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vmo
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Posts posted by vmo
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66 yr old Vietnam vet. 20 months incountry. Recently diagnosed prostate cancer. TDIU &P&T rated 100% over 11 years.
Why file for service connection for prostate cancer when I've already been drawing 80%, 100% TDIU for other conditions? Also, if I do file requesting s/c for prostate---will they (VA) mess with my existing rating?
Does it even make sense to file?
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Federal student loan- forgiveness of debt: Does this only apply to the vet's student loan or are dependents student loans---also forgiven?? I am 100% P/T with no student loan, but oldest daughter does have.
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War time service requirement is correct and is the first requirement that must be met.. At least one day of war time service--90 days or more continous active duty other than for training purposes. Also, income from all sources count against it. Such as Social Security (gross), private pensions (gross), interest income, wages, ----and spouses income. Some war time vets initially do not qualify because their income is too high, but later "do" qualify when admitted as nursing home patients. In my county (OHIO) the local Medicaid Office (not Medicare) does an automatic referral to the local Veterans Office to determine VA Pension eligibility. This is because the VA considers the high unreimbursed cost of the nursing home patient care (medical expenses). In addition, some Vets/widows qualify if admitted to "assisted living" facility. In closing, don't forget that widows of wartime vets may have eligibility under this same VA Pension Law. However, all this is moot unless the vet or widow meets the wartime eligibility requirement. Just some basics, hope it helps.
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Bases loaded, bottom of the 9th, "Hadit" is up to bat,---smash!! Another grand slam home run. Hadit, you guys/girls did it again.
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Direct deposit came Tuesday, 6-figure retro VA Comp. Filing retro Chapter 35 for my 3 kids which will probably cause me overpayment in VA Comp---as VA paid me for them as dependents. Both daughters have already graduated college and hopefully will get a huge retro Chapter 35 dependents education check--each. In addition, my son is still in college, he should get retro plus a continueing award. I feel so so fortunate. Obviously, this is making my retirement much more comfortable than I expected. **Again, I credit much of my success from what I've learned aboard Hadit. Again, thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experience.
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Yup, you should be eligible. I was just granted TDIU this past Friday and today (Monday), I received letter and pamphlet about buying more (S-DVI)Service-Disabled Life Insurance (also referred to as "RH" insurance). You have 2-years from the date VA grants your new service connected disability. You can call the VA Insurance Center Philadelphia if you do not hear anything or quesstions at: 1-800-669-8477.
See correction:
***My thanks to those who clarified what I posted above. I did receive new additional service connection which is what qualified me to apply for additional SDVI (RH) insurance. The TDIU granted at the same time- did not qualify me, the additional condition granted, did. Thanks!
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On April 1st, I received a call from the VA Physician who gave me my last comp exam. The exam was lost-missing from the VAMC computer. I did not fault the physician, but I was really upset with the VA computer system---another victim. ***Today, I checked my mail. Brown envelope from VARO. Letter inside notified me of s/c increase up to 80% and they granted TDIU 100% P & T-- a way back, I mean way back to 2005, when I last worked. Should be getting some 6-figure $$. Daughter is Podiatrist in her first year residency, other daughter is Registered Nurse, and my son is a junior at University of Akron. I am hoping to get some retro Chapter 35 Dependents Educational Assistance for all three of them. This Sunday morning at my church's sunrise service, this old Marine will bend a knee and give thanks.
*****Hadit gang: Tbird, Moderators, Elders, I read your posts,
all of you--thank you so much. (Also, Larry, yooo-hooo, LARRY!! It was your repeated posts of telling vets to file for TDIU that caught my interest, see some of us listened to you---I filed and I got it. Thanks, Semper Fi!).*Again, all of you----thank you so much!
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"If" you are already 0% service connected for the knee, you have won the first battle with the VA (war). You need to establish as much as possible a continuity of treatment of the knee disability (especially if not already service connected). You referred to a "limp" which is an "altered gate" (the way you walk). The limp can cause you a host of other problems---such as problems with the other knee and/or back pain. Xrays, MRI, surgery records, and orthopedic opinions are crucial to your claim. Do not accept "no" from the VA, pursue your claim (aggressively). *Example: I started out in 1971 at 0% rating for a knee injury---now 70%, pending 100 (after two knee and one spine surgery). However, it has taken a lot of MRI's, Xrays, orthopedic, neurological, opinions/surgery records (plus multiple VA exams) to get there. Prior posts from others here at Hadit have given you some great information/direction. Read, read, and read.
