ToxicSgt73

I do owe some thanks to this forum. Thanks. We had a rocky start back around 28 months ago. I was a mess. I started with an Intent to File, then I absorbed myself in research and my multiple file boxes of medical evidence. I requested my DD214 and my STR's. I looked at what was in my STR's and what I knew had happened to me in the service. I tried to figure out how to file a claim with a strategy. I failed. I should have filed for tinnitus and one other of my 'slam dunks' (I know, there are no such things) (but, in my case yes there were a few). I knew that was the right strategy. But, I struggled with all those legitimate claims that I also knew should get filed and granted. When the Intent to File was about to expire, and I had not found the kind of help I needed to help me organize to develop a coherent strategy....I was breaking down, and with some push from a VA social worker, I just walked down the hall to the nearest VSO to just get it done. Which I did. This VSO didn't even complete the typed lines across for claim information (was this a legitimate strategy?) I had to have her trim the list after she insisted I should file everything she listed after she had talked to me for about 15 minutes. I removed a few things, and I was still looking at 12 claims. I know. I was sick at the time and not thinking all that good. And I just closed my eyes, signed it, turned it over and prayed. A long time passed and I was sent a development letter, to which I responded with as much evidence in the 30 days the letter said I had to respond (I believe now I should have kept sending stuff as I completed it) based on what I learned from this site and well as other places. I choose to pick the two claims that I had the most evidence that was a direct match for the ratings criteria. I didn't have nexus letters for anything. It is not that I didn't try. My expeience was I was not only not getting any nexus letters from the VAMC, I was not getting favorable information put into my records often enough. Usually only when I fought them to do it. Or went around them. I was getting some good care from most of the providers (but still not getting things written in the right ways to help). I was able to get a good case built for 2 of the claims, hemmoroids and chronic sinusitis. Caluza 1) STRs were solid for these two. 2) medical evidence and a lay statement, with a current diagnosis and chronic history, being treated by VA for both. 3) no nexus letters. This had taken me 30 days to get this much done. I was able to get a few more things for a couple more claims (which helped, as I can see in my decision letter) but, I didn't even get my 'statement of claim' for each claim uploaded, or if I did, these don't show up online. I do know I was wasted and frazzled and it took me a month to recover, to realize that I had really screwed up. I had a chance to upload evidence (which I had) for each claim, and to upload statements for each one, but, like I had been searching for someone to help me......I couldn't get it done....maybe that is why I am not working? It sucks..... Why did I bring this up? Let me break it down: - the claims that I uploaded the evidence got granted. Hemmoroids max 20% a real documented pain, and STRs backed it up. Chronic Sinusitis, 10% same evidence but, I was lowballed even with evidence and what I thought to be a good C&P questioning. - tinnitus - know your MOS or AFSC or whatever it is called where you served. And know all the noise sources. (Mine was retired, and the new crosslisting was for 'Special Purpose Vehicle Maintenance' with a moderate risk listed. Not quite accurate for a F106 Weapons Control Systems Mechanic with HIGH risk. Thankfully the C&P examiner was helpful, and laughed about the crosslisting, and told me this kind of thing is common (nah)...he also asked me about ground equipment possibly being in use when I worked on aircraft (duh, why hadn't I thought about that?) So, tinnitus 10%, and I got bilateral hearing loss at 0% (only because of the word test, being NOT the right one) (on purpose? I suppose). -big toes - bad toenail surgery both toes, old time cauterization leave nasty residuals that actually have caused documented (and suggested by VA docs) arthritis in both big toes, I have loss downward movement in left great toe and upward movement is impossible without great pain, and this has lead to a painful heel spur in the other foot....now I get secondaries off the 0% bilateral great toes for (fungus) VA Claim switched the name. I didn't upload anything here. - other numerous claims- I got a lot of help in the decision letter to go forward on these. - I had 12 C&P DBQ pre questionaires from QTC contractor. I was contacted in November to set up exams. I learned that I could shop the exams for others that were available earlier in time than what was offered to me. I actually had two cancelled and rescheduled for earlier exams (I made sure that this would not hurt me). And give up that the exam has be next door to your house. I drove 85 miles to two of mine and also for a diagnostic test. I had 10 C&P exams lumped into one....(I know...) So....what did I learn and what can I offer to others. -start small, only give the VA something easy to start with -write a good supporting 'statement of claim' for each claim -upload all the evidence you have, I even uploaded some articles that supported my missing nexus -review your STR's and exit medical/entrance exam, and structure claims accordingly... - get lay statements that support claims, I uploaded two, one for sinus (it will also support a secondary that I haven't even mentioned) and one for my T7, T8, T9 fractures (which was claimed as back condition, and is a battle I will fight in the coming days) -when you overload as I did many times in the 28 months from Intent to File to Claim Closed.....take a break for a few months and stay away from all of it. - when you get questionaires to fill out before the C&P exams....give this your best effort. and make copies for yourself to have on hand and to keep. - its time now for a couple of IMO's to get the high value claims that the decision letter tells me all I am missing is the nexus So. I got helpful info from this site in the past. The VA benefits machine isn't all bad....some of it seems to work pretty good, albeit too damn slow. Everything I am seeing, what was granted and what was denied.....and WHAT that decision states....is everything one reads on this site and everywhere else....its complicated just like my claim is, was, and will continue to be....and yours too... Everything about this process is documented....somewhere.....and that is on purpose. Makes it all legal, not easy. Nothing given, if not asked for, if not listed somewhere, and not in the right way. Do the best you can, and then wait. Pray.

