Jerry_O

Not so fast there Smaj on not getting anything else. You still will receive CRDP and depending what your claim was about you may be eligible for CRSC. If you were in a combat zone is the key here. Did you ever come under a rocket attack or ground attack? Do get the full service of this site you may want to add what you were rated on and the dates you were in RVN and any campaign stars. JerryO

My surgeon said my preop and post op diagnoses of triple bypass - coronary artery disease is: Severe Coronary Artery Disease and angina pectoris. The C&P examinor said my METS were 2-3. Also work, chores, shopping, etc were all severe. And hypertension and CAD most likely caused by DMII. RVN '68 - '69. I am presently 60%. Two heart attacks, one stent replacement (that failed)(on active duty) and triple bypass within a year after being released from active duty. I am working because I have too! Does anyone have an idea if this will be a rate increase? Thanks. Jerry

Thanks all. Hanging by a thread - albeit still hanging. I truely am greatful for all of your support and kindness. Jerry

I'm just so tired! So, so, tired! I don't want a hand out. I and many, many others served before me and did far greater service. I am not a whinner, not a whimp, I am just a Vet who would like to benefit from the Federal Law. If I am not entitled to anything that happend to me while on active duty then so be it. But please, (VA) don't shame me as saying nothing was reported in your records. In my recolation we didn't have a reporter in the S**t. I take that back, I saw Walter Croncite in 1968 in Hue and in 2007 in 8th and I Tatoo. "The oath that I took when I enlisted didn't have a expriation date." JerryO

Berta - I have not received any "formal" letter or allied papers. I was told to call a lady named Darlene at my RO - St. Louis. She said my CAD is being deferred for additional paper work and my PTSD increase was denied. When I first was awarded PTSD my GAF was 50 in 1992. At my recent C&P it was 50. Just a reminder on my history. I had a heart attack while on active duty and had a heart attack and triple bypass within a year of discharge and return to retirement status. I was told perhaps my PTSD was not increased because I'm still working. But wouldn't they make a comment to that? I will let you know what the official letter states. Thank you for your concern. Jerry

Free - Because I'm upset and tired! My wife will have her breast removed in a few weeks, I had open heart surgery plus triple bypass 7 weeks ago, and I'm at the end of my rope. I just returned to retirement status from a volunteer tour of two years with mortuary and casualty affairs. I had to write synopis of death, view, and retrive personal effects. I noted Not a Notic Of Disagreement because at the time I didn't know exactly what I was writing - I was raging.

John - I have SC for Coronary Artery Disease (triple bypass and stint x2 MI), DMII, etc. I shouldn't be working but I have to since I can't seem to get a reasonable rating for for SC disabilities. I'm going to fight this. It looks like they didn't even read the report. I'm a federal employee at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. Jerry

