May 2023

Many veterans returning from active duty develop hearing impairments and suffer from hearing loss. This is especially true among veterans deployed to active war zones and exposed to loud noises.

In fact, findings show that 48% of veterans who experience blast exposure reported lower sound tolerance. In fact, 38% of veterans without blast exposure also reported reduced sound tolerance.

If you suffer from hearing loss or some form of hearing disability, such as tinnitus, the Veterans Affairs (VA) may be able to help.

Does the VA Offer Hearing Aids?

The VA offers hearing aids to veterans as part of their VA health benefits. The hearing aids are provided to veterans registered in the Veteran Health Administration. Aside from being enrolled in the VA health system, veterans meeting certain eligibility requirements can get hearing aids.

On top of that, the provided VA hearing aids come with a three-year warranty to cover both hearing aid repairs and one-time replacement at no extra charge.

What Kind of Hearing Aids Does the VA Offer?

The VA currently has a contract with six of the biggest hearing aid companies in the U.S.:

Oticon
Phonak
GN Resound
Signia (Siemens)
Starkey
Widex

Veterans can order almost any make or model of hearing device they need, as long as it is from these six manufacturers. The device range covers nearly all hearing aid styles and types—including hearing aids with Bluetooth compatibility, cochlear implants, and other assistive listening devices.

Are Hearing Aids Through the VA Free?

All hearing aids provided by the VA are completely free, as well as repairs under the warranty and replacement batteries in the future.

The device will remain free as long as the veteran receiving them maintains their VA eligibility. This includes having a clinical determination regarding their hearing disability and subsequent need for a hearing assistive device.

Can Any Veteran Get Hearing Aids Through the VA?

Not all veterans are entitled to receive hearing aids for free through the VA. As with other VA health care or VA disability benefits, there are certain criteria that need to be met. In many cases, the VA usually only provides hearing aids to veterans whose hearing was lost or impaired due to a military service-connected reason.

Will the VA Cover Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery or otoplasty may be covered under the VA Health Benefits package. Surgeries are covered under both outpatient and inpatient diagnostic and treatment services. This includes reconstructive or plastic surgery that resulted from trauma or disease.

What Is the VA Rating for a Hearing Disability?

The VA rating for hearing disability is based on veterans’ auditory test results. The VA disability ratings go from zero to 100% and will determine the veterans’ overall eligibility for benefits and treatment. The higher the rating or percentage score, the more VA benefits you may be eligible to receive.

In general, hearing loss disability ratings are on the lower end of the scale at around 10%. In many cases, a zero disability rating may be assigned if the hearing loss is not significantly disabling. Some veterans with tinnitus and hearing loss may receive separate ratings for each condition.

Does Your Hearing Disability Need To Be Service-Connected to Receive Help?

The VA primarily provides hearing aids and similar devices to veterans who suffer from service-connected hearing loss or hearing impairment. However, the VA may also provide hearing aids to veterans whose hearing disability stems from a medical condition that they are getting treatment for at the VA.

What Are the Requirements To Receive Hearing Aids Through the VA?

The VA only provides devices to veterans who meet any of the following hearing aid eligibility requirements:

Have a service-connected disability
Were former prisoners of war
Were awarded a Purple Heart
Are permanently housebound or require regular aid and attendance
Have a hearing impairment that resulted from a disease or condition for which they receive VA care or VA disability benefits
Have profound hearing loss or severe hearing impairment that interferes with daily life

How Do I Apply for Hearing Aids?

Veterans who have yet to register or enroll in the VA health system can do so at their local Veterans Service office, at a VA Medical Center or clinic, or online via the VA website. The following documents are generally required to register:

Veteran’s DD214 or discharge papers
Driver’s license
Health insurance
Filled out Form 10-10EZ

Veterans already registered under the health system can book an appointment with the Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic to get their hearing tested. This is necessary to get their VA hearing loss or disability rating and to determine their need for a hearing aid.