What happened in my experience from a documented prior civilian diagnosis, that I gave to my primary care doctor (1st one, before I had him replaced) I gave him this info as history, mostly because, yes it is out there, but, it has also been backed off by the original diagnosing doctor at Mayo Clinic in writing in a letter to the VA. All that said....VA primary care doc 1, notes false diagnosis in my record.....it took me getting primary care doctor replaced, and six months of being mislead through patient advocate, a telephone visit with VAMC admin, back to patient advocate, then being told I would be given an appointment with someone to talk with about it.....if that was okay....(social worker, we are still talking)...... Finally got my primary care doctor changed.....after 3 months of seeing him, he amended records......but, original note is still there to see, with amended notes to the right...... ***NOTE to the original poster.....you must Verify if future doctors or others who rely on your records actually read the amendment or the original note. Some say they see the original still....and others say they don't..... But, I can tell you that from how this has impacted my VA health care journey its a crap shoot.....as to just what you can get done about a 'false' entry....and if you are 'ever' done dealing with that first false entry. I have been submitted to the VA regional spine hub.....twice....both times prematurely.....to what I was told beforehand as to when it would happen. Now, why is that important 1, and what does that have to do with correcting false records 2? 1. My first diagnosis was misdiagnosis of the neurological type, it was helpful 9 years ago, having a name for 'all' my problems, but it has stopped anyone from looking at my spine, and because of what it was (mostly anything else). And yes, the VA Spine Hub saw the false entry, and stopped right there the first time, noting that was all they saw. (this was in the middle of the time I was fighting to have it removed) The second time I was submitted to the VA Spine Hub, it was like Bermuda Triangle, meets Twilight Zone at the Caluza Junction.... The VA Neuro who submitted me (a nurse practitioner neuro) was very thorough, and I loved 99% of what she did, except for her inferring that because I still go to Mayo once a year and participate in studies for aging.....at the Abigail Van Buren Alz Research Center at Mayo Rochester......she then casually noted that I go there annually for Alz treatment...... So, result of my second VA Spine Hub referral.......the Hub noted my false Alz.....and from there it is like reading a VA Claim Remand....the Hub went on to the tell the VAMC exactly what they needed to see in my record....NOT if....but, when I am resubmitted..... Spine: T7, T8, T9, chronic subtle deformities....i.e. FRACTURES...(pretty little triangles)...only time ever hit there was with a TACAN antenna that broke off the underbelly of a F106 I was working on....now I have stenosis in all three regions and spinal cord impingements in cervical with probably by the end of this month a diagnosis of cervical myelopathy and the 3rd referral. Sorry for all the NOTE:s But, something like just doesn't go away. on the second referral, I was in the process of having the second false entry corrected, but the same day I read that it was corrected.....I also saw that I was magically already had been submitted again to the VA Spinal Hub and read that they saw the false note and that was about half of what they saw..... So......if you have a false record......attack it....NUKE it...... What I have been told since all this......each VAMC has an office that a veteran can go to and request a record be corrected. So, what I am thinking......this is what one should do....and not discuss it with anyone else until this is done. This then puts the veteran in the drivers seat as to just 'what' is corrected or amended......and even more important.....to 'what' it is corrected to..... I know some of you don't like long posts.....I can't do short ones.....I know how important this issue has been, IS, and will continue to be for me.....I hope this post helps someone. Rant still not over..... About a year ago.....when I started to see that I needed to file a VA claim along with getting on VA health care.....I wrongly thought that I was the OWNER of my medical records and that medical records were SACRED.... What I found out.....medical records DO NOT exist for the patient.....the patient does NOT own the record......the patient does not control the record....and more importantly.....the patient NEVER sees the Whole Record....(let that sink in).... and if they are SACRED....then it is in an EVIL way......just try to get any records that you don't already have a copy of from any time back (civilian....) VA and Military records are whole nother story.

I haven't seen a letter, nor will I. Not part of this. But, I did watch the court on youtube....VA was spanked repeatedly.

Backpay, I understood your problem, and yes, you keep knocking on more doors until the right one opens. I have learned, not to expect much help here either....but you can learn about others moms good advice and how long they walked barefoot in snow without any help.....so why should you expect any...... Geez....I am going to have to reexamine my head to see why I subscribed here...... I read a handful of posts and the its the same group who belittled me when I got on board......doing the same thing over and over.....this board could be something great......if you guys actually tried to understand what someone WHO is trying to do what you did previously Could actually use some help.....because WE ALL KNOW we ain't getting it nowhere else..... VA, VSO's private doc's all have agendas......and it sure ain't to help a fellow vet......I suggest a new sub board......VETS actually helping VETS......I will play on that one......I have about 90 VA encounters in the last six months.....I was so close to tying up some loose ends......I drove 3 hours and spent a night in a hotel to make an appt with a hot shot 'troubleshooter' VSO about 4 months ago......(VSO has not returned a single coorespondence......not an email nor a phone call........NoT a single acknowledgement.......VA docs keep finding more and more images and diagnosies that line up with my SMR's......but will not even list any on my active problem list.......it is a fight everywhere....... yes......I will do it on my own......if I live that long.......why does it need to be that way on this board? Backpay, you don't owe any apologies for asking for help, its the other way around.

