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VietnamVetSis

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Everything posted by VietnamVetSis

  1. VietnamVetSis
    After a long battle, my Marine Vietnam Vet brother has been awarded 100% service connection for schizophrenia. The VA has denied this claim since originally filed in 1982. Even though he had schizophrenic episodes and subsequent hospitalization - it was well past his discharge date of 1971 -- thus no service connection in the eyes of the VA. (Discharged because he tripped over a grenade booby trap and was WIA, I might add). Now 48 years later, the VA has approved the claim. It has been denied at least twice, and I filed a Notice of Disagreement, and was fortunate to include an IMO from a very knowledgeable doctor who is a former C&P Examiner. No doubt this is what turned the tide. I happened to luck upon the Doctor on this HAD IT site! I also converted the processing of the NOD to the new RAMP process - instead of waiting years on end for a final decision. Thank you HAD IT and all the members here that have given me guidance through the years in getting my brother the benefits he earned!
  2. VietnamVetSis
    Thank you Gastone. Did you support your secondary claim with a nexus letter or just rely on C&P Examiner to confirm the connection, along with your private doctor DX ?
  3. VietnamVetSis
    Has anyone had any luck with claiming Sleep Apnea as secondary to Hypertension and/or Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease ? My husband has service connection for both hypertension and heart disease and now a current diagnosis and medical equipment for sleep apnea. I've read where VA has approved hypertension secondary to sleep apnea and heart disease secondary to sleep apnea, but not the other way around. If anyone has an archived VA citation in this regard, or personal experience, would greatly appreciate hearing about it. Thanks all.
  4. VietnamVetSis
    Update to Vietnam Vet Bro's Disability Claims -- I was successful in obtaining a medical opinion that my brother's schizophrenia was more likely than not from Vietnam War combat (WIA) from a psychologist who used to be a C&P examiner. So I filed a NOD in May, 2017 going the DRO route.
  5. VietnamVetSis
    UPDATE -- I have heard back from the PsyD who will be addressing the nexus letter shortly.
  6. VietnamVetSis
    Thank you Berta and Mike. I paid for an initial consult. So no, I didn't pay for an IME/IMO. My brother is indeed receiving compensation for scars and limited range of motion due to his grenade injuries. He is also receiving comp for Diabetes II and Coronary Artery disease from Agent Orange. The VA diagnosed schizophrenia in 1983, but denied it being service connected and denied PTSD altogether. Now, again in 2016, they denied service connection for schizophrenia - stating there was no injury in service (!) and denied PTSD altogether because there is "no current diagnosis" of PTSD. Anyone who is following my brother's saga would certainly agree that by today's standards, he had PTSD when he came back from Vietnam, with additional psychosis (suicide, hallucinations) presenting in 1978. However, you had to "get" PTSD within a year of discharge by the old VA rules at that time. So I've pretty much forgotten about trying to Disagree formally on the PTSD denial. He does not exhibit PTSD symptoms (nightmares and such) currently although medical research now says there are overlapping symptoms with schizophrenia. I'm no doctor so this argument won't stand up. Also new evidence that the blast wave from explosive devices gets into the brain and scars it - causing symptoms that are mistakenly diagnosed as PTSD when it is actually a TBI. Again, no help to me. My dilemma is I need a nexus letter from a psychologist connecting the schizophrenia to service. The deadline for NOD is fast approaching and I need to get my brother in front of a doctor and have him fill out a DBQ. I'm going to try for Dr. Bash who is relatively close to me in the DC area. If anyone out there can help with this, please please contact me. email is smccabe122@msn.com Thanks much.
  7. VietnamVetSis
    I made the request for the C&P exam directly to the FOIA officer in Washington DC and quoted the 60 day response time. I sent the request to other places as well. The exam was conducted by QTC -- a contractor here in the Washington DC metro area that performs exams for the VA so the exam is not available on the 'Blue Button/ My Healthevet". I engaged someone here on the HADit site for a consult / interview with my bother / IME etc --- paid for consult. I mailed all of the records to him, had a brief convo on the phone months ago and now he's not responding to any of my phone calls or emails. They bounce back and phone is disconnected and web site is blocked from any contact, and even facebook has a canned "acknowledgement" response when I send him info. Anyone have any experience with Mark D. Worthen, Psyd ? He was going to help me with service connection nexus. Very discouraged right now.
