Douglas Kessler

Thank you Stillhere. I just read your comment. I do want to hear what everyone here has to say. I am just frustrated. I spend most of my days in a doctor's office for one infection after another. Just getting over another one. I am gathering evidence, and putting everything I have together. I have a lot of free time. My VA oncologist stated she could not by law write me a letter concerning all my B symptoms. She agreed that NHL is non cureable, but would not write put it in writing. I am not sure if this is true or not???? I have another oncologist (Methodist Hospital in Houston) that I have contacted to do a work-up on me. We will see what happens?

Signed in with facebook...This is my wife's profile...Not sure how to fix this????

Thanks, I will take your advice.

The IMO states Mr.__________suffers from(named all the illnesses), he was exposed to Agent Orange during Vietnam. It is more likely than not that all of his illness is due to his exposure.These illnesses are chronic and being in the school system with an impaired immune system brought all these illnesses to the forefront and more than likely will not change but grow worse as he gets older. I think that about covers it...Of course it is longer than this..

I really must say I am surprised that a simple question, and giving only a little bit of history could get this kind of response. I am a US Marine that volunteered to go to Vietnam. I was wounded 2 times, and still carry the shrapnel in my lower limps. I return home with stage 4 Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I struggled with this disease for 13 yeas. I was denied benefits in the 1980's and again in 1990's. I have worked hard through Chemotherapy, surgeries, and return to school at 50 years old to get my education degree. I paid out of pocket for every treatment I received. I did not reopen my claim for NHL until 2009, when I started showing signs of NHL again. I am not looking to put an extra stain on an already strained system. I like you all am applying for benefits I am entitled to under the law. I was asking a question because I didn't know the regulation. I am sorry if any of you had the impression that I am trying to milk the system. That is not my intention. I receive teachers retirement (very small amount )because I took early retirement., the social security benefits ( I was 30 years vested in SS) was cut because of my age. It was a blessing to receive anything from the V.A. I was already retired when I applied for benefits, and actually was found to have several disabilities that was service connected. I respect this system and the fact that in retirement I can have decent healthcare, and not worry about if this cancer (that is not curable) returns at least it is service connected. The side affects of the treatments I received is an impaired immune system, fatigue, night sweats. I am having other problems that is keeping me in the doctor's office the majority of the time. I was advised to apply for TDIU. I was asking your take on the matter is all. Almost forgot to say.. I try to avoid being around other's as much as possible. It seems that the low iron stores, anemia causes me to be sick. That means even my children or grandchildren.

I am 70% disabled. 0% NHL, 20%PN, 10% ears,50%PTSD. I filed for PTIU, however I took early retirement at age 62. I am 66 years of age now. I already receive regular SS benefits, Teachers Retirement. I took early retirement because I have a compromised immune system secondary to non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It is rated at 0%. I filed a NOD for the 0% rating recently. How good are my chances to receive TDIU? I have 2 doctors statements(IMO), also have the school district to complete the VA form, stating my reason for separation. I can't work in the public anymore, I get sick with infection after another, the last was mononuceosis that lasted for months. Along with the doctor's statements I had friends and family to verify how sick I get from natural contacts with the public. My May appt with the VA doctor verified that my iron stores are low, and my red blood cells are enlarged. Wat to do next? Other than wait. I was just wondering about my age, and already being retired.

My Question is a very simple one....I took early retirement in 2009 secondary to side effects from (NHL) . My rating for NHL(Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma) is 0% because it's in remission, I am currently appealing the 0%. , however I am service connected for PTSD 50%, peripheral neuropathy 20% etc... I applied for TDIU, (on the advice of counsel).The forms were all completed by my employer & physicians did up a nice letter,stating all the adverse reactions from the disease or the chemotherapy... I am collecting Social security benefits, and Teacher's retirement. I taught elementary education and was constantly sick because of my weaken immune system. I couldn't do it anymore. I have no other formal training...I am also 66 years old. I retired at 62...2009. I read that for this claim to be sucessful the NHL should have the highest rating???? What do you all think? Almost forgot to mention my last exam with the oncologist was on May 10th, the oncologist stated I have enlarge red blood cells??? What exactly this means is anybodies guess, however she feels this is the reason for the fatigue, night sweats. I am schedule for a scan on Saturday. Is it wise to send the VA the lab work, and the notes from this meeting. It was interesting how this visit was done...via the new video technology the VA is employing. It makes it easier for Veterans that live too far from the RO, It can be held at the clinics you frequent. All disciplines are present...SW, Doctor, nutritionist, and a NP. Really Cool! Doug

