Question:
Jim thanks for all you do. My ? : I was awarded 40% with hearing loss and 10% tinnitus. Got letter after hearing test they sent me to and they dropped me down to 0% hearing, keeping the 10%. Why would they do that? I’ve had ear lost since leaving service in 1976. Any advice? Have replied to appeal. Thanks.
Jim's Reply:
VA makes a lot of errors with hearing disability ratings. You should proceed to have a hearing exam done by a civilian audiologist and you should go ahead and pay for it out of your pocket. Tell the audiologist what you're there for and they'll understand...they know the protocols VA uses. Once you have that done, you should submit an appeal and seek an even higher rating than 40% if the audiologist can help you determine what you may be eligible for. Don't forget that severe hearing loss can bring about mental health issues that are secondary to the service connected hearing loss. Depression, anxiety and all sorts of social disorders may be secondary to hearing loss. If you think you have any mental health effects from your hearing loss, you should apply for those as secondary disabling conditions.