DICK HILL

Very happy for you. I got my 100% 3 months ago. My fight was nothing like yours. Now enjoy the future. Dick Hill finally 100%. No more fights.

Congratulations. Don't think you will have problem with SSI. I just went to 100% P&T on 29 Aug 17. Haven't seen my first new monthly check yet, but will on 1 Oct 17. Again Congratulations. Dick Hill

Congratulations. You have to submit a FOIA request to get your C-File and it may take awhile. You should be getting a package in the mail shortly explaining why you didn't get anything for Aspergilliosis: Not service connected Sleep Apnea: Not service connectedr They will also send you the necessary appeal forms to fill out. Dick Hill

pwrslm Thanks Buck 52 and pwrslm for the input. There was a check deposited in my bank account on 1 Sep for $955.10 I am assuming for the month of July and August 2017. The rating is effective 1 Sep, so I I am assuming that I won't see the full $2,915.55 until 1 Oct 17. Dick Hill

E-Benefits has been showing since 29 August 2017 that my request for increase for Cardiac arrythmia was approved on 29 August 2017 for a rating of 100%. I have not yet received anything in the mail. I submitted the increase request to the Houston TX Regional Office. I submitted additional evidence, as requested, to the Evidence Intake Center at Janesville. The question I have is: Will the official increase documents come from the Houston Regional Office or the Evidence Intake Center at Janesville? If it will come from Houston then I can see why I have not received it yet - the recent Hurricane, but if it is sent out from Janesville, then I should have already received it. Anybody know the answer. Will greatly appreciate any comments. Dick Hill

Thanks Bertha. Yes the entitlement date is Jul 1, 2017. No I have never filed for an increase in the past. I recently was referred to a heart doctor by my Medicare doctor because my heart rate all of a sudden was getting over 100. The heart doctor did an EKG that indicated I had a previous minor heart attack. They wanted me to have a Nuclear Stress Test but I refused because of an FDA warning saying tests have caused people to have heart attacks and in a lot of cases the people died. I did have them do a Ehco-cardiagram. so on 5 Jun 17 I filed for an increase. It surprised me that they gave me 100%. Now that I think about it, I remember you suggesting that I should ask for an increase about 4 years ago, but I wasn't having any problem at that time, so I didn't file. As far as dependents, I have none. My sons are 46 years old. Again thanks. Dick Hill

I have not yet received the envelope in the mail. I was on EBenefits today and it shows that VA has increased my heart condition from 10% to 100%. The VA benefit information letter says “You are considered to be totally and permanently disabled due solely to your service-connected disabilities”. The certification letter says the current benefit paid is as follows: Gross Benefit Amount $2,919.55 Net Amount Paid $2,033.68 Effective Date July 1, 2017 Combined Evaluation 100 percent The questions that I have are as follows: Why is the Gross Benefit Amount and the Net Amount Paid different? Shouldn’t they be the same? Shouldn’t I start getting $2,915.55 per month? Does “totally and permanently disabled” mean that I will not be called in for any future examinations? Where can I find information on other benefits that may apply to the 100 percent status? Your comments and guidance will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Dick Hill

I had my scheduled C&P for Migraines today. The C&P was supposed to be to evaluate my migraines, but ended up to cover both migraines and heart condition. I don't feel good about it. The appointment was scheduled for 1400 to 1530. The Physician Assistant called me in at 1430 (half hour late) and informed me that both migraines and heart condition would be evaluated. Of course I did not have any files with me regarding my heart condition claim for increase. She asked me several questions then listened to my heart and took my blood pressure in both arms. And that was it. The appointment was over in 25 minutes instead of the 90 minutes scheduled. Should I be concerned? Should I ask for another C&P. Your guidance will be greatly appreciated. Dick Hill

Congratulations. A fighter always wins.

