Capt.

Hello all, This destruction of more "evidence' is quite clear. Every week we have new illegal activities. It is not once every few years that the VA has a "problem". It is every week. Does the destruction of Veterans records mean anything to anyone???? Now the data lost from this latest coverup. Its as if Congress and the Secretary of the VA and the President have no power over this Beast we know as the VA. It operates totally out of control and illegally. A rabid dog. And there is NOONE that can force them or make them comply with the laws. The criminal element is here and there does not seem to be anyone denying it. This cannot keep going on and on and on with the VA just totally renegade in all of its actions. It is quite unbelievable, yet true. I have brought up some of the problems like shreddergate, scopesgate , now this to some friends and they look at me like Im crazy because they cant believe our government would do this. Only another Veteran understands the problems within the VA and only those that are fortunate enough to stay on sites like this or maybe VAwatchdog.org can really see the magnatude of the situations. What can anyone do to the VA to stop them and all of this illegal activity???? We are surely going to see more incredible acts of destruction from the VA, as each time they do something illegal and get away with it, they get bolder and bolder. God Bless, and Thank you for posting this. NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

Hello Berta,,,,way to go girl...... SWEET.... The VA should know better than try their monkey business on you. Hard work and patience finally got you and Rods claim thru the maze. I am so happy for you and now even more encouraged. Congratulations. GOD BLESS you Berta, NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

Hello Richard, CONGRATULATIONS.....Its another victory and encourages others as their battles with the VA continue. God Bless, NEVER GIVE UP, C.C.

Hello DLC, This is so typical of the DAV. I would think that Berta has a good point on a possible plan of action for the Rep and maybe state court action. I am not sure but there may be ....may be a CUE that might be available due to the Rep and failure timeline. If the CUE could reopen a claim that has been closed , which from what you say it probably was , you may be able to continue with it. Berta would be able to know if there is a CUE backdoor to keep you in the loop. I had the DAV on my first claim yrs ago and they screwed it up , then came my reopen after several more decades......DUMB ME. I had a very good Rep from DAV...but he was so overworked , I could ever see him and got shuffled off to someone else locally who was also overworked and not very good at followups or what needed to come next. Somehow I got another state DAV supervisor that really screwed up on part of my claim. The right hand had no idea what the left hand was doing so this is typical for the DAV. Just as your claim has been forgotten , and then the DAV rep has now realized your claim, it is you the Veteran that now is in jeopardy with the VA. You have said that your rep has filed a "new" claim. Is this a new claim on your claims that are rated or did your rep reopen the claim? Was there any type of appeal? Did you get any letter from the VA or your rep telling you of a denial or did you ever get a VCAA letter or an SSOC 21-4138? It sounds like both the DAV and the VA have dropped the ball on your claim. I would try and see what some of the Hadit members say who have experience with this and for sure I would be looking for a new rep and new organization. You had some real good advice from the posters below and I also would suggest keeping those 3 ring binders going and everything gets documented and copied from all parties. I would not trust anyone from the DAV and that especially goes for the VA. I hope you can get some answers to this problem and let us know what happens to your followups and to some of the questions asked here. God Bless, NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

Hello Berta,,,,, I have to say Ditto on the previous posters. It is because of the excellant knowledge and patience that you have helped so many and effectively I might add. I know how much you helped me early on. God Bless, NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

Hello Pete,VAF,Tag. Pete you have almost always given me good advice and helped me early on with my claims. You are one of the people who always try and help, and have gone thru the crazy system we know as the VA. I know you have suffered thru it too. VAF ,,,,EXCELLANT POST..... and you are really showing persaverance for your husband and you. You have fought a long battle but looks like the 9th inning and your relief pitcher is coming to the mound with your big bats coming up in the lineup. Your advice is an encouragement to many here and your experience of having gone thru this stage of the game is very helpful to me. TAG,,,,right from the start of the thread , just a you did, I had the red flags come up with this other "moderator" from another board. There are plenty of veterans here at Hadit that have tried it "his" way and wish they had not. Me being one of them. Nothing for you to apoligize about nor Pete. I am sure most of the Hadit family has been down "his" road with few of them getting the results they were after. God Bless. NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

