Bill to help with veteran hearing

(ABC 6 News) – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is introducing a bill to help veterans in aid for service-related health issues. 

Senator Smith’s proposed bill called the Veterans Hearing Benefit Act makes it easier for vets to get care for tinnitus and other hearing issues.

Hearing problems are the most common service-related injury veterans face.

Right now, vets have to prove that their hearing injuries occurred during their time serving, but most do not get diagnosed until after they’re discharged making it harder for vets to prove.

"What I heard from Minnesota veterans is that they have to jump through all sorts of hoops and cut through red tape to get the hearing benefit that they need," Smith said.

The Hear Our Heroes Act of 2022 is a companion bill introduced in the house in January.