Ms. Berta, I noticed at the VAMC I am going to My Blue Button Notes are showing the following: "Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Contract Nurse Practitioner Signed: xx/xx/xx 00:00" and "Receipt Acknowledged By: xx/xx/xx 00:00 /es/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx STAFF PHYSICIAN" This matches up to Staff listing you posted. That link is also under 'Providers' at each VAMC individual website. I am new to using VA medical so not familiar how it used to be. It appears VA is listing whether or not Contract or Staff at this facility. Then I have a Specialist that is listed in the Blue Button Notes as co- signing with his specialty like 'Gastroenterology' but is not tagged as either Contract nor Staff. But he is on the Faculty at the attached Medical School, I only saw the 5th year intern, who has already rotated out, never saw the doctor. I wonder what his status is?

I been wanting an excuse to drive over to the next valley. Leaves are turning. Will have to stop in on them. Congrats to all.

flow1972, I read your whole thread, I am new to all this also, I am 0% SC today, and I just enrolled in VA medical care about a month and a half ago. I will try to share a couple of things that I have learned. I was in the AF. I had an experimental flu shot at TECH school (the Air Force has been the guinea pig for flu shots for all branches since the 1940's) (when you have a reaction, you go to sick call, not that they will tell you that, but google will) (google lowry, university of colorada, flu shots, and 1972, or 1976 for real killer) that made me extremely ill....so much so that I refuse to take another....this was in 1973. The deal is....when doing what you are doing....connecting the dots.....the web just keeps getting bigger and bigger. My STR's show first Acute Sinus with VK penicillin plus nasal spray script, was in NOV 73, I was given the FLU shot DEC 12.....does anyone think I was healthy and not immune comprised on DEC 12? What if I share that sometime between mid Sept, and NOV 73 I had a detail of shoveling Pigeon Poop, scraping it off building, and shoveling areas where the ground was covered in it. Then add pneumonia at 29, pleurisy, and chronic problems from 73 till now. Also when connecting all the dots. My first head MRI scan shows a completely filled maxillary sinus cavity with mention of polyps. Then a head CT scan in 2007 mentions that sinus mucosal thickening probably due to FUNGAL cause...... MY recommendation? Don't jump to the first cause and effect you find when trying to connect the dots. I just had a Gastro Catscan that incidentally shows thoracic vertebrae damage probably from using my back to break a center line underbelly antenna in 1975~(luckily I was able to track down the SSgt that working on the plane with me, and his memory isn't totally shot), it is probably going to tie in to quite a few issues that I have had since then, that no one could find a box for before. Some boxes are going to have to swapped. I am going to have to rethink some of what I mapped out real pretty in the war room, over the last 3 months, as it has become easier to explain. I don't know if what I am doing is right, wrong or off planet....but, i am taking my time connecting the dots. I found a VSO that is one of the top two in my State, by talking to upper level chain in VSO organizations. I told them what I was looking for, before I would accept a VSO, keeping in mind, that it is my responsibility, but, I want real interest and real help, or I will just do it myself. I think if you search for it, you can find it. As far as VA health care, its a mixed bag. I found a great hospital, but a primary care doc assigned to me at a CBOC is a joke. So....I have been to the 'URGENT/Care - ER' at the VAMC 4 times in less than 2 months. I also have had 3 skin lessions removed, one 5 stitches, two x 2 stitches. One abdominal Catscan, wore a Holter monitor for a week, I just came back from a MBA - Mixed Barium Swallow.....which finally shows someone else that my esophagus has a mind of its own, and more that I can't think of right now.....I have been to the Patient Advocate office twice, they have a back door just for me. I called a Social Worker, I call the Help line. I am supposed to be getting a new primary care doctor. I got NOTHING FROM THE assigned Pact Team Primary Doctor......I am hoping you are getting my message about how it has worked for me....First time you hear NO is an invitation to go ask somewhere else, as long as what you are asking for is real, or you believe it is real. I find it unbelievable that I have hope for better health, and for even more claims thru new diagnoses coming from the NEW VA.......but, it ain't easy, they make you work for it. If you quit after ONE NO......you are done. I don't quit. I don't think you will either. I am thinking the Primary Care Doctor is the same as with an HMO, he is a gatekeeper, and the only tool he has is a LOCK. The ER door is never LOCKED.

Vync, Thanks, I did get the back end report and the CD 'today', I told them the truth, I was going to civilian doc, if some doctor didn't get with me and I needed 'my' records. Then I went and talked to patient advocate, I had waited the required time, and I had options, I just needed to know what the VA was going to do, so I could decide. I have to say, most of my experience so far with the VA has been positive. I have my gastro consult moved up to tomorrow, and my skin lesson has been moved up. I still don't have a PC doc, but, I did request a staff MD, with EARS (at least part of one). I talked to local vet in one of the waiting rooms today, he just went through the acupuncture, they have it in the VAMC, that is where I am transferring, he went through 4 appts, and said, it surprised him, it appears to be doing him some good. I have had a civilian disabled plate for 9 years, for these same legs, as PN. I did go to the State Vet Affairs VSO, and I am hoping I found a good one. So, yes, the claim is being put together between the doctor visits. It looks like I have 1 IMO lined up, I will need one or two more. I have to call in those buddy letters now, that I have a better idea of what I need. Thanks

