VAC and Tinnitus

[Occam]

Ive got pretty wicked Tinnitus with some hearing loss. I've had civilian an ENT specialist recommend hearing aids twice to attempt to counter the tinnitus but the CAF won't cover them unless it's for hearing loss specifically.

Army docs tell me to download an app for my cell phone and deal with it  rly:

That's not right, unless the CF Spectrum of Care changed since I got out in 2011.  I was covered for hearing aids specifically for my tinnitus while I was still serving.  ENT prescribed them, audiologist fitted them up, off I went.

 

[Jarnhamar]

Did it work?

 

[lapinpunki]

I put my claim in for Tinnitus feb 25 2019. I just got informed that my claim is in step 3 now. The estimated wait time is 24 weeks. I’m just curious as to when this 24 weeks starts because of the wording in the "Track my application" section:

When I click on step 3: "Your claim is at the decision making level. All your supporting documentation was received on February 25, 2019. Although we strive to provide a decision within 16 weeks, we are currently experiencing a higher than normal volume of applications"

Feb 25th is the exact day I placed my claim. The way it’s worded means the 24 week wait starts then? I have been in step 3 as of end aug 2019.

 

[meni0n]

Timer starts once it moves to step 3. My claim took a year to complete last time.

 

[lapinpunki]

Just received the “completed” notice! When I go in my VAC account, it says I am receiving 115$ for pain and suffering compensation. I thought they did payments in lump sums?

 

[bdcasey916]

Based on the timelines you have put up, mine should be close to being complete soon as well. I went to Step 3 about 10 days after yours did. Glad you got it favourable. Your default payment is PSC monthly, you have to call VAC and request the lump sum forms. Based on what I see on some Facebook groups, it will take a little bit of time.

 

[slayer/raptor]

So as I mentioned on another thread application was completed and I was able to see the results, based on the monthly amount I am assuming it is assessed at 5%. I don't understand how come it is not 10% since I even have a prescription for a masking device and I sent the prescription to VAC. Whats the process to get a reevaluation done? Has anyone done it and had success by going from 5 to 10%?

 

[meni0n]

You'll need to appeal the decision.

 

[lapinpunki]

I got 10 and I only had a prescription for anti depressants that apparently would work. I have not tried long enough to see if it really helps because I don’t want to become dependant. But that was enough for me to get 10. I would ask for them to look over it again.

 

[FdAmbCpl]

Has anyone been approved for tinnitus/hearing loss without the tinnitus assessment? My letter from the audiologist says I suffer from tinnitus and that I have mild hearing loss in the 3000-4000 range. Is this enough for approval or should I request the tinnitus assessment?

 

[Jarnhamar]

Has anyone been approved for tinnitus/hearing loss without the tinnitus assessment? My letter from the audiologist says I suffer from tinnitus and that I have mild hearing loss in the 3000-4000 range. Is this enough for approval or should I request the tinnitus assessment?

You need to submit a tinnitus assessment separately from hearing loss. It's possible to get approved for tinnitus but not approved for hearing loss.

 

[kev994]

They approved my tinnitus based off a slight hearing loss on my first audiogram after being in Afghanistan, apparently the particular frequency I lost is known to cause tinnitus. Still fighting for hearing loss, they don’t like that it’s only on one side.