Many veterans who have served in the conflict suffer from the condition which results from continued exposure to loud noises and stress such as explosions and gun shots. Today, tinnitus is the most common service-connected condition for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
During the roundtable, hosted by Reps. Harry Teague (D-N.M.) and Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), experts pointed out the common misconception that tinnitus is an inner ear condition, but it is in fact a neurological condition that can be exacerbated by conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder.
Kelley, who personally has dealt with the condition, described his experiences with tinnitus and expressed frustration that though it is his lowest-rated service-connected condition, it is the only one for which he has no viable treatment option.
"There's no cure," Kelley said. "Tinnitus is my lowest rating, yet it is something that I have no relief from and no strategies to deal with."
Today, VA spends more on service-connected compensation for tinnitus than it invests in research on treating the condition. Kelley and the other veterans advocates who participated in the roundtable called on Congress and VA to increase the funding for cutting-edge research on the condition in an effort to develop a viable treatment option.
The caucus plans to continue to the discussion on tinnitus and American Veteran will continue to follow the issue as it develops. Check back regularly for updates.
Posts
I've been suffering from tinnitus for many years. No I didn't serve in a combat area, I worked on and around aircraft for 20+ years. At times the ringing is excruciating and it is hard to hear people when they try to talk to me. The VA caps out tinnitus claims at 10% and they keep telling me there is nothing they can do. The VA has me take hearing tests but normally when one is scheduled, the ringing isn't there. This is very discouraging. I have problems hearing male voices. I go in for a hearing exam, they put me in a sound-proof booth with a buzzer. This doesn't solve the problems with hearing males, it just shows the examiner that my hearing the high pitched sounds is fine... It doesn't help the lower pitched sounds. Being female, sometimes it feels as if because I am female, that it doesn't matter. Well it does! I served my country honorably and if called back to duty, I would. Please, don't let the bureaucrats put this on the back burner like they do everything else. Those of us that suffer from tinnitus every day of our lives need relief!
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Jane Abel, USAFR Ret.
AMVETS Post 50 Adjutant
American Legion Post 336 Member