Campaign for Tinnitus Research and Treatment Bill

I found a bill (H.R.1443 - Tinnitus Research and Treatment Act of 2013 ) introduced in 2013-2014 US congress that tried coordinate tinnitus research between VA and DOD.

Seems like not much happened after it was introduced in the house. I am guessing the folks here (@Markku) have tried getting a bill introduced in the US congress with the help of any supporting institutions.

If not, I hope that we can form a team to coordinate and take help of a lobby firm such as Patton Boggs and/or other organizations to get a bill passed for increased research on tinnitus.

Please let me know your thoughts!!!

 

First, before we approach the lawmakers, we need current data such as disability numbers and payments in regular population and vets. I have requested this from social security administration but have not heard back. I am going to file a freedom of information request with the VA shortly. If any of you have this information, please share it.

Secondly, the representatives respond very well if the requests come from people in their constituencies. As such, we need to form state chapters to coordinate and push this information to the lawmakers.

Thirdly, lobbying firms charge lot of money. So it is better to coordinate with ATA as they might have the resources and experience.

Fourth, we need to involve more groups such as musicians and military organizations who can help us with awareness and support.

Please add any missing points and take lead on any of these efforts.

 

Per 2015 VA Benefits, new tinnitus sufferers 157,848. Total tinnitus sufferers 1.45 million and tops the list of service related disabilities. Avg compensation is $14,000.

http://www.benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/abr/ABR-ALL_SECTIONS-FY15-12122016.pdf
http://www.benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/abr_archive.asp

 

Per https://www.ata.org/news/press-rele...innitus-part-our-national-commitment-veterans :

With tinnitus claims growing at an annual rate of 15%, the total cost for service-related disability compensation alone is expected to exceed $3 billion by 2017.
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If only a fraction of that money was invested in research...

 

That is an average of $14,000 for the life of the condition for each vet right?
I think it's considered like a 10% disability. Wouldn't that be twenty billion?

 

Yes, as of now they seem to be paying 20 billion per year for these people. The total cost is 60 billion for all vets with different conditions per year.(avg is 2-3 disabilities, I think).