Hearing testing in the U.S. Department of Defense: Potential impact on Veterans Affairs hearing loss disability awards

Abstract: Hearing loss is the second most common disability awarded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to former members of the U.S. uniformed services.  This article examines the characteristics of veterans submitting claims within one year of separation from military service.  The results indicate that having a hearing loss disability claim granted was significantly more likely for men, individuals over the age of 26 years at the time of the claim, individuals most recently serving in the U.S. Army, and those with at least one hearing loss diagnosis. These findings support increased inclusion of personnel in Department of Defense hearing readiness and conservation programs to reduce VA hearing loss disability awards.