Brandy

Hello Bob, Just like you, I have not been here at hadit for a while. I am very sorry to hear about your additional health issues. You were such a big help to me in working on my husband's claim. I had forwarded you information on the decision from the VA and I just wanted to mention that we did not complete the below mentioned form for Housebound Status and we did not request to be considered for it, but the VA awarded it to my husband. As you may remember this was a complete surprise to all of us. They awarded this but denied some obvious SC disabilities. "VA Form 21-2680, Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance, should be completed in response to the examination request." If I can help you with anything please don't hesitate to contact me. Brenda

Time, What if the VA facility that the veteran has been going to for years document a medical condition (HBP)that is not SC. Then the veteran claims this condition as secondary to his diabetes that is SC and the VA denies SC. The medical records from the VA shows that they are treating the veteran for diabetes and HBP, going back 15 years. Wouldn't this be a informal claim? Brandy

Stillhere, My husband has an ejection fraction of 39. The C&P doctor had all of his medical records stating this. He is a diabetic with several secondary conditions caused by is diabetes. Basically he was tested for all of the same things that you listed here. He had a below knee amputation on his right leg in 1998 and he has PVD. So he also cannot walk very far because his left leg causes too much pain. When he went for his exam for his heart condition they put him on a treadmill! He had not been on a treadmill for a stress test since he lost his leg and he has had multiple stress tests. They would always just give him the medication for the test. He ended up getting rated 100% for his heart condition. He almost fell off the treadmill because of leg pain. After the test, I requested the results and the doctor's notes and noticed that the primary doctor stated under stress test, he put the word "No". As if to say do not put him on a treadmill. They did anyway. We did not say anything at the time of the exam for fear they might try and say that he refused to take a test. My husband was really worried he might have a heart attack during the test and he has no faith at all in the VA doctor's knowing what to do if he did. I agree with everyone who mentioned taking your EF medical records and possibly a note from your doctor stating that you cannot take a stress test at this time. Brandy

John, In my husband's claim we actually stated that we felt that he should get a retro payment dating back to when he was initially given SSDI, which was 1997. We did not put in a claim to the VA until Dec.2005. They did not award him any retro. However, I do believe the local VA that he has been going to since he got out of the service was aware that he was on disability and not working. They awarded my husband 100% P&T scheduler. They did not grant the TDIU and said the point was "moot" since he was granted 100%. Do you think he could win this retro if we file a NOD? Jangrin, Just wanted to say hello. It's been a while since we have talked. I think with all of your husband's medical issues, he should have been given the 100% also. Thanks, Brandy