If this Paul is a moderator at another board, he can say what he wants ...I agree with Pete. Unfortunately as Tag pointed out his opinion may be biased and new veterans coming in without knowledge of the VA claims "system" may not understand and start off on the wrong foot. Many of us here at Hadit can remember how our claims may not have gone the way we wanted in the early stages. And that maybe, as I did , some things that just did not work out because of some "bad advice" that I thought was good. Only adding to much lost time to correct. thank goodness I found the Hadit Family and was able to take advice from some seasoned Veterans here. I still believe one of the most important changes to the VA and Veterans , was allowing initial claims decisions after June 21 , 2007 , for a Veteran to obtain a Lawyer , was a HUGE victory for veterans and one that certainly helps to level the playing field thru the maze. Especially when they get to the court systems and face the General Counsel VA and the Justice Dept. There are so many here that have and are moving their claims forward in a positive manner with their lawyers. I also don't want any fights with other moderators from other boards , but I also don't like seeing things said that obviously can cause our Veterans, widows , and families precious time thru their struggles and fighting with the VA. We all are either experiencing that for ourselves or know Vets that are.I still want to make it to the World Series....AMEN. God Bless, NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

Hello Bronco,,,,Yes , I had forgotten about the stolen computers with Sec Jim Nicholson . Just more of the same mismanagement from those wonderful VA folks. Always at the Veterans expense. Your right ,,,,,,,,I dont like these odds at all with the possiblities that you have brought forth. At every corner the VA is putting the Veteran at risk. Thanks for that reminder. God Bless, NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

Hello All, I would like to add that if you believe lawyers are not necessary for a veteran, then I would like to point out that the U.S. Justice Dept. is who the Veteran is up against. Skillfully using the 38 CFR's to find any way to deny the Veteran. The U.S. Justice Dept. has over 200 Lawyers assigned to it and that number is an old one. Also the salaries, I have been told run 125000 to 200000 a year on the average and depending on their positions. Of course all paid for by the Veterans, and other tax payers. WHY??????? If you think you are skilled to use the 38CFR's ,M-21, then by all means go at it by yourself. Then check this string of posts and see how many Vets have been sidetracked for years and sometimes loosing their claims cases , compared to the ones who succeeded with the help of a lawyer. Not everyone is as skilled as Berta and her experience and time put in to the study of the VA , 38 CFR's has not come without a price. ASK HER. It cost her dearly. And not everyone can be a Berta. Pete is right ,,,,,if the lawyer gets a cut of the final sum award DUE the Veteran, it is worth every penny. If you like waiting for 10-15 years and maybe ,,,,maybe getting thru it , and you are a young person then feel free to do it. Fighting the VA can be a full time job and takes hours a day of study , research, correspondance and frustration. This is the Big Leagues and the VA owns the Ball Club,and the Playing field . The Veteran has been invited to come to the mound and is allowed to pitch. Pitch poorly and your sent to the showers. Pitch well and .........you might ,,,,MIGHT,,,,, get thru the season and it is a season. And maybe if you pitch well enough finally to the World Series. Having a lawyer is like having a good Baseball Manager.....the best ones usually get to the World Series more than once. I have a lawyer and happy for that lawyer to hopefully make some money. This post from another website from Paul whoever he is, looks very fishy and I would not be surprised if it is a VARO employee using the internet to put out something so misleading. God Bless, NEVER GIVE UP....C.C.

Hello everyone, It seems that the VA is trying to drive a wedge within the Veterans organizations and individuals rights. OIF and OEF veterans go to the front of the line. HHHMMMMMMmmmmm. Ok what happens in 2 o3 yrs when we for example send troops to the next country we chase terrorist or maybe a confrontation with Iran or North Korea and then another group of Servicemen are thrown into this conflict. Does the DOD, VA start another "go to the front of the line" remedy. Where do the WW2 , Korean, Vietnam Vets , Desert storm , etc get equal treatment???? Is this constitutionally equal or even legal?? I believe there are some serious legal issues as basic rights of any American. Talk about discrimination. Where is this all going???? Certainly it will do the opposite with the claims backlog. It will make it larger. Just about the time you think the VA is criminal and nuts , then they do something else stupid and causes more hard feelings. I have a main gripe with some organizations that only want "their" little group taken care of. Some of you know who they are and what I am talking about. If Tbird will let me I will post some of these groups. I mean I usually call it plain and simple, black and white. These groups could care less of a veteran unless he was in one specific operation or one war, or conflict. And the VA loves it,,,,,it plays exactly into their plan. We as veterans ,,,,,are exactly that .....VETERANS. None of us are deserved more or deserved less than any other. But now we are divided and the Veterans voice and his/her representation or service in the military, is diluted and has become of none affect. It is exactly as the VA wants.....divide and conquer .... Berta and Clownman ,,,,I agree with you 100 percent. But how can we as Veterans , stop all of this special interest group mentality among our Veterans. It is our duty as Veterans to make sure that ALL veterans are treated equally. It is a shame that the VA cannot have the same standard as Hadit and its family. LEAVE NOONE BEHIND......AMEN TBIRD. Take care , God Bless, and NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