I read somewhere a couple months ago saying the VA was making these forms mandatory. I am getting ready to file a claim for increase for 2 service connected disabilities and also ask for service connection secondary to these 2 disabilities. My question is do I need to fill out both forms or just the VA Form 21-526b? Will appreciate your response. Thanks Dick Hill

Congratulations - you kept up the fight and won the war. Believe me, it is a war dealing with the VA. They are supposed to be here to help and some of them do, but a lot of them couldn't care less about the veteran. Again congratulations.

Thanks Hamslice. I appreciate the info. Dick Hill

I was service connected for Cardiac Arrythmia at 10 percent back in 1989. I recently had a EKG which revealed that I have had a previous minor heart attack. I have since had a Echocardiogram which revealed some problems also. The following is the results of the Echocardiaogram: Findings: 1. Left ventricle cavity is normal in size. Mild concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle. Normal global wass motion. Visual EF is 51%. Doppler evidence of grade II (Pseudonormal) diastolic dysfunction. 2. Left artrial cavity is normal in size. 3. Right artrial cavity is normal in size. 4. Right ventricle cavity is normal in size. Nornal right ventricular function. 5. Structurally normal trileadlet aortic valve with no regurgition noted. 6. Structurally normal mitrel valve with no regurgitation noted. 7. Structurally normal tricuspid valve with mild regurgitation. 8. Structurally normal pulmonic valve with no regurgitation noted. 9. No evidence of significant pericardial effusion. 10. The aortic root is normal. 11. Normal pulmonary artery. 12. IVC is normal with respiratory variation. Conclusion: - Left ventricle cavity is normal in size. - Mild concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle. - Normal global wall motion. - Visual EF is 55-60% - Doppler evidence of grade II (Pseudonormal) diastolic dysfunction. - Calculated EF 51%. - Structurally normal tricuspid valve with mild regurgitation. My questions are: - Can I assume I should qualify for at least a 30 percent rating because of the mild concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle, the doppler evidence of grade II (Pseudonormal) diastolic dysfunction, and the calculated EF of 51%? - What other heart tests from the VA or VA contractor can I expect? Your inputs on this matter will be greatly appreciated. Dick Hill

Wasn't sure this went through the first time, so am resubmitting it. In 1989 I was VA service connected for migraines with Aura at 0 percent. 6 years ago my episodes became more frequent so I went to a Neurologist at the local military hospital. About 2 years ago the episodes increased again, I told my eye doctor and he referred back to the local military hospital Neurologist. The local military hospital turned down the reffertal saying there was no space available. I requested my VA doctor refer me to the VA Neurologist and finally after almost a year I was seen by the VA Neurologist. I intend to ask for an increase for service connected Migraines with Aura. Also have had a lot of small blood vessel problems and am thinking of filing for that problem secondary to Migraines with Aura.Does anyone know if Retinopathy can be claimed as secondary to Migraines with Aura?Your guidance will be greatly appreciated.Dick Hill

Can someone tell me what the disability code is for benign essential tremors? Also could essential tremors be secondary to cardio disazbility or migraine disability. Will appreciate response. Thanks Dick Hill

Thanks for your response. Yes Berta - I am willing to do an Echo. Dick Hill

When I retired in 1988, the VA rated me at 10 percent for a heart condition, a year later the VA changed the rating to cardiac arrythmia. Recently, my Medicare doctor referred me to a Cardiologist because my blood pressure in the left arm is high and the blood pressure in my right arm is low. The Cardiologist did a EKG and told me that the EKG indicated that I have had a previous minor heart attack. The Cardiologist scheduled me for a nuclear stress test and an Echo test. While searching the internet to see what I needed to do to prepare for the nuclear stress test, I came across an FDA warning saying the chemicals used during the nuclear stress test has caused 68 heart attacks and 82 deaths. I immediately emailed a copy of the FDA warning to the Cardiologist and notified the Cardiologist that I would not have a nuclear stress test. I intend to file for a VA increase for heart condition. My question is the following: Will the VA deny me an increase because I have refused to have a nuclear stress test? Would appreciate any and all guidance. Dick Hill

