ToxicSgt73

VetQuest, I made it home with all my originals, and even some new copies of same, and some new originals (that I have never had before. Vync, I made sure I didn't overstay my welcome, there sure was a lot of people who wanted my autograph? I decided if I was going to go with a VSO, maybe one who Vets are willing to wait 4 weeks for an appt (to be accepted or not) and for me to drive 3 hours to find out, is probably better than one who always has time (I know I could be wrong). I filed Intent to File with VA. I was 'proofed' by the VA, so I can now sign into eBenefits. I POA'd. State Veterans Affairs. AL I have a lot of work to do in the next few weeks. and for some reason, the State wanted me to pick out a hole in the ground? Miss Berta, Flight Line, and not proximity to, but on the ladder talking to pilots to find out what is wrong with aircraft radar (while removing one muff so pilot can scream in my ear, as the clock is ticking to when the jet has burned too much fuel on the ground.....so, running up and down the cockpit ladder in front of the running jet engine....that still holds the worlds record straight line speed for a 'SINGLE' jet engine....still hear it....since 1974. I know how to 'sell' the truth. Of course I will never stop learning....and always eager to attend class.... There were two squadrons of F106s at my base, it was the training base.....24 hours of flying, some birds flew 3 sorties a day, day training, night training, IFR (inflight refueling training) New aircraft training, weapons and systems training......all this training for pilots......LOTS OF flying on base.....lots of running aircraft......lots of After Burning of two bird take offs while maybe another two are taxiing in and another 2 are taxiing out.....and another 2 or 3 crew chiefs are playing ground pilot with their birds......and then add the gasoline, diesel, and turbine, AGE (Aerospace Ground Equipment) Electric Generators, Big Air Conditioners (big coolers), Hydraulic Mules.....really annoying noise.....and how about a hydraulically tuned Magnetron (like resetting the power on your microwave with hydraulics that move so fast it sounds like another jet engine) or testing the weapons bay doors (the six flew clean, all the weapons tucked into the belly, until launched) those doors were pneumatic controlled....it was loud too.....NO ONE ever could say they saw the door open or close at the same time they heard it happen....ever....so, highly probable is likely I do have my training records folder with sign off's for OJT training, on the flight line, with the Red Ball Wizard, the base's go to guy for fixing aircraft running in a hurry, so right out of tech school, while most went to six months half day classroom/ half day on flight line carrying someones tool box.....I carried the old Swede's tool box around all day long for six long months. On running jets, all day long. I just received in the mail, another audio test from a MD in 2007. I am 50's and 60's both ears over 2K, drops from 10's like a rock after 2K. This is civilian doc. I know, 0%, Thanks for fast track info. Interesting about the STR's. I am eagerly awaiting to see if anything even turns up, I sure hope so. Nexus and Caluza..... I have 3 boxes of medical records so far after service.... I have over a hundred documents saved offline and bookmarked to revisit and reference to those records and what happened to me in the service. I think I have a good start. My wife and I have some charting and timeline partially done. It is overwhelming, but, that is the priority now. BroncoVet, It will be awhile...I have some interesting nexus lines to draw.

Retiredat44, I surely can't be of any help on the VA side of things. But, maybe I can help in this way. Empathy. and maybe another way, in helping spread understanding of what exactly chronic means. I know what it means to have to change doctors. For me it could mean life and death, it definetly would change my ramp of decline....and I have 'never' heard anything good about changing a ramp of decline. MY neurologist is 1000 miles away, I lived in a travel trailer for the last eight years, until it fell apart around me, so I could afford to keep going there. So, I understand that aspect of what you are saying. There is no amount of 'sucking' up, or panties that are big enough or tight enough to change the facts of life. If there is anyway you can go outside of the VA and find the 'right' doc....but, the odds are no better outside either, as I am sure you are aware. It took me 3 years to find this one. Now, throw on the fire, the pain you are going through with your pancreas, I have no idea what you are going thru. But, I know what I am going thru. The steriods and the antivirals, given to me about a month and half ago, kicked my old chronic pancreatitis into the worse episodes that I have ever experienced, of course I am not counting the initial 'acute pancreatitis attack about 25 years ago....and in researching my medical timeline, and looking back on a CAT scan I had done in Jan of this year....yes they identified the diastasis recti 'the nerf footbal that pokes out of my abdomnen if I bend over'. But, they failed to mention what else was in the radiologist report......growths everywhere, muscles, bones, kidney, lungs, bile ducts in liver and outside of liver....which are connected to 'pancreas' and now I realize that those pains mid abdomen I have been having for the last 25 years......are me eating my own pancreas.....so I empathize on this level too.....I am going to dump a crap load on the VA next week at my first appointment......but, they will own it all before its over. Not that I want them to, but, I can't afford the outside anymore for everything that ails me.... we didn't sign up for this.....I understand.....I know when I tell you..you understand...not many others do. I hope you find something that works for you.

