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Ridehard2208

Second Class Petty Officers
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Everything posted by Ridehard2208

  1. Yeah SP4RVN1971, I was stationed there in 1978 to 1981 and most of my medical problems started after being there, also my wife in 1986 was dxed with stage three hodgkins then later removed her gallblatter,and thyroid disease, and finally now dxed breast cancer. snot only looking for proof of my diseases and injuries but her's also Thanks for your opinion just what I was thinking, Rich!
  2. Hey CC sorry for all the influx of info on Alaska I don't have the savey you do to determine if any use or not this table 3 seems to be very useful to me. Thanks Rich! http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/pha/pha.asp?docid=932&pg=4#T3
  3. CC I came by this site and not savey enough like you to know if there is any useful info in it Thanks Rich! http://www.wainwright.army.mil/env/PDFs/DERA/Administrative%20Record%20Documents/4.1.8%202007-07%20Site%20Safety%20and%20Health%20Plan,%20FWA%20102%20FCS%20-%20Final.pdf
  4. John I'm so sorry the Tampa VAMC sleep clinic is being such an ass with you, You're 100% right they really should see you with just a referral from your PCP' I would saynext go to the local paper and tell them your story however we all know how vindictive the VA can be. So I would try to get an appt to see the VAMC Administrator, or if you have family or friends in another state near a VAMC you could try them to get the study. JMHO! Good Luck Rich!
  5. Just a question is there a problem bringing an old thread back to life especially if there seem to be interest in it? And by the way Aletta you didn't reopen this thread there was four post before you and one after!
  6. Hey all I am looking for some more experienced opinion on my claim I may be looking at it more optimistically than I should. First a short review of how I started the claim in 2010 Nov. 3rd, Called 1-800# asked to re eval increase for 10% rt knee, and reopen left shoulder , knee , and back, was told by claim rep on phone must be separate claims which to I said ok, and assumed there would be two claims filed. Well wrong again about one month later got VA acknowledgement of the claim for increased eval Rt. knee only (dated Nov. 17, 2010) .. I waited about two weeks for the other re open claim but never came so I called the 1-800 # again and inquired about the re open claim and told there was only the re eval claim on record so I asked to start the other and about five months later (dated Apr. 12, 2011) I received the acknowledgement for it from the VA, but only for the Lt. shoulder and knee, no mention of the back, ( after the rough start I decided to let it go for now). For the two acknowledgements above I responded on time (within 30 days, Nov. 30, 2010 & Apr. 14, 2011). Then Jan 4,2011 & Mar. 3, 2011 Got a letter apologizing for delays. May 3, 2011 got another letter apologizing for the delay again. May 18, 2011 I sent in a 21-4138 about a nerve conduction study done at the VAMC showing serve PN and a letter from my PCP at the VAMC stating I was totally/permanently disable and unable to maintain gainful employment. On Dec. 7, 2011 the VA sent me a request for detailed information wanting me to list all my disabilities and a third copy of 21-4142’s for the two Drs. and one Hosp. with a current date.. On Dec. 15, 2011 I personally hand carried the information to the VARO. For the next year I kept calling ( aprox. 10 times) the VSO and he kept telling me he checked the RO and they have all the info they need from me just wait and be patient. On Nov. 7, 2012 the VA sent me another request for info adding PN , Arthritis , Depression , T/P status , and IU. On Dec6, 2012 I hand carried the info once again to the VARO, and this time insisted to see a claims agent. after waiting about 45mins a man came out and escorted me back to a cubby with a empty table and asked me what he could do for me. I told him what has transpired with the VSO and discrepancies on ebenefits so I brought the info in person to fine out where my claim lies fro now. Was told by the claims rep that the claims to start didn't need to be separate, and for now they are waiting on the 4142's to be responded to. I asked if it would help if I went to these places and got the records and brought them back to him, He said no it would slow down the process because they had to verify the info that way and that took longer than just waiting. Then he asked me if there was anything else he could do for me, I said yes I would like for you to look through the info I brought and see if there is anything else I need to get to help speed up the process. As he flipped through the package he asked what do you have in here, as I started to tell him he said wait and walked away. Came right back with a blank 4138 and then said tell me what is in the pkg. as I started telling him he started writing down what I said then date stamped it had me sign it then showed me to the door. As I got to my car I notice he did not sign it nor did I remember him telling me his name. Frustrated by the situation I tried to call the VSO I've been dealing with for about a year and half and was told he was no longer there and was given to the new VSO, who was a God sent he started to make a difference immediately first telling me the old VSO wasn't trying very hard and second told me that the claims agent was wrong that I could get the medical records and he would take them to the VARO which we did. Now here is the part I can't figure I told my PCP at the VAMC I was saving to get a scooter to get around with my family when doing a function that involves a lot of walking so he said let me help you with that and set me up with an appt to be evaluated for a scooter, and I was approved for one then they came to my house and put in a ramp to get it into the house. Now I waiting for an appt to get a lift on my car and pick up my scooter. I thought you had to be higher that total 10% for this gift. Finally why ask for my last employer to send info unless they were at least possibly thinking of granting IU. Now I could be thinking too optimistically what do you great minds of experience think! Thanks Rich!
