vet12

I received a CPAP from the VA in 04. Once I received the machine I went several years without being seen by the VA. I had other health issues going on so I didn't think about it. Finally they sent me an appointment which I went to. I was told I should be seen yearly. I don't know who dropped the ball. Anyhow I go yearly now. They furnish me with whatever supplies I need. vet12

Justrlux thanks. Basically I want this nurse to get some training or leave the job. Some veterans are in pain and should not have to endure someone who wants an argument or has to repeat questions. Another nurse told me this nurse was new to the position but when I asked her; she said no, I'm not new. I don't want to be treated special. A lot of veterans are having one or many health issues. This should be taken in consideration. I have a number of health problems. After I answered her question she basically called me a liar. I don't want to make a big deal out of it but I don't want to be in more pain when I leave the appointment than when I arrived. If I have to see this nurse again and have problems, I will contact my Senator. There is no excuse for such behavior. vet12

I had an appointment yesterday at the VA. Everyone has always been really nice until yesterday. I went in to see the nurse prior to the doctor 's appointment. I had never seen this nurse before. She started asking questions, and when she asked me about pain; I said about a 6 on a 10 level. I told her that I was in pain about 90% of the time. She then asked if I was in pain on a seldom basis or all the time? I said about 90% would be closer to all the time but there has to be somewhere in between seldom and all the time. She replied and said, "no, they are the only choices and she couldn't put done all the time because it wasn't true". I told her to put whatever she wanted because she would anyway. She then proceeded to repeat her questions. I answered but said that I had already answered that before.She also left the room a couple of times to find out something about the computer.I asked if she was new and of course she said no. I asked for her name and she very proudly told me. When I came in my back was hurting, I had a head ache and knee pain. After talking to her, my head felt like it was coming off my shoulders. Finally another nurse came in and I explained said I couldn't take this anymore. So the new nurse took me to the doctor's office. Of course the other nurse denied everything. I have spoken with the patient advocate before about another issue and got nowhere. That time I contacted my Senator and I got full satisfaction. I had waited 6 months for a medical records request. I don't want to contact my Senator over this. I have claims in and I feel my records should reflect how my health actually is. I apologize for this being so long. vet12

Berta, I wish you the best. I also would liked to thank you for all the help you have given me. vet12

That's a lot of stress gone. Congrats! vet12

Carlie, Thank you. That eases my mind. Now to be patient on the claim. vet12

I have a claim in that goes back to 2003. Of course I am hoping to win it. I was thinking I would get back pay to 2003 if I did. However I was at the VA hospital today talking with a vet. He says retro pay only goes back 4 years now. Is that correct? Thanks, vet12

Berta, I have attorneys working on another old claim. They are working on 100%. This claim goes back a number of years.I had originally asked for TDIU back then but never filed Form 21-8940. If I file 21-8940 now, will that interfere in anyway with my old claim? Thanks, vet12

Berta, Thanks vet12

I hope I posted in the right section. I have several questions.I received a copy of my QTC Exam. The doctor stated "I have reviewed the conflicting medical evidence and am providing the following opinion. It is at least equally likely as not that the patient's current ......... is resultant from military related ........." He also said"The claimed condition was at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event, or illness." In my opinion this is very positive for me. A few years back, I had asked for unemployablity. Of course I was turned down because my other claims was turned down and I wasn't at 70%. However if the above condition is approved, I would go over 70%. Would the VA automatically consider me as not being able to work or do I have to request it again? The doctor also stated in the QTC Exam, "Does the Veteran's ............ impact his or her ability to work? Yes". Thanks for any opinions. vet12

Cooter, I got my Cpap several years ago and had lots of problems.I still have some problems. However at least now I don't jump out of the bed gasping for breath.That is a scary situration. I have heard stories of people dying in their sleep. That is enough of a reason for me to endure any problems that the Cpap could cause. I had a colonoscopy recently and the VA made me use my Cpap during the procedure. So the Cpap is pretty important to me. vet12

Cooter, Thanks. Good advice. vet12

Cooter, That was my feeling exactly. I had my exam in February. I guess I will hear something in the 105 day period. Just need to keep my mind on other things. Thanks, vet12

I am rated 0% for lung disease. I use a CPAP machine. I have a claim in for CPAP secondary to the lung disease. What are my chances of approval? Thanks vet12

If it doesn't work out to your satifaction with the VA, could you volunteer in some type of teaching capacity? Then maybe it could be a win/win for you. jmo vet12

Thanks Carlie. Good Advice. vet12

TB vet12

I am approved 0% for COPD by the VA. I have Sleep Apnea using a CPAP machine since 2005. Sometimes I don't think straight due to my medications or old age. But today it dawned on me that there may be a connection. All research so far speak of them being overlaping syndrome. I was thinking maybe COPD caused my Sleep Apnea. That doesn't seem to be the case. Any comments would be appreciated. vet12

