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ArNG11

Master Chief Petty Officer
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Status Updates posted by ArNG11

  1. Oooh Prep for decision I should be excited. I am not really going to be, however,  when I get the white envelope then I might. I'll share what intel I learn from my tactics.  Good luck everyone. Keep fighting, keep going, Never give in.  "Fight till your last breath!"

    1. Show previous comments  8 more
    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      At least you have a warm cozy house to call your own.  Just plan a little.  

      Recently I looked at how much my kids want take out, I had to slim that number down a lot.  It is crazy how much a person spends.  With the amount I spent last month, I could have had groceries stocked for at least two months easy.  

    3. Buck52

      Buck52

      Oh yeah we cut back on cable  no HBO or movie channels, just the basic cable  and we have a new energy effi HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM with a high energy rating of 21.0( New Lennox top Unit 5 ton.

      We have had   heat barrier put up in attact , Had energy effi  double pane windows installed  and energy effi Shutters Installed on the inside on every window in the home, try to keep thermostat set at 68/70 use LED Lights With dimmers & ceiling fans in every room but kitchen/bath rooms

       And had a $$14,000 non heat blearier (Re-flecks heat) mental roof put on a couple years ago, and New door seals on all outside doors  which they are 4 outside doors.

      our neighbor got a 1200 .00 $$ water Bill last summer.

      I even got out a calk around the outside any cracks in the brick and wood areas

      The City where we live has just got ridiculous on utility's 

    4. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Geeh Buck I was trying to help.  Looks like you have done all you can.  Curious what about alternative energy sources.  Oklahoma is trying to get big on the Wind energy market but new technology is always slow.  People are so used to traditional energy means that when new alternatives come out they just won't budge.

      I'm not the model tree hugger but I try, it's only smart.  I have my house almost all converted to energy efficient bulbs and LED.  They are so much more cost effective in the long term, but the initial investment is crazy high.

      I don't have cable or hard phone line.  Netflix and iTunes take care of the entertainment needs for us, oh and we are trying out Hulu.  

      I'm looking forward to settling down in central New Mexico, the weather and conditions are so much more comfortable.  But until then I deal with the stuff here in OK.

      I must say you have done quite a bit.  My last purchase here was a ADA water efficient toilet.  Believe it or not that purchase was a great investment.  Necessity of course, but helpful in other areas to.  Easier to get on and get off of.  

      My biggest problem is deciding what to invest in as I don't want to or can't stay in Oklahoma.   Don't want to put too much $ in a place that I am thinking of not being in for more than 4 years or so.  Decisions right?

  2. Well I got some disappointing news from one of the law firms I sought to represent me at the CAVC.  From a financial standpoint I understand why, but from a legal point of view, it is a little disheartening.  I still have one other firm I sought help from so I will wait and see what is decided there.  I am bummed but I am having a hot cup of espresso and my greek yogurt for breakfast and it is helping.  I'm not done yet, I still have 90 days or so and I have the BVA win on rhinitis and the remand again for service connection of the hips.  

    1. Show previous comments  3 more
    2. Whodat

      Whodat

      Is Peter Cameron a Law Firm? 

    3. spirit_grt

      spirit_grt

      Yes.  Veterans Disability Claims Attorney, Veterans Disability Benefits Lawyer (veteranappeal.com)

      He helped a friend of mine when no one would take her appeal.  He won.  Only thing I can say for him for sure is he won her case and he or someone from his office always responds to my questions quickly.  He is a Navy vet.

    4. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Sweet thanks for the info.  I am running out of time to appeal on the issues that need to go to the CAVC, I also have a few on remand again to the BVA so I will reach out to him.  There is only so many attorneys that can represent at the CAVC and it is cut throat at that point.  Crap I wish I was on here more often your message was from 14 days ago. 

       

  3. Hand surgery number 11.  I need a new pair of hands.   Not so optimistic this time. 1Blah! Workers Comp is just going to love me.  I wonder if I can time it to be in DC for both.  So far the hearings scheduled probably won't make that happen but it d be nice to kill two agencies with the same knives. Wiping in between of course and semi-figuratively writing of course. 10 days for one and 14 days for the other.  Tick, tick, tick.

    1. Show previous comments  1 more
    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      sorry VA is on the 14th of oct.

