vmo

What county/state are you living in? Forget the DAV,VFW, etc.,most are worthless. ---but your "County Veterans Service Officer" should definitely be returning your calls.

"A capacity for childlike wonder carried into adult life typifies the creative person".---Kaiser News I hear and I forget I see and I remember I do and I understand ----------Chinese Proverb

The knee I can comment on as I am in the same boat. Torn cartilage(UNLESS DISLOCATED,ETC.)or ACL is not actually what they rate you on. What I mean is they (VA) rate the instability, locking clicking, subluxation, osteoarthritis--limited motion and pain. If you are already rated for slight "instability" of the knee (Diagnostic code 5257) is 10%, and 20% for moderate, or 30% for severe instability. *You can receive multiple ratings for a knee injury. Example: if you find on Xray that you now have arthritis in the knee you can receive a second rating in addition to instability. Suggestion: review the following diagnostic codes: (5256 Knee, ankylosis of), (5260 Leg, limitation of flexion of), (5261 Leg, limitation of extension of), and (Tibia and fibula, impairment of). In closing, if/when you have or had any knee surgery---remember to reopen your claim for a higher compensable rating.

I checked my direct deposit account. My stimulus check $250 was deposited on June 30, and my VA Comp, July 1st. This will make a small dent in the tuition bill for the University of Akron (my son). Regardless, I'm using it for something positive and I am very thankful.

I think IMO's are not that beneficial (in most not all cases) when dealing with the VA, as physician does not actually examine the Vet. However, an IME with review of C-file referenced to--is far more valuable (as the physician actually examined the Vet and reviewed C-file). I used Dr. Bash for an IMO which I believe overall, was beneficial--but expensive. In addition, I used quite a number of other medical specialists, that were just as beneficial. Dr. Bash's "forte" is he knows the VA language and what they look/or don't look for. **My two cents worth: if I was to use Dr. Bash again, it would be for an IME not an IMO. I wonder what the difference in his fee would be: IME vrs. IMO???

You can be eligible for both VA Pension and VA Compensation. The VA gives you the option of receiving the higher of the two benefits. Example: some vets elect to receive pension in lieu of comp. A few months later the vet starts to receive Social Security Disability--which is countable income against VA Pension. If the Soc. Security Disability income is high enough--it knocks him/her out of VA Pension. *If he/she has 20 year protection--the VA Compensation percentage/money is reinstated by VARO. If you do not have the 20 yr protection, the VARO may request re-examination before reinstating the VA Comp. Second example: a vet could be 10% service connected for hemmrhoids which is not P/T, but suffers non-service connected severe spinal arthritis which qualifies him/her as P/T for VA Pension. **Permanent and total for VA Pension is a different evaluation. As correctly prior mentioned---at age 65 you meet the P/T requirement for VA Pension. Age 65 or even 95,--age has nothing to do with VA Comp rating, just your service connected disability(s). Also, remember VA Pension requires WarTime Service, VA Comp does not. I am sure there are other questions/scenarios to look at. I hope this helps a little.

Just to add to what your talking about. Marines referred to their "daily log" as a "UNIT DIARY REPORT". Probably the Navy used the same term. Not sure what term USAF/USA used.

Skin cancer is classified by the type of skin cells in which it develops: basal cells or squamous cells. Most basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers can be cured but, if left until late, can cause significant disfigurement. Most often a skin cancer is removed by surgery, along with some of the skin around it.People treated for skin cancer should be re-examined by a doctor regularly so that cancer can be detected early if it returns. **Melanoma (a third type) skin cancer is far less common but far more serious than basal or squamous cell cancers. "The Merck Manual of Health & Aging", 2004 by Merck & Co., Inc. **I do not see basal,squamous, or melanoma cancer (all skin cancers) listed on any of the Agent Orange diseases recognized by the VA as connected to Agent Orange Exposure. (Thanks "Wings" for catching my oversight).

You know I never noticed the DAV does not sale items for women vets. I wonder if the other somewhat worthless orgs., do the same?? May be they are not aware that women have and currently do serve well in the military? Thanks for bringing this to my attention. May be we can not tell them that women serve in the military----cause they won't answer their dang phones!! I wonder how far I can skip this life membership card on the water---not far enough. Any body have tin snips?

