Quote:
Originally Posted by zauber1
IMHO you should use both earplugs AND muffs if at all practicable. I have found out the hard way that once a bit if tinnitus starts to show, it creates a vulnerability to further damage. After years of shooting a really large caliber duty weapon and service in Field Artillery, my tinnitus is a real bother.
Regarding VA compensation, I had a documented 111211 PULHES rating on enlisting and at discharge had a 111311 documented. Do you think that this would warrant filing a claim with the VA? I applied immediately after discharge for hearing loss and was denied. I did not know that I should have filed a claim for tinnitus and no one at the VA told me I should (vested interest I think now).
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I will second the recommendation for both muffs & plugs if feasible.
I have the kind Mitch described previously, which is no fun, acquired through a combination of isolated loud trauma events and sustained exposure to the fans & "HVAC-like substances" in various signal vans over the years. It can seem to nearly dissipate, resume with no apparent cause, or come on with the presence of a simple non-dB specific noise-
peak as typical as the screech of a grandchild, or as innocuous as the snapping shut of a Zippo.
The VA monolith does what any monolith does, it exists, and will do the same thing in the face of no new information. If you've been unsuccessful on a tinnitus claim and have not contacted the State Vet Svcs Officer in your county you have missed a resource. There is specific guidance given to them, both written, and gained by joint conference discussions on how to help you further in this particular area with navigating the VA. I'm blessed with having an oustanding (and forthright) VSO, as well as counting a couple other good ones in surrounding counties as friends, and they share information with VA claims people who, in essence, tell them how to get around the apparent obstacles. No promises implied, not all VSO's are created equal, but it's worth pursuing.
huh?