Hello Jim,

Good morning and THANK YOU for your service and work. June,2012 was granted 10% for tinnittus and 0% sc for hearing loss numbers were 2% points to high on the speech recognition part of the test when should I seek an increase or do I go to my own audiologist for new test and submit with application for increase.

That speech part of my C+P exam was fishy at best. Thanks for your advice.

Reply:

On my web site I have a page that addresses hearing loss and tinnitus. One of the first points I make is that VA seems to deny almost all hearing claims. All too often, when I see the reports of the audiology C & P exam, I read that the examiner will allege that the veteran was "uncooperative" during the exam. When I speak with the vet, I learn that he wasn't uncooperative but that he couldn't hear the instructions from the examiner.

I usually recommend that veterans immediately appeal any hearing claim that isn't what the vet expected. You're still within the one year window of being able to appeal so I'd recommend that you proceed.

As a rule, to appeal a claim for hearing or tinnitus isn't particularly challenging for the DIY vet. If a veteran isn't confident of his ability to manage the claim, I suggest retaining a veterans law attorney.

I also recommend that every veteran who files a claim or an appeal for hearing loss should get a civilian examination to supplement any exams offered by VA. It's been my experience that the civilian exam is usually a more thorough and professional exam and that it will be given more weight than the VA exam.

You can learn more by visiting my blog here http://www.vawatchdog.org/hearing-loss---tinnitus.html