  8. VietnamVetSis
    PS -- @Buck52 I enumerated and explained many times to the VA in the original schizophrenia/PTSD claim that his behavior includes: Total disregard for personal hygene (does not bathe, use deodorant, launder clothing or sheets) and has not done so in decades Grossly inappropriate behavior (smearing feces on walls - ugh - sorry) Leaves gas stove burners on high to heat the apartment - very dangerous Impaired communication - cannot understand what he is saying/does not enunciate and yells his responses Has had no personal interaction/friend since he left for Vietnam. (His best friend was KIA and that's why he enlisted voluntarily) Has no phone, no computer. Didn't have a TV until my husband and I provided him with one along with cable service at our expense. No interaction with outside world unless it's at grocery store. So I'll include all of this info again with the disagreement/appeal.
  9. VietnamVetSis
    Yes, this is why I need a copy of the C&P examination on Schizophrenia and PTSD. They determined, and put in writing in the denial letter, that he is 50% schizophrenic - but not service related - and incompetent to manage his own VA funds. And then they question him about his symptoms (which I'm sure he denied) and take his answers at face value? They wouldn't let me attend the exam so I'm very anxious to see the Doctor's notes. VA is taking forever to give me a copy.
  10. VietnamVetSis
    Thanks Mike for your response. He had a mental C&P exam for PTSD and Schizophrenia last year. They diagnosed him with schizophrenia but said it was not service connected - they declined the PTSD claim as it's been so long since his trauma I guess he didn't give the right answers. (He was wounded in action - set off a grenade booby trap - still has shrapnel in his ankle and deep wounds in legs and arm). He has all the combat badges / purple heart etc. I have requested a copy of the C&P exam and have been waiting 11 months. I have a private psychologist on retainer who used to be a C&P examiner to analyze the examination document and hopefully provide some new evidence and nexus letter to disagree with the PTSD/Schizophrenia denial. He has also agreed to do a "Facetime" interview with my brother to write up a DBQ. I've been told by another psychologist that a successful Schizophrenia claim is extremely difficult to obtain. Unfortunately, back when he had his breakdown (about 7 years after Vietnam), the private doctors then didn't recognize or even use the term PTSD and his official diagnosis was Paranoid Schizophrenia. So it will be a tough nut to crack. Thanks again for your input. Really appreciate it.
  11. VietnamVetSis
    Thank you --- he hasn't worked since the 80's. Totally dependent on my parents until their passing - at which time I took over. He is 68. His only 'earnings' are from social security - $10,920 annually. Well below poverty line - not even enough to file taxes. I got him on Food Stamps and got him Medicaid QMB that pays his Medicare Part B premium. In addition to social security, the VA will now compensate him $18,672 annually. Btw, they deemed him incompetent to manage his affairs (schizophrenic) and just appointed me his Federal Fiduciary. Is TPIU a possibility ? Even though he's a senior citizen now ?
  12. VietnamVetSis
    My brother's Ischemic Heart Disease as a result of Agent Orange exposure as a Marine Rifleman in Quang Nam Province in 1969-70 was just approved - and rated at 60%. Another AO disability of Diabetes II was also approved at a 40% rating last summer. These, combined with his previous disability of scars/lack of motion from his battle wounds, gives him a total combined disability rating of 80%. I couldn't have done it without the help of HADit. I had no clue about the claims process when I started. I am still going to keep plugging away on getting a schizophrenia nexus. But I wanted to say thank you to everyone out there in the HADit community that has given me guidance. God bless you.
  13. VietnamVetSis
    I get your drift BroncoVet. I go to Walter Reed/Bethesda as well as my husband (retired LTC US Army) for specialty appointments they don't offer to retirees/dependents at Ft. Belvoir Hospital. Pretty nice facility - good care there. My daughter was born at the 'old' Walter Reed hospital that was pretty grungy 26 years ago. I tried to get my brother a special "Choice" private physician appointment and could not even get a call back from the VA even after I left 3 messages that it was an acute cardio problem. They definitely have issues with that program.
  14. VietnamVetSis
    I have got to post that a recent C&P Exam at the Washington DC VA Medical Center was absolutely delightful ! Not what I was anticipating! Took my brother in for Diabetes Type II (presumptive for Vietnam / Agent Orange Exposure) C&P exam . First the doctor called at 8 am and said he wasn't busy - come on in anytime. Waited 2 minutes in the lobby and then he allowed me to accompany my brother back. Asked a few questions and even said, "if he gets any heart issues to be sure to file another claim". Wow. Now we had just had a physical performed by his VA primary care physician a few days earlier and blood tests were back for high A1C, and his primary had noted on his VA medical record that he had Diabetes 2 so I guess this was a no-brainer for the C&P examiner and non-debatable. The appointment was less than 10 minutes. So now we wait for the disability rating. But I can say that since he was enrolled at the DC Medical Center, all of the care he has received there has been quickly scheduled / handled smoothly / and extremely thorough. Everyone we've come into contact there has been very polite and accommodating. This includes a physical, blood work, two EKG's, cardio referral, and now this C&P exam. In light of the negative reputation for VA medical - thought I would share this pleasant experience. Hope it continues.