    3. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      yes for a while i was managing it ok it's a lot harder now.  i think if it was just one agency at a time it would be easier on me, however it is coming together.  I admit less surgeries and dramas would help a bunch to. : )  

      DOL folded on one case and chocked up what I am legally entitled just 9 more to go. OPM is the same,they retired me because I asked but I should have retired on DOL side.  I would retain 75% of my pay, taxable but less of a financial strain with the provision of medical exams once a year or two.  

    4. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      thanks bubba. good luck to you as well.

  4. 100 % PT Folks. Finally.

    1. Show previous comments  1 more
    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Thanks T Bird.  I could not wait for the damn decision to be delivered so I printed out from the VA websites. I still got more to go but the hard part is done I am service connected for both right and left hips. I am now Total and Permanent. It got back dated to September of 2013.  So I am elated but they claim in the decision that they couldn't rate me higher because they didn't have the operative reports which is total SHI##. I found the OP report on the left.  I am still looking for the right hip operative report.  I still have a fight ahead but I was so happy I cried. Tears of joy sadness and a whole bunch of other emotions.

    3. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      I resent the operative reports so now I will wait and see what the Regional Office does.

    4. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      They still dogged the ratings so back to BVA but this go around I am going to go above the BVA since the regional office won't rate correctly.  

  5. Change of scenery for me,  moved to Oregon and taking in the beautiful landscapes.  

    1. Show previous comments  1 more
    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Heh Buck sorry for the time in between.  It has taken me  a while to adjust and that is just to say that I can take the wife to work and barely with errors get home.

      The scenery is so beautiful, I love the colors, trees, and although this is raining season here the weather.  It so beats Oklahoma.  Other than family and familiarity I won't miss OK much. 

      Man I feel so how should we say "fish out of water " feeling. Definitely a change of pace.

    3. vetquest

      vetquest

      Lived in Portland for ten years and loved it.  The rainy season is January until December.

    4. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      yeah you were not kidding, but it has gotten better in the mid months

       

  6. NO GO on Chisholm, Chisholm, & Kilpatrick, so on to the next attorney.  They suggested the DAV at the CAVC, nope.  I would rather go at it alone than with a VSO at the CAVC.  No disrespect to service organizations, I would rather fight sharks with bigger sharks that have more teeth and biting force.

    1. Whodat

      Whodat

      That's a great attitude. I am a lifetime member of DAV, VFW, and have used a VSO in my past claims with very little or no success. I went from 10 to 90 pretty much on my own. Now getty the hundred is tough. 

      2017, I decided to use VFW to help me get serviced connected for my cervical and lumbar condition which are in my service medical records. The diagnosis and event or injury is also notated. Just couldn't get a Nexus. Was denied. VSO did do a notice of disagreement, denied again. I felt that the VSO did not put forth the effort, I reached out to VLG, they reviewed my case, told me that I had a strong case. I dropped VSO and hired VLG. VLG do not get paid unless I win my appeal. Just had my BVA hearing 3 months ago, now just waiting for the decision. 

    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Veterans Law Group?  Out of California? I will look into them, I am not sure if they can represent at the CAVC but I will call and find out.  

    3. Whodat

      Whodat

      I live in Missouri. I use Veterans Law Group out of Troy Michigan. 

  7. I gotta get on a regular sleep cycle again woke up like 115 am and still up.  Sheep where are you?  baaahhhhhhh

    1. GBArmy

      GBArmy

      I have sleep problems and falling asleep is one sometimes . My provider said one thing to try to do is shift your thoughts to something easier to handle. Try thinking of 5 things to see, 4 things to hear, 3 things to feel, 2 things to smell, and 1 thing I can taste. You repeat if you get thru it without going back to sleep. If you continue the practice, it is an easy substitute for you mind to relax to and it may work. There are similar mind games you can find and try. Just pick one and stick with it for a while. Gotta try something, right?

    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      I will try that. Good suggestion.  Last night I had some CBD and some Xanax but I will definitely try this approach.  

    3. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      So I tried this approach and it helped.  A bit more complicated than counting sheep but the approach works very well.  GB thanks for the tip. Hope you are well.  Sorry I took so long to reply but I have tried it several times since then and it works like a charm.  I was impressed.  It is an efficient way to diffuse and calm your mind. Thanks again

  8. Been a while.  This COVID crap and all the craziness in the world has had me baffled, so much for progress, although, while skeptical and cynical, can't help hoping for better times. If life throws you lemons, make Long Island Iced teas? : )

    1. Buck52

      Buck52

      Welcome Back ArNG11

      good to see you on hadit   where the heck you been buddy?