  7. Thank you for your kindness and humanity Ed Freeman trading in your earthbound wings for a different type God Bless You and Yours! SP4RVN1971 great job on the write up God Bless Rich!
  8. Hey all, I just recieved an e-mail from the VA stating they know my claim is over two years but it is now being case managed. What in the world does that mean? Anybody have any Ideas, Thanks Rich!
  9. Hey CC When I was there in the late 70's in the MANCHUS we went over to greely area to fight a fire on a mountain side and in the tundra. Our Bn. Commander called a Bn. formation and gave a speach like we were going to war saying things like some of you may get seriously injuried and some even may die but we must succed in our mission, never mentioning the fire until last. then we all had a flash class on how to survive a fire in tundra As a team of three the point man was to poke the ground to insure no one fell into onr of those underground fires because if you did that would be your grave because you would be consumed in a underground furnace. Not to mention walking, sleeping and living on the tundra for three weeks, what a good memory,lol. Good times, Rich!
  10. Indyman First thank you for your service and dedication to this country. Second Dude you need to see the patient advicate and report that individual for her disrespect and disconcern for a worrior of our nation. Sorry for your experience and good luck in the furture! Rich!
  11. SP4RVN1971 First lst me start off by telling you how moved I was reading some of your posts in 2011 (I brlieve some of your first) hope you're doing well now. I also wanted to thank you for your post here by reading the site I believe my father who was on the DMZ in Korea in 70 &71 and died of prostate cancer in 83 was possibly due to AO. Thank you again and God Bless! Rich!
  12. Hey J I didn't think so but CC may have solved a life long mystery for me possible AO now have to do some research on Alaska in 78-81 Thanks Rich!
  13. Hey CC thanks for the info like john I lost my job of 26yrs due mostly to my PN no diabetes cause of PN unknown but supected to be cause knees and Lt. shoulder injuries in service I take 3600mg gabapentin, 45mg morphine, and 20 mg oxycodone daily for pain and still experience about pain level 5 24/7 not to mention the sever burning of my legs so I can only wear shorts 365 a yr. (the looks and comments I get in the winter) also no covers or sheets on my lower half at night also i can only wear filp flops so the leg jumping and toe twitching gets a lot if looks also. PN is a large part of my claim so again thanks fro the info. Rich!
  14. Lots of the same in the Roanoke Va. VARO the report claims an avg of 395 day for initial claims and 1385 for apeals. My clain INITIAL is now 820 days still in collecting dust. And when I visit the RO I see much of the same as DSLAYER staff walking around no sense of urgency laughing and jokeing or catching up on gossip, when you ask to see a agent you wait 45 min then when you go in they take you to a cubby with a empty table and ask what do you want then give vaugh responses and rush you out. However in back behind the cement curtain I saw much of the same behavior of the employees visiting with each other and shooting the breeze, no wounder they have a backlog but where do they ger the avg wait times? Rich!
  15. Hey Phillip, They Now have a surgery for PN in Diabetic Called Decompression Surgery usually done in the Podiatry side of the VAMC 85% of diabetics who get it have less to no Amputations, anyone having problems should check into it. I don't have diabetes but have sever case of PN so done at VAMC Salem VA. By a DR. Bonk who I.m told has Vets Come from all parts of the country to him for the surgery Rich.