Hello SFC,,,,,,,,, You are here with much support. PRAYER warriors are here too. You may private email me also. I want you to know that it sounds like what Clownman said.....she is the looser here. Not you. I also went thru a house fire and a divorce within 2 weeks several yrs ago. I have been sick with several diseases from the Army, for over 10 years and trying to go thru the VA process. There is no cure. My Exwife is bipolar , not on meds and when she saw me getting sicker , she saw it as her time to bailout. I was crushed and having to live in an apartment, fighting my wife in court, the insurance companys , and the company that started the fire, the lawyers, the VA. The battlefronts were huge. But just as God promised me that I am not alone and he would never leave me nor forsake me and the his word said ,,,"and it came to pass"..... IT DID. PLEASE GIVE IT TIME AND TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME. I still after 4 years have to fight with the VA. But , my kids and my dad, 86yr old WW2 retired Marine, all live with me. And guess what, the exwife is still as goofy as ever and a she was the looser. Its ok to be mad , its ok to be hurt, its ok to feel like everything is wrong. But its all in Gods plan. You are not alone and like I said email me and if I can be a blessing and can help in anyway let me know. You also have some fine people here who have been thru similar things on this site and they are here for you too. Look at the people who have already commented and offered support so far. GOD BLESS, NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

Hello All. Just as the Veterans community is still reeling from the Shreddergate problems with the VARO's, now we have the VHA part which could lead to fatal results. I am not here to form panic and say all of the VA hospitals are at fault with contaminated equipment concerning scopes. I believe there should be some concern and that testing is warranted for those who have had scopes in the last year. I do want to bring up that if it is the colonoscopys equipment that are being at fault, I would also like to add that the Bronchoscopys could also be considered. I have had colonscopy about 3 months ago and I will have a meeting in about 3 weeks with my PCP and I will be asking him for more testing. The VA wanted to do a Bronchoscopy about 3 months ago but I declined as they have the records and I did not want them in my lungs. I have nothing to hide as they know I dont smoke or do drugs. I may decide later to do it but now that this report on the colonoscopys have come out and a number of veterans have been contaminated, it sure makes me a little more nervous to have ANY scope work done. What is more concerning is the VA's position on statements made that this is an isolated situation. SOUND FAMILIAR. Remember Shreddergate started as one VARO problem ,,,,then it was 5 Regional offices found to be illegally shredding evidence. Now its 42 regional offices found by OIG teams to be in violation out of 57 VARO across the nation. How many more hospitals are going to be found in violation of the "Scopesgate". What is even more incredible is that the VA is saying that even if the Veteran does have HIV , HEP C, HEP B or some other transferrable disease, that the Veteran must prove the VA did it. What kind of nonsense is this. I have blood work 3 -5 times a year. Many of you have bloodwork done also and scopework. My last couple of test are showing some High protein numbers which could mean immune problems and inflammation. Could a veteran use his blood work to prove his case? It looks like the VA is going to deny any wrong doings again. I think this subject really needs some attention with Congressmen and Senators before we loose again. The VA MUST be held accountable if more Veterans are Infected because of this. This could be more serious than we know. Shreddergate , obviously was widespread in most of the VARO's. Someone high up the ladder gave the orders to destroy claims, records and files. We may never know who gave these orders and only some sacrificial lambs be punished. It would not surprise me that this is an orchestrated event also. It is not just an isolated problem as the VA says because more VA hospitals are added to the list of infecting Veterans. We really need to watch this one as it unfolds and it could be an epidemic among the Veterans community. Deny, Deny, Deny until you die , die , die, . This would really cause the Veterans to leave the System and not by choice. Congressman Filner might be needed here and Senator Akaka to keep the heat on to establish the truth and possibly save many lives in the Veterans community. God Bless, NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

Hello VetsVet, Hope all is well and I'm sorry I could not get to answer your question until now. Many times it will take awhile for someone to see it and to respond. I have it happen to me , so does everyone. Its not that noone cares about you or your question.....you have others just like you ,,,,with problems, questions, and this site has so much on it and so many topics on the forum ,,,it can be a full time job just reading them all. If you have a claim that has been deferred then you have a claim that is going to have to be looked at. It means your claim needs a closer look at, that it may take someone else to see it to make a better decision on it. It may mean alittle more time trying to decide your claim, but I think it is important that someone has seen something that you or the evidence presented has to get some new attention, before a decision or answer can be rendered. I hope this helps but I think it is a pretty good thing at this point. God Bless,,,,,,,,NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

