Congresswoman Velázquez Introduces Bill that Would Aid Vets Suffering From Hearing Damage

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has re-introduced the Hear our Heroes Act, which would provide crucial health benefits for veterans injured while serving in the armed forces. Specifically, the legislation would help veterans suffering from tinnitus or hearing loss to obtain medical care through the Veterans Administration (VA).

"Supporting our veterans requires all of us doing our part to ensure they can access the benefits they deserve, whether it is when they return immediately from abroad or later in life," said Rep. Velázquez. "We cannot make up for the physical and emotional wounds sustained during combat, but we can fill this devastating coverage gap in our medical care system. This includes offering medical services to those who have lost their hearing or are developing hearing problems as a result of their sacrifice to our country."

A 2017 Department of Veterans Affairs report found hearing loss and tinnitus to be among the most prevalent service-connected injuries. Since these ailments often develop five, ten, or fifteen years after service, VA rules requiring documented proof that injuries were obtained in the line of duty can create hurdles for veterans seeking assistance. Velázquez's bill would eliminate burdensome documentation requirements for veterans seeking medical treatment for hearing problems. It will also allow health care providers who treat veterans for hearing ailments to receive compensation from the VA.

"Hearing loss and tinnitus are currently the fastest growing post-war disabilities among servicemembers and veterans. In fact, nearly 3 million veterans are already receiving VA benefits due to hearing loss from their time in the service" said Bill McCabe, Director of Legislative Affairs at The Enlisted Association. "The Hear our Heroes Act would ensure the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs rightfully provides veterans who experience acoustic trauma during their time in service receive the care they have earned. TREA is proud to support this legislation and thanks Congresswoman Velázquez for her efforts."

"AMVETS is supportive of the Hear our Heroes Act of 2021, which will amend Chapter 11 of Title 38 Section 1112 to grant health care services on a presumptive basis for a veteran diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus after discharge from the military. We urge Congress to pass this important piece of legislation," Said Joseph R. Chenelly Executive Director of AMVETS.

This bill has also been co-sponsored by Representatives: Mike Quigley, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Frank Pallone, Shelia Jackson Lee, Raul Grijalva, Bennie Thompson, Adriano Espaillat, Rick Larsen, Marie Newman, and Jim Costa.