THIS IS NOT A FORMAL NOTICE OF DISAGREEMENT. I am very confused about the recent rating results of my claim. Would you please explain some areas for me? My PTSD remained at 30% (the same since 1991 even though I have been recalled twice since that time). PTSD: Progress Note by An Le, Psy.D. Psychologist, Signed: 06/13/2007 Axis I: PTSD with secondary Major Depression Axis II: None identified Axis III: Diabetes, broken knuckle, Depression, PTSD, Pulmonary, Cardiac, Cataracts, HTN, Neuropathy, and ED Axis IV: Strained relationship with oldest son who was drug and financial problems; inadequate social support; health problems, recently moved and trying to sell old home. Axis V: Current GAF – 50-55 due to PTSD (periods of suicidal ideation or thoughts of death, depressed, isolated, flat affect, occasional panic attack, has only one friend but rarely interacts with him, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping w/o medication, anxiety). Capacity: Veteran has the capacity to manage his financial affairs. General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders: Occupational and social impairment, with 70 deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to such symptoms as: suicidal ideation; or irrelevant; near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; impaired impulse control (such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence); spatial disorientation; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a work-like setting); inability to establish and maintain effective relationships........................... ALL NOTED BY DR. LE. Occupational and social impairment with reduced 50 reliability and productivity due to such symptoms as: flattened affect; circumstantial, circumlocutory, panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty in understanding complex commands; impairment of short- and long-term memory (e.g., retention of only highly learned material, forgetting to complete tasks); impaired judgment; impaired abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships........... ALL NOTED BY DR. LE. It appears to me that the Psychologist stated I had met the criteria for 70% if not 50%. Please note – and this is not a hateful remark – the Psychologist was Vietnamese. I had a very difficult time being in the room with her as I was on edge and didn’t want to come across as a weak American. I did not tell her about my personal hygiene or finances. My wife does all the finances and my personal hygiene is lacking. I don’t think the Regional Office takes into consideration that a person of the nationally where a traumatic event took place would cause additional anguish to a personal interview. I don’t believe our returning soldiers with mental disorders would want to be interviewed with an Arabic speaking person. Just my thoughts. Also, I was wandering why my Major Depression was not considered. Or why wasn’t my PTSD associated either with my heart attack while on active duty or Diabetes. Please note in Ms. An Le’s summary she wrote: From 2004 to 2006, he worked at an EDUCATION CENTER where his job required him to visit mortuary, read synopsis of every death from OIF/OEF and select out articles from those synopses. During this time, his drinking and depression had increased. I can assure you that this was not done at a civilian EDUCATION CENTER! This was done at the DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HEADQUARTERS, Hoffman Building II, Alexander, VA while on my second tour as a volunteer. I provided my DD 214. To me it seems fundamental that the claim would be for active army trauma. I worked at the Education Center when I was recalled. I would like to draw your attention to Ms. Le’s PSYCHOSOCIAL ADJUSTMENT SINCE THE LAST EXAMINATION. JOBS. SOCIAL. MEDICAL PROBLEMS. IMPULSE CONTROL. SUMMARY STATEMENT OF CURRENT PSYCHOSOCIAL FUNCTIONAL STATUS. MEMORY IMPAIRMENT. PANIC ATTACKS. ASSESSMENT OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER. ALSO – My first PTSD examination was in 1991 in Boise, ID. Additionally I was seeking a claim in Agent Orange at that time since I was having patches of white skin appearing all over my body. I was told in 1991 that I was not in an area where AO was sprayed later this turned out to be untruthful. I was told that my claim for asbestos was denied. I never filed a claim pertaining to asbestos. Did anyone read the letter on my behalf from Mr. Bob Waechter, MA., MPA Team Leader, Vet Center, Kansas City, MO 301 E. Armour Blvd, Suite 305 Kansas City, MO 64111. Telephone (816) 753-8166 Fax (816) 753-2328. He wrote and I quote: Jerry Osborne has been seen in Individual and Group psychotherapy at the Kansas City Vet Center since September 7, 2006. He presented with symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Chronic and Severe. The letter Mr. Waechter is quite long. I asked C&P if that letter was attached and they assured me that it was. My other doctor at VA KC MO is Dr. Elizabeth Yaffee. She is the chief Psychologist for OIF/OEF vets. She has me on several medicines from PTSD and Major Depression. Also, she is considering having me undergo Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): Treating severe depression. Was she contacted? He telephone number at KC VA Medical Center is (816) 861-4700 Ext 56664 – Her secretary’s is Ext 56625. Her GAF rating for me was 45. Very Respectfully: Jerry THIS IS NOT A FORMAL NOTICE OF DISAGREEMENT

THANKS JAY. Let me find my red pen. Jerry

I called my RO to check on my claim after I was told it was deferred. This was last week. Today, I was told by the lady who answered the phone that it was "Authorized." What does that mean. I asked her and she said, "I suppose they signed it." I asked if she could tell me if the claims were approved or what was the status and she said she couldn't. Well that's a fine howdy-do. So now its just more waiting until a letter comes? My left eye is starting to twitch! JerryO

Thanks Vet - it's just trying with everything going on. I appreciate your concern