Prominent facet arthrosis of lower lumbar spine, Mild spondylosis of lumbar spine, opens new door. I thought my claim was overwhelming before this. I had a catscan for abdominal issues: The above (plus other things) is on the Lab Report Radiologist report, but the Blue Button Notes, omit the part about the spine? I have waited 7 days plus since catscan and no followup from PC, although, the notes are flagged: Significant Abnormarlity: Atten Needed and the notes go into detail about handoff to PC doc, and his signature is there, taking the handoff, but no contact. I have talked to Patient Advocate before, actually just before I left the house to go get the emergency room, where they ordered the catscan (but asked me on the way out: do you want the good news or the good news? to which I replied, shoot me with all of it. Which I was told everything was fine, get with my PC later. Now to the question: I have thought and so have doctors that I had parethesia (cop out diagnosis) or PN, but EMG would be normal. But I have Radiculopathy sypmtoms, in my STR's that are still with me today, that line up with my spine problem, and I have an incident where I broke an antenna that ran under the centerline of a F106, by striking it with my back as I working under the aircraft, that I Red X'd for flight....after I was able to stand up. I sucked it up. And my knees are arthritic, I did pound the pavement more than anyone else around me in combat boots, often dehydrated, sometimes on speed (per flight surgeon) plenty of forced dehydration, in sauna and steam and running. I know alot of you have back problems (spine) I thought I didn't, when I look at those scans, I know better now. Now I know why I bend or break every driver seat in my new vehicles. First one was a Datsun/Nissan sentra, bent two seats in same manner, in the first two months. It took me a few years to break the weld in my 2500HD GMC Sierra, on the right hand side to match my old Nissan. Probably my ankles are that way too. I don't have an image, yet....I did turn it a few years ago and it doubled in size. So, I am camping out at the VAMC morning morning, I am done with the CBOC. I have the form filled out already to change PC, I already spoke to the Patient Advocate a week ago, he said no problem but have to wait in line. I don't like lines, especially when I am hurting. Any tips? Ideas? Something I am missing? Patient Advocate? Another office? ER again? I know I need to go the the Records office in the VAMC to get the 'real' records, if I can actually get them anywhere from the VA. Then: What should I do to find out what's up with my spine? Both for my health and for a claim? First for my health?

I am constantly adding relevant to me material to my blog on this site. About my Toxic Journey. The particular post I am working on is a list of Toxins, and links that are related: https://community.hadit.com/blogs/entry/150-toxic-exposure-misc/ This link below, is the " WRIISC " War Related Illness and Injury Study Center : https://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/education/factsheets/military-and-aircraft-vehicle-exhaust.pdf It is about JPx and Diesel Exhaust, and how about its REALLY BAD FOR YOU.....and if you think you were exposed to some and you have problems, just tell your PC doc and ask for a referral......I am wondering how that is going with anyone? Did you get anything worthwhile out of that experience? I keep hoping for something somewhere....of course the door isn't open there for me, CONUS exhaust. I believe I found another couple or three or more links to my ills....those nodules in my lungs...along with the growths in half a dozen other places, could just be from inhaled JP4 exhaust or tarmac particles or a combo. And my newly bloomed wide spread Actinic Keratosis hopefully hasn't changed to SCC just yet, before I get the first one cut and tested next month. Question: Anyone get one of those appointments? Was it more than just putting your name on a list? Looks like I am not in the 'included' list to be 'presumptive'. Is this true? Has anyone outside of combat deployment got one of these appointments?

vetquest, ouch...I misspelled the thing, its MOHS.... probably not much chance of it being available out here in the woods, I did a search, locally and not many civilians have this equipment and setup either. It looks like only a handful of VAMC's have it. I am thinking as long as it gets gone, I will hopefully be in better shape in the long run. Hope it worked out for you.

Vync, I know just a definition, no more than that. It is a surgery process, where a lesion is removed one skin layer at a time, you sit there until they remove and do the pathology while you wait. Supposively its the best thing going. The idea is that ONE and DONE. The surgeon keeps removing layers until they are satisfied its all gone. Looks like at minimum....and that is BIG minimum.....I will be leaving with at least a hole in both arms. Some VAMC have this in place, some don't.

In 30 days, from enrollment, I have had my initial appointment, a disappointment, then after some research and a few phone calls, I think I found the answer. See a social worker before your appointment if possible, or at a minimum ask to see the social worker ASAP. Ask a lot of questions, get a lot of answers. Have a list of what you want FROM the doctor, don't wait for him to offer anything, you will run out of time. When my questions were interpreted as a complaint, I got to talk to a social worker and I was set up for the 9 referrals that I wanted to start off with. Two of them are actually set up as appointments now and another 4 or so show up on MyHealtheVet as signed off and referred, and another two are still waiting signatures. One of the ones I requested I wasn't going to get fast enough. So, instead of waiting for this Doctor to get back from somewhere, I instead went to the ER at the VAMC. I was seen in 5 minutes, I was asked to sit in the waiting room for another 5 minutes, and then seen again. I was told I would be contacted with a referral with a Dermatologist in a few days to a week to set up an appointment. This was yesterday, I was woke up this morning with a phone call to make an appointment for general surgery for lesions removal on Nov 13, or I could choose local care. I let them set up the VAMC. I am trying to find out if the VAMC has MOHS. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/what-is-mohs-surgery I decided to give it a few days to see what pops up on the web, and if I get any more calls. And to investigate who does the local stuff. Any tips appreciated. I wanted to tell NEW people searching to see if VA medical care is something to try or not. I have not made up my mind yet, I am exploring, although I admit, I just took a deep dive in the far end of the pool. The infrastructure is there. As someone who has spent more than 16 weeks at Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN in the last 8 years, the VA has an impressive set of tools available, at least in my area. I have NOT had enough of those tools touch me yet to decide if they know, and/or are willing to use them enough and/or appropriately. I intend to find out in the short run. I held out the most important specialty, neurology to Mayo Clinic only, for this trial period. The biggest TIP: Prepare for the first appointment, KNOW what to ask for. MY mistake was to let the Dr. Drive. I have hope, that things are changing on the Medical side of the VA for everyone. I am giving it a chance.