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NSLI: -National Service Life Insurance was established in 1940, (just prior War II). Was issued 1940 thru 1951, issued while on active duty. It could be continued after discharge/seperation and you paid continued premiums.
S-DVI: Service Disabled Veterans Insurance, also referred to as "RH". Started in 1951 and continues thru today. It is only availabe to veterans with a service connected disability. *I believe you have 2-years from the date granted service connection to apply. You can later become eligible to apply (again) if/when later on you are granted service connection for additional disability(s). **Also,a veteran who is insured under S-DVI and has been granted a waiver ofpremiums for totally disability is eligible to "supplemental" insurance up to $20,000.(before age 65)
SGLI: -Servicemen Group Life Insurance started in 1965 to meet the needs of Vietnam era vets while on active duty, and still in existance.
VGLI: -Vetrerans Group Life Insurance established in 1974, still in existance, provides term insurance to vets after seperation. You could convert SGLI active duty--- to VGLI at military seperation.
Question: When were you released active duty? Are you service connected %, and has it been with in two years of date you were granted service connection??
**Just basic info----I hope it helps a little.
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I appreciate the post of the recent BVA decision concerning PTSD,--informative and quite helpful. It is a clone (except for the hem's) of my recent PTSD/mood disorder claim. VARO is denying me SC for PTSD, even though awarded (Marine) CAR-Combat Action Ribbon. It appears they will grant service connection for Dysthymic Disorder(mood disorder) due to SC orthopedic ailments. I have not yet received the VA award letter as there are other issues pending. Realizing they can only compensate me for one, not both----I wonder if it makes any sence to pursue the PTSD??
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I am sc both knees for arthr. The VA raters will look for: (in addition to arthritis) excess fore and aft movement, lateral instability, cartilage tear, and restricted (limited) motion from pain , etc. *You can receive a seperate rating for each. Also, whether it is "tramatic arthritis"(injury) or "degenerative arthritis" (age,wear,tear,of life) usually will not make much difference. You do not need your military service records as you are already service connected. However, if they (VA) do not have records of surgery "after" military service---VA will need them. *A current written orthopedic physician statement supported by xray and MRI copies is what you need,(provided the statement shows increase in severity of the knee residuals).
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flhtci: Welcome aboard. You are in the right LZ now----many helpful people here at Hadit (a lot of knowledge and experience). *I think it is very important that all Viet vets see a "urologist" at least once per year. Get PSA blood work and digital exam. This should be done in addition to your regular family (primary care) physician. I am sorry to hear you were not aware of the prostate cancer associated to Vietnam service back in 2007. **I have often thought the VARO's should send referral letters to "all" oncology centers across the United States----. Informing them of the Vietnam Agent Orange cancers/diseases, requesting the oncology centers/hospitals to refer veterans to VA to file VA Compensation (or followup medical care if needed). In closing, when I left military service in 1971, after 4 yrs, there was nothing about Agent Orange illnesses available. The problem is not just being informed at military separation, but keeping us continually updated and informed about these illnesses. Finally, process and pay the dang claims in a reasonable amount of time.
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File, file, and file as soon as possible for the lung cancer----forget about the cigarettes and "NO" time limit. What type skin condition and was he treated for it on active duty? Regardless, get the lung cancer claim filed-ASAP. **If you are not comfortable doing the application on your own, you may want to seek out a County or State Veterans service officer. Or possibly some one thru the DAV, VFW, Legion, AMVET. **What state are you from and where is the nearest VA Regional Office to you??
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VA will waive premiums if you become totally disabled from any condition before your 65th birthday and remain totally disabled for 6 or more consecutive months. The percentage of your disability does not determine if the VA will approve your application. You do not have to be P & T. You do have to notify the VA if you return to work. You are entitled to waiver of premiums as long as you remain totally disabled for insurance purposes.
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edding,
If your C&P was done at a VAMC - you can probably get a copy by going to
their Release Of Information (ROI) office, showing your ID and signing their form
to get a copy of the C&P results.
This might help: I live 80 miles from the VAMC that has done most of my C&P exams. I live 17 miles from the local VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic. **I just drive to the local VA Clinic cause it is so much closer, which has access to all of my C&P exams done 80 miles away at the VAMC. I sign a release, they download them and give me copies. Saves a lot of driving.
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JohnO. Did you ever have a spinal tap or a nerve biopsy??
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Pete is correct. My first letter from the VARO when I requested TDIU....."Please note that a claim for individual unemployability is taken as an increase in all of your service connected disabilities."