Hello John, Thank you for your service and please try to remember that you obviously have a lot of people , friends and family who care about you. I would also hope that you go ahead and get that rest and some help. John , I am reminded that sometimes we can see others that go thru the fire and having great problems in their lives, whether many years ago or in todays world. I am also reminded that those people long ago in Genesis and other places in the Bible had their troubles and problems. We can also see this amazing statement found in the King James Bible, Genesis 6:1, Genesis 7: 10, Genesis 8:13, and over 300 times in the Bible..........."AND IT CAME TO PASS" , or "IT CAME TO PASS". John if I could be a blessing to you today, it would be that what is going on right now in your life "will come to pass". It may not be nice right now, but I believe that when you go thru this , you will be stronger and wiser and I also believe that you later are going to be able to help someone else who may have to go thru it. And because you did go thru this trial in your life that God is going to use it for you to help another Veteran who will be hurting and struggling and you will be able to comfort that Veteran because you have been there. It was not but just a short time ago your words here at Hadit comforted me and really helped me when I was going thru my own fire. You helped me and do you what.....even with the despair and frustration.....IT DID COME TO PASS. Don't frett or worry ......because you have your friends here , your family, and the Lord and "IT WILL COME TO PASS". Time , and patience and help from others is what needs to be in your life. You have been a blessing to many people here at Hadit and you have always shown a servants heart to others such as myself when they were hurting. I know because I have gotten to read some of your post when I was hurting too. Please get your help , "It will come to pass", and we here will be here if you need us for anything. God Bless John, NEVER GIVE UP......C.C.

Hello ,,,,,, I have been there and done that....... Had 4 VSO's messing around with my claims. One was good but too overworked and I could not see him enough. The other just did not know what he was doing and was overworked. Another one was good and he and I are still friends though he is retired and I was his last case. I now have a lawyer that is very good. I would never ever ever take a vso when you can get a lawyer.A lawyer will take your claim after looking at it and deciding if it has chance of succeding. Obviously the lawyer is not wanting to take a case claim , put his or her work into it and then get a loss for her/him, and the Vet. I know that the VARO can only do so much to mess with the Vet , and there will come a time when they must stand tall and answer it. Especially when the BVA starts looking at it too. Rules and laws with a lawyer , come out better than a VSO trying it. In almost all cases. I am waiting now at the Appeals process and lets see how it goes. I hope all is well and wish you well with your claim. God Bless, and REMEMBER no matter what you do.....NEVER GIVE UP......C.C.

Hello Mac.....CONGRATULATIONS........Well done. This will take a lot off your mind knowing that the VA will have to take care of you and your family. I would also like to add that dependents are very important and will be prorated just as Carlie pointed out back to EED. Also any children in College up to I think 25 yrs of age may also add some extra retro to EED. I am too tired to look up the age on this and maybe someone can correct me on the age of college dependents but it is something the Veteran should claim if applicable. Also John999 pointed out the need for appeal to not stop or be satisfied with what you have. Assume the VA is not going to be fair on their rating and be suspicious and APPEAL after looking at your overall claim and test, reports and the "lowball approach the VA uses on everyone". GOD BLESS you and your family. And remember to.....NEVER GIVE UP.....C.C.

Hello TestVet.....yes God Bless you for your endeavors and tenacity. Your battle went well and it shows just how important a lawyer is in most veterans situations. That and the fact you had some ironclad evidence, pulled the Benefit of a Doubt rule to your side of the scales. This should cause your blood pressure to be a little better and those nights hitting the pillow a little nicer in the sleep department. I really appreciate you sharing some of your work and I too am dealing with some exposure problems. I am hoping that I won't have to fight them for 5 or 6 years , but it may. Once again Happy Resurrection Sunday and Congratulations to you with your great victory. It proves to all of us at Hadit that each Veteran needs to remember to.........NEVER GIVE UP. God Bless, C.C.