NoZZZ's, The more I try to simplify my conditions, the more complex they become. Almost two months non stop pouring through my medical records (the bits and pieces I can find and locate). I believe I understand the rating criteria as written, finally, after reading it many times and looking at your explanations and the cases, listed here and elsewhere. It looks like for ratings purposes, the only polyps that mentioned would be in the nose (not in the sinus cavities). I think I understand the concept. The disabling factor is blocking the airway. This is for rhinitus. Polyps in the sinus cavities that don't cause any 'pain', and 'discharge' 'crusting' ie....anything that doesn't interfere with working, is not disabling for rating purposes. At least that is the thought process I am using at the moment. I just received an ENT full workup that I had in 2007. It seems to suggest yet another rare 'bird' in my collection of 'rare' diseases connected to my time in the service. It suggests that my fully blocked maxillary sinus cavity was fungal infection in origination. Interesting: STR shows a Sinus Infection treated with antibiotics (labeled first of many) in NOV 73, I arrived at tech school the last day of August 73, during the time I was AFI, waiting on classes to start, one of the duties I pulled was to shovel pigeon crap, in front, in back, and sides, of 'Radar Love' building, along with who knows where else. It is just incredulous....where these bullets come from....I am looking harder at my pneumonia in 84' that permanently scarred my lungs..... My research into bird poop, especially pigeon poop and fungal diseases.....really nasty stuff.... I am still working all of this stuff up, I knew the pigeon poop shoveling could not have been beneficial.....I just didn't realize until just a few minutes ago about the fungus connection to the sinuses? maybe? I am going to need half a dozen IMO's. My sinus and bronchial issues have always been handled as bacterial, but I can't remember anyone ever taking a sample and analyzing it. I do get crusting, nasty colorful discharge, I could write a 4 four page paper on the process all the way to multiple pneumonia's over the years.....and then I could write a two page tutorial on how I prevent that most of the time. With a antihistamines, nasal steroids, saline wash, a machine to vacuum my sinuses (Navage) and a Steam Machine to moisturize them and 'melt' the nastiest. A go to box with expectorant, an old reliable of really deep coughing (until I found out that my 9 day stint in the hospital with AFIB may have been caused by that deep coughing to prevent pneumonia. But the best medicine, is prevention.....a big bubble, that one stays inside of. I can't visit any of my three children at their houses. They all have animals in the house.

I am interested in this also, I will post my question soon. I had a MRI in 92 that showed a maxillary sinus polyp/ and further MRI's that showed complete impaction of maxillary sinus, whatever it was popped when I started neti pots about 6 years ago, now MRI's show mucousal thickening (nih.gov says one way is chemical agents). Civilian Docs wanted to do a nose job and drill against the skull....I will post mine elsewhere, but, I am interested in what happens. My issues started in service and documented, chronic. Over 90 skin tests, over 20 interdermal tests, 3 vials of serum, allergy shots, after service. After sinus, bronchitis, then pnemonia & pleursy at 29 yrs. Working up mine hard right now. Got my first VAMC doc to document chronic rhinitis without trying so far.....LIke I said, watching this closely. Chemicals, seem to do a lot of things.

GBArmy, My blog, here, which I started to save those from having to read trememdous amounts of stuff to get to the meat...started out being about my journey through what I thought was a maze that I could surely figure out... But, I can see now that it is not a maze....it is more like dodge ball....and has been since I first raised my right hand...and now I understand what the Marines mean when they say once....always.... when we gave up our Constitutional Rights....we gave them up....forever.....but, then that is only one part of this as I see it. The above blog post might be sorta cryptic, sorry about that, that is just the way I think. I am finding in my research to link my toxic exposures (a literal soup) to my known 'nexus' .......oh, yeah, it is known.....but it won't be admitted, unless it is squeezed out of them.....every drip. There is NOT one place in the VA or the PUBLIC that one can go and get tested for what EVERYONE KNOWS is Killing us.....Unless you have about $12,000........... Then......NOT one person who wants to work in science nor in medicine in this country will be able to publish any definitive links to what they already know and openly write about in very double double speak. Trying to stay away from politics, so lets make it about power. The industry that makes all the stuff, makes all the money....money creates power......power is what runs things.....power rigs things.....its all rigged.....its designed to let a few get what they feel is 'right' and 'justified'......and the majority sit back and die in the end.....still waiting for their 'right' and 'just' time. Now I know without a doubt why I stayed away from the VA for all these years.... Because I could.....now I am stuck here like everyone else......at least somewhat..... So, we are told that it is the VA, fighting with the Congress, and Admin is on our side, and a few of the Congress are on our side.....blah, blah, blah..... Same thing with the Mortgage Crisis.....it was never a mortgage crisis.....it was re-leveling of the playing field, too much cash had got out from the banks and too many little banks or NON players had evolved and the field had to be cleared and money put back where it belonged..... But, wasn't I supposed to get mortgage help......yep, and my Vet loving Congress Critter did the same thing with my mortgage help, that they will do with helping us with this stuff.....just take it off the wheel for more time and toss it backwards to start all over.....with a nice Congressional letterhead souvenir for a keepsake, of course. My blog will be unfortunately NOT some victory happy dance at the end of the day.....but a frustrating long journey to more and more dead ends.....as nothing is found except lies and those who tell them, over and over. We have allowed the lies for so long, we believe half of them. I am getting ready to post some links to Tyndall that should be of interest to those who want to understand what I think is going on.....AFESC at Tyndall has been working on 'brews' that eat every kind of nasty that you can imagine....these are the same guys who were in charge of cleaning up Agent Orange.....they eat herbicides, they eat pesticides, nerve agents, unexploded ordinance in place, RDX, Heavy Metals......you name it......and I have found links and so can you......find some closed bases and google the clean up contracts.....and trace it back to Tyndall.....could this have something to do with why they the DOD have been unable to get little ole Tyndall to play ball with the EPA? and Congress? or is it DOD just running it all? VA included? Curious minds just wanna know? Why did I have to step in this?

