Veteran_ Resource_ book_2014
Veteran_ Resource_ book_2014
Veteran_ Resource_ book_2014
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DEPLETED URANIUM FOLLOW-UP PROGRAM<br />
A VA Depleted Uranium Follow-up Program has been established at the<br />
Baltimore VA Medical Center to study health effects of DU exposure and to<br />
provide recommendations for treatment, including surgical removal of embedded<br />
fragments. The program for veterans exposed to DU from embedded fragments<br />
involves detailed physical exams and clinical tests of organ system function.<br />
In addition, a screening program for other veterans concerned about DU exposure<br />
during combat involves an exposure questionnaire and a mail-in, 24-hour urine<br />
test for DU.<br />
<strong>Veteran</strong>s who believe they were exposed to harmful Depleted Uranium conditions,<br />
such as being in a vehicle when it was struck by friendly fire or in a vehicle or<br />
building after it had been struck by friendly fire, and would like to be screened<br />
for DU exposure, contact the nearest VA Medical Center (pg. 90). They may be<br />
eligible to be awarded a service-connected disability. For information on the<br />
DU Follow-Up Program, go to www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/depleted_<br />
uranium/followup_program.asp.<br />
HEARING LOSS AND TINNITUS<br />
WHAT IS HEARING LOSS?<br />
Hearing loss is damage to the ear(s) that impairs an individual’s ability to perceive<br />
sound. The impairment ranges from mild hearing loss to total hearing loss and can<br />
either be temporary or permanent depending on the cause.<br />
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF HEARING LOSS?<br />
There are three main forms of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss, sensorineural<br />
hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is caused by<br />
damage to the outer or middle ear and can usually be repaired or will heal over<br />
time, making it unlikely to result in total hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss<br />
is caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the retrocochlea nerves (nerves<br />
that connect the ear to the brain). Unlike conductive hearing loss, sensorineural<br />
hearing loss is often total and irreparable. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of<br />
conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. It can either be caused at once, or be<br />
caused by a buildup of ailments to the ear.<br />
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