      Did you get all your claims approved? I was wondering what happen to you??.

      yeah this covid has things all in a turmoil  I just stay home and only get out when I absolutely have to  and do social distancing   wear my mask wash my hands more and more  and just hope for the best.

      Anywayz  Welcome Back.

    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Been living in Oregon, medicating with natural meds, reading about all the chaos and laughing at the VA and all their games. Kind of fell of the social grid a bit.  Dementia, never filed for that, but after the BVA seems  the VA took it upon themselves to add this to my claims.  Shennanagans trying to setup to discredit my testimony is my guess. Same old same old.

      Wow.  I tend to do the same and stay home that is, only go out when I need to pick up the wife, food runs, same old stuff or when I get bored which is a lot.

      With the claims I think I have the hips locked in, got to get some new ratings on the thyroid applied, and revisit some others but almost done.  I'll stop when Im total and permanent, with housebound. File for higher SMC when the time comes hoping not to get that bad but you know the drill.

      It's nice to chat with people who remember you, this lockdown crap, has made me bitter and lonesome.  It blows.  How have you been? Always busy in the forums I see.  Thats great, Vets will always need help fighting.

    3. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      BVA Hearing seemed to have gone well. At least for the higher thyroid ratings of 30%, hips I made my case but I didn't  get a real definite answer.  I mentioned the two favorable IMEs for the hips but this is a crazy circus as you well know. GERD is going to be another hearing I imagine.  with the regulation change I should eventually get 30% for GERD without myxedema. Now the waiting game and if all goes well the long wait for the regional office to implement the awards.  

       

  9. FOIA request finally came in.  Only took 600 plus days but I received my copy today.  Of all things even at my correct address along with my full digital CD copy of my C-File was included.  Imagine that.  Almost two years late, but heh I have it now so I am locked cocked, ready to rock for BVA, whenever that is.  Good times

    1. Buck52

      Buck52

      That is great Mr A.....Hopefully you won't have a long drawn out wait time.

       if this is a Hardship for you be sure to mention it.

      Good Luck Buddy.

    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Actually Buck I haven't, not compared to some of the hardcore Veterans here.  I have been actually very lucky.  Very luck to have found Had it.  It truly is a gem.  I would not have gotten as far as I have without the knowledge gained from this site.  I know that for a fact.  I really attribute my successes to the knowledge and advice from my fellow brothers and sisters in arms.   It has made this whole debacle almost bare able.   I'll still give the credit to slow is smooth and smooth is fast.  Of course the fight, fight,  fight attitude does come into play.

  10. Finally, my Board Hearing is today, but I can't freaking go back to sleep.   This is going to be interesting.  My hearing is today at 1245.  I hope I am clear headed enough.  My stomach is in knots and my eyes and head feel like they are throbbing.   Geesh.  

    Slow is smooth.. Smooth is fast.  squeeze that trigger, don't pull. 

    1. pwrslm

      pwrslm

      May the Hammer of Justice rule the day!

       

      Good luck!

    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Man I hope so.  The hearing went well, but that doesn't mean anything until I see it in black and white.  The Board has had the information before and all it got me was a remand for the VA Regional Office to lie some more.  They discounted my evidence and did not service connect my claims before.  But heh maybe the face to face brings up reasonable doubt this time to award me.  Doubt it, I may have to pay for another IME since they are discounting my personal physicians.  This is all a big circus.   I am with you, I hope the hammer of justice does fall in my favor.

       

  11. Finally, my Board Hearing is today, but I can't freaking go back to sleep.   This is going to be interesting.  My hearing is today at 1245.  I hope I am clear headed enough.  My stomach is in knots and my eyes and head feel like they are throbbing.   Geesh.  

    1. GBArmy

      GBArmy

      You'll be fine. You have been working this for many months if not years. Read over your claim and practice on the points you want to point out.

      Good luck to you.

    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Thanks GBArmy.  I just wish I could sleep and be rested but alas it is what it is.  I have been and will work on my points.  It is all I can do at this point.  Never Give up !  

  12. Happy Belated New Years to everyone.  Sorry a bit behind the curve these days.  Have a prosperous new year and may your VA battles be swift and victorious.

    1. Buck52

      Buck52

      How you been Mr A   good to see you on hadit .

      hope your claim is moving along?