When I retired in 1988, the VA rated me at 10 percent for a heart condition, a year later the VA changed the rating to cardiac arrythmia. Recently, my Medicare doctor referred me to a Cardiologist because my blood pressure in the left arm is high and the blood pressure in my right arm is low. The Cardiologist did a EKG and told me that the EKG indicated that I have had a previous minor heart attack. The Cardiologist scheduled me for a nuclear stress test and an Echo test. While searching the internet to see what I needed to do to prepare for the nuclear stress test, I came across an FDA warning saying the chemicals used during the nuclear stress test has caused 68 heart attacks and 82 deaths. I immediately emailed a copy of the FDA warning to the Cardiologist and notified the Cardiologist that I would not have a nuclear stress test. I intend to file for a VA increase for heart condition. My question is the following: Will the VA deny me an increase because I have refused to have a nuclear stress test? Would appreciate any and all guidance. Dick Hill

I have been having a lot of left and right knee pain the past several months. Sometimes I get pain in left knee just standing for a few minutes and have a problem with fully extending both knees during knee exercises. I reviewed my SMRs and it is documented that I complained of left knee pain on 5 occasions while serving in the military back in the 70s and 80s. Post service medical records document 2 occasions for left knee pain. Could not find any documentation for right knee pain. I am assuming that my knee problems might be as a result of abnormal gait putting more stress on my knee joints due to established service connected disabilities listed below. I use a walking cane and a rollator walker. Recently I received an increase for Plantar Fascittis from 0% to 30%, established SC for right hip at 10% for osteoarthritis and left hip at 10% for osteoarthritis, right radiculopathy, right lower extremity sciatic nerve at 10%, and degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine with spondylosis and intervertebral disc syndrome at 20% (used to be rated as Degenerative arthritis of the Thoracic and lumber spine at 10%), which brought my final degree of disability to 80%. My next visit to my VA primary care doctor is scheduled for 22 Feb 16 and my next visit to my Medicare primary care doctor is scheduled for 2 Mar 16. I intend to advise both of my knee problems at those appointments, with the hope of one of them referring me to a knee doctor or at least referring me for knee X-rays. My question is: If X-rays show a problem with my knees, should I file for direct SC for my left knee or should I file left and right knee secondary to plantar fascittis, hip osteoarthritis, and/or degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine with spondylosis and intervertebral disc syndrome? Your thoughts and guidance will be greatly appreciated Dick Hill

I keep hearing you can not get an increase for plantar fasciitis unless you have a foot deformity. I just 3 months ago had my SC plantar fasciitis increased from 0 percent to 30 percent. If you were denied an increase, you should submit a NOD and try again.

Congrats on what you just got accomplished. Keep the fight going until you get what you truly believe you deserve.

Congratulations on your successful win. Tell you wife she can still be your best friend, but you would like to get a dog as a second friend.

