^Question:

I am a 80% disabled combat veteran, hearing compensation at 30%. My hearing has gotten progressively worse and just received a cochlear implant yesterday. I received that implant at the VA Hospital in East Haven CT - of note- that hospital and staff are fantastic!!   My question, does the VA look at this disability at a higher percentage? Is it something I am required to put in for? How likely am I to be considered 100% disabled? Thank you in advance for your opinion.

^{Jim's Reply:}

It seems that your hearing compensation has been way too low? If you had filed for an increase in compensation you may have received a significantly higher rating...up to 100% for hearing loss. Yes, this is something you need to file a claim for. I can't predict likelihood of 100% rating but whatever the case, you need to file asap.