    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      I haven't been too great mentally but hanging in there otherwise.  Things with my claims should be good although I believe I might have screwed the pooch on one the timelines for my last Form 9.  The VA took over a year to provide me a copy of the last decision a year a go.  I did send in the NOD and I did send in a Form 9 however. I didn't know the date of the last effective decision so I wrote one up stating that I was contesting the last decision.  

      It boils down to the effective date of my neck claim.  It should have the same effective date as my back since SMR's and the LOD for the back and the LOD for neck were all in my records in the hands of the VA at the time of my initial claim. Then the rest of my contentions I've rested on the medical evidence and independent medical opinions.

      It looks like I may have 3 separate dockets dates but I am still not for certain on that since I can't get a complete answer from the VA via IRIS or helpline.

      I've received the 90 day letter from the BVA for evidence before the Board issues a decision in my appeal. So everything is moving smoothly to my knowledge.

      Keeping this all together is so taxing.  DOL, Social Security , OPM retirement, and Veterans benefits.   In all these years, and mind you, I haven't been at it as much as most on here on had it,  with my conditions, specifically the mental, which relies heavily on for recollection of events in my claims, I'm screwed.  Most days I can't tell you what day of the week it is, or what I had for breakfast that day,  if I remember at all, it is only after some big hints and recaps from my family that I can piece together whats going on.  Which lends to even more problems for  an already paranoid person, it sucks.  But I try to get by, try being the operative word.

      In any case didn't mean to write a novel.  I was just excited to hear from folks I consider friends on here.How have things been on your front?

  13. I just got a decision in the mail about rhinitis.  I have service connection but only to the effective date of the law change.  I filled for Gulf war conditions in 2013-2014.  Denied and appealed all the way to the BVA and no dice. Until now but with a crap effective date.   I feel this is win but I can't say that I am overjoyed.  Denied higher ratings for Hypothyroid and GERD, service connection of sinusitis under same regulations and denied the higher ratings on law changes in 2017.  But approved for Rhinitis with an effective date of August 5, 2021.  Geesh why do I have a feeling this is going to be the norm whenever the laws change in the Veterans favor, effective dates go out the window it seems.   Im getting tired but Permanent and Total is just barely over the horizon and seems attainable 

    1. Carl the Engineer

      Carl the Engineer

      It's an easy first move for them.  Most Veterans will take it and leave, i.e., not fight for more.  And they know that.

      But you got something,

      Keep digging,

      Carl

      I had a HLR about six months ago.  From the records review, it looks like a copy and paste of the first denial, but during my interview for the HLR, I did mention the new law and presumptives, and whether any of that would apply.  It's been crickets for that last six months, so maybe they are trying to apply that to my claim.  And, it they do I will probably get the new date to.  LOL...

       

    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Carl your right on the money.  I feel the BVA is going to do the same thing again on the latter the 2nd remand on the hips.  It looks like I have a good C&P opinion on connections of the hips after 2 remands from the BVA.  I can't help to think the same.  We gave you service connection on Rhinitis now so drop the effective date and be happy. Never mind the 8 years of fighting. Hmm. just doesn't feel right to give in and conceded to the offer on the table.

      It will be a third go at the regional office to deny the hips.

  14. :cool: Still pressing on.  Keep the faith fellow Veterans.  Keep the fight up.  

    1. Buck52

      Buck52

      Hey Mr A

      Good to see you buddy, hope your doing ok?

       

    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      So so, been contemplating the two fusion surgeries I have been trying to avoid on my hands.  Most days have been a blur for me with meds. Things could be worse though.  

      I won my SS case which was a plus.  Not sure if I had posted or rather talked about it much other than saying I got approved finally by the Judge.  Man it feels so good of sorts when you are vindicated that way.  Now the icing on the cake will be the VA caving in to what I am entitled to.

      Buck how about you ?

  15. Been working on health issues.  Still here and still moving forward, at least that is the daily plan.:tongue:

    1. Buck52

      Buck52

      Hang in there buddy!

    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Same to you my friend.

  16. Right Hip Surgery went well.  A little surprised I'm using the walker so well.  The left hip was less FUBARed than the right and that surgery was a killer regarding pain.  But yippee all is well, still no word on BVA but heh it's the Holidays no time to think about the VA woes.  Enjoy the holidays folks, enjoy the family and friends.  

    1. Buck52

      Buck52

       ArNG11 ,

      Glad to hear your hip surgery went well,Hadit radio show host Jerrel Cook had HIP Replacement a few months back and I think he was in and out of the Hospital within a week doing a Hadit Radio Show   tough guy!!..now thats fast!  AGHHHHHH The wonders of modern medicine.