I created a Blog on this site. My toxic journey. I have created my timeline of specific VA - Claim - VARO - VAMC - ID cards, gov websites access, etc...timelines for applying and my actual enrollment, hopefully this helps someone with info on at least my VARO current possible timelines. I am anonymous, and plan on staying that way, as well as one can, which isn't saying much. I have a tech background and know what my statement is worth. That said, like a lot of us, I will be very fortunate if I survive long enough to see my 'real' claim to any sort of fruition. So, there must be some sort of validation and some value of worth that my life's journey has left behind. So, I choose to leave it behind, right here, for as long as can, whatever the price. The suffering will end, and nothing I achieve will stop the suffering nor stop the end. So, if you are inclined, take a look here: This blog won't be for everybody, none are. If you have been exposed to some of the things I list, either where I was or somewhere else, I hope this will help you in formulating your nexus. If you find something that you think you can help me with, please do share, and hurry. If you just have a suggestion or idea, please share pro/con. And Admin, is this blog in line with your policies?

Vync, On the State VSO, I really just have need for somebody to tell me I am still in now, but, I don't want a yes man, either. I am not there yet, anyway, I have to wait those 4 weeks to us to interview each other, as I understand this one doesn't just accept anything either. So, unless I have a match, I will be back to doing on my own. According to the chart, my records should be at St. Louis. So, its my only option right now. I don't have a C-File for compensation, as I understand it, not with an Intent to File only. I do have a file, but the only things in it are the education and mortage claims, I looked at the screen at the VARO. So, I guess technically, I do have a C-File, and I saw it. I will be building my blog, with my claims journey. It will show at least my progress or lack of it on a timeline, and then I intend to share some of the research I have on toxic Conus bases, and exposures.

Making progress, a step at a time. Received my OMPF and STR 'EXCERPT'.... A stack of separation CYA some of it straight from the source. My entrance and my exit form of my check offs was there, funny how 3 years on the flight line improved my hearing, and how I was magically deaf in one ear and didn't know it when I enlisted. I found it strange I had an exit physical, signed and dated a day before the date of the physical appointment, when I have a copy of a waived exit physical in my possession, that stuffed in my training records that were given to me when I separated. The only medical record in my file I requested was a summary created as an exit physical. Strange it does just about cover everything at about 40k feet, I am sure not good enough for much at the VA claims window. And then that one unreadable ECG, but it is there. Dental records, of a sort. But not one doctor visit, not one sick call. Nothing about putting me on amphetamines. My surgery is summarized as a treatment with residuals. Question: Is this the representative file sent from St. Louis on the first pass? It says to reference the case number that was sent to you and now you get to ask again for the whole file. 'minus' the in hospital medical records' Question: Would an outpatient surgery likely be filed and stored as a 'Clinical Record' instead of a STR? I know, if it even exists. Probably so lucky to have what I have so far. Does anyone on the Board have any experience with medical records from treatment at Lowry AFB as a tech school student? Or at Lackland when in Basic? I should have medical records that are pertinent to my claim from both bases. I am pursueing on my own, just asking. Not claim related, but first appointment at VAMC on Weds morning, should be interesting, I don't have a clue what I am in for.

I believe this is a great idea. I have found and continue to find a treasure trove of info on this site in various areas of the site. But, sometimes finding what others allude to being out 'there' is kinda hard to nail down, as there is so much to go through, and yes a lot of it is good but what comes up with keyword searches is old info, and it seems that relevance changes often. So, I am hopeful that the heavy hitters on here do what you suggest. I envision a dream resource where one of these experienced members blogs could just be a list of links, with relevant descriptions of each link, the descriptions could be phrased as questions. I know this would help me. So, I have a question about blog creation, the 'name' the first blank on creation, is that the 'usrname' or a new 'name' for the blog? I can see where I can use the blog to make it easier on myself and others as with my cognitive issues it takes me more written material than what is ever necessary, so, that I can visualize it, to be satisfied that I have made my point, whether it is a statement or a question, even though I try to keep in mind that this puts an extra burden on others, without putting the burden on me for something I can't change without too much of a tremendous drain on my internal resources. I also see it as 'journey' blog. I have some relevant document links that I have found, that should be shared and easy for others to find at later times. As with a lot of us I presume, I have valid doubts that I will live long enough to finish my journey, I would like others to benefit from what has become an obsessive task. Thanks, I think this is a great idea, let me know if these ideas fall within the intended use.