Once they have a doctor’s recommendation to get a hearing aid, they can get the devices ordered through the VA.

When Can I Expect My Application To Be Accepted?

Veterans who have newly applied for VA health care can expect to be contacted about their application within a week. After receiving a welcome call from the VA health care program, they can schedule an appointment to get their hearing tested.

Once they have their VA hearing disability rating and have ordered the hearing aids, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a month to receive their hearing aids.

What Should I Know as a Disabled Veteran Applying for Financial Aid?

If you are a disabled veteran and want to apply for financial aid, it is important to do due diligence and know what benefits you can get. You can also check out our veterans’ benefits guide for more information.

After that, you need to know the various eligibility requirements for receiving financial aid, depending on the specific benefits or assistance you wish to receive.

It is also important to know the following:

How or where to apply
How to file for disability benefits
Factors that may potentially disqualify you from receiving aid
Disability compensation or financial assistance you can receive at the same time

How Can Trajector Benefits Help Me?

Trajector can help you navigate the entire process of getting VA hearing aids—from registering at the VA to getting your hearing tested and more.

We also offer up-to-date information and provide various benefits resources, ranging from Social Security benefits to veteran benefits. Government services and military benefits continually get updated.

Trajector makes it easier for you to keep up with any changes and ensure you understand everything you need to know to receive your due benefits. Contact us to learn more today!

There are times when the Board of Veterans Appeals denies veterans or their dependents the social security benefits they may be entitled to. When this happens, claimants can instead file an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). How does the court process work? How do you file an appeal? Trajector Benefits has shared an informative article to serve as your guide. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is the CAVC?

When discussing the CAVC, we’re dealing with a federal appellate court that isn’t associated with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans court is meant to ensure that the VA follows veterans law and other related laws when making decisions for disability benefit claims. So, if the Board of Veterans Appeals doesn’t grant someone’s claim, they bring it to the CAVC. The latter has the power to determine whether the VA should provide social security benefits or deny them.

Anyone whose appeal was denied by the Board of Veterans Appeals can bring their case to the federal level through the CAVC. This includes veterans and their dependents.

Compensation You May Receive

Suffering injuries after serving in the military entitles you to various disability benefits, particularly compensation for you and your dependents. If the board’s decision is to grant your disability claim, then you’ll get monthly tax-free payments. The amount you’ll receive will be based on your disability rating, a score determined by the physical or mental disability you have.

In general, physical disabilities are easier to prove. It’s more challenging to get benefits for psychological disorders. However, you can still get compensation and veteran mental health services if you suffered mental health issues during or after your service. For more information, visit our benefits resources.

Filing a Claim: A Basic Guide

If you’re wondering how to appeal to the CAVC for the Board of Veterans Appeals decision, here are the steps for filing a CAVC claim.

File a Written Notice of Appeal (NOA): This document will include details such as your contact information, VA claims number, and the date when the Board made the decision. The NOA must be sent within 120 days after the decision has been made.
File a Declaration of Financial Hardship: Sent no later than 14 days after filing the NOA, the Declaration of Financial Hardship that details the loss of income because of the disability.

Once your court forms have been accepted, your claim will join other active panel cases on the CAVC docket, which signals that the appeal process is officially started.

What’s the CAVC Docket?

The CAVC Docket serves as the record and schedule of proceedings for the appellate court. So, once the NOA is placed on the docket, the review process begins. But, first, the CAVC will send a Notice of Docketing to all involved parties, which includes the VA, the claimant, and their representatives.

This act also signals that your VA claim has officially become a federal court case. As the claimant, you’ll be given a docket number. Note that these credentials are different from your claims file number.

Once the VA receives the Notice of the Docketing, they will need to send the claimant the record before the agency, which is the claimant’s complete file. Then, the CAVC will hold a conference with the goal of resolving the issues mentioned in the appeal. If the parties don’t arrive at a resolution, the claimant must submit briefs or written arguments for their case. When the CAVC receives these briefs and other needed files, the judges will decide.