After talking with my RO I was told my CAD and 100% Temp or Permanent is being deferred. I replied that I never asked for IU. The response I received was, "We have your deferrals and are working on them at this time. No decision has been made. The reason you were looked at for individual unemployability is that your disabilities may keep you from working. Therefore, we consider you for that." This was Jul 23. I called the toll free number to ask where my claim/deferment is. Nobody knows, or at least no one I talked with. C&P in Kansas City doesn't know. I was told RO may expidite this as my wife is going in for radical mascetomy the middle of August and will quit work shortly after, (using all sick and normal leave first). Bottom line it's getting crunch time - any suggestions on how I can get some action on this? Thanks - Jerry

Donnie - This is a great board and you will get advice from many senior monitors. However, I need to tell you to run not walk to a local VFW, DAV, AMVETS, or American Legion to obtain a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). In return they will guide you to obtain whatever benefits you are entitled to. I wish you well - and WELCOME TO HADIT.COM! Keep the faith brother and thank you for serving. Jerry O.

Carlie - Thank you for finding this info for me. This is an assumption on my part but - since my coronary heart disease coupled with DMII PN HTN and PTSD has increased in severity since my last rating in 1991 and since the heart attack was while on active duty in May 05 and the triple bypass happenend within a year of being released back to retirement status is VA RO saying that if I wasn't working I could most likely be rated as P&T IU? I've read where they have the responsibility to assist the veteran. I'm not looking for a hand-out but I'll be 60 soon and since my last heart attack and subsequent bypass it is difficult at best to do any physical work. Well, I'm ranting. Thanks so much. Jerry

This is the email (IRIS) I received on the 23rd of July: Thank you for your inquiry. VA empathizes with all the suffering you and your spouse are going through. A rating was completed today on your claims. The issue of compensation for coronary artery disease (CAD) is deferred because additional medical evidence is required before a decision can be rendered. In addition, the issue of whether or not you are entitled to Individual Unemployability is deferred because additional claims development is required before a decision can be rendered. These two deferrals are in reference to your temporary 100% and a permanent 100% payment (IU). If you have any questions, you may contact us by telephone at 1 800 827 1000. If you use a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), the number is 1 800 829 4833. If you are looking for general information about benefits and eligibility, you should visit our web site at http://www.va.gov, or search the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at http://iris.va.gov. Best Regards, Eric Robinson Assistant Coach Public Contact Team St. Louis VA Regional Office My question is why would they be considering IU if I did not ask nor apply for it? Would VA allow or consider IU if medical conditions were such that working may aggrevation of the illness to a fatal stage? Secondly all of my heart paper work was sent shortly after my C&P. I can't seem to get a response from my VSO so any help would be appreciated. One thing I did do was write back to RO via IRIS and ask them the same question on IU. Thanks all. Jerry

Berta - your the best!!! Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of information. And to all that offer up prayers and good whishes - thank you! We will know the 23rd of July what the procedure will be. In the mean time I will be working with a VSO on Pat's case. Again, many, many thanks. Jerry

My wife who retired in Jan 2003 was diagnosed with malignant breast cancer last week. She was given hormone threapy while in service and had several cyst removed from her breast. Would anyone know if hormone threaphy which has been know to cause breast cancer or anything about treatment or VA services for breast cancer. She is 60% because of feet and bone matters. I know must of ya'all are male type vet's but we all love our women that stood by us and we especially love the women who served by our side. She did both! Waited until the kids were grown and then went in. She had her degree and WANTED to serve as an NCO - that was her dream and she served well - retired as a first shirt. Thanks Vets.

Rocky - Thank you. I read the CRF and I wasn't sure if all requirements had to be met. I am of the opinon that my two heart attacks (one on active duty) and my other that required triple bypass were directly related to PTSD and my last stint in the Army Aug 04 - Aug 06 was with casualty and mortuary affairs. Best job I had in the Army and the worst job I had in the Army. It really had an adverse effect on my PTSD that was noticed after returning from RVN in '69. I called KC VA and asked them if they would expidite out of C&P to St. Louis, MO RO since my wife was just diagnosed with milignant breast cancer and I need to plan our quality of life based on projected and reduced income. I'm rambling - thanks Rocky. And thank you Viking and Bertha!

