *** Audiology 10100 Has ADDENDA *** Hearing Evaluation (60 mins) MyLastName, Mark, MALE, MyLastName, MARK CONFIDENTIAL Page 8 of 19 123-12-1234 S: Vet came to the clinic for an audiometric re-evaluation of his known HL. The Vet identified himself by name and SS#. Vet describes a subjective, bilateral, constant tinnitus with an unsure onset. O: See Audiometric Evaluation in CPRS found in the Tools menu under Specialty Applications, under Audiogram Display. A: Audiologic evaluation was completed. Findings indicate: AD: Mild sloping to a severe HF SNHL. AS: Mild sloping to a severe HF SNHL. Physical Examination (Objective Findings): 1. Measured pure tone thresholds in decibels HL at the indicated frequencies (air conduction): Right Ear Left Ear A* 500 - 20 A* 500 - 35 B 1000 - 50 B 1000 - 50 C 2000 - 75 C 2000 - 70 D 3000 - 85 D 3000 - 80 E 4000 - 95 E 4000 - 85 **average 76 dB HL **average 71 dB HL * The pure tone threshold at 500 Hz is not used in determining the evaluation but is used in determining whether or not a ratable hearing loss exists. **The average of B, C, D, and E. 2. Speech Audiometry Results: Speech Reception Thresholds were: 50 dBHL AD and 45 dBHL AS. Maryland CNC word recognition scores were: 56 % right ear 56 % left ear Comfortable listening levels were obtained. Bilateral BTE/RIC style hearing aids were ordered. Also ordered remote, ComPilot and remote Mic. P: Vet was counseled on test results, communication techniques and listening strategies. Vet to RTC for a hearing aid evaluation 3/14 @ 9:00 AM. /es/ Lee XXXX, MS Audiologist, Audiology Signed: 02/16/2016 17:40 02/19/2016 ADDENDUM STATUS: COMPLETED Hearing Aid Service LastName, MARK CONFIDENTIAL Page 9 of 19 S: Lt unit died while here for AE. P: Returned this unit to Mnfctr for repair. Holding EM in cupboard. call Vet or hold for appt. 3/14. /es/ Lee XXXXX, MS Audiologist, Audiology Signed: 02/19/2016 14:32 *********************************************************************** End Mark US ARMY Combat Medic 1/94th FA C Battery MLRS 1983 - 1986 SC - Bilateral Hearing Loss 20% SC - Tinnitus 10% PTSD-MST: Claim submitted 11/14/15

[Buck52]

Vync,

you mean you were offered ear plugs in basic?

We were never offered any at any time, my problems were trying not to laugh while watching another recruit get drilled by the Drill Sgts...man I just couldn't hold it in....So yeah I did my share of push ups and I'm a dying cockroach drill sgt eh!

Aghhh those good old days...Lol

[Vync]

4 hours ago, MKAH said:

"Hey MHAK,
For what it is worth, I remember being in Basic Training when the drill sgt was handing out the ear plugs. They said that we better wear these ear plugs because the VA doesn't give disability pay for hearing loss. One of my fellow soldiers asked if they could put their ear plugs in immediately. The drill sgt asked why. He quoted what the drill sgt just said and then immediately was on the ground doing push-ups. "

 

Vync,

Do you think I should go forward with the hearing loss increase claim?

If it was me, I would. The VA counts on veterans to be passive. That's why they don't proactively check medical records and say, "Hey, you qualify for an increase!"

[Vync]

3 hours ago, Buck52 said:

Vync,

you mean you were offered ear plugs in basic?

We were never offered any at any time, my problems were trying not to laugh while watching another recruit get drilled by the Drill Sgts...man I just couldn't hold it in....So yeah I did my share of push ups and I'm a dying cockroach drill sgt eh!

Aghhh those good old days...Lol

Hey Buck,
I wouldn't call them ear plugs. It was more like squishy foam pellets being passed off as ear plugs. I went to basic in the height of the South Carolina summer. Before 9 am, it hit 100% humidity and 100 degrees rain or shine. All the plugs would do is fall out due to sweat or rain. We were told not to take our fingers off of our weapon because the enemy would not kindly wait for us to put our plugs back in.

I think we all did our share of push up laughs!

