paulstrgn

I believe Microsoft uses "Edge" instead of IE, not 100% positive though (it's on my PC but I don't use it). I have been using Chrome for the past several years and have been pleased with it. But yes everything does seem to change, even if it is not broken.

The federal government does not care about age if you wanted to go back to work. Being a disabled vet, you would get hiring preferences. You might need to start out at a GS5 or 7 (it can be higher depending on education) but you can move up quickly. Plus, you will be eligible for health insurance and preexisting conditions don’t matter. They are also really good about making work accommodations to meet any disabilities that impair your work. I have been working for the federal government since 1996 and have seen them bend over backwards to assist vets.

The waiting of the VA to process our claims is the hardest part. Plus waiting on the BBE to show up so we can see how they made their decisions. Good luck!

Every so often when I can't login I find I need to shut down my browser and reopen in order to login. Other than that no.

Always great to hear about success stories.

Have you tried call the tech support line? https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/contact They may be able to help. Technical Issues, such as password changes or error codes 1-800-983-0937 Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm ET

It would be nice to get the amount paid for IMO when your finally approved for a sc disability. Unfortunately, I don’t believe that will ever happen.

I will need to go into my VA hospital once a year to get the new supplies, they don't mail anything. The front desk went and asked someone about this guy needing a machine and was told they could not help him. I really do think it depends on who you talk with to get your machine. If I had not contacted the director’s office at the VA hospital, I would still be waiting on getting scheduled to get a machine. I believe the director’s office is being told by the cpap clinic that there is no backlog when in reality there is. I am assuming someone just does not want their section to look like it is being mismanaged. I come from the school of thought that you let your director know if you are understaffed and that is why there is a backlog. If the director’s office does not want to hear about that at least you have told them what the problem is. Staffing should never be an issue at the VA hospitals.

Diabetes will show up in blood work. You should also look to see if your medical records say you were pre-diabetes.

It makes sense to claim your symptoms, after all we are not doctors and are not required to know what the sypmtoms mean. @retiredat44Did the BVA award you anything with an effective date back tot the 1990s? Just curious.

Well I got my CPAP machine and supplies (one years’ worth) yesterday at the VA. I had a 9 am appointment and I showed up at 8:30 am (I hate being late) and I was not seen until 10 am, no wonder they are so back logged to give out the CPAPs. I was not expecting to get a year’s supply but was happy I did, I really don't want to go back there again if I can help it. They already set me up with a follow-up appointment for 1 year from Friday to get me new supplies and to check the pressure on my CPAP is working right (hopefully it is I don't want to wait a year to find out it's not). I used it last night and I really felt like it was much better than my last machine, still needing to adjust to it though. It senses whether or not the machine is being used or not and will either automatically start or stop, I really like this feature. While I was waiting there for my appointment another vet came in to get his machine replaced (his was not working) and was told he needs to make an appointment (I don't understand that since I believe they also have a walk-in clinic). I wanted to tell him to email the director but he left (very upset) before I could. The Hampton VAMC really need to get their act together. To many vets are there needing help but are not getting it.

I guess for me it all depends on the individual. If someone is rated at 100% for PTSD then it might be best that they don't own a weapon. I can also see depending on the symptoms someone rated at 70% PTSD may or may not be suited to own a weapon. Granted you can kill with a knife or a bat or even a motor vehicle to name a few. If someone wants to kill, they will find a way But to me it is just individuals with PTSD, anyone with a severe mental disorder probably should not own a weapon. But the bottom-line is would be hard to enforce since hey would not know if you own a weapon or not. The only way and its not perfect they would have to search your home. This would never happen since they would never have the staffing to perform these searches. I don’t think there is anything to worry about. JMO

Congratulations...also depending on your state you may also be entitled to a break on personal property tax. I live in Virginia and the personal property tax for my car went from 4% to 1%. Every little bit helps.

I do not mind waiting Buck, whether its 2-3 weeks or even 5 weeks it is all good. Now if I just get around to the parks to use it.

You should file for the SA, it may be hard to SC it unless you have SMR showing where you went in complaining about snoring or waking up gasping for breathe. I had to have a strong IMO with several buddy letters to get my SA SC, it took the BVA to approve it though. I have not heard that the rating for SA has changed. I got the below from http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/therespiratorysystem.html#sleep Sleep apnea can cause a significant impairment of the heart and respiratory system by limiting the amount of air that is taken in during the hours of sleep. If the condition continues over a long period of time and causes respiratory failure with right heart ventricle failure or with too much carbon dioxide in the blood stream, or if it requires a tracheotomy, it is rated 100%. If it requires the use of breathing machines like a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine during sleep, it is rated 50%. If it causes serious sleepiness during the daytime or not feeling rested after sleeping, it is rated 30%. If it is diagnosed by a sleep test, but it doesn’t cause any significant symptoms, it is rated 0%. Good luck

@allansc2005 Well my BP is being controlled by 4 different meds right now. But I do need to lose weight (more than I want to admit...lol). I lost my sense of smell and along with it my taste buds, so now a lot of things don't taste good to me, including oatmeal which I use to love to eat). I am 62 and really need to get myself in better shape. Just losing some weight will be a big help. When I move next year I plan on buying a home with a pool which will help me a lot.

I filed mine online, it cost $10. I uploaded a copy of my drivers license and a copy of my VA letter. Says it will take 2 - 3 weeks to get.

If you are still in the service then make sure you get all your medical issues documented and diagnosed. It will help you with your VA journey.

@Vync You make a good point. Why is it only the waiver of the insurance require you not to be working, yet your dependents can get the educational benefits which is a whole lot more money. I will also see what I can find out, but I will be watching your findings on this topic.

I received an email and thought I would pass this on for those who miight be interested. Disabled Veterans eligible for free National Park Service Lifetime Access Pass. Here is the link: https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/60590/disabled-veterans-eligible-free-national-park-service-lifetime-access-pass/

He really helped me with my SA claim, besides the advice he always encouraged me with my claim. I pray that he is still holding on, but if he has passed on I rejoice that he no longer hurts and enjoying walking the streets of gold!! God bless you Gastone.

I need to make it to 8/2028 then for my spouse to be eligible for DIC. Unless my hypertension causes me to have a stroke or heart attack I won't be dieing from any of my other disabilities. I will need to live to at least 70, so I guess I better get on the old tread mill...lol As always thanks for the info Buck!!!

When it comes to the VA always expect the unexpected. I think even if I live long enough to reach the 20 year mark I still won't trust the VA...lol

I agree with you Buck, for this very reason I try not to go to the VA for anything. I am going for my CPAP machince and supplies (they give enough supplies for one year) and also for dental care (I just found out it's free since I am 100% P&T). I need a crown replaced and I am glad I don't have to pay for it, it saves me about $800 with dental insurance.

@Buck52 I will certainly have to research this more to make sure my wife can get the DIC.