How and what do I file?

[allansc2005]

Afternoon folks,

Normally I'm here asking questions, getting expert opinions..., about veterans I'm trying to help, but today it's about ME.

 

My status: I'm IU P&T 100%;  90%  scheduler.

For many years now, since 1990, I've had a 0% service connected rating on hearing loss, have filed many times to have it increased, only to find out that because my ear was draining every time I had a hearing test, my claim was denied. Crazy huh?

 

Well anyway, yesterday I finally got a hearing test , and my ear was NOT draining, the test was given by a doctor outside of the VA health care system, and I have the test results in hand, and they read "Moderately Severe" hearing loss.

Oh, under the new Mission Act, the VA referred me to the doctor who administered me the above hearing test.

My goal is to get at least 10% from the hearing test, (and yes I know the VA doesn't do the math like the rest of us), and to go from IU P&T 100% to 100% Scheduler.

As a footnote, I already have 30% for vertigo(dizziness and staggering), and 10% Bilateral otitis media.

So, having said/written this, here are my questions:

1. Do I file a new claim for the hearing test results, or file a claim to increase the 0% already established?

2. Once the VA accepts the new claim, and approves it(yes I'm confident), other than the additional 10% increase, will any back pay from 1990 be due me?

3. Can I expect more than 10% due to hearing loss?

Thanks,

 

Allan 2-2-0 HUAH!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Buck52]

I WOULD ASK FOR THE iNCREASE...DUE THAT YOU WAS SERVICE CONNECTED FOR HEARING LOSS AT 0% IN  11-20-1990

FILE FDC. IF YOU HAVE ALL YOUR EVIDENCE  AND ALL THE THINGS YOU NEED.

You can file your increase request using eBenefits or by filling out a VA Form 21-526b. If you have medical information from a private doctor, you must submit a VA Form 21-4142, which authorizes that doctor to share information with the VA.Jan 15, 2019

[Buck52]

i THINK IF YOU WERE NOT BEING PAID FOR THE 0%HEARINGLOSS FROM 1990  AND YOU GET A 50% RATING FOR HEARING LOSS AND 10% FOR THE TINNITUS..THIS IS WHAT THEY SHOULD RATE YOU AND INFER THE SMC- S -H.B.

iF YOU HAD THE IU for a different condition SINCE 1990  and now  if they give you the 50% for hearing loss  they may not be much retro  but you should get the SMC S. ABOUT 350.00 EXTRA MONTHLY IN ADDITION TO WHAT YOU GET AT PRESENT. depending on your dependents.(JMO)  

Edited November 12, 2019 by Buck52

[allansc2005]

Buck, the hearing loss, be it 0%, IS NOT included in my 100%  IU P&T.

As I've mentioned, my latest table of Rated Disabilities shows my 0%  for hearing loss, dated 11/20/1990.

Also, I do not have any ONE rating at 100%, which means no SMC's, correct?

 

Allan 2-2-0 HUAH!

 

 

 

[Buck52]

allansc2005

My opinion on your hearing test   this should render you a 50% rating   however the word test being excellent may mess that up for you  having 50% hearing loss and a excellent word discrimination test  its highly unlikely the rater will give the 50%   but if they go by the numbers which they are suppose to  its 50%  but the word discrimination test may hinder that?

The Audiologist/or the ENT Dr  put this on his report so its a matter of record

''Mild to Moderately  Severe Mixed Hearing loss with Excellent Speech  Discrimination Bilaterally''

I've never seen a hearing test as bad as your hearing test with excellent word discrimination?  so there's no telling what they might do??  if the rater don't catch it..this should be a 50% rating for your hearing loss.

Edited November 12, 2019 by Buck52

[allansc2005]

Buck52,

I just returned from the VA ENT doctor, and you are absolutely right!

 

After showing the doctor the results of the hearing test, he examined me, and not only concluded I need hearing aids in both ears, but suffer from Meniere's Disease as well, something I've suspected all along.

 

Now  having all this medically documented, along with the new diagnosis on my ears.., what am I looking at here Buck?

 

0% on hearing loss from 1990 +  Now with moderate to severe hearing loss + Meniere's Disease=?

 

Where do I go from here?

 

Thanks,

 

Allan 2-2-0 HUAH! 

 

 

[Buck52]

 Well submit this hearing test as evidence your hearing loss has indeed got worse over the years since 1990  the year you first filed for your hearing loss, the Dr needs to opein that your hearing loss was/ is likely as not occured during your military time and has worsen over the years  the Dr needs to opien How Noise Induced hearing loss occurs  as it damages the Hair particles in the ear drum less vibration as the vibration is how we hear  but this needs to come from a hearing loss specialist  such as a Certified Audiologist  or Board certified ENT Dr

THE New hearing test and the Audiologist or ENT opinion should help service connect  or and give you a proper rating...

Now the way the VA is they can send you to a C&P using the VA Audiologist or ENT Clinic  TO GIVE YOU ANOTHER HEARING TEST but unlikely if you just had a recent test with the VA within a year

If you use a specialist HE/SHE would be more credible than just a VA Audiologist  the VA will believe your Specialist over the VA 

 Also  get about 5 or 6 notarized statements from family and friends  someone that has known you for years and testify to the fact  that they notice they have witness your hearing getting worse over the years.  ect,,,ect,,,

Your main Evidence in my opinion that would help you the most is a Hearing test did correct by the VA Guidelines and the Dr's opinion that your hearing loss is caused by the Noise you was around without ear protection during your military duty  and the numbers on your hearing test  will surface as credible evidence within your claim.

The only thing that I am not so sure about is your Maryland CNC SPEECH TEST if it was excellent  don't seem correct  with severe loss of hearing.  but this is something your Dr could comment on.

Edited November 13, 2019 by Buck52