[MKAH]

I put together a quick document in support of a current service connected hearing loss, Increase.  My current loss is 20% and if I my increase is approved, I should go to 50%.  Below is the statement I provided.  My VSO thinks is should be fine.  If anyone has any comments, please let me know?

Thanks,

Mark

_____________________________________________________________________ statement _______________________________________________________

3/17/2016

 

Department of Veterans Affairs
 

 

I am respectfully requesting consideration for an increase in my current Service Connected Bilateral Hearing Loss rating based on VA Autonomic re-evaluation dated 2/16/16, performed by Lee Lastname, MS, Audiology which included Maryland CNC word recognition testing, conducted at the VA Audiology Clinic, XXX streetname Avenue, Someplace Ca. 11111 (555) 555-5555.

 

 

 

History:

 

I am currently rated at 20% Service Connected Bilateral Hearing Loss and 10% Service Connected Bilateral Tinnitus, dated 3/8/2011.  The details and evaluation of that service connection are documented in my VA file number XXX XX XXXX.

 

 

 

Continued and ongoing issues:

 

Based on my ongoing occupational, Retail Store Manager and non-occupational hearing problems, which include but not limited to;

 

Understanding and or comprehending spoken words
Understanding and or comprehending telephone, conference call conversation and intercom announcements
Understanding and or comprehending MIS helpdesk, police and other government or municipal telephone conversations.
Understanding and or comprehending streaming television, computer, radio or other electronically produced broadcasts.
Communicating in moderate to noisy environments, including retail store operations.
Communicating with a group of individuals, including retail store operations, staff meetings and training.
Communicating using retail store, company provided two way radio handsets.
 

 

My service connected hearing problems, severely limits my ability to applicably react to audible occupational signals from:

 

Building alarm, emergency warning and other electronic security systems
Fire and Loss prevention alarm / notification systems
Point of Sale alarm / notifications and alert systems
Point of Sale scanners; Symbol DS9808, Motorola LS2208,
Inventory management scanner; Symbol MC3100
EAS Loss prevention entry/exit scanners
Refrigeration / Freezer malfunction notification systems
Environmental systems (heating/cooling) notification systems
Energy management systems NOVAR notification systems
Freight delivery truck, backup warning notification systems
 

 

My service connected hearing problems have resulted in:

 

My inability to efficiently communicate with friends, acquaintances, family, customers, vendors, subordinate employees, peers and supervisors.
Frequent outsourcing or shifting of my normal and personally assigned managerial functions that require high amounts of communication, to my subordinate managers.
Personal, occupational and social withdrawal due to reduced access to services and difficulties communicating with others.
Experiencing significant emotional problems caused by a drop in my self-esteem and professional confidence.
Exacerbation of my VA diagnosed PTSD, that I am currently being treated for at the VA City Name VA Behavioral Health Department.

 

 

 

Recent VA recommendations and action by VA Doctor Name, MS, Audiology:

 

Since my recent VA Autonomic re-evaluation which included Maryland CNC word recognition testing, dated 2/16/16, I have been issued and subsequently fitted with updated VA issued hearing instruments: PHONAK AUDEO V90-13 RIC to replace my previous hearing instruments: AUDEO SPICE SMART IX UZ RIC.  I have also been issued and fitted with a Remote Control, ComPilot II and Remote Microphone in order to specifically assist with my occupational communication problems.  Mr. VA Doctor Name explained to me that the new hearing instruments will provide a longer usable service life for my substantial and difficult to manage hearing loss.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you,

 

 

 

Mark XXXXXXXXXXX
_____________________________________________________________________ end _________________________________________________________________________________

 

Edited March 27, 2016 by MKAH

[broncovet]

1.  Stick to basics.  "How fast" you loose your hearing is irrelevant.  First, (Im assuming you) are already SC for hearing loss.  Is this correct?   If you are SC for hearing loss, then you can seek an increase if the hearing loss worsened since your last C and P exam for hearing loss.  

If you think the VA lowballed you, and you deserve a higher rating, then the procedure is to file a NOD within the one year period after the RO decision.

2.  If your new hearing evaluation shows your hearing loss has worsened then apply for an increase.  You can do so yourself or through your VSO.    Yes, it can be done through ebenefits.   If you feel your VSO treated you right, you can stay with him/her.  Many of us, however, have not had an effective VSO and wound up either getting another representative or an attorney, or working the claims our self, especially with hadit members help. 