Thank you Berta - As always you are direct, to the point, and ever so kind. Yes I am 30% now for PTSD and 20% for DMII, 10%for hearing and 10% skin condition. That totals 60% all SC. I'm a retiree as well and I am wondering if, looking at my C&P PTSD Axis if anyone would venture to say I may get an increase to 50% or 70%. My two heart attacks and other maladies as noted on the C&P have not been rated. Thank you. Jerry

My C&P results for medical (mostly heart problems) have not been released. As I said before I am presently 30% for PTSD that was awarded in 1991 or 92 but I never knew you could have it reexamined for an increase. I am 60%. I'm just trying to do some quality of life and financial planning as my wife will soon be incapacitated due to breast cancer. I would greatly appreciate any advice from anyone with experience on PTSD rating on what I might expect. Anything from worst case scenario to best case. Axis I: PTSD with secondary major depression. Axis II: None identified Axis III: Disabetes, broken knuckle, depression, PTSD, pulmonary, cardiac, cataracts, HTN, neuropathy, ED. Axis IV: Strained relationship with oldest son, who has drug and financial problems; inadequate social support; health problems, recently moved and trying to sell old home. Axis V: Current GAF = 50-55 due to PTSD (periods of suicidal ideation or thoughts of death, depressed, isolated, flat affect, occasional panic attack, has only one friend but rarely interacts with him, difficulty concerntrating, difficulty sleeping w/o medication, anxiety). Capacity: Veteran has the capacity to manage his financial affairs.

You all are so kind and concerned. It is very much appreciated. I'll not lock and load. It is hard to endure my own health maladies much less my wifes. Life is not fair and that's the way it goes. I'm fine - and thank you dear friends for your concern and prayers - espically for my dear wife Patricia. I will act on yourt advice and contact my service officer and VA, et al. Thank you. You do know that we have to vent and rage and get angry without pulling the trigger every now and then. Thanks Vets and Vetress's and Vethises's Jerry O

I called RO at St. Louis today to check on my C&P/Claim processing. I was told they have not recieved the medical portion back from Kansas City VA. I called the KC VA and they told me it has not been reviewed or signed by the MD. It has been 4 weels since I had my medical C&P. I had the C&P two weeks after having triple bypass surgery. And then the medical C&P was done by a PA. My mental was done by a PhD (Phys). I came off volunteer recall status in June 06 two months prior to my release date of Aug 06 because I did not take any leave while working mortuary affairs. I was on terminal leave and at the time filed for increase in PTSD and a heart attack and stint replace while on active duty Aug 05. Additionallty I was awarded DMII since I was in Vietnam in 68-69. When it rains it pours. Found out my wife has milignant cancer in her breast. I don't know what the medical proceedure will be as yet. My nerves are frayed and I'm 30% PTSD (which was awarded over 17 years ago). I'm just about ready to throw the pill box out the window and lock and load and see what kind of results I'll get then!

Jangrin; You were the first person to welcome me to Hadit. I'm so glad I joined this unique and rewarding forum. As you may have read I have had triple bypass surgery, and other maladies since I joined. Thanks goodness there were folks like you, Berta, Viking, Testvet, Pete, etc to guide me through these things. I am requesting my C file as well since I need to have my initial claims for CRSC. I was denied CRSC because I didn't have a detailed narrative on why I was awarded PTSD, etc. Crazy huh? Anyway, thanks for posting and thank you for your wisdom. Jerry O

Bern; I did my C&P two weeks ago for increase in PTSD and heart stuff. I had two exams which included xrays' labs, etc. Mine was done in KC MO. The exam went extremely well. I was actually impressed by their throughness and concern. On this (Hadit.com) you will find many articles on what to expect, forms, and articles that will calm you and benefit you. Best of luck. Thanks for serving. Jerry O

Thank you Pete.