ROTARY CLUB NEWS: Trust is an important aspect in all we do

by Gary Kennedy

To many of you I begin my articles in a superfluous manner. Much of the old methods of doing things have become redundant. I have been doing this with you for more than 40 years. I have watched a couple of groups come and retire. Things are forever changing so I endeavor; in part to start my explanations in an archaic manner as for me simplicity helps avoid words like, “what”? When you are trying to be helpful you certainly don’t want to demean them or put people on the defensive as they try to protect their dignity and self respect. In many cases words can dig-in as deeply as a bullet. If the veteran you are trying to aid doesn’t really understand but because of dignity leaves without receiving the information they sought then we end up with two losers, instead of an informed veteran with a new friend.

Trust is an important aspect in all we do. If you serve with an open heart then the wisdom you impart will be received, and absorbed to the betterment of the giver and receiver. I have been disabled for many years and during that time I have learned to serve with honesty, integrity and joy. All the vets that I have worked with really have taught me the meaning of Camaraderie. I hope I have instilled the same feeling with them. I have always been able to count on them and they know my phone number.

I have a list of situations that I promised to get to for you and I will do my best to do just that. Our newspaper only allows so much space so I do my best to cover at least one medical issue per week. You can always contact me if you feel I have left something out that is important to you. I will always do my best to find the answer for you.

This week we will try and cover Tinnitus. Tinnitus is considered one of the easiest claims to win. I am certainly not sure that I agree with that. However, most of us have earned sharp shooter medals. In order to do that, one must place his weapon near his ear when sighting. This is done repetitiously, perhaps hundreds of times. I, to this very day, can hear noise in my ears and have been issued hearing aids. Any military person, even those trained to be clerks, etc. had to train with a lot of noise. Some, of course, were subjected to copious amounts of various loud sounds with many different frequencies of sound. Frequency of sound is the number of times an event occurs in a unit of time. (A repeating rifle, blast of a tank, big guns on ships, etc.) These things will stay with you always; it just depends on exposure and time. Some soldiers/veterans suffer with extreme headaches, some hearing loss and some get it all. Typical disability ratings for hearing loss range from 0-10 percent. Ratings are based on the degree of disability. Hearing loss with tinnitus is based on the severity and can reach as much as a 100 percent disabling. Hearing loss and tinnitus can be rated separately if the veteran is totally deaf in both ears due to service connected situation.

The veteran may be eligible for (S.MC.), Special Monthly Compensation consideration as well. This aspect of V.A. Compensation is a tax free amount paid by D.V.A. (V.A.) to the veteran and their family to help with special needs. This benefit is paid in addition to the vet’s standard compensation. It is based on the severity of need. So as you can see although the norm for hearing issues such as Tinnitus is only 0-10 percent, a greater amount is attainable depending on your hearing issue. I am a very strong believer on investigating your issues with your family doctor for indepth evaluation and opinion. If you have a V.A. Primary Care Provider by all means share your outside doctor’s opinions/reports. Growing your medical issues with the complication of recorded opinions from other sources will just strengthen your claim for the many possible benefits available for the different levels of medical opinion.

The V.A. considers Tinnitus a viable source of some types of headaches. Those that suffer with this disorder hear sounds when no sound is present. This is especially problematic when trying to sleep. Day time noises usually drown out most unwanted sound but in the quiet of night such is not the case. Some solutions can be found by using a white sound machine to mask the unwanted sound. If you don’t have access to such an item then try soft music or a gentle moving fan. Avoiding tobacco, caffeine and alcohol is also a great help. According to Mayo Clinic these substances can affect blood flow and be a contributor to tinnitus. It has also been discovered that zinc supplements can reduce symptoms up to 80 percent in some patients.

I mentioned earlier that it is possible to receive 100 percent for Tinnitus if proven service connected (explosions and other loud noises). A medical professional would be helpful here as well as lay evidence. A diagnosis would be needed (reports) specific events during military service, cause and effect nexus. Secondary conditions such as hearing loss, anxiety, and sleep apnea or migraine headaches can become addendums to your tinnitus. So you can see the possible ways your tinnitus rating issue can grow. Those things are very real and the reason you should follow any and all problems that might affect this area. Time has a way of changing all possible scenarios. Remember what you read/learn and add time as the wild card. It is a proven pathway.

We will answer other areas next time. Good luck my brothers and sisters. Together we are strong. Find a vet rep who is knowledgeable and is willing to give you the time and understanding you need and you will be successful with honest claims. Have a great and safe weekend. God bless and thank you for all that you have given too and for our country.