Subject: Hearing Aids
>
> Here's some good info on hearing aids from the VA for certain disabled
> veterans.
>
> Hearing Aids: Veterans may be entitled to free hearing aids from the VA if
>
> they meet any of these categories:
> n Service connected for hearing loss; ear disease or Tinnitus
> n Service connected - any medical problem at a rating of 10% or
> more.
> n Former prisoner of war
> n All WWI veterans
>
> Guidelines have been revised to include any veterans with a 10% or
> more rating for any problem [including veterans without service-connected
> hearing loss]. VA must consider the hearing loss in a nonservice-connected
>
> ear when rating a service-connected ear when the nonservice-connected ear
> is 10% or more disabling vice the former total deafness requirement.
> While
> federal directives allow for this category of veterans to receive hearing
> aids, individual VA hospitals/clinics have the right to further determine
> local policies regarding access to hearing aids for veterans without
> service-connected hearing loss. Depending upon the availability of
> services at your local VA facility, you may be required to have a
> confirmed
> service-connected hearing loss to receive hearing aids. To obtain
> clarification of policies in your area, telephone your nearest VA regional
>
> office. [Source: Los Angeles AFB Retiree Newsletter Fall 99]
> Tricare does not cover hearing aids except under the Program for
> Persons with Disabilities applicable to active duty dependents
> only. Neither are examinations covered unless connected with surgery,
> some
> other medical problem, or the well-child care benefit. Medicare provides
> no coverage either. If your income is limited there may be state
> assistance in some areas. Contact your state's Veteran Service Office or
> State Medical Assistance office such as Medicaid.
> DoD has initiated a new program called Retiree-At-Cost Hearing Aid
> Program (RACHAP) for Air Force and/or Retiree Hearing Aid Purchase Program
>
> (RHAPP) for Army/Navy which is available at certain military treatment
> facilities (MTF). Before traveling to a particular base/post that's listed
>
> to participate in a RACHAP/RHAPP program, it is highly recommended that
> you
> contact the facility first to ensure the program is still available at
> that
> facility. The Military Audiology Association (MAA) has a web site at
> facilities that offer RACHAP/RHAPP programs. Telephone numbers are also
> provided. For the Pacific area retirees desiring assistance can call
> Yokosuka NH, Japan DSN: 243-7316, Okinawa MH Japan Tel: 011816117437616,
> and Yongsan Korea Tel: 01182296714099. Retirees, not family members, can
>
> purchase a hearing aid at government cost, a considerable savings over a
> commercial purchase. Retirees may also call the nearest MTF to see if the
>
> program is available, or where the nearest participating MTF is
> located. The MTF must have an audiologist on staff to perform the
> examination and prescribe the appropriate device. Most Navy MTFs
> participate in RACHAP. Do not be surprised if the following guidelines are
>
> required by the MTF to receive services:
> -- Veterans who are eligible for hearing aids services through the
> Veterans Administration will not be seen on the RACHAP program. The VA is
> funded specifically to address these problems. Your MTF may require
> written notice that you are not eligible for hearing aids before they will
>
> see you.
> -- In addition to the statement from the VA declining you services there
> may be required a statement signed by your physician stating that you are
>
> "medically cleared for hearing aid use." This is an FDA requirement.
> Verbal
> orders from the VA or your physician are not adequate.
> -- The MTF may not be able to provide the required follow-up service to
> out of state and out of the local area veterans. Often, as many as four
> appointments are required to complete the fitting process.
> -- The MTF might dispense digital aids to those retirees who choose them.
>
> Prices can be up to approximately $1300 each for the digital aids and may
> be in the $500 range for non-digital aids. Not all hearing aids are
> suitable for all patients. The MTF will assist you as much as possible in
> making this decision.
>
> The Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 2002, established a
> presumption of service-connection for hearing loss associated with certain
>
> military skills (to be determined by the VA in consultation with the
> National Academy of Sciences) and authorized compensation for
> servicemembers who have a rated hearing loss in both ears. [Source:
> Hanscom
> AFB Retiree Newsletter Summer 2001 & Naval Hospital Bremerton ltr, and
> Milton Bell msg. Dtd 4 FEB 03]
>
>
>
> Tom Kelley
> Commissioner
> Commonwealth of Massachusetts
> Department of Veterans' Services
> 239 Causeway Street, Room 100
> Boston, MA 02114
> Tel: (617) 727-3578 Ext. 101
> Fax: (617) 727-5903
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