  15. VietnamVetSis
    This is the same dilemma I'm facing. Requested a copy of my brother's April 2016 C&P Exam. Completion date of 2/18 - 2/19 is noted on eBenefits. Review of this exam is crucial for Notice of Disagreement and supporting evidence for PTSD/Schizophrenia service connection. Even have a psychologist waiting in the wings to critique the exam when I get it. Looks like if and when it comes, it will be well past the 1-year deadline. The VA needs to address this wait problem. Veterans are entitled to receive their service medical records expeditiously.
  16. VietnamVetSis
    My brother was diagnosed with hypertension and unqualified for duty on his induction exam into the USMC. Two weeks later they took more blood pressure tests, found them normal, and crossed through all of the previous disqualifying remarks. I saw a VA citation where the same thing happened to another veteran, and the board decided they must use the 'final' exam results therefore disallowing hypertension as pre-existing. Am I better off just submitting the hypertension claim as secondary to Diabetes Mellitus II (from exposure to Agent Orange - has current diagnosis)? If they deny it as pre-existing, will they 'automatically' say it is secondary ? By initially claiming it as pre-existing, do I screw up my brother's chances for making a second go at it as secondary? If anyone has any scientific evidence recognized by the VA linking combat trauma to hypertension, this would be appreciated too. Thank you in advance ...
  17. VietnamVetSis
    Ok thank you. Understand it now. You are right - no medical care ever for my brother but that's changing now. I applied and VA Medical Center in DC has accepted him and he is now lined up for a physical appointment in September , and I am trying to coordinate the Agent Orange [free] exam as well ... Just didn't want to wait so long to get him to a doctor and I was right based on their findings last week. Going back tomorrow to show dr the previous EKG they want to see to compare and make follow up for the hypertension, and cardio, etc. I think I will go ahead and file for hypertension right now, since there is that evidence showing he had it when he was inducted. I will mention Agent Orange exposure as well in the event the VA does come out with hypertension as another presumptive ... still a novice here but it appears because of the Nehmer case they would have to go back and approve the claim with payment retro to date of claim so I'm better off filing now and substantiate later with more medical diagnosis (IHD and Diabetes II if they come to fruition) from doctors. I've got a psychologist and former C&P examiner looking at a possible service connected nexus for PTSD and Schizophrenia which the VA denied in May. They also found him incompetent so they're holding up retro disability payments until they decide on fiduciary (which I've volunteered to be). Of course on his eBenefits, the VA estimated completion date for fiduciary appointment is 2018-2019 !!! Absurd. Thanks again Berta -- this is all so daunting.
  18. VietnamVetSis
    Thank you for responding Berta - I know you have great knowledge with this. IHD, Diabetes II, and hypertension were included in his 'statement' in last claim. VA said it was not on a prescribed form, and they considered it a 'request for application'. Also said if he wants to file a claim for those conditions, complete 21-526 EZ. I can't find anything to show where VA recognizes hypertension linked to Agent Orange exposure. I saw where they studied it but still haven't added it to the list of 15 presumptive conditions. Is hypertension as a stand-alone symptom claimable and/or can it be attributed as an IHD symptom without a formal IHD diagnosis ? Cardio doc tests will obviously reveal more -- would just like to know in the interim so I can formally send in claim now with documentation to follow.
  19. VietnamVetSis
    Getting ready to file a new claim for Agent Orange symptoms for my Vietnam Vet brother who was on the ground as USMC rifleman for 9 months, until he was WIA by a grenade booby trap. He was found to have hypertension and his USMC ENTRY physical showed him ineligible to serve -- then they gave him 3 more blood pressure tests and someone scratched threw the 'hypertension' and said ELIGIBLE to serve. His USMC exit physical after recovering from his wounds in 1970 also showed hypertension. In 2008, a physical showed hypertension, along with abnormal EKG with doctor's notes indicating cardio infarction and possible A-fib. I just had a private doctor give him a physical last week and he's diagnosed again with hypertension, and EKG abnormalities, with a referral to a cardiologist. I am still waiting for a copy of his C&P physical exam from April. Is this enough to claim IHD? There is no time limit (from date of discharge) to file for IHD from Agent Orange right ? Also awaiting blood work / diabetes screening and Diabetes Type II claim may be in order as well. Any suggestions / guidance is greatly appreciated.