I have life membership in DAV, AMVETs, VFW, & American Legion. Lately, after some 15 or so months--I had not contacted my service org.,(AMVETs) concerning my NOD/DRO which has been pending with the VA for over a year. All I wanted from the AMVET S.O. was a "status" check. I can understand him not returning my calls as it probably pissed him off cause I called him after 15 months. My county VSO has been great, but not the AMVET S.O.--- #From what I see, a lot of Vets are suffering the same fate as me. No service from the Veterans Service Officers from the large organizations!! **From this day forward, Christmas cards, address labels, calendars, donations, etc., from the no show/No return call organizations above---will receive a proper burning in my back yard. Prior to this, I was never in favor of hiring Attorneys. Now, attorneys sure look great to me. I definitely will hire attorney when SOC is received. I am becoming every bit as frustrated with the (no)"service organizations" as I am with the VARO. My suggestion is this: the Veteran Service Organizations forgo their expensive National Conventions this summer---take this money and retrain their current VSO's about (1)claims(2)ethics(3)empathy---or may be start firing a few!!

*I used the Veterans Employment Representative, US Dept Of Labor--Check thru the local Ohio Bureau Unemployment Office or your county CVSO, they should have a contact number. However, this could be the same as ESGR person, hopefully different.

The bullet coming at you does not know if you are a volunteer, draftee,male, female, white, black , high school drop out, high school grad, college grad, rich man-poor man, or the son of a general or congressman, christian, jewish, atheist, catholic, but when the bullet stikes, its job is to destroy any or all of the above. It makes no difference when the bullet strikes if it is in Korea, Vietnam, World War I or II, Iraq, or Afghanistan. My point is: a soldier is a soldier, a sailor is a sailor, an airman is an airman, and a marine is a marine!! The common virtue is that we are all "veterans". The anti-everybody's, love to have veterans groups and veterans era's fighting among themselves. No matter where or when you served, with who, or what you did---do not let those on the outside destroy us from within. *We are at a very dangerous time in our country's history. The economy sucks, plants are closing, and the VA is on the verge of a "Perfect Storm". Close ranks, watch your flank, and keep your powder dry---cause baby it's not over.

I am just so curious what is happening out there. What takes longer? DRO personal Hearing "or" DRO DeNovo Review?? Or is there really any difference in time??? I do agree that a vet stands a chance of a more positive out come by attending a personal hearing. I am naive, I just believed that a well versed person reviewing my claim would have to agree they low balled me on my spinal rating. The evidence is of face value. The problem is the VA people are instructed to look for any--just any--reason for denial or low rating, and base it on that. (Regardless of how much supportive evidence the Vet has). **I just checked and need to correct my prior post. I submitted my request for DRO De Novo review in April, 2008, it was not until Nov. 2008,(not Sept.) the VA finally responded that they received my claim for review. I sincerely believe the Dept of Veterans Affairs has imploded--destroyed itself from within. The VA has imploded by awarding bonuses for executive/supervisor/section chief/director/manager, etc., efficiency--when those people obviously failed--and now we see and suffer the result--they failed miserably and were rewarded for it.**Is it not like paying your dentist for pulling the wrong tooth. May be next time I'll tip the bartender when I find a piece of chewed gum in the bottom of my beer glass, that's not mine.

What gets my goat is, I have not called the AMVETS S.O. for over a year. I guess I could understand him not calling back if I was a recurrent pest. The last I called the AMVETs was near 15 months ago. What is odd is I was under the asumption that a DRO personal Hearing takes longer--which led me to choose the DeNovo review. When all is said and done, does it really make any difference??

The VARO loves to low ball vets on their spine ratings. You will probably get 100% for a short period time, then 10-20% there after. **Also, be aware of the "bedrest" requirement they use for IVDS, which is bull. I've have yet to see a physician prescribe it. The Dr. will want you up and about. Some Drs. recommend physical therapy and many just recommend walk, walk, walk. Bedrest is just not a common prescription for recovery----and I believe the VA knew that, the rating code sucks because of that requirement. The older rating criteria was much more fair and accurate.

Did you already apply for VA auto allowance? You should get a one time payment of up to $11000(not sure of current rate). You only get the car allowance one time from the VA. However, they (VA) will pay for in future to transfer,repair, or replace adaptive equipment from old auto to new when you buy another. Contact the VARO or VAMC in your area as usually the VA has a coordinator who handles/assist you with this.

