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Dear Mr. Shinseki;

I know you’re busy so I will be brief.

I’m a Viet Nam Veteran suffering from the effects of acoustical trauma and have been awarded a service connected hearing disability but zero compensation (other than 10% for tinnitus). The VA fitted me with hearing aids and I wouldn’t be without them. Presently, I’m in the process of appealing my claim and thought you might like to know the reason why, and if possible assist in my appeal. Secondly, but more importantly, I would like to ask you and or staff to review, and then hopefully recommend the introduction of an additional auditory testing procedure.

 I contacted the University of Washington Audiology Department who performed not only the standard Pure Tone and W-22 (reminiscent of the Maryland CNC) test, but a third procedure called the QuickSIN (sound in noise) test. This test is currently not included in the VA’s diagnostics but should be. Here is the reason why.

The University’s findings; “QuickSIN testing revealed a moderate  impairment in noise bilaterally, and indicates that even with good directional microphones and noise reduction technology, difficulty in background noise is more likely than not. QuickSIN (speech in noise) testing evaluates a person’s ability to hear speech in the presence of background noise. Because the test is evaluating an aspect of the auditory system different from pure tone testing, the degree of impairment indicated by this test my not correspond exactly to the pure tone results”.  

The importance of this procedure can’t be underestimated.  QuickSIN provides a “true to the real world” result, which the other “clinical” sound proof booth administered procedures lack. I’m not asking to dismiss the pure tone or Maryland tests, but to include the QuickSIN to better diagnose and fairly compensate veterans who would otherwise receive zero compensation for their loss because they fit just outside the existing box. In my case, hearing loss begins just above 2000 hertz. I can hear well in a sound proof booth, wearing earphones, and repeat words delivered at increased decibel volumes to achieve the best results (but not beyond my pain threshold). However, this is not the real world. My world contains noise and with it a diminished quality of life.  QuickSIN confirms the need to use closed caption on the T.V. or while watching a movie, mute around the Grandchildren, difficulty hearing on the phone and at sport events, or even ordering in a restaurant.  I cannot express the level of frustration endured on a daily basis. To make matters worse, I’ve recently lost my executive sales position. This was due in part to a sluggish economy but also, not being able to communicate adequately with clients in busy offices and noisy boatyards. Presently I’m being treated by the VA for depression and anxiety.

For your review, I have included copies:

1.      U.W Record of Audiometric Evaluation showing Pure Tone and W-22 w/moderate to severe HL notes.

2.      Comparative chart showing hearing results by:

a.      QTC, UW, VA (blue, red, yellow).

b.      By normal hearing range (Green).

c.      Showing the VA calculation range (gray).

Thank you for your time. I hope to hear from you soon.

Best Regards,

CC: W. Scott Gould, John R. Gingrich, Roger W. Baker, Michael Cardarelli, Will A. Gunn, Allison A. Hickey, Steven L. Keller, Peter L. Levin

Ok People, that's where it stands as of today. Thank you so much for this Veterans Benefits Network. Together we can make a change, if not, then at least a reason why.