Introduction
Hi everyone, this is April from The Vocal Veteran, bringing you essential insights into hearing loss claims with the Veterans Affairs (VA). If, like me, you’ve attempted to secure a service connection for hearing loss and faced denial, I’ve got some valuable information to share to help you navigate these challenges successfully.
My Journey and Experience
Last month, I became accredited and, as of today, I’m working with seven clients. My focus is on increasing their disability percentages or connecting disabilities that have previously been denied. One of the most commonly denied claims is for hearing loss, particularly for veterans who served decades ago and only now are recognizing their need for a hearing loss claim. The VA often responds by indicating that since you’ve been out of service for so long, it’s not their responsibility. It’s crucial to be equipped with knowledge, like the existence of studies showing delayed onset hearing loss, to counter such denials.
Case Study: The Importance of Conversion in Historic Hearing Metrics
Working with a veteran from the Air Force who served in the 1960s, I discovered a significant oversight. He experienced profound hearing loss but hadn’t filed a claim until long after his service, leading the VA to deny his service connection. Upon reviewing his records, I found they hadn’t converted his hearing measurements from ASA to ISO standards, which came into use post-1969. Once converted, he indeed showed in-service hearing loss, strengthening his claim.
For any veteran who served prior to 1969, reviewing these records is vital, as conversions can often be overlooked, and changing them could bolster your claims.
Advice for Post-1969 Veterans
Post-1969 veterans might think there’s no hope if the VA claims their in-service hearing levels were normal. However, the concept of “threshold shifts” comes into play; your hearing might have been normal at the time but still declined compared to when you entered service. This shift, especially relevant for those required to wear hearing protection, can be a foundational argument for your claims.
Exploring Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)
If your service exposed you to jet fuel, consider the potential for CAPD, which differs from traditional hearing loss and won’t be remedied by hearing aids. CAPD affects how you process auditory information rather than how you hear. Experiencing confusion or inability to process conversation can be a sign, and it’s a condition you could potentially have service-connected.
Conclusion
For those who served before 1969, ensure your hearing records are reviewed and arguments are made for ASA to ISO conversions. I’m here to help if you need representation, especially in hearing loss claims. I’ve gathered a wealth of experience and am eager to support veterans through this process. If interested in collaborating or seeking guidance, find more information in the description of this post.