[Agent Orange on aircraft carrier.]

6 hours ago, John E. Etter said:

Hi.

I know someone who was aboard the USS Hancock (CVA 19) with me who was ship’s company in ordinance, in 1966-67. He claims that he had to “mix Agent Orange by hand”. He is now collecting 100% disability from the VA for prostate cancer because of it. He also claimed PTSD, alleging he saw his best friend walk into a prop on an A1 Skyraider. He had no such friend. I saw it happen and told him about it.

First I don’t think we had Agent Orange on board and it was premixed as well. We didn’t disperse it or off load it to Vietnam. Am I correct? 
 

Thanks.

If you have direct knowledge, report it. Fraudulent claims hurt VA funding, liars should be turned in and prosecuted.

[Why is VAMC getting paid by Medicare or supplement for Service Connected care?]

It helps  to ease the financial burden. After all, it is still federal funds being transferred.

[SGT82ABN]

How does this relate to being service connected?

[IU P&T; What constitutes earned income?]

4 minutes ago, allansc2005 said:

Got a veteran who was just awarded IU P&T. She wants to get into the house flipping/house whole selling business, which of course doesn't require any physical activity.

 

Questions:

1. Is the income generated from flipping houses considered "earned" income? Yes, I know, this is more of an IRS question, but if you know the answer, please post it.

2. Does the VA only consider EARNED income when applying the IU P&T rules for employment?

Thanks

 

2-2-0 HUAH!!

There are a lot of occupations that require the same skills and effort as house flipping,some even less. I think that would be pushing the envelope. 

[Bad Paper Discharge]

1 hour ago, Flyfishingnut said:

I'm presently working with a Vietman Veteran, who has a "under conditions other than honorable".  He has been receiving medical care from a VA Healthcare Facility.  When we tried to apply for Disability Benefits, he was denied.  During our search, we discovered that he has receive a "Pardon", from President Ford.  However, the VA, is refusing to honor this Pardon, and is refusing any Disability Rating.  We have appealed and they want him to come to WA., for a furture appeal.  We applied and asked for a teleconference appeal, and was granted.  We are waiting for a date/time.

Just wondering if anyone has any exprience with this sort of appeal, and any suggestions.

I may be in the minority, but need to know what the BCD was for. This helps me reach a better informed decision.

[Letter requesting specific %]

1 hour ago, ruckfilledwithmtdew said:

I have a copy of the C&P:

I have 2 PTSD diagnoses, 1 for Combat related and 1 for MST [in the C&P exam i mean, and 2 more from other providers].

I would like to note, the reason I would like to do the letter is because I have, for "symptoms such as", I have 3 items 50% and 3 items for 70% [in the impairment table in cfr 38], which makes it almost impossible to work. Additionally, the Examiner stated that I can do sedentary work.

You say cannot work, then you say sedentary work. That is employment.

[20 Year Anniversary Jan 20, 2017 HadIt.com Veteran To Veteran]

What a story!!! And so many of us are very grateful for everything you have done to make the path to care that much easier. Information gained on this site is a blessing.

[New Format for Site - Can you give me a moment and check this out?]

I like the new changes. They are easy to navigate.

[I found a disability website that seems to be extremely accuarate and helpful if you need to know what to say at a C&P exam.]

14 hours ago, kent101 said:

I found this site and it gives the insider information needed for a C&P exam. I think it's good to coach yourself with the information before the exam. That way you don't get cheated by downplaying your disabilities.

 

http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vadisabilitychart.html

Why worry about "what to say"? Being honest is the best answer. It is not a scripted situation where you need to say certain things to get certain things. Being honest gets you what you deserve.

[How Is Tinnitus Tested By The Va For Compensation Purposes?]

On Thursday, July 16, 2015 at 0:40 PM, ArmyVet97B said:

I am trying to understand how I will be tested for tinnitus by the VA. I have a pending compensation claim for hearing loss and tinnitus (and a couple other things) that is in stage 5 (preparation for decision). I am now awaiting a C&P exam (I believe). I am already S/C for shoulder and lower back (20% total). How is tinnitus tested by the VA to receive the 10% rating? I served in OEF and have a Combat Action Badge (all on my DD214). I have hearing loss, but what happens if I pass as “normal” for hearing loss. I have occasional ringing in both ears from OEF (artillery/heavy machine guns/IED’s), and it has gotten worse over time. My tinnitus came later after I had separated from the US Army. I am trying to understand how I am tested for tinnitus to received the 10%, even if I get 0% for hearing loss (which I have heard is very difficult to get above 0% for hearing loss). With my claim I submitted my civilian primary care physician’s professional opinion that I could definitely have/probably do have hearing loss and tinnitus from combat. I have read/heard differing opinions, and I am just trying to find a straight answer to how tinnitus is tested for by the VA (since I see that some vets get 0% for hearing loss, but 10% for tinnitus). And what are my chances of getting the 10% for tinnitus even if I get 0% for hearing loss? Great, good, not good, etc? Please help. Thank you.

Just take test and be honest. There is no "help" on how to get 10%. 

[Surgery complications rating? Other ratings?]

