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Q418: I was removed from my ship in 1988 for being base lined 5 times. Once removed I was diagnosed with severe hearing loss and tinnitus - ringing in right ear. Told them they both were ringing and said to go to VA after release from service. I did this and was rated ZERO each time and gave up. Finally years later a VA rep showed up at base I was employed at and said send him copies of my records. I did and was awarded 10% for the right ear but nothing for left ear. When I asked why I was told it was like that when I enlisted. Medical records from MEPS says otherwise but I don't know who to call or talk to on this. I was railroaded in the 90's over this. I want to be reevaluated. So, who do I call?
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A1: Same thing with me after three attempts I gave up there was no way they were going to help out with anything. (RR) 5/17/20
A2: You need a good VCSO that knows VA legal terms. Call the McAllen VCSO Rep Felix Rodriguez - he's also got a background in legal work. 956-318-2436. (IG) 5/17/20
A3: You need to reopen the claim. A new letter from a private apthalmologist with his opinion. He has to examine your VA medical records and state there is no obvious evidence of tinnitus in the ear that the VA claims. (SM) 5/17/20
A4: I requested a Re-evaluation on the VA website. The VA-contract doctors found issues had worsened and I was awarded a higher P&C amount. Good luck. (WJ) 5/17/20
A5: Get a lawyer. (JC) 5/17/20
A6: I have had 7 claims submitted and approved ultimately resulting in a 100% IU rating. My secret: I enlisted the aid of my area AMVETS National Service Officer. I suggest you locate whichever of the AMVETS or DAV National Service Officer nearest you and request they help you thru the process. Good luck. (DL) 5/17/20
A7: 10% is the limit for Tinnitus and hearing lost has no compensation other than hearing aids. Been here done that! (TS) 5/17/20
A8: Go see a Service Officer in the DAV. (JB) 5/17/20
A9: 10% is max for tinnitus for one or two ears. The hearing loss unless stone deaf is 0%. Also been there done that. (KN) 5/17/20
A10: I suggest you call an Accredited VSO from the American Legion, VFW, DAV or another service organization. I have never seen a 0% for tinnitus (ringing in the ears). If the 0% was for hearing it means that you do have a service connected disability but does not meet the requirements for compensation. You can file for compensation as the hearing worsens. It is not all that unusual for hearing in one ear is worse than another. I suggest you read the decision letter the VA sent you. The decision will be explained and what the audiology report states. I do not see where you were railroaded. If your enlistment physical states that you had some hearing problems the service could have aggravated an existed prior to term of service (EPTS) condition. That can be reason for compensation. Also your exit physical could also be used as evidence. Also you can see a private audiologist at your expense and file the results as new and material evidence. Bottom line you need to see an Accredited VSO. (GH) 5/17/20
A11: You can Put a NOD Notice Of Disagreement and note you would like a reevaluation Test. (FU) 5/17/20
A12: Try a Veterans Organization VFW, American Legion Rep. (RW) 5/17/20
A13: Look up on the web for VA insider. (CO) 5/17/20
A14: Request a hearing evaluation from your VA. If you go on your own to civilian doctor, the VA will do the test through one of their doctors. The VA wants to verify and compare the test results . Save your money and go through the VA. I have been there with the whole process. When I retired, the VA only gave me 10% per ear. I had bilateral nerve damage and tinninitus. (TP) 5/17/20
A15: Have you tried your local CVSO? If not, I'd start there. One thing I did for my husband was go to his out of VA Dr.'s and asked if they would fill out the government forms (found on the Dept of VA website) pertaining to your medical issue. Just the Dr. that saw you for this medical diagnosis. Take this to your local CVSO. If this doesn't work see your Congressman. Don't give up. That's what the VA wants you to do. Good luck. Thank you for your Service. (DE) 5/17/20
A16: Tinitus in both ears is still 10%. I have it in both ears, and only receive 10%. (RJ) 5/18/20