Veteran’s Review

Becoming involved in veterans’ issues, different topic always come up. Usually in when I’m around about veterans who either have a Service Connected injury/illness. I try to keep up with what is going on with VA benefits and I try to have something on file in my head in case someone may ask about a certain benefit. I have some information that I received when I attended a recent Service Officer training course. The information is quite long but the information contained may answer some questions that you may have about VA Issued Hearing Aids. The information is what is currently the policy from the VA in regards to veterans’ that may need hearing aids. I hope you find the information helpful and informative.

Veteran Eligibility - Audiology Services:
Veterans are categorized for services through the VA based on a few different criteria. These criteria essentially come out to three primary categories:
 1) Combat Vet Status: Veterans recently released from military duty under a 2 year grace period to qualify for VA care.
 2) Service Connected Veterans (S/C): Veterans with documented and rated for medical disabilities/injuries related to military service.
 3) Non-Service Connected Veterans (NSC): Veterans eligible for VA car without documented and rated medical disabilities/injuries related to military service.

Exam Eligibility:
All veterans are eligible for an audiology exam or evaluation when coordinated with their assigned VA primary care provider and sent as a consultation request to the audiology clinic. The purpose of the examination is diagnoses and/or treatment of medical hearing conditions or follow-up from previous hearing examinations.

Hearing Aids Eligibility:
Some veterans are eligible for hearing aids provided from the VA, but not all. Veterans can contact the VA to determine their eligibility status. As a general rule, veterans falling in the service connected category are most likely eligible for VA issued hearing aids if medically necessary; however, other complex criteria exist.

How your VA Audiologist know’s if they can order VA issued hearing aids?
The consultation request will state whether the veteran is known to be eligible at the time of the appointment. There will be 1 of 3 statements on the request:

1) If eligible: “request for general audiology exam with hearing aid selection of if medically necessary”.
Note: Medical necessity is a professional judgment to determine the difference between patient desire and patient need. The VA will only furnish hearing aids if the patient needs them. For example, a patient may have a private sector issued from the VA for back-up. This is not a desire and not a need. A patient may request a new style, if the style will not change the quality of the patient’s life or hearing, this is a desire and not a need. If a patient requires a new style and would enhance their medical lifestyle (i.e. communication with primary car provider) this is then a need and not a desire and would be eligible. Hearing aids should not be replaced solely for cosmetic purposed.

2) If not eligible or requires review: “requests for general audiology only- patient not eligible for hearing aids unless the average pure-tone loss of sensitivity is greater than 40 dB hearing level at 500, 1000, and 2000Hz in the better ear”.

Note: If the veteran meets the average pure-tone loss of sensitivity is greater than 40dB hearing level at 500, 1000, and 2000Hz in the better ear then the veteran is eligible for VA issued hearing aids and the Audiologist is authorized to make the selection of the device at the time of the original examination. Then the Audiologist, will order the hearing aid(s). If they do not meet the above criteria, and they are not eligible for hearing aids and the VA will not pay for any hearing aids that are ordered.

3) Generally, VA policy states that hearing aids are expected to have a lifespan of 4 years. A patient will not be eligible for new hearing aids if have received VA issued hearing aids within the last 4 years unless they are no longer functioning properly. This consult request will state “request for general audiology exam only. Recently issued VA hearing aids not eligible for replacement unless not functioning properly”.

Hearing Aid Orders:
The VA has official government contracts with hearing aid vendors to provide high quality assistive hearing devices to our veterans at a reasonable cost to the government. All hearing aids provided to the veterans must be ordered through the VA and within the government contract. There are very few exceptions to this rule unless true documented medical need exists for an off-contract device as a special circumstance. A VA Audiologist will review these exceptions to offer approval.

Each care site will coordinate the ordering of the hearing aids. The most efficient and best method to the facility (i.e. call in orders, fax order, etc.) will be determined upon initial clinic set-up.

If a patient is not able to adapt to a hearing aid style, the warranty period will allow a change in the aid at no charge to the VA if performed within 3 months of issuing the aid. a 2 month follow-up is required to determine if the aid is properly meeting the needs of the veteran. If the aid needs to be changed, your Audiology clinic or primary health provider, to request a consult with the Audiology Clinic as soon as possible to facilitate this change at no additional charge to you, the veteran or the government.

Hearing Aid Repairs/Adjustments:
The VA has a centralized hearing aid service program to assist veterans in their hearing aid needs.

If a veteran requires an aid to be repaired, contact your Audiology Clinic for information for repair information.

Most hearing aids are under a one year warranty period. During this warranty period, repairs are covered by the VA through this process. Hearing aids older than 5 years are not recommended to be for service unless in very good condition as when aids are not deemed repairable they are not always sent back to the veteran.

Veterans are responsible for obtaining their replacement hearing aids batteries and filters for over-the-ear filters for VA issued hearing aids also through the VA Denver Acquisition & Logistics Center (905A). A special card for hearing aid batteries is included in the box when veteran receives hearing aid(s).

ENT Referrals:
Patient requiring ENT referral due to suspicious finding during your examination will be examined by a VA ENT specialist. The patient will need to communicate this requirement with their appointed VA primary care provider to facilitate the consultation. They will require your case history. Private sector ENT will not be paid for by the VA unless special authorization is pre-approved.

Patient Education Information Regarding Hearing Aids:
Enclosed in your packet is a handout that is given to veteran patients to assist in educating about the VA issued hearing aids