The VA recently increased my VA final degree of disability from 50 percent to 80 percent. Yesterday, I received a letter from the VA regarding my CRDP retro pay and today the CRDP retro pay was deposited in my bank account. Following is the exact verbage of the letter: The letter also came with a VA Form 4107 (Your Rights to Appeal Our Decision). Department of Veterans Affairs January 06, 2016 6800 Almeda Rd Houston TX 77040 Richard L. Hill The Defense Authorization Acts of 2003 and 2004 established two programs whereby certain military retirees may have restored to them some or all of the retired pay they waived as required by law to receive disability compensation from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA has worked with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) Cleveland to develop a method for making retroactive Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC), Concurrent Receipt of Retired and Disability Pay (CRDP) payments and VA disability payments previously withheld but now permitted by law. What Is Your VA Entitlement Based on the information in your military retired pay files and the VA records, you are entitled to a retroactive compensation payment of $8,073.67. This payment covers the period 11-2014 through 10-2015. The figures used to calculate this amount are shown on the back of this letter. Who To Contact If You Have Questions or Need Assistance If you reside in the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico, you may contact VA with questions and receive free help by calling our Toll-free number 1-800-827-1000 (for hearing impaired TDD 1-800-829-4833). You may also contact DFAS at 1-800-321-1080 for information concerning CRSC and CRDP payments. If you call VA, please refer to the VA file number shown above. If you write to us, put your full name and VA file number on the letter. You can visit our web site at www.va.gov for more information about veterans' benefits. A copy of this letter was sent to the service organization or individual you appointed as your representative. If you have questions or need assistance completing your claim you can also contact them. (NOTE: I contacted my appointed representative from Texas Vet Commission and she is as confused as I am). EMILE DUFRENE VETERAN SERVICE CENTER MANAGER Enclosure: VA Form 4107 The following was on the reverse of the letter Entitlement Gross Retired Pay VA Waiver Retired Net Pay CRDP % CRDP Award CRDP Paid VA Award VA Paid VA Withheld Total Dual Due Month Payment Due From VA NOV 14 2,391.00 822.15 1,568.85 80 1,525.55 822.15 1,525.55 822.15 703.40 703.40 703.40 DEC 14 2,431.00 836.13 1,594.87 80 1,551.48 836.13 1,551.48 836.13 715.35 715.35 715.35 JAN 15 2,431.00 836.13 1,594.87 80 1,551.48 836.13 1,551.48 836.13 715.35 715.35 715.35 FEB 15 2,431.00 836.13 1,594.87 80 1,551.48 836.13 1,551.48 836.13 715.35 715.35 715.35 MAR 15 2,431.00 836.13 1,594.87 80 1,551.48 836.13 1,551.48 836.13 715.35 715.35 715.35 APR 15 2,431.00 836.13 1,594.87 80 1,551.48 836.13 1,551.48 836.13 715.35 715.35 715.35 MAY 15 2,431.00 836.13 1,594.87 80 1,551.48 836.13 1,551.48 836.13 715.35 715.35 715.35 JUN 15 2,431.00 836.13 1,594.87 80 1,551.48 836.13 1,551.48 836.13 715.35 715.35 715.35 JUL 15 2,431.00 836.13 1,594.87 80 1,551.48 836.13 1,551.48 836.13 715.35 715.35 715.35 AUG 15 2,431.00 836.13 1,594.87 80 1,551.48 836.13 1,551.48 836.13 715.35 715.35 715.35 SEP 15 2,431.00 836.13 1,594.87 80 1,551.48 836.13 1,551.48 836.13 715.35 715.35 715.35 OCT 15 2,431.00 1,334.71 1,096.29 80- 1,551.48 1,334.71 1,551.48 1,334.71 216.77 216.77 216.77 TOTAL AMOUNT DUE FROM VA $8,073.67 My questions are: Why does the above Gross Retired Pay show $2,431.00 but the Retired Net Pay shows anywhere from $1,098.29 to $1,568.85? My Air Force Retired check has always been $1,996.24. Why was I sent a VA Form 4107 (Your Right s to Appeal Our Decision)? Why would I want to appeal the decision regarding approving my CRDP retro pay? I thought CRDP was non-taxable, but I read somewhere on the DFAS web site this morning that it is taxable. The only 1099 I have ever received is one from DFAS showing my Air Force retired pay. Now I am wondering am I gonna get stuck with paying taxes on the CRDP money I have collected over the past five years? If there is anyone out there who can get me unconfused, please help. Dick Hill

Your best LEGAL advice regarding the VA and LOTTO winnings needs to come from a lawyer.

Still waiting for retro to get to the bank - been almost 2 months. I have a couple of questions: Shouldn't my award letter indicate the codes used to determine the percentage? Other question is: EBennies says "You have a 80% final degree of disability". Does that mean the disabilities are considered permanent and I probably won't be called back in for another C&P? Appreciate your thoughts. Dick Hill