You should receive 100% convalescent from each surgery--past and current. You need to submit a Dr. statement on how long off work because of surgery. Also, I think you received good advice to consider filing TDIU. *I received at least two months at 100% when I had spinal fusion surgery. Good luck!

Sometimes it can be advantageous to go ahead and file for additional conditions when you are 100%. My point is, your spouse is not guaranteed DIC at your death unless you have been rated 100% for 10 continuous years prior to death, unless the condition is service connected or a factor in the death. After 10 years you can be hit with a car and die, spouse gets DIC. Before 10 years you must die of a sc condition or a factor there of. So, you might consider still filing for conditions until you have drawn 100% for at least 10 years. Just food for thought.

If you are a Vet married to a Vet(both WarTime Service?), you may want to file VA Pension A&A as Vet married to Vet. If Medicaid is involved, you can keep more of your income than if you were on VA Comp. Our County Veterans Service Officers are well versed in this in Ohio--check with your CVSO if you have them in your state. You can request to receive VA Pension in lieu of VA Compensation if it is to your benefit.

I filed for DRO DeNovo review (no Hearing) in April, 2008. I received a short VA letter late Sept. 2008, they "received my claim". Nothing since, not even a kiss goodnight. I suppose in a few more months I should receive the customary kick in the b-lls or perchance a drum roll. *Oh yes! Tried the VA toll free---boy were they nasty. Second mistake, tried the AMVETS--they never returned my calls, sound familiar?? Service Officer has now progressed to: ServiceLess Officer Or De-No Service Officer.

Go to Hadit 's home page. See Compensation & Pension Examination Worksheet. This will give you an idea of the examination the VA Physician will do on you. Also, look for (in claim section or just type in "spine claim repository" under search) the "Spine Claim Repository" which has some great information that is very helpful--which was posted by "Rentalguy1".

I do not believe you need to worry about the correct diagnostic codes at this point, that will come later. You need to get the claim filed-ASAP. However, I do believe it is important to list the conditions you are requesting service connection for. You appear to have conditions in all three spinal sections: lumbar, thoracic, and cervical. You could list the conditions pretty much just like you have when you posted on here for all to read. If your records and nexus statements support what you have listed--you are off to a good start.

Just some info on submitting proof of marriage to the VA. Marriage license is not proof of a marriage, a marriage "certificate" is. A marriage license authorizes you to get married. A marriage certificate is proof that you were actually married. In many states--a marriage license and a marriage certificate are two completely separate documents: one authorizes marriage, the other is proof of it. Example: in the State of Ohio you obtain a marriage license which is good for 60 days. When the minister/official actually marries you, the minister/official submits a form to the Clerk Of Courts(I believe) who then issues a marriage certificate--which proves a marriage was performed. Many other states are similar. However, to confuse the matter somewhat, in some states the marriage license and certificate are all on the same form. Such as: the license is at the top of the form, the second half of the form is then completed as the "marriage certificate". **Also, if your spouse received VA Comp which included you as wife, your marriage is "already of VA record" in your husband's VA Claim's file. However, you might as well resubmit it as the the VA claims people never bother to look.

"Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival."----Winston Churchill (1940). (Veni, vidi, vici)--"I came, I saw, I conquered".---Julius Caesar Berta: your hard work and determination is a true inspiration for us all. Today, a "star of Hadit" shines even brighter. You've done your husband--proud.

If the VA already has definitive medical records from what they originally granted the service connected condition for--then possibly the death certificate might be enough. However, in your case you appear to be dealing with at least two primary cancer site's: (1)laryngeal (2)pancreatic, that became metastatic to the spine. He was service connected for #1, not #2. Submitting the death certificate is of course the first thing the VA looks at, but be prepared for a battle and/or request from the VARO for hospital/physician treatment records. Cause of death some times needs further explanation beyond the certified death certificate. I don't want to sound pessimistic, just realistic. However, if when reviewing the death certificate and medical records---the VA rules that it was the original laryngeal cancer that progressed to the pancreas, you should not have any problem getting the VA to approve DIC. *I think Pete gave good advice, don't go it alone, you may want to seek assistance from a VSO (veterans service officer).