GBArmy

Mikey To answer your question can the VA change your diagnosis, well, if they get their own doc to argue it they can propose something else. But if you are S-c for a disability, it's not that easy. I'm thinking what you meant to say is can the VA change the diagnostic code they identify as your symptoms? Yes. Actually, that is a basic part; the VA is to apply the highest possible rating if more than one can be applied. So if osteoarthritis gets you 30%, but PSA, for example, can get you to 50%, that is what they are supposed to do. (I don't know if that would work for you specifically; don't have a lot of facts) One other thing. If you are taking a VA prescribed drug, say Otezla, be sure to look up any negative effects it can have on you. If you have any of those negative symptoms and can get an IMO saying it caused X, then you have a clear path to a secondary condition. Example, say drug abc can lead to headaches, if you have headaches (migrain), then bingo. Many veterans don't do their homework. You have to be your own best advocate.

Jayco you need to apply the Caluza Triangle. In other words: a diagnosed illness or injury currently, an event in the service , and then a medical opinion that supports a connection. If you no longer have diarrhea, you can't claim that. If you don't have some other residual effects from low magnesium then you are between a rock and a hard place. Are you saying that low mag results in seizures? If so, you need an IMO supporting that. I am making the assumptions that you are under the VA heathcare, and have been current with annual check ups, and they have and continue to prescribe the meds for you. If you have a break and haven't seen your VA doc, I think they can deny because you were seeing someone else??? As to being in Thailand, if you are a resident, as Paul said, that is a whole different legal angle we would not know anything about.

hamslice and Dustoff It is UNBELIEVABLE. There should be some accountability when the VA does things like deny because of a signature. Just spiteful! Good old VA union; no accountability or responsibility! Makes you really mad and it didn't even happen to me or anyone I know. Makes you wonder how you could keep your cool if it did happen to you or your family.

lp1067 The VA can do just about anything they want; not unusual to farm out now days. I would definately suggest that you bring along copies of your diagnosis from your doc, so they can see what someone else has already found. It sometimes save a lot of time and effort (and more appeals.)

grayling12 When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When dealing with the VA for disability claims, do what the VA does. Use their rules (sometimes they don't use their rules but we can't do much about that.) Get the diagnostic info from repeated visits to your your doc.Get a dbq and a nexus letter and resubmit under Supplemental lane. If you have the disability, you have the symptoms, you have s-c , and the nexus you will win. Be mindful of timing; 12 months to resubmit.

Here is the latest from my Congressman and others who sent a letter requesting the Navy fully support the VA in the identifying submarine activity within the 12 miles. https://courtney.house.gov/sites/courtney.house.gov/files/12.10.2019 Blue Water Submariners Support Letter.pdf Their issue is the VA needs input from records where the subs went and they need the Navy's expedited attention to get that data so for Jan.1. Now, what['s taht saying again...delay, deny and hope the veteran dies???

I doubt it is AO presumptive; I believe lung conditions have to involve cancer to get presumptive. I was wondering is if someone might have it secondary to an AO condition and connect it that way.

Just had an exam and the verbal diagnosis was Pulmonary Vascular disease. My guess is it maybe further defined as pulmonary arterial disease. Wondering if anyone has had experience with it and can it be s-c to Agent Orange.

Welcome aboard Jenniges Hope you find what you need here and end up helping others thru sharing your experiences. Do your research but I also suggest that you work on developing a good relationship with your pcp at the VA, assuming you use the VA for health care. If you can get them to be in your side, they can really shorten the time it takes to get things done. It really helps to get an insider at the VA on your side. Of course, easier said than done. Good luck!

Allan Yup you're right. But there is a glitch. The dd214 doesn't say it is "honorable" etc. That poses a problem for service men and women that want to show their military service status. The public, or employer, for example, will not understand. All they have ever heard is Honorable, or Dishonorable. I think they should fix that coding policy.

As a point of interest, I just found a listing of Military Separation Codes. Education is listed as MCF https://www.thebalancecareers.com/military-separation-codes-3356946

6 moths later than the law provided, but lets see how quickly they can "support faster claims decisions". I'm glad for our brothers to finally get the coverage, but did it really have to be this hard to do what is right?

There is a good summary of what is involved with loss of use here; https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/special-monthly-compensation-smc-explained.html After looking up some info, I kinda doubt loss of use is going to apply to your situation. It doesn't seem to fit the general intent.

It may be new. On the dd214 it will state a code (3 digets/letters???) and for type of discharge it also lists the branch of service regulation section that refers to the reason. It is probably a type of "at the discretion of the US Gov't" or words to that effect. It's not "Dishonorable" but a gray area in classification coding. Unless it was for a medical reason, I doubt if there is any hope of any kind of veteran benefits.

