What action can I take to refile for hearing loss with the VA?

TSgt Anthony White — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 23:56:22 -0500

I worked over 17 yrs on the flight line as an aircraft mechanic and when I filed for hearing loss I was denied, saying my hearing loss isn’t military related.
Any help would be appreciated.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2020 12:49 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 00:49:50 -0500

Thats a tough one. I never could get it. The VA said there was nothing wrong with my hearing and I said they were right and the reason I couldn't hear was that everyone in the world mumbled and forced me to read their lips or ask them to repeat what they said a half dozen times.

Response by SFC Harold Park made Nov 20 at 2020 7:17 AM

SFC Harold Park — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 07:17:00 -0500

Look for “lay” evidence. And file an appeal with the assistance of either a law firm, or veteran operated organization (VFW,American Legion) hope that helps

Response by Capt Patrecia Nelson made Nov 20 at 2020 8:59 AM

Capt Patrecia Nelson — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 08:59:44 -0500

Get your hands on your military physicals/records - the hearing tests specifically. After 17 years there should have been some changes while you were in the service. If you don't know how to read medical records yourself, have a nurse friend help, or get an appointment and have your hearing checked yourself and ask for assistance with interpreting the records. Highlight the information and submit this to the VBA in an appeal. It is amazing what the laymen miss when reviewing the claims that come across their desks at the VBA. I had to do this for a surgery they said I did not have while I was in the service, and it was plain as day in my records. - - - I am a RN so it makes it easy when I read my records, but if you need help, seek it out, by those who know what they are reading!

Response by PO1 Gene Meinen made Nov 20 at 2020 11:00 AM

PO1 Gene Meinen — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 11:00:33 -0500

I went through DAV to get help.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Nov 21 at 2020 5:27 AM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Sat, 21 Nov 2020 05:27:11 -0500

Get with the DAV and file an appeal if they found hearing loss significant enough to rate a percentage. This seems to be an area where the physicians like to disapprove. I flew helicopters (recips and turbines) and fixed wing (recips and turbines) for 25 years starting before the emphasis on hearing preservation and the Doc said my hearing loss was probably due to the 5 months I worked in a steel mill in 1966. Didn't fight it because of other problems, but should just on principle.
There is also a VA memo that, although it doesn't dictate loss should be attributed to aviation service, does remind examiners that hearing loss is common in certain aviation specialties.

Response by SFC Edna Madison made Nov 24 at 2020 10:28 AM

SFC Edna Madison — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 10:28:57 -0500

Recently there was a legal case ongoing involving defective ear plugs issued, I believe during the 1980s through ??? If you served 17 years on the flight line, you very well could have a hearing impairment. Don't wait, file and refile until you receive your rightful benefit; because, when you are old and fail to apply for Social Security timely, Social Security, Congress, and the VA coordinate benefits and will rob you and your family of benefits you worked for and think nothing of it. I would hope that no one is playing the system but it does happen and believe me, the system will play you and steal benefits you have earned.