  16. Carlie, As I was typing the previous post and taking care of my 9 mos GrandSon at the same time you slipped so more posts in proving my previous post Teac tried to end the discussion and even put Maybe Should have been Open for Discussion in the 1st place and you started off you responce woth DUH In Caps implying the person was not intelligent enough to understand, and when Teac Was More than Intelligent enough but also Mature enough not to respond you carried on whith 71M10. When Will You Realize This is not All About YOU! and do the right thing and end it! Enough is Enough!! Rich!
  17. John999, Thanks for being a true Moderator of this issue and trying to bring a ballance and peace to this issue a true Elder God Bless Rich!
  18. Carlie, As a Moderator/Admin & Elder of hadit you should have presented this benefit info as you would have any other without the bold large letters,then showing your personal side and taking offence in posting of others opinions and kept going tit for tat then finally pulling the political issue of the forum laws makes it seem it's ok for some but not all way of thinking. I've seen a few slips from you sinse I have been reading and posting this forum (EG this and the book issue), but have always thought of you as a well imformed professional. Don't make the same misstakes as other forums' leaders who made their forums a personal agenda losing members and dieing. Until this post I had no idea you were a member of the gay community nor was it any of my business or even mattered. However you seem to have a strong opinion of it and don't seem to respect other members rights to their opinions, Right Or Wrong every one has an opinion and should have a right to theirs, You better that most should recognize that American Right, and as a hadit leader should not let someones opinion get to a heated discussion exspecily with you keeping it going. Don't blame Teac, or 71M10 for their part the blame lays with you (JMHO), You should Apologize to them and bury it now and let opinions be opinions! Sorry Just as I See It, Rich!
  19. Hey deanbrt, Here is another site http://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/homeloans/SAHFactsheet.PDF This gives you $ amts one can be used to purchase a new residence up to about $63,960. as long as it is 50% or less eg a house cost $120,000.you can get a grant for $60,000., you can also use it up to 3X up tp the life time total of $63,000. you can also usa the SHA grant to improve your current home. The SAH grant can also be used to improve your current or even pay unpaid premium on your current morage up to a little under $13,000. From reading your post you should qualitify. Hope this helps and good luck! Rich!!
  20. Thanks Dude keep on keeping on and we'll all get there soon!
  21. Ok Solinvictus my brother you are right in the feeling of injustice filling the land and the many people who suffer in silence. Good hearted young people like you and my children I put my faith in to do exactlly what you said look to the furture to make it better for my 8 grandbabies and their children,hopefuly as hard or harder as I did for my children. One thing I was never accused of is being silent, Even at the cost of being unpouplar (but those stories are for another time). I do know your folks are damn proud of you and now you have another fan. Brother of another generation please let me know if I can help in any way even just to have an ear to bend! Again Thank You for Your Service, God Bless Rich!
  22. First for thoses vets that don't know the way to the relocated it's right behind the Hotel Roanoke, if you come at it from the other way you'll run into a map of Virginia by the train station you'll find it at the corner of jefferson and wells. Now with that out of the way, Time for a little rant! When I first started this forum I kinda felt alot of you were hateful and bitter, But little me to judge them who have blased the path through the wilderness know as the VAROs. I have only been dealing with them since 2010 on a serious basis, back in 1981 I wanted nothing to do with it so whatever they said was alright with me, In 2005 took 4 mos. for an increase. Now since 2010 been in collecting dust phase and lines of communication I thought had broken down due to the remodel move had in fact never been there in the first place. First about the SALEM VAMC ONLY that I KNOW of is one of the greatest medical facility I have ever used, Been going there for ywo years now. Now for the VARO in Roanoke Va. Between the VARO it self, the VSO, and the 1-800# I feel it's a mixed bag of not careing, under trained, and misinformation. To start with on Nov. 3, 2010 I called the 1-800# and asked to start a re-eval increase on my Rt. knee, and a re-open on my Lt. knee & shoulder, and back. I was told they needed to be seperate claims and I said fine. Arounded the first of Dec. I got the paperwork on my Rt knee increased eval, and thought the other re-opened claims would follow shortly. After Christmas no show so about the 30th I re-called the 1-800# and was told there was only the increased