hurryupnwait, I sure can understand you wanting to vent. I am new to the game, but, surely its time to make some noise? Maybe that noise has to come from me and others and like me. Maybe I can help in some way to help you get yours because I am seeing that I will probably never see anything but a token of what my service years took from me. BroncoVet, your post on this thread....real important to me...MY AHA moment....thanks for posting this.... I get it. At least I think I do, at least some of it, at least the part of WHY I am reading about all of you having important parts of your claims held up for years as the VA plays out its agenda, and continually adjusts the goal posts, so that the VA agenda is met. Not the mission. The mission is not met. The mission has never been met. At least the mission that I was sold. The mission that the public was sold. And the mission I believe that each and every one of you was sold. I can see that it comes down to personal agendas always, whether that 'personal' is a person, such as any one of us, or it is an agency like the VA, which is really just the DOD, which is really just part of something much MUCH bigger. We all just get a piece. And it is really just a game. Its a game to them, and its a game to us. Now when I say its a game to us, I don't mean that lightly, as the last thing I want is play any game. But, I say its a game for a reason. Where is the truth? Where is the truth in any of this? If someone has nothing but a Tinnitus claim. What are the odds of it sailing through? Even if a person has hearing loss where they can't have a decent conversation on a telephone or watch a TV program at a 'normal' listening level, since getting out of the service, what is the odds of that person getting the benefit out of the system as it is promised and written? I can see that it is set up this way to encourage those who would lie to collect on Tinnitus, to substitute for not being able to collect on the actual measurable hearing loss that they may or may not have. VA is limiting their pay out here. All the while those who actually have both, stand a chance of telling the truth and getting nothing for years if ever. While someone like me who has disabling Tinnitus and hearing loss since in the service, decides to 'come' out of the woodwork, because I need to, and now my agenda is questioned by the VA, the public, and some in the Vets community because of timing. (The timing is always going to be the claimaint's timing) and shouldn't matter to no one. Unless it had been promised a different way, it wasn't. That is what believing what other's will tell you is always the truth without agenda will get you. While what I wrote is an oversimplification, it works for me to understand some of what I am facing, as I empathize with all of you. So, when I file my 'real' claim....I can look forward to 40 to 60 years of waiting while a couple of hours of work are done on my case to delay it multiple times to fulfill the VA's agenda. And it will be very easy for them to do, as some of the 'rules' will have to be rewritten for the truth to play out. At first I though I understood some of the 'soft' 'pedaling' around what the VA does and does not do when compared to what they should be doing.....and I thought that was the right thing to do....for a little while, I changed my mind to that, from seeking truth....always.....Well I am back to seeking truth always again. I waited 42 years to file anything....I don't have another 42 years to play games.....8 years ago I was a long shot to be here today....ten years to win? not worth the effort, what I have learned in the last 8 years is to live now, but what I have also learned in the last 65 years is that if I am to get what I want, most likely I have to be the one to open the door and to make sure it stays open. By doing that....I have learned to recognize a 'rigged' game. A liar, a thief, a cheat. What I see now in the limited experience since deciding to come out of the woodwork, if I had 40 years to spare, then play the game, and then maybe play the Lottery at the same time.....one of them might come through for me. The VA is playing a shell game, just like the bigger parts it is a part of. Allow this group something of what they earned, and stall the other group, get one group to blame the other, latch onto the latest thing and let the others sit it out. When I was taken into the VARO back secure room to 'proof' myself, a few days ago, there was at least 30 empty cubicles, one person was working (the one that checked my identity and passed magic on the keyboard to allow me access to eBenefits) there were maybe 4 other people in the room, they were laughing in a huddle sitting in their office chairs, no one was at a keyboard.......? I don't know what I was looking at.....I was just passing thru. I can see, that I would like to get the VA to stop playing Whack a Mole.....and Nuke the stack, eliminate the stack, by being made to settle all claims in a reasonable time frame, and NO a year is not reasonable for any claim. A reasonable man would see about 3 months as reasonable if this was a business transaction. I have busted down a few doors in my life. I can see a new one inviting me. ***************** hurryupnwait, I sure hope these experienced Vets that have seen it all, can help you find an open door.

The Dolphins? The closer the Dolphins forage to Fred Bayou? The more nasty toxins found in the Dolphins. Without exception. And it scales up. An interesting find is that males had numbers a lot higher in the same species of dolphin. This was attributed to lactation, with some of the toxins being passed on to the nursing dolphin.