3.  Yes.   According to your post, you have already applied for SC for PTSD.  .  Yes.  If you are not working, and believe you are "unable to maintain Substantial gainful employment due to SC conditions" (such as PTSD and or hearing loss), then apply for and fill out the TDIU form, pronto.  

 

 

Edited March 28, 2016 by broncovet

[MKAH]

13 hours ago, broncovet said:

1.  Stick to basics.  "How fast" you loose your hearing is irrelevant.  First, (Im assuming you) are already SC for hearing loss.  Is this correct?   If you are SC for hearing loss, then you can seek an increase if the hearing loss worsened since your last C and P exam for hearing loss. 
Yes: " I am currently rated at 20% Service Connected Bilateral Hearing Loss and 10% Service Connected Bilateral Tinnitus, dated 3/8/2011"

If you think the VA lowballed you, and you deserve a higher rating, then the procedure is to file a NOD within the one year period after the RO decision.
I don't know, if was low balled, but my current hearing and speech recognition effects nearly everything I do;
   RHT            LFT
1000 - 50   1000 - 50
2000 - 75   2000 - 70
3000 - 85   3000 - 80
4000 - 95   4000 - 85

Maryland CNC word recognition scores were: 56 % right ear 56 % left ear
Based on my rough calculations, my current hearing loss would result in, 50% Bilateral and of course 10% tinnitus = 55% rounded up to 60% total
My rating based on testing on 3/8/2011: is 25% Bilateral and of course 10% tinnitus = 28% rounded up to 30% total

2.  If your new hearing evaluation shows your hearing loss has worsened then apply for an increase.  You can do so yourself or through your VSO.    Yes, it can be done through ebenefits.   If you feel your VSO treated you right, you can stay with him/her.  Many of us, however, have not had an effective VSO and wound up either getting another representative or an attorney, or working the claims our self, especially with hadit members help. 
I submitted an intent to file a month ago, typed up a statement (attached to this thread) and had my VSO submit it for me.

3.  Yes.   According to your post, you have already applied for SC for PTSD.  .  Yes.  If you are not working, and believe you are "unable to maintain Substantial gainful employment due to SC conditions" (such as PTSD and or hearing loss), then apply for and fill out the TDIU form, pronto.
I have filed a PTSD-MTS claim thru my VSO and it is in the  "Gathering Of Evidence" phase with an Estimated Completion: 05/12/2016 - 07/28/2016
I was diagnosed by the local VA Outpatient Clinic Behavioral Health Department with PTSD-MST back in November of 2011 and am currently taking three medications and getting psychiatric counseling on about a weekly basis for PTSD-MST
My VA Behavioral Health doctor has completed the required state disability and employer paperwork,  and I have not been able to work since 1/4/2016. Based on my meetings with her, counseling sessions with  EMDR specialists and NP of Phychiatry,  it is my impression that I will be off work for a long time.  

On 1/4/2016, my income went from grossing nearly $100K per year, plus health & benefits, to state disability of $40K with zero health & benefits nearly overnight, which runs out in seven months.   I have a family of four and it has been very difficult, but we are not going hungry.

 

**********  New questions: **********

#1) Can you tell me more about the TDIU form and if I can fill it out and upload it to Ebenefits or if I need to see my VSO? 

#2) I have also been diagnosed and treated for ED (Erectile Dysfunction) by my PC VA doctor.  It seems extremely likely to me that my ED is connected to my MST since I have flashbacks of getting raped by men, when I try and have intercourse with my wife?  What do I need to do or have my doctor do, in order submit a request for SMC-K for ED and what form would I use for that request?

#3) Should the two items TDIU & SMC-K be submitted NOW or AFTER a decision is made on both PTSD-MST & Hearing loss increase claims?  My VSO is extremely busy and anything I can do to help him with my claims would probably be good for me in the long run?

#4) I am almost 57 years old, and based on my historical Social Security contributions, "if" I qualified for disability starting now, it would be about $2,800 per month.  Is SS disability something I should consider applying now or should I keeping working with the VA to try and get better?  I guess I could apply for SSDI later if my PTSD-MST did not improve enough to return to work? 

 

 

Thank you very much, this has been so difficult to live thru. 

Mark