Hello Berta, I could not agree more with your thoughts on the Mariano V Princippi. If they VA has not rebutted your claim on the medical evidence. (Nor have they on mine) Then the "Benefit of a Doubt rule" 38 CFR, 3.102,4.3(2005) under Gilbert V Derwinski, 1 Vet App 49,53,(1990) can also be used if not both. That "a veteran need only demonstrate that there is an approximate balence of positive and negative evidence in order to PREVAIL." Ok so the problem is as with me that the RO can usually pull something like....... "this evidence is not open for discussion" or ..."the medical opinions are not probative". So then it has to go thru the appeal process and before the BVA which in most cases will say ........... something like .....' The board finds fault with the RO in that the Veteran did infact show competent medical opinion and has proved within reasonable doubt that his disease did in fact happen to be service connected." Or that the RO is not allowed to seek Medical opinions that counter the Veterans Medical Nexus under the guidelines set forth by Mariano V Princippi. OK heres the problem that may take 2 -3 yrs. And the Board pulls the old favorite trick of REMANDING it back to the RO for them to make a decision. OK .......here is another 1-2 yrs even if the Board says it must be EXPEDITED..... What a total waste of time , resources, TAX payer dollars. Because in the majority of the cases where the Evidence is clear and more than 50/50 the Vet almost always prevails in the end at the appeals process. It would be interesting to sit down with the House and Senate VA committees and show them this ridiculous game the VA plays. If Congress could see the little VA game and realize that it is a way to cut cost ........it might get changed. MAKE THE VA to follow case precedent and these 2 laws mentioned above at the Regional Office. I would also like to bring up that VA counsel should have to be forced to accept past precedents like any other court of law. Veterans DO NOT have due process and are not treated as an American citizen......I do not understand why some Veterans groups do not bring this up. It is absolutely criminal on the VA. Yes Berta , I know that you will prevail in you case and eventually so will I but this circus atmosphere that happens because the system is so used to it that everyone ignores the meaning of FAIR or REASONABLE. This has to be changed and needs to be addressed in front of Congress. I hope Allan and Skunk and You , Berta, continue to hang in there as the VA's only hope is either death or frustration and quit. God Bless, and remember ,,,,,,NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

Hello Berta, I am sorry to hear that once again the VA has to put it to you to bring forth that which you have already done once. Does this mean that we as Veterans have to make 3 copies of everything we send and keep 2 back??? Believe it or not I make at least 6 copies of every document I produce or receive and I put them in File Cab , safe, and huge 3 ring notebooks. Why ,,,,because of horror stories like yours and others. It continues to amaze me the patience of Cong Filner and Committee. Might be a good subject to to discuss with him. Why is it that it is always on the back of the Veteran to have to supply them extra copies.....they are not free. Your paper and ink cost alot , especially when dealing with claims as huge as yours or mine. Especially since they destroyed , shredded ,,,,lost your evidence. Berta you follow the CFRs and VCAA(when you get them) and all SSOC and why can't they? Is safeguarding our records still an issue....I thought they already went thru this with Nicholson and Peake? Is it because the same ol guard is still working at VARO or AMC and nothing really has changed? At least not that I can tell from you and some others. I hope that Cong Filner listens to you for advice and this whole C and P thing is resolved one day. I could not agree more about the Vet having to use private doctors for IMO's since VA doctors ,,,,sometimes will not or do not want to get involved with the diagnosis or