Noteboom The Law Firm

Marine Corps Requiring Mandatory Preventative Hearing Tests for Soldiers

New policies are being implemented within the Marine Corps to provide mandatory testing for active duty soldiers. Active units are also being required to take part in hearing-readiness training.

The new policy covers Marines, sailors, and civilians working within the Marine Corps not already required having regular testing. New recruits are required to have a baseline test to determine current hearing health and help prevent hearing loss during their enlistment.

One of the disabling conditions that many veterans face after their service is hearing loss. Even though special headgear protects most soldiers during combat, a serious injury from an attack can still cause partial or complete hearing loss.

Increasing preventative care for health risks such as hearing loss is important in avoiding veterans’ disability later on in a soldiers’ life. Current statistics show that Marine veterans, who left the service between 2007 and 2008, submitted over 9,000 claims for long-term compensation totaled at more than $404 million in disability benefits.

Even when hearing damage occurs through non-combat situations such as noisy work environments, if it occurs during military service a veteran may qualify for veterans’ disability benefits. Obtaining these benefits requires a disability rating and applying through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which a veterans’ disability attorney can assist you with.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.