vet12

Broncovet Acturally it was approved and the money is in the bank. I wish I was able to fish. I do have some good memories. Thanks vet12

Congrats. You can take a deep breath and relax. No more worry with the VA vet12

Congrats. When the official word comes I'm sure a weight will be lifted. vet12

Very good news. Congrats. vet12

Congratulation. A big weight off your shoulders. vet12

Thanks for the congrats. I received official word confirming yesterday. A few years ago I remember Pete53 saying he was cautious of telling friends about a win. He is right. I was selective and told one friend who was very happy for me. But yesterday I told another friend and got a different reaction. I guess my wife and I will be happy and tell no one else. At least I can celebrate here. Arng11, I hope things work out for you. vet12

I also want to thank everyone who has advised, helped and answered any stupid questions I may have had. I am on cloud 9 and not thinking straight this morning. Thanks again. vet12

I have not received the official paperwork but the letter on ebenefits states it and this morning my bank account has a pending deposit of retro payment for 16 months. I went from 50% to 80% for CPAP. I feel relieved. They didn't consider 100% unemployable. However my attorney won at the BVA a couple months ago on another claim that was over 10 years old. I was told 2 - 8 months on that. I will wait and see the outcome of that. Keep fighting. This really teaches patience. vet12

6604 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy. 100 FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit) 60 FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 56- to 65-percent predicted 30 FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 66- to 80-percent predicted 10 I had a Pulmonary Function test and the tech stated on my report that " The patient was unable to produce acceptable and reproducible lung volume due to Hyperventilating and not being able to settle down. Spirometry data is acceptable and repeatable 2 puffs Albuterol MDI given with spacer and instruction. Good effort." FVC shows an 87% and FEV1 shows an 95%.(Spirometry) DLCO shows an 87% and DL Adj shows 87% (Diffusing Capacity (DLCO)) FVC shows an 87% and FVC1 SHOWS 87% (Spirometry Tabular Results) I am assuming an 87% after medication (Albuterol) but unable to complete test otherwise. 80% is the starting point for a 10% if I a reading correctly. I wasn't able to complete the test. Is this grounds for a claim? The tech said I had given a "Good Effort". I am presently at 0% for COPD. Any advice would be appreciated. vet12

Congrats! Rest, relax and take a deep breath. You earned it! vet12

Rpowell, I take the same meds as you but take lower doses. I also have problems with my back.. I tried two different choirpractors, VA PT and finally went to our local hospital for tips on using a pool, I joined our city Rec center and use their pool for back exercises. It has reduced the pain shooting down my legs. I still have lots of pain but not as bad as it was. A heat pad helps some. I saw a pain specialist recently at the VA and he said "look at your age". I know a lot of people my age who don't have my back problems. He also said to do yoga 3-7 times weekly. The local hospital told me not to exercise if I was in pain. I also take Vicitan (mispelled) when needed. I hope you find some relief. Quality of life isn't very good being in so much pain. vet12

If it turns out you can't work and receive 100% then an option could be to volunteer. There must be a lot of positions available for teachers. vet12

We went direct deposit over a year ago. Sometimes the money is in my account within several days, sometimes much longer. Of course I get the reduced rate but last time it was reduced about 20% more. I'm getting to the point that it isn't worth it. I walk with a cane and it pretty painful standing in the long lines. vet12

They changed mine from gathering of evidences to decision approval. They then changed the completion date back a couple months. vet12

Broncovet, I checked; no change. Good idea; will keep an eye on it. Jbasser, My thinking was the same as yours but I was hoping for more. Thanks,vet12

PR, Thanks. Wait and see time vet12

E benefits states "pending decision approval". Would a denial need an approval? I have been waiting over 15 months for a decision. I am trying to think positive. Thanks, vet12

I got the shingles vaccine a few months back at the VA. No one ever mentioned it but when I requested it, they gave it to me. I saw my doc at the VA a couple days ago and asked about the Pneumonia shot. He said it had been over 5 years since I had had one so they gave me another one, however warned me to not ever take another one. Supposedly you can have only 2 in your lifetime. He also asked when the last time I had a tetanus shot. I couldn't remember so I got one of those as well. I guess we have to ask. vet12

PR, Thanks. I thought it may take awhile for results to be posted but I was hoping I was wrong. vet12 Berta, Thanks as always. You have helped me a lot in the past. I knew the attorney and I would receive the results but I wanted to be prepared when the results does come down. It has been a long time. I guess it teaches patience. vet12

If someone has hired an attorney; what website would one go to to find results of the case? Everywhere I look doesn't show any results for 2013. Is it me or maybe nothing has been posted this year. Thanks vet12

At Ft. Bragg in 1966 we were given shots by the gun. I remember blood flowing down my arm so the DIs made us do push ups. This was suppose to stop the bleeding or so we were told. vet12

T-Bird, Congrats! I know he or she will be a best bud to you. vet12

Congrats. I'm waiting for my claim to be processed now. vet12

Just an update. I received a call from the VA this morning and I will be getting a new machine. I knew the report was incorrect because I had not missed a night of using it. vet12

Well, I had my annual CPAP appointment today. Last year they told me I had missed 25 nights of using it and that I only used it for 4 hours a night. I didn't agree but said nothing. I faithfully used it every night since for at least 7 hours. I have a claim in for it so you know I will do whatever it takes. So today I asked about usage of the CPAP. She showed me the report that I only used it 4 hours per night and that I didn't use it for 344 night within the last year. I was furious. I said her program was wrong. She said nothing was wrong with the program. I said then the CPAP is wrong then she said the CPAP was fine. So I said then you are saying I lied. She said yes. I asked for her name which she didn't like and said to go ahead and complain about her. I assured her I would. I asked for another CPAP because it was wrong. She said I could get one next year. I said and you will get the same results too. I was told that I have severe sleep Apnea and I'm supposed to trust this machine. I just sent my Senator an email. They have helped me twice before. I hope you all have better luck with your CPAP. vet12