Some members of our group have reported difficulties getting the VA to recognize that our career field has and had responsibilities working on the flight line.
In a question and answer session at one of our annual reunions with CMSgt John McEnaney, former Aircrew Flight Equipment Career Field Manager, MSgt (Ret) Joe O’Brien wanted to know why the Life Support Job Description did not mention working on the Flight Line? Moreover, he stated that this was brought up by the VA when he filed a disability claim stating that he had duties working on the flight line. The Chief stated he would look into this for him.
Thanks to CMSgt (Ret) Steve Wyatt who followed this question up with the new Career Field Manager, CMSgt Shane Sandlin, the following statement was provided and should resolve this matter:
Steve,
The attached Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing should help solve the problem. I see 1T1X1 Life Support listed on page 22. We are listed as “Moderate” which is listed as a more-than-likely occurred type diagnosis. Hope this helps……….
Thanks,
Shane
Thanks, that’s great, but does anyone have the noise exposure list that’s shows our old AFSC identifier? This list does not include the late 1970’s and 1980’s, we had different engines back then
VR
Michael Taylor
Reference noted disregards AFSC 922X0. Most of us with this AFSC from day one, 1958, for at least 25 years worked flightline duties doing many types of activities in each MAJCOM.
Regardless of what type of AFSC or MOS, VA will conduct an evaluation for every veteran who file claim for tinnitus and Hearing loss.
Life Support is Life Support no matter what the AFSC identifier is. The VA is responsible for determining all of its previous and new AFSCs.
I put in a VA claim for tinnitus. I saw an audio doctor one day and he looked up my claim two days later. I was given the standard 10%. I was in and out of her office in 15 minutes, no hearing test involved. Very easy. Ask the VA for a tinnitus sound therapy system. I love mine.
I was in LS in Mtn Home Idaho working with the F-111s (72-78). Extremely loud aircraft. We had ear plugs that we carried in a little plastic case we fastened to a button on our shirt pocket, but no other hearing protection. Things were VERY casual back then on the flight line by all that worked the flight line. I had hearing loss identified when I got my separation physical. At that time, I was told that the type of hearing damage I had experienced would “correct” itself over time….it was temporary. Amazingly, they were correct. I had a wonderful Flight Surgeon and I guess he knew his stuff. I also guess I’m a lucky guy because it’s obvious from the other blogs that some people still suffer from flight line duty. It’s no wonder. Nobody knew of the hazards and nobody received proper safety training or equipment.