My Question is a very simple one....I took early retirement in 2009 secondary to side effects from (NHL) . My rating for NHL(Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma) is 0% because it's in remission, I am currently appealing the 0%. , however I am service connected for PTSD 50%, peripheral neuropathy 20% etc... I applied for TDIU, (on the advice of counsel).The forms were all completed by my employer & physicians did up a nice letter,stating all the adverse reactions from the disease or the chemotherapy... I am collecting Social security benefits, and Teacher's retirement. I taught elementary education and was constantly sick because of my weaken immune system. I couldn't do it anymore. I have no other formal training...I am also 66 years old. I retired at 62...2009. I read that for this claim to be sucessful the NHL should have the highest rating???? What do you all think? Almost forgot to mention my last exam with the oncologist was on May 10th, the oncologist stated I have enlarge red blood cells??? What exactly this means is anybodies guess, however she feels this is the reason for the fatigue, night sweats. I am schedule for a scan on Saturday. Is it wise to send the VA the lab work, and the notes from this meeting. It was interesting how this visit was done...via the new video technology the VA is employing. It makes it easier for Veterans that live too far from the RO, It can be held at the clinics you frequent. All disciplines are present...SW, Doctor, nutritionist, and a NP. Really Cool! Doug

My Question is a very simple one....I took early retirement in 2009 secondary to side effects from (NHL) . My rating for NHL(Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma) is 0% because it's in remission, I am currently appealing the 0%. , however I am service connected for PTSD 50%, peripheral neuropathy 20% etc... I applied for TDIU, (on the advice of counsel).The forms were all completed by my employer & physicians did up a nice letter,stating all the adverse reactions from the disease or the chemotherapy... I am collecting Social security benefits, and Teacher's retirement. I taught elementary education and was constantly sick because of my weaken immune system. I couldn't do it anymore. I have no other formal training...I am also 66 years old. I retired at 62...2009. I read that for this claim to be sucessful the NHL should have the highest rating???? What do you all think? Almost forgot to mention my last exam with the oncologist was on May 10th, the oncologist stated I have enlarge red blood cells??? What exactly this means is anybodies guess, however she feels this is the reason for the fatigue, night sweats. I am schedule for a scan on Saturday. Is it wise to send the VA the lab work, and the notes from this meeting. It was interesting how this visit was done...via the new video technology the VA is employing. It makes it easier for Veterans that live too far from the RO, It can be held at the clinics you frequent. All disciplines are present...SW, Doctor, nutritionist, and a NP. Really Cool! Doug

Here I am again...asking more questions. Maybe someone can give me a little insight as to how this will go, although nobody really knows???? I have officially applied for TDIU, and although I have an idea of what it is I still don't see how this would work. I took early retirement in 2009, because of my service connected Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (weaken immune system). I was an elementary school teacher and was always sick. I gathered all the evidence and submitted it this week. The letter from my PCP stated that because I worked in the school system with an impaired immune system it brought other illness to the forefront. I am also 66 years old. Does this matter? Is this process as long as an appeal? Please advise. I received a report on Friday that I have large red blood cells again, and will have to undergo a scan to determine why. Should I submit the oncologist report of this meeting that was held on Friday/ Thanks Doug

Thank you very much. I think I understand. It's up to the rating specialist?????

I would help, and very well may after I learn a little. It must take quite a while to learn all the in's and out's. My next question probably don't belong here...so if you would please put me in the right forum for this one. Explain IU to me. I am 70% disabled. 50%PTSD, 20%peripheral neuropathy, & of course the NHL 0%. I retired at 62 secondary to the NHL causing my immune system to be so weak. At 50 years old I went back to school for Elementary Education, I am not skilled at anything else, other than eyes exams in a nursing home (that is what I did prior to going back to school)....that can't be good either for someone with immune issues. What is the criteria. Thanks Doug

My wife insisted on Talking to the attorney to get a feel for him. She is a better judge of character than I am...however she was totally impressed by him, and his knowledge of regulations. We will use him. I am so thankful that I found this site. You Guys Are GREAT!!! Thank You! Hat's off to Asknod.

Peripheral neuropathy 20% both feet, NHL 0%, Ptsd 50% tennitus 10%...total of 70%. I did an NOD for the Percentage rating on the NHL, and the 1990 date. Asked to be compensated from the date of Diagnoses. I will take all of asknod's advice....seems like he is the person who is making sense to me. I also asked for an increase in PN. This was done in April 2013.