Affirmation vs. Vacate and Remand vs. Reverse Decision

There are three ways the CAVC can reach a verdict:

Affirmation: The CAVC affirms the BVA decision and doesn’t grant disability benefits.
Vacate and Remand: The CAVC’s decision doesn’t resolve the issue, so they send it back to the Board for further investigation and adjudication.
Reverse Decision: In some rare instances, the CAVC will send back the claim to the Board with instructions to grant the benefit.

Standard of Review for the CAVC

When examining the Board’s findings for a disability claim, the CAVC follows the “clearly erroneous” standard of review. This procedure means that even though the Board has presented evidence for denying a claim, the CAVC judges will have a firm conviction that a mistake has been made.

Timeline To Expect for Processing the Claim

After your claim is placed on the CVAC Docket, you can expect the entire proceeding to last from 12 to 18 months. In some cases, the process can last for up to two years.

What Happens If My Claim Wasn’t Granted Based on the CAVC Decision?

Not all appeals will be successful. Sometimes, the CAVC will affirm the board’s decision and deny your appeal. However, it’s not the end of the road, as you have several other options. For example, you can request a panel decision so a group of judges can review and decide on your case. Filing a Motion for Reconsideration is also another method you can take.

Do You Need a VA Attorney To Help With Your Appeal?

You can file a social security appeal form independently and handle the entire legal proceeding. However, the VA and the Social Security Administration (SSA) will have their team of attorneys who will work to deny your appeal. Winning an SSDI hearing or a disability claim appeal will require an experienced VA attorney who can provide the right counsel, guidance, and representation to increase the chances of a favorable decision from the CAVC.

How Can Trajector Help?

Trajector Benefits is an organization built to help underserved and at-risk communities, including veterans. Our main service is developing and providing medical evidence that can help clients in their quest to receive disability benefits. From physical illnesses to mental health disorders, our team will assist you.

Let us help you get the disability benefits that you’re medically and legally entitled to. To learn more about filing veteran’s claims and appeals and our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Accessing benefits from the VA can be a long and complex process that requires the proper documentation and attention to detail. One of the key forms used in this process is VA Form 21-4138. In this article, we will take a closer look at this form and answer some common questions about its purpose, usage, and requirements.

What is VA Form 21-4138?

VA Form 21-4138, also known as the Statement in Support of Claim, is a standard form used by the VA to gather information about a veteran’s service history, medical condition, and other relevant details that may be necessary to process a VA claim. The form is designed to help veterans clearly and concisely explain their circumstances, including any information that may support their disability claim for veterans benefits.

What is Form 21-4138 Used For?

Form 21-4138 is used to support claims for a range of veteran benefits, including disability compensation, pension benefits, education benefits, and vocational rehabilitation. The form, sometimes called a buddy statement, can also be used to request a review of a previously denied claim or to provide additional information related to an ongoing veterans claim.

What is the Difference Between Form 21-4138 and Form 21-10210?

Form 21-4138 and Form 21-10210 are both used by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) in the United States, but they serve different purposes. Form 21-4138, also known as the “Statement in Support of a Claim, is a general form used to provide additional information to support a veteran’s VA claim for benefits. This form is typically used when a veteran needs to provide additional details or evidence to support their claim or to update their file with new information. In addition, it can be used for various benefits, such as disability compensation, pension, education and training, and vocational rehabilitation.

On the other hand, Form 21-10210, also known as the “VA Authorization to Disclose Personal Information to a Third Party,” is used to authorize the VA to release an individual’s personal information to a third party. This form is used when a veteran or their representative wants someone else to access their VA records or receive information on their behalf. This can include medical information, financial information, and other personal data that may be necessary to process a claim or provide assistance.

When was Form 21-10210 Implemented?