eval on the Rt. knee, So I asked them to please do the others, about Apr. 2011 they finally came. Then the VARO kept sending me info request pkg w/ 4142's, 4138, VCAA, And list of info needed, once 2010, 2x 2011 and 2x 2012. Apr & may 2011 letter to apologize for the delay then again in 2012 in Apr,. Every time I contacted my VSO I was told they had everything they needed just be paient 11X. In 2011 one time hand carried info and was told by man setting at front I needed to leave with him, then again in 2012 Nov. I hand carried and insisted to hand to claims agent, had to wait for 45mins (I figured time to get and review my file) then a man came from back and I don't remember him telling his name took me to a cubby with an empty desk OMG no file either. He asked me what he could do for me, a few mins after I started talking he excused himself and when he came back (no sorry still no file) he had a blank 4138 which he started listing everything I told him I encluded in the file (hope I didn't forget anything (nope just kidding I did it so many times I put toghther files in my sleep) date stamped it and thanked me for bring the info I asked him if the offices he sent the 4142's to didn't respond could I go pick up the info and bring iit in, he said no that would take longer to verify than to get it them selves( I should have smelled a rat but my nose was clogged)and shuffeled me to the door. So after having a little time to think about it I grab the phone and call my VSO to find him gone and another dude fielding the outfield and he told me the man I saw at the VARO was wrong I could bring them to him and he'd fax them to the VARO which would speed up the process, I looked on the 4138 the VARO rep did looking for a name and OMG What do you think, yea no name. My VSO said he would look into it and get back that was Thur. Sat. I got a letter in the mail from the VARO stating this was a 2nd notice for my 4142's so Mon first thing I call the offices where they were sent two said couldn't get it to fax the # they gave so I'm picking them up, However the Hospital files come from richmond a 12 hr drive round trip and that's the one they sent my 2nd signed 4142 Dated Apr. 14, 2011 so they will not release until new 4142 comes! So the moto of the story is kids get names even if you don't think you will need them
  23. Dude. I can understand your anger and upset with the system and how they have truly let you down. I came here looking for a place to blow up about the same outrageous behavior about another VARO when I came across your post. My first reaction was wow that dude is way out of line about the bombers (These are people who killed out Sons and Daughters with no remorse or care who fell victim to there rage), rage such as that can never be understood nor accepted. The Country that you and your brothers and sisters fought and continue to fight for, put down that way of thought many years ago through feirce fighting and blood shed. If a person of a different color/race killed your sister in cold blood, is it right for you to go out and shoot all persons of that group for revenge I believe you do not. I have been waiting in still collecting evidence for 820 days, Have become disable and my wife of 37 yrs. a stage 3 hodgkins survivor now DXed breast cancer. We are now faceing not only loosing everything we built toghther but now wondering how we are going to pay the Dr. bliis to get my wife well whom I deeply love. after reading your post I feel ashamed for my self pitty and through your post I feel your pain and flustration and want you to know we are with you and here to help. Although I'm a Veteran of 5 1/2yrs.in peace time my grandpa fought WWl And WWII, father korea 2X, both sons iraq and afghanistan one w/101st when Iraq first started was blown to the ground by Iraq hand grenade still dealing with medical problems and my oldest w/sp ops out Ft. Bragg went over 5 times we know of and still going to be more trips. God has blessed us with good fortune on our eldest, but as I said our youngest when blown down first the grenade hit his leg he called warning to rest of team then went to dive no appearent injuries except his ears ringing so loud he couldn't hear and his gut and knee hurt. Two others with appearent injury were medivaced out, for five days after he ran a fever of 105f and his knee kept getting worse and the hearing was not inproving, when he complained they sent him to sick call where they gave him aspirin and told him to lay down for a few hours. When he got back to stateside and out of the Army they sent him to the local VAMC here for a exit exam, where they found the knee split right up the middle, 90% hearing loss Lt ear and 30% Rt, and three peices of shrap metal in his waist area. To this day I can't get him to go back after the VA for more that 20% they gave him, not to mention the PTSD.So as a father that knows how a young man can feel pushed to his limits Dude I'm Right there in the boat beside you. God Bless You and Thank You for Your Service and Sacrifice! Rich!!
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