Hi Ms Berta, I have Ischemic Heart Disease, manifested in service, with ER on base, chronicity until eventual MI and stent intervention with old 100% blockage left as is. Lucky to have built up collateral arteries over the years. A list of others, Peripheral Neuropathy, started in service, with acute exacerbations in the service (no records of course) but a record of chronicity with diagnosis. Left side of face is numb. Initially eyelid tics. Don't have Diabetes diagnosed, but in reviewing my blood work, it is all over the place over the years, very seldom in normal. I don't have my list in front of me right now, for my wife and I are actually building that list using some pain chart stick men to not miss anything (not to claim everything, but to try to actually see what you alluded to? where everything connects and where it doesn't) I have spent my whole adult life since leaving the service chasing something, as no one ever had enough answers for 10% of my questions. I am pretty sure that I have a connection to DDT, DDE for some of what I have. Agent Orange? I don't know, when I find out if what I have is Choracne or not. But, not only is there no mention of AO on Tyndall, but very little of anything else, and what they claim is there is downplayed, just like at other places until that magic document is found. But, where I was exposed is where they admit there is a problem, of course downplayed by selective testing of species mostly irrelevant to human food chain, until you put in the multipliers for bioaccumalation, and biomagnification. So, I am not connecting any of my diagnosis and growths to anything yet, specific, but my first manifestations and limitations started there, and doctors visits started at my next base. I will take your advice, and look at what you said. As soon as I get my complete list together, I will post it. I will post now, my last cat scan results: pineal cyst, from MRI scattered lung nodules 3mm, hazy bottom lung both lungs, one lung smaller than expected.(Pleurisy and Pneumonia at age 29, chronic sinus since service, impacted sinus with polyp in 92', very chronic currently) Pneumonia 3 ? times at least) Pneumonias secondary to Chronic Bronchitis, secondary to chronic sinusitis. Allergy shots at 29 three vials of serum. enlarged heart, calcium in aorta, IHD, Angina, AFIB, High Blood Pressure (although when first out of service, I couldn't give blood at trade school as my BP was too low.....which is an affect of DDT poisoning) Intraheptic (in liver) and extraheptic (out of liver) bile duct dialations (something in bile duct) I suffer with chronic Pancreatitis, in 96 hospitalized with Acute Pancreatitis, a week later bile duct drained, a week later gall bladder removed (no stones, sludge) 3 months slow recovery with 2 rehospitalizations with only more questions and no further answers, just suffering since, and I think I am close to surgery at least scope cutting again. All indications of pancreatitis ramped and sugar crashes. Renal Cyst, right kidney, 26mm small intramuscular lipoma (it doesn't say sarcoma, and seldom is, but with all the rest) scattered 'likely' bone islands....currently at 5mm or less....intramedullary osseous sclerotic foci..... divirticulitis in colon.....I attribute to constipation flips flops, IBS or something to be determined, that started here. and was discovered at age 29. Diastasis Recti........I attribute to constipation There is just too much for me to absorb or any doctor that I have met over the years, there has to be an external cause, which one? Probably not just one. How I was toxed was not with one, but with every combination that available. So, I hope I didn't stray too far.... I know you asked for just presumptives....my quest is bigger as I want to understand what has happened to me (regardless of what VA does with it). I wanted to answer before I started my day, we are working on completing the list of all of my diseases right now.... Tyndall has hiding most of everything they did, and that was fine until I got sick. There are records of DDT barrels stored along the bayou, that leaked (it seems that is what barrels do). One of my quests is to find out what other kinds of barrels where stored in that storage yard over the years, it makes a difference to me. And then what happened over the years on the other side of the base, in the Red Horse Area, the construction area. In my time it was all open to hunting, one could get right up to those 2 hardstands. What we though were some kind of shots at them, or test charges, look like could be test plugs removed similar to what was done at Eglin, where they stored AO in an old unused hardstand, and later tested it for AO residuals. And I have started to listen to James Cripps. Its like drinking from a firehose, all the different sources that have to be digested. Over in the Red Horse area is paper mill growth. When we hunted there, we tracked deer and bear, I got down on the ground in the fire breaks and studied the tracks......in my hands (my hands are falling apart, they stay split open and dry with hardly any skin left. Did they normally spray firebreaks with herbicide? or just plow them up? ******** I noticed that the above reply I had made was buried in a drop down format. I have discovered that the lab at Tyndall has been supplying synthetic biodegrading agents to other labs, that will digest all kinds of nasties. Organophosphates, TNT, DNT, and ? what else? I am assuming to create something like that and to confidently send it out to other labs, you would have to have some of the nasties on hand to test your toxic waste eating product? Must be a paper trail that leads to Fred Bayou, somewhere. This lab was in charge of AO disposal. I found some other interesting papers. Civilians are afraid to say to much in published papers, but all trails lead to Fred Bayou. There is one study on dolphins, where they identify the dophins individually, by multiple sightings in the area of their foraging over a time period. Then a blubber sample and blood sample are taken. The blubber is an excellent test vehicle for storing toxins, just like an airman living off the land. As long as the dophin doesn't land on hard eating times, the toxin is in the blubber, unlike the airman, who is put on amphetamines speed, and put into starvation mode to weigh a number that has nothing to do with his body type and physical abilities, therefore putting him into starvation mode, dumping the toxins to all organs and other body tissues, wrecking havoc throughout his whole body, and brain....as these toxins cross the blood brain barrier. I am finding more and more. I am hoping someone else can find something they need in this. I believe all AO roads lead to Tyndall AFB. That is why Tyndall has not been cleaned up, by the EPA, they haven't been let on the base like everywhere else. There will be a lot worse found here than AO. They are trying to make it all disapear, they have had a lot of years, got to be a lot of paper somewhere.

Here is a different direction. I became eligible for Medicare in 2013 as disabled, I choose the Advantage plan that was a PPO, that let me choose specialist doctors without going through a gatekeeper (primary doctor). It is a regional PPO, but also allows me to travel, and I can still get care covered additional to my research studies that I participate at Mayo Clinic which is 1k miles from home. I also choose this one because of the balance between deductibles and prescription cost. (I currently take 17 drugs a day). At one time scripts costs was about 1k a month for one drug. I bought the most expensive Medicare Advantage Plan available in my area. When you look at the Advantage Plans, choose the best one for your situation in the list that is available in your area. You choose base on what you anticipate your situation will be? More doctors? or more medicine? Hardly any of either? or in my case lots of both. If you have a stash of cash, that you can use to pay higher deductibles, you can get a good Advantage Plan with no monthly premium. Do you travel? Would an HMO suit you? I have read that, some of the care I receive, VA will not provide for the disease I have. So, for this one reason, I will retain Medicare. Also, I take name brand drugs that are not on VA's formulary. And once you have experienced the treatment at a teaching facility like Mayo Rochester, where they will spend as much as a month, 8 hours a day, sending you from planning sessions, to multiple tests, then to another strategy session, then to more tests, all nonstop, for a month to arrive at a diagnosis, its hard to give up on, the future opportunity to repeat that process if it becomes necessary. For the last couple of years, my medical costs are almost approaching 60% of SSDI over and above covered costs. My main reason for exploring VA medical care and finally getting around to getting my SC claim in is to let VA share the wealth. I will need both. You may too. I am facing the age 65 transition in about six months. I can do nothing or change anything about medicare just like it was the first time, is my understanding, more cognitive loading that I don't need.