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Okay, wait a minute.

VA healthcare is denied to veterans IF THEY MAKE TOO MUCH MONEY. This is not new. Phrasing it as getting your health benefits back is a stretch.

You made too much money. The income restriction ends if there is even 10% of service connected disability — which you applied for and got approved. It wasn’t some arbitrary refusal of healthcare going on. You made too much money. The tinnitus claim got approved and the income limit on healthcare ended.

Hearing loss as a disability is a high bar to get over. The requirements are laid out. https://www.hillandponton.com/va-hearing-disability-calculator/

An audiologist, preferably a VA audiologist, has to provide a diagnosis derived very specifically from the above Puretone test — or speech recognition stuff. You can ask AIs about this. Much faster look up. “The vast majority of veterans with hearing disability are rated only 10% for hearing loss.” While you are with the audiologist, now that you have healthcare benefits restored, ask him/her if you should have a hearing aid. Free through the VA.

As to PTSD, no, you are not up against 100 shrinks. You have 100 shrinks trying to get you what you claim. Qualify under their specifics and you get rated. If you don’t, then you should be glad you don’t have it.

First, I don't know where my income came into this picture, but no, I did not exceed the limits. I proved that to the VA (I keep detailed records), and they denied it anyway. It wasn't until my tinnitus diagnosis and approval did that become a mute point.

Second, yes, hearing loss is a high bar to get over. I'll check out webpage.

Third, the requirements for PTSD used to be based on only two requirements, which was then expanded to five. But I shouldn't have to go against 100 shrinks. For the VA to adopt the standards in that book is, in my view criminal, and a disservice to veterans across the board.