nexus part of their Job. Or as most cases , already either unqualified to or they have been instructed not to by higher ups. It is as you say so ridiculous to have a nurse practioneer or PA decide if your really sick or injured and the extent. Certainly they are unqualified in the Medical real world...but not in the VA world. This needs to be changed but its BIG money contracts and that alone with QTC will be a hard one to do ...though not impossible.....very very hard. It would seem logical that the AMC or even a VARO may accept a IMO if done by better qualified personnel to trump those by VA. The same VCAA letter may also give the order to the Vet to get ready for the C and P exam. Yes , I realize that many vets have to have a C and P and rely on it to help them as money may be an issue. You and I both know the importance of IMO's . It is the Stealth aircraft dropping precision bombs without detection of VA missles. It is one of the greatest tools of the Veteran if used correctly. The VA has only one thing in mind with the Veteran and that is to shoot down all of your evidence. Knowing that you are a "heavy weight in the ring" with several KOs under your belt has probably hurt you as you now are seeing the way they operate by your recent frustrations to your claims. But you always get up and then that mean upper cut which got you this far will not fail you. And somewhere further on in the match, maybe round 7 or 8 the withering barrage of punches will send the VA to the mat. the shooting down of your IMO's is already talked about in case law and the VA is not suppose to do it.Which I might add are criminal on the behalf of the VA, yet even incredible.If Mariano V Princippi, 17Vet. App.305,312(2003)"cautioning against seeking additional medical opinions where favorable evidence in the record is unrebutted", then how can the AMC , legally rule against by ignoring this law? Having your fortitude and patience which will help you beat them back again will prevail. But I ask why is this all necessary ???? You have done what the AMC asked ...but still they demand their pound of flesh and more. More Tax dollars wasted, more time at the VARO and the AMC and yours wasted. More time at the BVA and more remands. Time that could be used to help some other Veteran or widow or family to try and survive while slowly dieing on the VA's deadly process vine. I also think your idea of all IMO's should be reimbursed by the VA has to be brought forward into law. I think Congressman Filner might have an ear to that one. The VA is capable of rendering an opinion/nexus for the Veteran, yet refuses because of the process that now has failed. Paying for all IMO's is really no big deal as the VA pays for outside doctors all the time.....for me too. Yes Berta the VARO has also denied all of my medical records, reports, opinions , nexus, the same as you. They also refuse to read them and any buddy statements, or outside reports....even saying that "they are not open for discussion." How can you propel a case with reading the evidence...lol.....sick, sick , sick,,,,,, I have to pay someones salary who cannot read. That makes alot of sense. It seems that you and I are dealing with the same "concerted" effort no matter where the Veteran lives. It is a tactic that works , because it causes frustration ,,,sometimes enough to get the Veteran or Widow, their family to quit. I feel that is criminal in itself that evidence is provided and it may be ignored. Yet the Feres document protects and even ENCOURAGES these criminals. If you and I did this in the real world , we would go to jail. How can a person sleep at night , knowing that they engage willingly in this type of deceit? And they do it daily as more and more of our Veterans slip off into despair. Berta, I hope Congressman Filner will listen to what you have to say and I wish you well in this slight setback. You will prevail and I think you know that. Thank you again for your help and encouragment to me over the years. God Bless, and BERTA remember........NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

