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Hear our Heroes Act of 2022
12/30/2022, 3:49 AM
Summary of Bill HR 6464
One of the key provisions of the Hear our Heroes Act is the establishment of a new program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide comprehensive health care and benefits to veterans who have been affected by toxic exposures. This program would include medical treatment, mental health services, and disability compensation for veterans who have developed illnesses as a result of their exposure to toxic substances.
Additionally, the bill aims to improve the process for veterans to receive benefits related to toxic exposures by streamlining the claims process and ensuring that veterans are able to access the care and support they need in a timely manner. The Hear our Heroes Act also includes provisions to increase research and data collection on the health effects of toxic exposures on veterans, in order to better understand and address the long-term impacts of these exposures. Overall, the Hear our Heroes Act of 2022 seeks to honor and support the brave men and women who have served in the military by ensuring that they receive the care and benefits they deserve after being exposed to toxic substances during their service.
Congressional Summary of HR 6464
Hear our Heroes Act of 2022
This bill provides a presumption of service-connection for hearing-related issues in certain veterans for purposes of wartime disability compensation. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.
Per the bill, certain veterans with diagnosed hearing loss, tinnitus, or both shall be presumed to have incurred or aggravated such conditions during active military, naval, or air service.
This bill applies to veterans who (1) served in combat, or (2) were assigned to a military occupational specialty that likely exposed them to a sufficiently high level of acoustic trauma.
The bill also requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to adjust the schedule of rating disabilities to establish a minimum disability rating for a veteran who requires a hearing aid because of a service-connected disability.