VA Form 21-10210 was first introduced in 2013 as a part of the VA’s efforts to streamline the claims process and improve access to benefits for veterans. The form replaced several older forms and is now the standard form used to authorize disclosing personal information to third parties.

Is Form 21-4138 Obsolete?

No, Form 21-4138 is not obsolete. It remains an important tool for veterans seeking to access their benefits. While the VA has introduced newer forms and processes for handling claims, Form 21- 4138 is still widely used and accepted.

What is a Buddy Letter?

A buddy letter, also known as a buddy statement, is a written statement from a fellow service member, friend, or family member who can provide information about a veteran’s condition or service history. Buddy letters can be used to support a claim for a VA benefit and can be submitted along with VA Form 21-4138 or other supporting documentation.

Will VA Form 21-4138 Speed Up Your Claim?

While VA Form 21-4138 is an important tool for supporting a claim for veteran benefits, it may not necessarily speed up the processing of a claim. This is because the VA has specific procedures and timelines for processing claims and simply uses Form 21-4138 as one part of the overall process. However, providing detailed and accurate information on the form helps avoid delays or errors in their claims process.

Where Can I Find Form 21-4138?

Form 21-4138 is available for download on the VA website and through VA Regional Offices and VA medical centers. The form can be completed online or printed out and filled out by hand.

How Do I Submit Form 21-4138?

Form 21-4138 can be filled out online through the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) website or mailed or faxed to the appropriate VA regional office.

How to submit Form 21-4138 online:

Go to the VA website and sign into your account. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one.
Click on the “Apply For Benefits” tab and select “Compensation.”
Scroll down to “Additional Benefits” and click “Submit a Statement in Support of a Claim.”
Fill out the form with your personal information and provide a detailed description of your claim and any evidence that supports it.
Review your form for accuracy and completeness, and then click “Submit.”

How to submit Form 21-4138 by mail or fax:

Download and print the form from the VA website.
Fill out the form with your personal information and provide a detailed description as well as any information that supports your claim.
Make a copy of the form for your records.
Mail the original form to the appropriate regional VA office or fax it to the number listed on the form.

It is important to keep a copy of your submitted form for your records and to follow up with the VA to ensure that your claim is being processed.

How Can Trajector Help Me?

Here at Trajector, we have made it our mission to help everyone with a disability get the benefits they are legally, medically, and ethically qualified for. We understand that applying for benefits can be a hard or daunting task that may seem overwhelming, which is why we are here to help you get all the information you need to get the benefits you deserve. We want to help eliminate the struggle so many have to go through and make the application process that much easier, so contact us today!

Serving the country is a selfless act that entails severe risk and sacrifice and should never go unrecognized. Each year on August 7, we honor the United States Armed Forces members who have been wounded or lost their lives during military service with the National Purple Heart Day.

This special day of remembrance is dedicated to all who have sacrificed for our freedom. It’s a chance to express our gratitude and honor the members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and other U.S. military branches who have selflessly served and defended our country.

Read on to learn more about Purple Heart Appreciation Day, how it started, and how you can honor those who have bravely served our country.

What Is Purple Heart Day?

The Purple Heart is the oldest American military decoration in existence. President and General George Washington created what was initially known as the Badge of Military Merit on August 7, 1782. At the time, the Continental Army lacked funds, so General Washington had the badge made to commend and commemorate soldiers’ meritorious service.

It was made up of a piece of silk and a purple heart-shaped cloth patch with the word “Merit” embroidered in silver. Washington presented the award to only three soldiers who had served with exceptional bravery, fidelity, and service during the Revolutionary War. Washington’s subordinate officers awarded the Badge of Merit to other worthy recipients.

Although it was never formally abolished, the Badge of Military Merit was disused, and it wasn’t until after World War I that the decoration was resurrected. Then, on February 22, 1932, General Douglas MacArthur revived the Purple Heart award in honor of Washington’s 200th birthday. The modern Purple Heart is a gold medal with a purple heart and Washington’s profile in the middle.