  20. VietnamVetSis
    Thank you for the link to TFTPTF. That's certainly the proper forum for my inquiry and I will investigate further. Here's where I got the bit about the VA siding with the Veteran -- The committee adopted a rule that a renal or neurobehavioral effect must be reported with statistical significance in at least one relatively well-designed study, or have sufficient strength of evidence to be considered a possible effect. In cases where the weight of the evidence was sparse but showed a positive association, or was equivocal and expert judgment was used to make the finding, the committee gave the benefit of the doubt to the veteran and family member. It looks like they do recognize schizophrenia, PTSD, depression, suicide, bi-polar etc as being a neurobehavioral effect ... the problem I foresee is with the onset of his suicidal schizophrenic episode being so far past (7 years) his exposure at CL. Thank you for responding.
  21. VietnamVetSis
    Yes -- it's the Review of VA Clinical Guidance for the Health Conditions Identified by the Camp Lejeune Legislation here's a link -- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK284982/
  22. VietnamVetSis
    In my quest to prove service connection for my brother's schizophrenia, I am wondering if there is anyone out there that has filed a claim for schizophrenia caused by exposure to Camp Lejeune drinking water. I've read the committee's report and they seem to say there is reasonable doubt, and they will side with the Veteran. My brother was at Camp Lejenue for 4 months --- March 27, 1969 - July 27, 1969. His schizophrenia manifested about 7 years later. I'm not sure how to interpret their "Adult Exposure Algorithm" chart. Can anyone help me ?
  23. VietnamVetSis
    Claim submitted 09/2015 on line. Additional documentation submitted 02/2016. C&P exam 04/2016. Rating Decision 05/2016. Retro pay back to 09/2015 being withheld until Fiduciary appointment - estimated completion per Ebenefits 1/2018 - 6/2019 !!!!!!! Monthly comp pay starts July 2016. I would say this was a pretty fast track - however, the Fiduciary appointment is outlandish -- especially since my bro submitted incompetency hearing waiver and requested that I be appointed Fiduciary.
  24. VietnamVetSis
    So sorry I've been off this site for a while. In the meantime, I've requested his C&P exam and from that, will set up psych appointment for 'report critique' as Dr Mark suggests. At that time, I will also get him a physical for his Agent Orange exposure symptoms. I will make sure its a Dr versed in the VA . Any suggestions from HAD IT audience for Doctors in the Northern Virginia area would be extremely appreciated ! AS I said, he doesn't have a current treating psychiatrist. C&P examiner said "Schizophrenia, residual type" - 50% - Non Service Connected. C&P also said no current diagnosis of PTSD. He tried to commit suicide in 1978 and that was the first treatment for schizophrenia, with an official diagnosis of schizophrenia, paranoid type and manic depressive symptoms. Hearing voices and hallucinating - the whole 9 yards. Yes. I tried to take him back to local community mental health facility several years ago. They were willing to take him in as outpatient -- he said no, he "already did that". May of 1970. Berta --- They did send another letter saying they acknowledged that he was claiming these but they must be submitted as new disabilities on Form 526. When I get the current medical documentation for his hypertension, etc I will do this. I have to look in his papers here for the 5103 waiver. Ebenefits certainly did ask many questions about AO disabilities claimed -- I answered them all. But except for the hypertension, there is no Service Treatment Record for these -- or any current medical evidence. So again, I need to get him to a Doctor - post haste. I feel awful that I have not done this yet. But really need the current C&P exam to go on.
  25. VietnamVetSis
    Hi Mark, Thank you so much for responding. He does not have a current treating psychiatrist. Following a 1978 suicide attempt and subsequent hospitalization at a psych ward for 30 days - the psych ward doctor issued a diagnosis of schizophrenia - paranoid type. After some bizarre behavior by my brother in years that followed, he was an outpatient treatment at county mental health center on and off and attending physician wrote diagnosis in 1983 of " schizophreniform episode with depressive symptoms" . This medical evidence was submitted with his original claim in 1982 and his request to re-open claim in 2015. He was not treated for any mental illness while in service / Vietnam. At his recent C&P exam (last month) the attending VA examiner diagnosed him as still being schizophrenic and they issued a 50% rating -- but the rating indicates NSC. I will request a copy of his C&P exam from last month immediately -- thank you for pointing me to the form. I have contacted several psychiatrists in the area to examine him and complete a "DBQ" to show nexus to his Vietnam trauma and they won't even return my calls. My personal opinion as his sibling (I'm a former banker - certainly not a doctor) is that immediately upon return from Vietnam he had PTSD (burning his uniform, anti-social, startled behavior, etc) and this evolved into schizophrenia, culminating with a suicide attempt. Symptoms are still there -- just under the surface - because I take care of everything for him down to covering his rent shortage, co-signing for his apartment, buying his clothes and (meager) furnishings, etc.
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