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.

I looked through and read the C & P examination in June 1990, and couldn't believe my eyes. In 1990 in addition to the NHL, I claimed Leg and arm and thigh wound (shrapnel) injury. A C & P exam was done in June 1990. The examiner wrote and I quote ..." Veterans Blood Pressure is Elevated...Probable because he's in the doctor's office"....Veteran is thin, and reported having blood in stool last few days, the Patient also gives a history of non-hodgkin's lymphoma in 1983 treated at Methodist hospital, and VA Houston, by doctor ____. for a period of 6 months, for complete resolution of the disease, Veteran stated he had stage 4 to the lower bowel, bone marrow, and eye." I guess he didn't know that Non Hodgkin's lymphoma is not cureable, and the residual is worse than the cure. How can you disagree with a C & P examination? I only was Privy of seeing after I reopened this claim in 2010, and requested my c-file. It took a whole year to get my c-file. This examiner never took x-rays of the wounds, I wasn't even weighted. He noted my scares and wounds. These are now service connected with Peripheral neuropathy added( totally 30%). That was service connected in 2010. The difference is I was totally x-rayed and examined in 2010, I was not in 1990. It's too late to do anything about it now...but I would like to caution Veterans to please get a copy of everything and read it carefully. I am new at this, but learning very guickly. I also read my statement, and remembered back what shape I was in. Thanks for listening. if anyone knows of a good attorney, please send me the name & number. I need some help here.

I would like to say thank you all for encouraging me. I was about to give up. This is what I have done. I filed an NOD. For both the Date and the percentage. I also sent another letter from My Primary Care Physician, and Hemotologist saying that it is more than 50% likely that all of the now dx. is secondary to Agent Orange/Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I had coworkers write letters, and neighbors concerning how much work I missed. I have copies of everything...I mean everything. Did I do good or what(bragging a little bit). I just got pissed off! Sorry.

Goosh Darn I don't know what to say. I have only been doing this myself for 5 whole years. Maybe I will contact someone for help. Any suggestions I in Houston Texas...Anyone out there Please!!!! Perhaps I could use the County Veterans Service.?

Not sure if anyone here can answer this qiestion but here it is. I served in the USMC (Vietnam) 1966-1968. In 83 I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Underwent the Agent Orange registry examination in 1983., While still receiving Chemotherapy. In 1990 I received an application for benifits from the VA. Long story short I was denied compensation in a decision 1995 . I did not appeal. In 2010 I reapplied. Claim was re-opened with new evidence. Oncologist wrote a letter stating that in fact I was dx. with stage 4 NHL...He treated me from 1983 to 1996. He specifically gave the date of Discharge. I was service connected at 0% (cancer in remission). I asked for an EED and after appealing, I receive an EED date of 1990, when I officially applied. However the percentage was still 0%. Today I filed a NOD asking for an increase in the percentage. I was able to obtain a IMO from the oncologist that treated me in 1983 that reinterated everything he originally said and then adding that "It is more likely than not that Mr,_________ will continue to suffer from residual from this NHL. He gave examples of dx, I recently claimed. Is this the right Avenue to take? Is there anything else to do? I feel as though I am owed compensation from 1990-1996 @ 100%, because I was still under the doctor's care. Not receiving Chemo the entire time but the "watch & wait protocol, P.O. (BY mouth) meds, not to mention the residual of PN...service connected later (2009). Any advice is appreciated.