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One of my serv connected disability's is my spine. The VA denied me by ruling my spine condition as "congenital" In addition(fortunately) I have two major medical insurance plans, plus the VAMC. VA neurologist ruled "congenital". The orthopedic spine surgeon, three neurologists (all non VA) ruled the spinal condition as "not" congenital. BVA granted me service connection. **Study/research your spinal condition. If possible- try to obtain opinions from private neurologists/orthopedic physicians specializing in problems of the spine--as I prior mentioned, they usually want a current MRI. Others (Hadit) have posted some great info for you. Granted,if your condition is actually congenital, then pursue the aggravation route.
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The VA loves to label a spine diagnosis as "congenital". Which means you had it at birth or a very young age. Therefore, they (VA) deny you service connection. However, if you were treated for the spine condition while on active duty---you can still have a chance of being granted service connection--due to aggravation---even if it is congenital. *I strongly suggest a private MRI of the spine provided you have insurance. Also, I do not see in the exam you posted, that any findings/impressions mention any thing about an injury(?)
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The past 40 years, I've used the DAV,Legion, and AMVETs. Not much help or folow-up from any one of the three. Again, as I have mentioned to many, it is not which organization helps/represents you with your claim, it is the "individual" they employ. The last advice they gave me was to be happy when my sc was increased from 10 to 20%. I quit listening to them and started reading Hadit. Dang, I've gone from 20 to 70%----currently pending TDIU with a pretty strong claim.
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hedgey: Please refer to same site again. Go to the M21-1MR, PartIV, Section F---see Item 28c. on page 18. (This is the VA Adjudication's Manual.) **Concerning TDIU(IU), I believe they no longer send the 4140 at age 69, or totally disabled due to unemployability 20 yrs continous, or are now 100% schedular. #Hope this helps.
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I was told that 70% paying at100% IU was the same as 70% paying at 100% TDIU ON this forum by an elder. Still need the PT stamp to be permanent and total----- A' m I wrong ??????
The same. TDIU/IU are used for the same meaning. See Jim Strickland's new site at: vawatchdogtoday.org
It contains a nice explanation concerning the above.
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The EMG results are pretty strong evidence the VA uses to verify the extent of numbness-tingling-burning of the lower and/or upper extremity's. The EMG did take almost two hours (they examine muscles and nerves) and was uncomfortable/some minor needle stick pain invloved. I had the lower extremity done recently and went from 10 to 40%----Because of left leg radiculopathy. The lower extremity EMG I had recently was done by the VA C& P. I am soon due to have a private hospital EMG of the upper extremity at civilian hospital.**I woould recommend the EMG especially if you are already service connected for the lower back. Good luck.!!
I'm in the middle of an appeal and my Veteran Service Officer is telling me that my docket number is coming up really soon. The DRO has my file and could look at it with the evidence any day now. I recently went to a follow up doctors appointment and I have lower back service connection, I keep having numbness in my right leg, also my appeal is for upper back and cervical issues as well which started from an accident. My doctor is saying that he thinks its best that we address the numbness of the leg and cervical issues by having an EMG Nerve Study test done. Could this hurt me or help me is my question? Any ideas would greatly be appreciated.
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I was not aware the Marine Corps Association could assist with books. Thanks for the one up.
"Anybody know a good college online?"
You might have made a decision already but AMU offers PLENTY!
American Military University.
http://www.amu.apus.edu/index.htm
I am a proud graduate! And was student when they became Regionally accredited- which as you know- is the BIG plus.
I was second civilian enrollment and almost all professors and all of my classmates were active military.Their civilian and veteran enrollment has grown I am sure.
Please check us out.
I was under Chapter 35 and tied in right away with AMUs VA counselor.Also the Marine Corps Association will most probably give you a book grant if you attend AMU
That saved me considerable money as some texts I needed were very pricy.
Then again Voc Rehab should cover your text books.
I was able to transfer most of my prior credits over to AMU for my degree.
Having been both on traditional campus as well as online college- I would say that on line college ,while it has it's benefits- can be VERY hard work.
Also many of my online exams had to be proctored.
And my PC had to be up to snuff and full compatible with AMUs requirements.
You learn how to be protective of your time too as being in college on line, to some people, can easily be interrupted for phone calls and unexpected company-
but it cant.
Good luck- whatever school you pick will be a great experience for you -I am sure.
all of you--thank you so much. (Also, Larry, yooo-hooo, LARRY!! It was your repeated posts of telling vets to file for TDIU that caught my interest, see some of us listened to you---I filed and I got it. Thanks, Semper Fi!).
VMO - How is Lung Cancer rated? One lung positive.
in VA Disability Claims Research
Posted
How is Lung Cancer rated? One lung positive.