Hello, First this type of post really has no benefit to any of us. I have been greatly troubled the minute I read it. Number one, you Meddac ,if you are for real and work in a VARO have also brought forth a veterans problems without authorization. I am not interested whether you put her name or his name, or kept it private. You drop just enough of your "facts" and then refer to everyone and anyone could have this type of problem. The problem I have is that you are to try and do your job and it should not be brought onto this board. It shows insensitivity to the members , its shows a neglect for confidentiality, regardless of noones names or such. It has accomplished what I feel may be deep down what your intent was. It lacks respect to the Veterans here and even to yourself. To make use your beauracratic brain and power to instill a sense of fright into the members on this board, that all of us should have some form of guilt, that you have taken it on yourself to spill onto this board. Its almost Gestapo like in the way you describe it. That all vets can have their claims and awards reduced or even taken away by the mighty actions of SuperRater, YOU. I personally am pissed off at you for even attempting it and it shows me a dark, evil side that you have and you are part of the VA problem and not a solution. That you paint everyone that is a vet as being in the "gray" of your little decision making world. And that all vets just are up to no good so we will deny them. Let me remind you that 80 something % of the initial claims fail at the VARO level . THATS YOU and your fellow workers. May I also remind you that 42 of the VARO thruout the country were found to have been shredding veterans documents/destroying claims and backdating according to the OIG . May I also remind you that you evidently treat all veterans claims with this same type of disdain and hatred , otherwise you would move more claims based on their merit and the backlogs would not be what it is today and loaded with 90 percent REMANDS because you Superater and your fellow workers would not follow the law in the first place and grant and move the well grounded claims that had to be decided as so by someone else .....all years down the road and at a cost of billions and billions of tax dollars , that you Mismanaged. Maybe Obama should fire you and the whole rating bunch..... surely your not going to tell me you are better than GM..... So all you really have done is shown your real feelings to all Vets and their Claims. I am , as a "real" honorably discharged vet that is sick, thru cowardice both at the VA and the DOD, tired of this same type of mindset and type of attitude that runs the VARO's. Its as if you read story after story here on the board from Veterans , crying , frustrated , dying , sick , trying to figure out why and how can my government continue to lie to me and to not read my claim . Why cant the VARO just properly by law adjudicate , award my claims? They are going to get awarded later when the BVA and COVA make you and your fellow raters follow the law. WHY CANT YOU AND YOUR FELLOW RATERS just do the right thing the FIRST TIME AROUND???? WHY??? Because you and your raters are not about to. Its too easy just to say no and stall it at the BVA for another 2-5 years. I believe your post serves noone anygood. BUT it does show us your cloak , it shows us your deceit, it shows us the real enemy of the veteran and that he was not as brave as those some fought on foreign soil an enemy with resolve, with guns , bombs, bullets and knifes.........No the battel was with the invisible weapons of deceit and using a keyboard and regulations and how to further cause problems by being incorrect in all of your doings within the CFRs. Oh yes , it may not kill as quickly as a Chicom Round, but assurdly it will kill ......only slowly , spreading to all parts of the veterans family , slowly eating up the hope until there is none. Slowly eating at the very fiber that makes our Veterans the greatness of our nation, slowing succumbing to the cancerous process that you and your raters thruout 57 Regionsl offices come and plot and grin as more die as if caught in a plaque with no cure and no discrimination. I do not feel better by reading it. Actually it is quite sad. It cannot help someone else as a result of it being read here and it only serves to drive further any thoughts of mistrust, I and the other Vets who have dealt with you and your raters of the mighty VARO. Your record speaks for itself and we and all Veterans in the system are the causualtys of this great Regional Office war. While all the while saying we have for the VA and its personnel are like you ,,,,,,if that is who you really are. The saving grace of the Veteran , his rescuer, his gallant friend. I think not. The real victims of your post is everyone that has to read it and the VET that did or did not follow procedures. At any event he or she has rights of privacy and has not been found guilty of the crimes you propose maybe not by action, but certainly by thought of mind. If you want to continue with this kind of low posting of your dark secret heart..... ...I am sure that the Star tribune or Hollywood today or any other tabloid should fit your line of work. Did you ever think that maybe , just maybe , if what you say is true , that maybe you and your fellow VARO employees , actually CREATED thisproblem and backlog in the first place. You have already given one example for certtainty. I sure dont find the Veteran at fault . Has there been a trial ,,,where is his/her due process. Oh yes it is too late for that . He or she has fallen to the desk of the rating Gulliotine and we must hurry as there are so many of these Aristocratic Veterans that we have to find....... Great sadness that when you blade does find its shaved neck of the Veteran , it only wounds him so severly that he cannot help but to loose a death sentence on anywhere from 5-10 yrs. It is you and the rest of these primadona rating "specialist" that are the real monster creators. Why cant we hear of a story of you or some of your buddys, backdating some claims, or "misplacing " one for a couple of years, or loosing a Widows DIC paperwork . I only hear your side of the story and not the Vets and this is not the place to air this kind of filth. I want to know WHAT ARE YOU REALLY DOING HERE? or with a sincere motive and heart. WHAT ARE YOUR REAL MOTIVES?. Your not a vet , and you sure dont have any Vets with their best interest at heart. The VARO SSOC denial letter prove that and all of the Veterans here can testify of the lack of fairness there. And it is EVERY SINGLE VET, not one is taken care of without major descrepencies in their claim. You bring up maybe one Vet that may or maynot be on the up and up but what about all those that are on the up and up and sick, dying, suffering ? I havent heard a word about how you are helping one of them or us and certainly havent heard a story from you in a real positive tone about a Veteran awarded his claim on the first time around and how happy you were. And what a blessing you were to him and his family. NOT ONE..... WHY NOT???? It is because it serves you and your raters at the VARO no real BENEFIT and does not fit what the true agenda of group and their evil mindset. I will not be reading anymore of your post as they are only self serving and are not , in the way you design and write them, a benefit to any Veterans or their families on this board and hopefully Tbird will strike your thread and your sensationalism from this great board. Thats all I have to say to you. God Bless everyone and Meddac you need to be real careful about what you are really up to. I do not nor will not trust you. The rest of Hadit God Bless and can do whatever they want to with you , but I spoke my mind and my heart on this on this matter. Beware of wolves in sheeps clothing, for inwardly they are ravenous wolves. NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