The first recipient of this Purple Heart medal was General MacArthur himself. At the beginning of World War II, it was used to honor every soldier wounded in action against the enemy and recognize those with the meritorious performance of duty. The award was modified in 1944, discontinuing it for commendable service and opening it up to any U.S. Armed Force service member wounded or killed in combat.

According to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, over 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded since the decoration’s re-establishment in 1932. It has been given to those who served in the Korean War, Vietnam War, Afghanistan War, and other military conflicts.

Purple Heart Day is a vital reminder of the service, dedication, and sacrifice of all those who gave their lives to defend our country. In addition, this day allows us to thank living recipients and honor those who have passed away.

What Does a Purple Heart Signify?

When they receive the Purple Heart, wounded and killed service members are recognized for their courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. It’s a symbol of honor that commemorates their bravery and dedication to defending our country. This decoration also signals to future generations of military personnel the importance of committing to service despite the risks involved.

The color purple symbolizes the bravery and courage of those who have received the honor. It also represents the pain and suffering of war and shows respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s essential to remember that every Purple Heart recipient has a story of courage, loyalty, strength, and patriotism that can never be forgotten.

Is a Purple Heart a High Honor?

The Purple Heart is among the most prestigious honors in the U.S. military. It’s given only to military personnel wounded or killed in action or who have died from a wound or injury received during service. It is also bestowed posthumously to service members who were killed in action and their families. A high-ranking military official usually presents the honor to the next of kin in a formal ceremony.

Why Is It Called a Purple Heart?

The Purple Heart was first known as the Badge of Military Merit and was made to honor soldiers’ meritorious service. It became known as the Purple Heart in 1932 when General MacArthur revived it. This award is also commonly referred to as the Purple Heart because of the medal’s shape and color, representing its recipients’ courage and sacrifice.

Why Do We Celebrate Purple Heart Day?

The Purple Heart Day history dates back to the award’s creation in 1782 and its revival in 1932. However, the first official celebration of Purple Heart Day was in 2014, when it was established as an annual holiday. The purpose of this day is to recognize the service of our wounded and fallen heroes and to pay tribute to the living recipients of this distinguished honor.

Observing Purple Heart Day shows our appreciation for these brave men and women who have sacrificed for our country. We remember their courage, strength, loyalty, and patriotism and thank them for defending our freedoms.

How To Honor Veterans With Purple Hearts

A veteran with shrapnel wounds because of enemy action is an appropriate recipient of the Purple Heart honor. It’s essential to remember and honor them for their courage and strength.

The best way to honor these brave men and women is by expressing gratitude for their dedication and support. This can include sending cards or letters of appreciation, attending memorial services and other gatherings, volunteering with organizations that support veterans, and donating to veteran-focused charities.

Best Way To Support Active Duty Service Members on Purple Heart Day

We can honor and support active duty service members on Purple Heart Day by sending letters of appreciation and care packages. These simple gestures of appreciation can go a long way in showing our support for our brave heroes.

Additionally, we can celebrate every military personnel member during Military Appreciation Month in May. This month also includes other military-focused holidays, such as Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, and Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

How Can Benefits Help Me?

Purple Heart Day is a reminder of the courage and commitment of those who have served in the military. Benefits.com by Trajector Medical can help veterans with Purple Hearts and their families access benefits and resources.

Who Hires Veterans the Most?

One of the biggest employers of veterans is the government—federal, state, and local agencies. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the largest employers of veterans in the country, but military veterans can also find opportunities in other government agencies, like the FBI and the Department of Defense.

Does Being Ex-Military Help Your Chances of Being Hired?

Yes, being an ex-military personnel can help your chances of being hired. Many employers value the skill sets, discipline, and work ethic that veterans bring to the table. Veterans are often trained to work well in high-stress situations, work effectively in teams, and show strong leadership skills. They are also typically detail-oriented and have a strong sense of responsibility.

