No, this does not sound right, and you should not pay this bill. As a veteran with a 90% disability rating who is service-connected for tinnitus, you are entitled to VA care for any condition, including hearing evaluations, without copayment. Under 38 U.S.C. § 1710 and implementing regulations, veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher are placed in Priority Group 1, entitling them to free VA care for **all** conditions, not just service-connected ones (see VA Priority Groups). The VA is authorized to bill your private insurance for care provided, **but only to collect from the insurer, not you**. The VA is prohibited from charging you, the veteran, any copay for this care given your rating. Your actionable next steps are: 1) **Do not pay the bill from your insurance company**; instead, contact them and explain the care was provided by the VA and that any payment should be directed to the VA, not you. 2) Contact the VA Medical Center's billing office (often called the Revenue Office) and the Patient Advocate immediately. Provide them a copy of the bill and your VA disability rating letter, and request they rectify the billing error and issue a correction to your insurance company. You may also need to ensure the VA has your correct insurance information on file to prevent future issues.
**Disclaimer:** This information is for educational purposes regarding VA benefits and procedures and is not intended as legal, medical, or financial advice. For specific guidance on your situation, consult directly with the VA, a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), or an accredited attorney.
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