      Hope you both have a safe and speedy recovery.

      Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

      ...........Buck

    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Thanks Buck.  It's been hard these last few months, but I got both knees and both hips done while waiting for my claims to have some movement towards the BVA.

      Luckily it both times for me were not replacements just torn ligaments and a bunch of arthritis, however, all is well.  Thanks Buck.

      I need to get back in the loop,:wink: I have been gone for a little bit.:sad:

  17. Out of knee surgery, A Okay, but dang this is more painful than the hip surgery several months ago. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. One surgery at a time :huh:

    1. Buck52

      Buck52

      Wishing you a speedy recovery Mr A

    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Thanks Buck52.  I thought the hip was bad, geesh this takes the cake.  I'm happy though it wasn't a total or partial knee. Definitely could have been worse. :lol: Couple of torn meniscus MCL.  

  18. natural alternatives to prescription medicines???:huh:

     

    1. pwrslm

      pwrslm

      I tried cloves for a toothache.  Ground cloves are great to treat the pain, only problem was that they also burned the skin in my mouth after I used them for 2 days.  Ended up with a huge spot that was very painful.  Be careful.

      When my back was flaring up, I used to concentrate on the muscles, to make them relax.  That worked very well for years.  Most of my back pain was caused by muscles locking up, when I learned that I could relieve that pain by relaxing the muscle, it was a lot of help.  No narcotic could do that.

    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      No I can agree, it does take discipline and patience, but yes there are some things that can be helped, meditation, breathing techniques, and other disciplines to help with the injuries and issues.  Valerian root worked for quite a while just not as effective as it used to be or as long lasting as the RX muscle relaxers.

      The best results I have gotten is a multi discipline approach.  Utilize what works and discard what doesn't to taylor to individual needs of the specific day.  

      I really believe it is finding a balance of it all.  I also believe it is an adaptive ever changing process.

  19. Keep fighting, keep fighting, with handcuffs on and vices on your lips keep fighting.  Don't ever give up.  

    1. Buck52

      Buck52

      Amen Brother!

  20. Won on the hips sort of.  Still waiting on getting the decision in the mail, but thigh limitation of motion, thigh limitation of motion extension.  Won't know the details until the darn thing gets to my mailbox, but still great news. No GRAND news.  The correct effective date will be another fight but the most difficult part is done.  Took me almost 10 years but heh, if you have the evidence and the law and regulations confirm the validity of the claim, pursue it, even if you can't do it alone.  You are not alone, (we) Had it has your six copy, LIMA CHARLIE!!!  Service connection .  Finally service connected now.  

    1. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      I stand corrected on effective date. Finally got the letter in the mail with the details on the decision. The VA got it right mostly in that respect.  Ratings not so much but that will be another venture.

       

  21. Man kind of bummed but working on a resolution.  I finally got my very own Had it coffee mug but I received it with the handle in pieces. Got a hold of the vendor, so hopefully a replacement will be in soon.  Still excited about the mug though.  Silly but now I can kind of have coffee in the morning with Had it keeping me company.  I gotta wait till the replacement ships.

    1. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Got my replacement mug and I have put to use on the daily.  It is my go to cup now.  Very Happy seasoned guy.   It's the small things that make my day better. 

      IMG_0770.JPG

  22. Man it's cold. Claim frozen as well. But its a new year and things will pan out, just have to be patient.

    1. Loose Cannon

      Loose Cannon

      I envy your positive thinking...Hope it rubs off on me. You can keep the snow & cold weather though!

  23. Merry Christmas to everyone.  Enjoy your family and each other as that is what IS really important.  

    1. Carl the Engineer

      Carl the Engineer

      Back at you buddy,

      Stay warm,

      Hamslice

  24. Hackers Maybe

    1. Loose Cannon

      Loose Cannon

      eBenefits Breach confirmed by VA - View thread on Hadit under "eBenefits Questions" for more info!

  25. Heh flores97 theres extensive posts on this topic and believe me when I say dozens to hundreds of cases that revolve around this topic.  Pyramiding is a crappy reg that is used all the time.  Anagalous ratings is another. I never understand how a condition relating to the esophagus, relates to a condition in the lower bowels and anus.  

    I guess I am dense but I seriously do not understand how this argument holds water, however, I am not a  doctor so what the heck do I know.  :blink:

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