What Are the Best Jobs for Veterans?

Job searching may be difficult, but it certainly isn’t impossible. Below are only a few of the best job fields for veterans:

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement is a career path that many veterans choose to pursue after leaving the military. Skills like leadership, teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-stress environments can be highly transferable to law enforcement.

Some veterans may work as correctional officers or in other related positions within the criminal justice system.

Healthcare

Healthcare careers available to veterans are nursing, medical assisting, radiology technology, medical laboratory technology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

Some healthcare workers may work with administration, research, or public health.

Education

Leadership, discipline, and attention to detail gained during military service can open a path to education. Veterans can enter positions for teaching, curriculum development, instructional design, and educational administration.

Some veterans may also work in education policy or as education consultants.

Cybersecurity

Ex-military personnel with technical skills or military experience in information technology may succeed in cybersecurity, where they can apply their knowledge to help organizations protect their digital assets.

Aviation

Ex-military personnel with experience in aviation can apply as commercial airline pilots, air traffic controllers, aviation mechanics, and aviation safety inspectors.

Construction

Ex-military personnel with military experience in engineering, construction, or manual labor may be well-suited to careers in the construction industry, like carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, masonry, welding, and heavy equipment operation.

What Are the Highest Paying Veteran Jobs?

The highest-paying jobs for veterans will depend on their skills, military experience, and education. However, here are some careers that generally offer high employment salaries and are well-suited to military veterans:

Management Consultant

Management consultants work with organizations to improve their performance and profitability. The median salary is around $86,000 per year.

Information Technology Manager

Information technology managers are responsible for computer systems and technology infrastructure. They typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field for employment. The estimated salary for this position is around $146,000 per year.

Physician

Military veterans with medical training or military experience may be interested in pursuing a career as a physician and may earn around $208,000 per year.

Financial Manager

Financial managers oversee an organization’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial analysis. Financial managers earn around $134,000 per year.

What Are the Most Common Jobs for Veterans?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some of the most common veteran jobs held by military veterans:

Driver/sales workers and truck drivers
Operations managers
Maintenance and repair workers
Production workers
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Construction laborers
First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Police officers and detectives
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
Electricians

Many of these veteran jobs involve skills that military veterans develop during their service. Each is urged to explore career options that align with their skills, interests, and lifestyle choices.

What Are Some Other Ways To Assimilate After Military Service?

Assimilating to civilian life after military service can be challenging for many veterans. Here are some other ways that military veterans can ease the transition:

Seek Out a Support Network

Finding a community of fellow military veterans or supportive civilians can help them adjust to civilian life. Consider joining a local veterans organization or attending support groups.

Pursue Education or Training

Education and/or training can help veterans acquire new skills and qualifications to improve their job prospects and help them adapt to civilian life. Pursue a degree, take vocational training courses, or attend workshops and seminars.

Use Government Resources

The government provides resources and services to help veterans easily adjust to civilian life. Employment assistance, housing assistance, and healthcare resources can be accessed through the local Veterans Affairs office or online.

Volunteer

Volunteering can be a great way for veterans to give back to their community while building new connections and skills. Many organizations actively seek out veterans for volunteer opportunities.

Practice Self-care

Shifting to civilian life can be stressful and challenging. Remember to practice mindfulness, seek counseling or therapy, and regularly engage in physical activity.

How Can Benefits.com Help Me?

Benefits.com provides veterans with information and resources about the services that are available to them. For example, we can help you go through the military BAS rate 2023, military BAH rates 2023, and Chapter 31 VA benefits for better understanding.

Benefits can advocate for veterans and represent their interests in interactions with government agencies, healthcare providers, and other service providers. This can help ensure that the veteran receives the services they are entitled to and their rights are protected. Let us help if you’re a veteran on a job search. Contact us today!

VA Hearing Aid Benefits 101