Philip Rogers

Hi Barbara, I'll check on the attack later today and get back to you. The NPRC is the National Personnel Records Center, which is part of the NARA(archives). pr

barbarap - I checked the NPRC and they have morning reports for the AF from Sep 1947 thru Jun 30, 1966. I don't know if they discontinued them in '66 or if they are stored elsewhere. They basically show who wasn't present in the unit that day. Were the dates he was there 3/68 - 5/68?? If he can tell me what air base had the rocket attack he was wounded at, I can probably find the date. Thanks! pr

rdawg - thanks for posting this!!! I had no idea about this website. I will share the info. pr

shortpig - Why would you need buddy letters????? pr

barbarap - you stated he was injured twice. Does he know where he was and the approximate date(month/year) of the rocket attack?? Also, I'm not sure if the AF had morning reports but each service had them or something similiar, which report daily additions and subtractions to their unit, such as TDY's, R&R, tranfers, etc. He should check on those for his unit. I would also think there were flight logs that showed personnel on each flight. Original service records are owned by the branch of service and the NPRC is the custodian. When the VA requests the records, they are tranferred to the VA and the VA then becomes the custodian of the records. pr

Berta, I got that it's supporting due to service connection but even though he had the PTSD diagnosis, he was light on the required PTSD criteria that day. jmo pr

I've been dealing w/it for 2yrs and paying for my own testing equipment. I decided to ask VA for my testing stuff. My BS's are good. My A1C is 6.8. The VA gave me new testing equipment but ordered me to test once, on Mon, Wed & Fri, and only ordered enough strips for 3 times a week. This doesn't seem like proper care to me. I know other vets, w/same dose metformin, that test 4-5 times daily. I prefer to test more frequently and have done so, when paying myself. It's my health. I'm considering switching to one of those Diabetes services on TV w/medicare and paying the co-ins. Anyones thoughts appreciated. Thanks. pr

Allan, I tried but the new CAVC (COVA) website isn't that friendly to dummies like me. Sorry but no luck. Someone will chime in. Maybe Wings, she's like the best researcher I've ever met. If she can't find it, it ain't there. jmo pr

soldier1954 - what's your question?? pr

I also think it's age 60 but I'd apply, just in case I'm wrong and if you're being medically retired for your SC condition, I'd request 100% or TDIU. pr

cg - I'd add an attached page, referencing block(s) 12 & 13 and giving a thorough expalnation. Be sure to put "see attachment or attached page" in those blocks. Be sure to put your name and claim number on that page, in case they become separated. jmo pr

My opinion, and obviously I'm not a mental health professional but rather a mental health patient, w/ptsd, from my experiences, in VN, who is actually un-medicated and doing "fairly" well, is that you should bring your son. They may want a driver or someone they can talk to about how you're doing at home. I don't think they're planning on bringing him into your session, nor can they, w/o your permission. jmo pr

clw4514 - file your claim now. Waiting will only cost you monetary benefits when you win. The earlier you file the earlier your award date. You have lotsa time to prove your claim, but waiting just causes you to lose money. pr

Welcome Harvey! I'd also request an increase in your PTSD rating besides the TDIU request. pr

But if you know a friendly 100% vet, he/she can purchase a "space A" gift certificate for the $329 + $50, that can be used by anyone. pr

A stressor need not be combat. I'm surprised more people don't have PTSD from 9/11. I've helped vets win due to typhoon and an MVA. Both are either 100% or TDIU. I have another vet who witnessed a fatal parachute accident and shortly after his military behavior went down the tubes, so far that they discharged him, early. He's still in denial and won't file. pr

I agree w/carlie. Send the written request, asap. They're probably backed up, somewhat, but it's usually worth the wait. A live presentation works best. pr

Nope, not interested. pr

TiredVeteran - I believe SLU stands for St Louis University hospital, a teaching hospital, probably affiliated w/the VA. jmo pr

Tbird - you'll probably have to contact Medicare and tell them that the VA was supposed to be billed and not Medicare. Request Medicare rescind/recover the payment to SLU. I think you'll have problems getting the VA to pay, while there exists a Medicare payment. Also, the hospital is required to notify the VA when a VA patient becomes a patient there, so that the VA knows and has to option to transfer a patient, once the patient is stabilized. Unless you're planning on paying your own bill, it is best you never give them Medicare info or sign any document that allows them to bill Medicare. Good luck!! jmo pr

Curt - you accept the payments and file a notice-of-disagreement(NOD) with their decision. pr

Wings - I've read what you posted under the EED title, that has now disappeared. Hugs! pr

Of course, I'll read it!!! ;-) pr

Tbird - that's your choice, however you were diverted from the VA. If the hospital wants to bill medicare, I'd ask them to waive the copay or tell them to go after the VA. It's nuts that you should pay. SLU hospital is a teaching facility and most likely uses the VA as part of their program, so they know to bill VA. I'd see the hospital administrator. jmo pr

Wings - you haven't asked for my opinion, so I figured you don't want it but I'm going to give it anyway and you can just ignore it, if you so choose. Personally, I think you should go to the court because I don't see the BVA giving you satisfaction. Alex always said he'd use Robert Chisholm, in RI, if he needed an atty. Once you file with the court many lawyers will contact you and you can request a waiver of the filing fee, which they generally grant. Also, if the attys win but don't get a monetary award(ie: remand) they are paid thru the EAJA. As I see it, the late 80's decision was final, because it was an administrative decision and therefore it is not a pending claim. They made an error as you had a honorable period of service, prior to the bad discharge, which they should've based your benefits on. The up-graded discharge or correction cannot be considered. Going to the court will most likely take 3yrs before a decision is made and you'll probably get a remand. I see 5-8 more yrs before you get a corrected decision. I'm sorry the VA is still jerking you around!!! You should not give up, ever, ever, ever !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I still feel it's a winner and should bring enough retro to help pay for that house you've wanted. I have a question, tho, shouldn't the CUE rule that was in effect back then rule?? jmo pr