Question:
My uncle suffers a significant hearing loss that his VA physician suggests may be caused by his service in an artillery unit during the Vietnam War. We need a local doctor (Atlanta GA) who can provide him a nexus letter so that he can seek disability benefits.
Jim's Reply:
He doesn't need another opinion, he needs to file the claim. His service in an artillery unit will be recognized in his records, likely on his DD-214. When he files the claim for hearing loss he'll be examined by an audiologist to determine the degree of hearing loss he has. He may be prescribed hearing aids during this process. If he is prescribed and receives hearing aids that will not affect his claim.
Once the hearing exam is complete the results will be dispatched to a rater at a regional office who will adjudicate and close the claim. That he served in an artillery unit during the Vietnam war is all the evidence necessary to receive a rating.
Only if he is denied, an unlikely option, should he consider paying for an opinion. This shouldn't be any problem. And...don't forget to file for tinnitus, ringing in the ears. That is usually connected to hearing loss and is a separate rating that must be claimed.
Thanks for helping your uncle! Good luck.