Tonsils are supposedly used to help the body's protection from respertory infections. So Fat, do you have sinus and other breathing problems frequently. That would fit the "loss of" issue. Have to s-c it and get an IMO from a rep. doc to say that the removal has that frequency effect I should think.

This is an encouraging thread because of several positive comments that VA personnel actually help/advise veterans on disability claims. We all knock the VA for a lot of legitimate reasons, especially where they omit or disregard our evidence, or, worse yet, try to deny illegally. But it is helpful when we do get positive advise from an examiner or tech to submit for additional benefits. Don't worry, I'm not going soft. I just think it is great to hear something positive about the VA and the claims process. Kinda encourages you you know. And if it happens to you, be sure to thank that employee for doing the right thing. It will reinforce and encourage to help other veterans in the future.

Special1972 7-10 business days is a VA rule. They don't abide by their rules; we have to, but they don't. Call 1-800 Peggy again and speak to someone who cares just a little. It eventually should show up something. But really, you need to wait for the decision letter.

Bronc has it pretty much nailed. Can't get the temp 100% unless it's s-c. I was looking up the diagnostic code for tonsillitis to see what the ratings would be based on your symptoms. Confusing to even find the dc. What are your symptoms now? What dc are you trying to connect to? You may have been wronged, but you have to have a current diagnosis based on symptoms, not what you went thru before.

Buck I get it. I used to work with a quality assurance guy and he would say "the juice isn't worth the squeeze." Meaning, the amount of time and effort needed to get the outcome you need just isn't worth it. If you're 2 years away from the magic 20, I think I'd be inclined to agree waiting to get the lock is worth it. But, how about having your cake and eating it too. When you're just sitting around and looking pretty, start doing research on the secondary. Look up BVA similar decisions. I'm sure there are a couple different ways to make SA connect to PTSD. It will keep you entertained doing something constructive and you will learn something new that may come in handy later. Who knows, they may call you for a C&P before the bell goes off at 2 years. If so, you throw the new claim at them then. And as for cost, there are a few experts out there that will do the IMO as part of a package and get compensated after the decision if you win. There is always a way.

Mawm Some advise. Oceanbound and vetquest are answering a veteran's question that is asked over and over here on Hadit. Every day. If you read a little you don't have to go too far to see the same question. It isn't sarcastic; it is a general term to chill out. Veterans want to know "how long is my decision going to take." It's the VA, man. Who the hell know when the VA is going to do anything? Don't fret; do other things but don't obsess with worrying about when your going to get a final response from Big Brother. You got to lighten up. If you can't, then it may be best to not use this sight as you will be more anxious than you already are.

Grunt 8152 Sounds encouraging. what I would do is contact the Patient Care Advocate at the VAMC and inform them of what's going on and make sure your in sync. From what I have heard, while at the civilian hospital you are supposed to sign a release form that you are willing to transfer back to the VA hospital after the surgery. It may be a formality, but if you don't sign off you can be denied VA financial coverage.

It'll be fine. Don't forget the coffee!

Hi Willie Ward Jr Congratulations; good job done! There is money on the table so it's going to take a while for the VA to decide. 30% to 50% over 4 years,, if that is the EED is going to be a good chunk of change. You could call 1-800 Peggy and see what you can find out, but honestly, it more than likely isn't going to help. It is unfortunate, but until you get your decision letter, your just not going to know for sure. And, if you figure you got low-balled on the back pay when you get it, don't be afraid to appeal. Your back pay, by the way, might come in more than one check so don't be surprised. Be sure your ebenees has your current address and banking info too.

Morning Ms. Tbird, I have no personal experience in your situation. The only thing I can think of is put a pot of coffee on and engage with the contractor as to things you can't physically accomplish that impacts your quality of life. As you prepare, think of possible solutions to those issues. Maybe create a list if it would help.Be open to suggestions but don't be afraid to to disagree if you don't think it will work. One other thing; if your niece or someone else could be with you it might help in remembering things. Sorta like going to a C&P; two are better than one. Good luck and be calm. It's an opportunity so take advantage of it.

Hollie, we are all following you. You know what, you keep on asking and listening to the good advise from Shrek and others and you WILL WIN. You aint no pushover. You ain't going to let them win. We're just here to give you a hand when you need it. Small hint: mark your calendar for 6 months and 9 months from your decision letter. Be aware on your one year appeal limit. We want an update when you come up with a plan. O.K.