Hello Carlie,,,,, yes your right but it also may be used for any increase and can be worded into the Doctors nexus. Having supportive statements/evidence for a DRO or any decision making part of the VA is giving them the necessary things that can be legally awarded. I probably should have been more clear in my wording. Sharon also posted the TDIU part of the regulations ,,,,thank you too Sharon. Hope this helps. NEVER GIVE UP . God Bless, C.C.

Hello, I agree with John that you will have to connect the dots and the doctors statement you currently have will probably not work. I would print out the copy of the VHA directive 2007-024 Sept. 11, 2007 (search Hadit or the web)and take this to your doctor, VA or non VA so they can read it and see that you can help him write the CORRECT opinion in the CORRECT VA way. This will show that you may write the letter to the VA and he can sign it. As long as everything is true and the doctor has reviewed the reports/test/journals etc that you have supplied. This directive is overlooked and many doctors, including the VA doctors think that they cannot legally do this. The directive is specific and you can highlight for the doctor so he can see it easily. If the Veteran knows what the VA is wanting on a claim in the way of wording , the Veteran can connect the dots and the Veteran is helping his doctor to propel his or hers claim successfully and with simplicity. I would first make your SSOC 21-4138 into something simple to help the Doctor with his Nexus , the correct wording, making it so the VA can ..."connect the dots". Maybe something like this My name is Doctor____________ I am at ______________ (place/address/phone) My patients name is ____________ and I have been treating him for __________ since___________(date) .Mr/Mrs_______ is currently service connected with the VA for ___________ on date________ and disability percentage is ______________. I have currently reviewed the following documents.... A. Example- Medical report from date______ in the Military records. This record states his injury/wound/illness/disease. B. The Medical reports/journal on such injury/wound/illness/disease that show the specific relationship between.......... C. The Medical test/treatments/evaluations/progress reports from_______ date_______ D. I am qualified to make a diagnosis/nexus/opinion on Mr./Mrs. ____________ as I am certified in ....show his Vitae(resume) listing colleges, training , special boards certifications, awards from fellow Doctors or organizations. I have been in this field of medicine for xxxx years and it is my professional opinion that Mr./Mrs___________ suffers or has __________ and that after careful review of the Medical reports, Medical Journals, and the test and examinations/other doctors opinions, listed above, it is my belief that it is "AS LEAST AS LIKELY AS NOT" that his injury/wound/illness/disease, is directly caused/related to his/her incident on date or while stationed in/at ____________________ ship/post/fort/country during the dates or on the date from_____to ________. I also find that there is no other etiology/cause. Signed , Doctor ________ Title__________ Date__________ If you need to supply the diagnostic codes , please do that also. Connecting the dots, using the proper wording which I listed in caps and quotation marks, making it simple and supplying the supportive evidence and test, will leave you without supplying later, what you could have done at the beginning. It may even take the BVA , remands and the time to properly adjudicate your claim to a shorter waiting period and even one that will result in your award or increase. But please also remember to NEVER GIVE UP. I hope this helps and please let your doctor know that the VHA directive that I listed above is designed to have you help him/her to correctly meet the VA requirements to meet a medical diagnosis/nexus. God Bless, C.C.

Hello Berta, It does sound, as Carlie pointed out, an EED, but I am curious to know that the VA may have violated there own VCAA because they did not fulfill their duty to assist. The C and P is obvious a key part of any Veterans Cfile and evidence to present. It should not be left to the Veteran to have to do all of the work in gathering evidence and records. The C and P should not have to have a FOIA to require to get it either. This is all a scheme to get you to spend MORE TIME on a claim that is cut and dry. I believe that now you must go back to the BVA and submit.....new material evidence or maybe even a CUE. I think I am looking at this correct. If it means you having to do any of this , then this is another loophole that the VA is knowingly using to stall all vets and widows. Berta , I hope Congressman Filner sees this and realizes this is all involved in the basic backlog program that the VA nows loves to follow. God Bless, Never Give Up. C.C.

Hello Jan,,,,,please understand that if you have a disease that is known to be linked to dioxin , that the VA wants to use the acute and subacute rule with you to deny it. However the fact that chronic diseases are also well known to dioxin it will be up to the Vet to prove the link. You will need to have your medical evidence with a good Independent Medical Opinion that has fully reviewed your evidence , your Service Military and Service Medical records , and any other pertinent evidence such as buddy statements, environmental records to support the NEXUS the doctor will supply. It has to be well written and worded correctly to satisfy the courts and VA. I had posted a link for BVA cases of one vet that prevailed with AO and chronic peripheral neuropathy which is very common. I myself am suffering from this. Search BVA , and Dr. Durham and his compelling statement. You may get it denied but the appeals process is for the arguments of acute/subacute verses chronic. It is a favorite trick the VA uses but actually does not hold water when challenged by competent medical opinions and by records of scientific community. Most Vets do not challenge this rule and many VSOs just do not understand the strength of what I am telling you. Please use the other link to also see that training programs from the 1973 Herbicide Training Seminar will show a large number of posts that showed their representatives that attended. I wish you well in your claim and do not get all hung up with the AO registry as there is plenty to support a Vet other than that. And remember .....NEVER GIVE UP. God Bless. C.C.

Hello Hoppy,,,,,What a great idea . It would be interesting to see if the names could be kept of the C and P exams then maybe after a period of time, the veterans could use the information in congressional hearings and Va subcommittee hearings. I am sure Congressman Filner would have an ear to this. Though I have not had a C and P ordered it as of yet I think by warning them of their report will be posted and later used in congressional testimony might cause a some type of concern for them. I hope you are fine and God Bless, Never Give up. C.C.