Military Service
A military attorney is charged with claims by hearing impaired individuals when the hearing loss is caused by actions encountered while serving on active duty. Since hearing impaired individuals are covered under the stipulations for military disability pensions, it is common for such items as hearing aids to be covered under veterans’ benefits. Usually qualifications for disability pensions take months or years to be granted and the services of an attorney may be required in order to be approved for benefits. In addition to disability pension, hearing loss and other service-related conditions can be treated medically at Veterans’ Administration medical facilities.
Noise Causing a Hearing Impaired Condition
There is no question but that the noise in battlefield situations can be louder than the 90 decibels limit, so exposure to long periods of artillery sounds at close range can affect the hearing. Soldiers who fire weapons can become hearing impaired due to the noise. Other loud sounds related to military operations include the noise of motorized vehicles such as military transport. While the services of an attorney are typically not needed, since the military command recognizes the danger, if medical treatment is not granted, the individual should seek the help of an attorney.
Hearing Impaired Conditions Due to Injury
Obviously a hearing impaired condition can arise in the military service when an explosive device is detonated too near to the soldier. Not only hearing loss, but loss of limbs or vision can happen in this instance. Because the military legal system is different from the civilian courts, probably no attorney services will be required to represent the injured soldier. Typically, medical services for military personnel are provided through military facilities, unlike the situation in a civilian injury where the injured party may have to retain an attorney to fight for his or her medical needs in court.
Veterans Administration Benefits for the Hearing Impaired
Partial or complete disability benefits may be paid to those who are hearing impaired due to military service related accidents or injuries. The injured veteran will not need attorney
services to represent him or her in most instances. The claims for disability are handled within the military hierarchy or the Veterans Administration. In addition to financial disability benefits, service personnel receive treatment for all types of ailments at military hospitals and clinics at little or no cost. A military attorney is the advocate for cases where legal representation is needed by the veteran.
Rehabilitation Assistance for the Hearing Impaired
An attorney is available to help veterans who are hearing impaired when they are seeking rehabilitative services or vocational training following military service. The goal by the team including an attorney, social work counselor and veteran’s representative is to return a veteran to profitable and fulfilling employment following military service, whether or not an injury has occurred during the service fulfillment. Rehabilitative assistance may include counseling, hearing aids, educational or vocational training, medical care and even housing benefits and psychological intervention if needed. The loss of hearing in adult life is a traumatic experience at best, but one that can be overcome with determination and assistance.