Try being a little proactive and get what is needed.  The more you wait to be told,  the more frustrating and time. 

[Denied]

Wow...pretty hardcore and opinionated against any and all VA. I have had good treatment, good representation from my rep. Everybody is different.

[Intent to file question]

I really feel for ya dude. I would feel the same as you. However, the VA has to stand behind some sort of policy. An exception can open Pandora's Box to a lot of new problems.

[DBQs for Headaches /Migranes]

Just be truthful.

[is this site doing anything]

That's it...start an "us versus them" post. If this isn't the "entitlement" mentality of the younger generation, I don't know what is. If you deserve what you apply for, you will get it. Remember the elders paved the way for you. Your work should pave the way for others. You won't get handouts.

[Big Pharma stiffs Vets, VA.]

Such is the world of economics.

[Not qualified for promotion because of SC disabilities]

6 hours ago, Hamslice said:

All,

I am still working on my next round of claims (for about a year now) an am slowly getting my ducks in a row.  I have been reading a lot of archieved decisions and see where they (the decision makers) will state that the veteran "works full time", etc.  Of my concern would be a veteran with SC'd plantar fasciitis and the amount of time they could be on there feet, and/or the like.

In this senerio (me) a cop who can not pass the physical test for promotion.  I am not required to pass a physical test to remain where I am at, however would have to run the 1.5 mile course for promotion.  I can not run, or not for very far because of my SC'd plantar fasciitis of the right foot, and now I wear an brace on my left ankle (my secondary I am working on) because of the right foot, which I get injections in.

And before anyone blasts me for being a cop that can't run, what I mean is I would have difficulty running a mile and a half.  But I have no problem chasing bad guys were I work.  Small department and I know were everyone lives that would get away from me.  So, we do get them, eventually.  I work nights, alone, and cover 100 square miles, backup is a half hour away.  So, I'm careful. 

In my past claims, I related my difficulties with/at work related to my VA disabilities and it has seemed to work.

I am not looking for UI, as I plan to continue working for another 5 years, just wondereing it you think this would add credence to my claim?

It's not that I can't work, its just that I can't excel at work.

Thanks,

Hamslice

 

Easy solution....find employment that you can handle, and get promoted...I did. Life does not say you can only be a police officer. It' called sedentary employment. 

[What a Joke are they serious - Veterans Benefits Administration chief suspended in relocation scam]

I don't disagree that veterans are a good choice for the positions. However, don't forget that they are just as human with the wrong opportunities as anybody else. Accountability is a good thing.

[Veterans Spouse Eligible?]

Did she serve, can it be service connected?  If not....WHY??

[Anyone else find it peculiar?]

I would hope they could in representing me. That way they can provide updates and current advice. Sometimes they are a very good buffer or link. I guess it depends on who you have, but mine is great.

[FMP Care]

37 minutes ago, wollam11 said:

Foreign Military Program, the international branch of the VA.
Would it matter what doctors and hospitals are there?  Wouldn't the FMP, under their own rules, pay for any care that addresses my theoretical sickness?  
I'm pretty sure there are no U.S. military bases in Portugal.
SC?  South Carolina?  Not sure what SC stands for.

What is a "theoretical" sickness?

[T-Bird - Disable the email program]

Let's let T Bird make that decision. He has done very well all along. I don't have that problem you having. Check your setup.

[va calucations]

Why is this important? Are trying to play the system, like others do? What you get is what you get. Be happy that your are appreciated for your service and have the needed medical care.

[0 Percent Rating Illegal?]

I recall reading something about, at least one person said that 0 percent ratings are illegal. They cite congress report saying that Vets will be compensated from 10 to 100 percent, and "o%" was made up by VA so they could save money. I may try to find it, but my head is spinning from the I9 right now. It makes sense VA would do this: "invent" a 0% rating" when congress did not approve one.

I think VA may try to agrue that 0 percent Vets do get compensation in the form of medical benefits, but there is no difference in medical benefits for a 0 percent Veteran or a nsc Vet.

A rating of Zero percent is Compensation rating: Compensation is defined as:

com·pen·sa·tion (kŏm′pən-sā′shən)

n.

1. The act of compensating or the state of being compensated.

2. Something, such as money, given or received as payment or reparation, as for a service or loss.

3. Biology The increase in size or activity of one part of an organism or organ that makes up for the loss or dysfunction of another.

4. Psychology Behavior that develops either consciously or unconsciously to offset a real or imagined deficiency, as in personality orphysical ability.

com′pen·sa′tion·al adj.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

compensation (ˌkɒmpɛnˈseɪʃən)

n

1. the act or process of making amends for something

2. something given as reparation for loss, injury, etc; indemnity

3. (Physiology) the automatic movements made by the body to maintain balance

4. the attempt to conceal or offset one's shortcomings by the exaggerated exhibition of qualities regarded as desirable

5. (Biology) biology abnormal growth and increase in size in one organ in response to the removal or inactivation of another

ˌcompenˈsational adj

The compensation may be the treatment you qualify for. Being rated or service connected gets you this benefit, doesn't it?

[Changed The Look Of The Forum, But Don't Worry You Can Always Go Back]

I like it!! Easy and more helpful.