I received this in an eMail from a friend. 108 Stores with Senior Discounts Gone are the days of your grandmother’s “early bird special” at the local diner. As our baby boomers reach retirement age, hundreds of retailers are featuring new and improved discounts exclusively for the 60 and older crowd. We have composed a list of senior savings that will help you keep more cash in your pocket. Whoever said getting older was a bad thing, obviously didn’t know about these fantastic senior discounts! Restaurants • Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+) • Arby’s: 10% off (55+) • Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+) • Bennigan’s: discount varies by location • Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+) • Boston Market: 10% off (65+) • Burger King: 10% off (60+) • Captain D’s Seafood: discount varies on location (62+) • Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+) • Chili’s: 10% off (55+) • CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+) • Culver’s: 10% off (60+) • Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+) • Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+) • Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+) • Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter (55+) • Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+) • Golden Corral: 10% off (60+) • Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+) • IHOP: 10% off (55+) • Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+) • KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+) • Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+) • Long John Silver’s: various discounts at participating locations (55+) • McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday (55+) • Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+) • Shoney’s: 10% off • Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+) • Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+) • Subway: 10% off (60+) • Sweet Tomatoes 10% off (62+) • Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+) • TCBY: 10% off (55+) • Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+) • Village Inn: 10% off (60+) • Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+) • Wendy’s: 10% off (55+) • White Castle: 10% off (62+) Retail and Apparel • Banana Republic: 10% off (50+) • Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+) • Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+) • Big Lots: 10% off • Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+) • C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+) • Clarks : 10% off (62+) • Dress Barn: 10% off (55+) • Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location) • Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location) • Kmart: 20% off (50+) • Kohl’s: 15% off (60+) • Modell’s Sporting Goods: 10% off • Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions • Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+) • The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+) • Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+) Grocery • Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+) • American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+) • Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+) • DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+) • Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+) • Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+) • Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+) • Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+) • Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+) • Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location) • Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location) • Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+) • The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+) • Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+) • Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+) • Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 5% off (62+) Travel • Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+) • Alamo: up to 25% off for AARP members • American Airlines: various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking for discount) • Amtrak: 15% off (62+) • Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members • Best Western: 10% off (55+) • Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+) • Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+) • Clarion: 20%-30% off (60+) • Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+) • Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+) • Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations • Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+) • Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+) • Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members • Greyhound: 5% off (62+) • Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance • Hertz: up t0 25% off for AARP members • Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+) • Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+) • InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+) • Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+) • Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+) • Motel 6: 10% off (60+) • Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+) • National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members • Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+) • Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+) • Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+) • Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount) • Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up • United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount) • U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount) Activities & Entertainment • AMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+) • Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+) • Busch Gardens Tampa : $3 off one-day tickets (50+) • Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+) • Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off • U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+) • Regal Cinemas: 30% off • Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket (55+) • SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+) Cell Phone Discounts • AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+) • Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50+) • Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+) *Check out our Secret Cell Phone Discountsto view all cell phone discounts available to you! Miscellaneous • Great Clips: $3 off hair cuts (60+) • Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+) Since many senior discounts are not advertised to the public, our advice to men and women over 55 is to ALWAYS ask a sales associate if that store provides a senior discount. That way, you can be sure to get the most bang for you buck. Looking for a printable version of our list of discounts for seniors? We’ve got you covered! Click this link to view, then just hit “Print” in your browser: Printable Version: 108 Stores with Senior Discounts (PDF, 141 KB)

I had a problem with the VA Hospital. I called the Patient Advocate. He left me a message that he called the people causing the problem. It did no good. I called him back several times before I finally found him in his office. He told me he was at a loss of words as to what to do. I connected my Representative which didn't help so I contacted my Senator. Not only did the Va Hospital call right away but 3 days later I had what I wanted in the mail. Good luck. vet12

I was on it for about 5 years. I had a lump in my breast with pain. After I started taking it the lump went away. I was on patches, then gel, then shots. The doctor jacked up my prescription so high I started having bad dreams and panic attacks. Of course the doctor took no responsibility for it. I quit taking it and the bad dreams and panic attacks went away. That was a year ago. I started having pains again. This time I went to a VA doctor. He told me that he has seen many bad side effects from the shots. Today my new prescription came in the mail.I'm going back to the gel (a new type). I will start again tonight. Keep an eye on the shot side effects. Chemo caused my low testosterone per the doctor.Plus I am getting older. I just got another mammogram which came out negative. The lady who gave me the mammogram said more and more men are getting breast cancer. Men don't get mammograms. She said her husband had a lump and it didn't clear up. He had an operation to remove it. I didn't mean to get off subject. The doctor said if it is too low it affects bone density, your waistline as well as other side effects. Good luck vet12

I have a service connection for COPD for 0%. vet12

Congrats Carolyn and E. Take time to smell the coffee. vet12

Carolyn, Not sure if the case was won or not. My buddy who told me about it has cancer himself so I really don't want to add any more on his plate. He didn't seem to know so I dropped it. Take care of E and good luck with the meds. vet12

Carolyn, If E has swollen glans please get a doctor to check it out. Keep a close eye on it. They always check my glans every time I get a check-up. vet12