Vnyc, thanks, good point about these folks that I will be seeing will be busy, and not to waste their time. I am always as concise as I can be in person, as the stakes for me, are pretty high, and have been for a very long time. That is why I over prepare. I know what I want to ask them, thanks to researching here and other places. And I know what I want to accomplish at RO, that is reason for the trip. I received two referrals for 'special' agents, we will see. Looks like I have two interviews to do I believe I have enough general info to accomplish this phase of the plan. I know I can't get anyone to do the legwork for me, I know its the veterans job to dig it all up and to know what they want from it. I want to find someone who knows what they are looking at, after I put it together and they will see more than just a stack of paper (even if it is a digital stack). And someone who is not going to dessert me after the first submit button is pressed. I want to see a track record, and something complex that they have been involved in, and know that they stick with the claim, like beans on rice, and will communicate at the right times, if I can't find something close to those specs, I will wing it. I appreciate all of you letting me sharpen my tools a bit, or a least, remove a few burrs. And VetQuest, no worry about the originals, got that message loud and clear.....

I would appreciate any planning tips, putting together my plan of attack for tomorrow. 1) I have a list of things to bring already, any must brings? 2) I have a list of things to accomplish, what am I missing? a) VA ID Card, and the verification needed for (DEERS?) so that I can enter a claim in ebenefits. at the RO. What else can I accomplish at the RO? b) VSO, look them over, talk to one or all, maybe choose one to work with on my first claim. 3) Should I call either the RO or the VSO groups that are there to make appointment or just walk in? What questions should I ask the VSO? I haven't been to one of these RO before, its almost 4 hours away, I want to make this trip count. Any suggestions to add to my list? I plan on filing first claim for 1) tinnitus 2) hearing loss 3) deformed toenail (military medical procedure). Plan is 20% Not much to debate on these SC. Most likely choose a VSO to work with so I can be 'more' likely to learn enough to submit my real claim after. And maybe I will fly through the process with these, and maybe I won't. But, one way or another, I will either have filed initial claim before I leave the RO or will have the last tool necessary to do it myself online. My first VAMC appointment is next week, if anyone has any tips for that visit, I am preparing for it, gathering up my medical history (was a work in progress as I have been doing so to work on big claim). Any must do's and don'ts ?

Since I haven't been to the VA yet, my response doesn't have to specifically do with the VA, unless by inference. I do know something about DNA and RNA consent forms and the implications. I am in numerous research studies. For the last 9 years I have spent at least a week and as much as a month, at Mayo Clinic in MN, I have had my brain modeled, every which way, even on cocaine, multiple times, called a DatScan. So, I can legitimately say......here is my brain on drugs..... So, this January I signed up for my first trial, instead of study. A study, they only study you.....take bits, pieces, parts and pictures....and measure you as you shrink....into oblivion... A trial, is where they actually try something on you.....might actually speed up oblivion.... I only this last January signed that consent form....DNA and RNA......to be stored indefinitely......to be cultured, grown, into what? I dunno, and I won't be told.....and if it makes a gazzillion dollars....I won't see a cent.....if it saves the world.....I definitely won't know.....if it destroys the world.....I will surely get the blame. So, I have already done this.....its a tough nut to crack.....actually impossible.....if you want to play, you have to pay.....price of admission? Whatever they want......nothing new, not changing..... My price for all the above.....one brain....I won't need it....at least I hope I won't.... I believe we are way past worrying about all of this.....if you think anything is secure on this planet, or that anyone in any form of power over you is telling you the truth about anything.....I sure would like for you to show me what you base that on. Then right after I got home from trip, where I signed that form, of course they have the blood, but, then they have gallons of my blood by now. So, I get home and I read some of the ghastly things they are doing in DNA research.....goes against everything I believe in.....it seems that everything we are faced with today in todays world comes with an ethical and moral decision, that we mostly just ignore because we want to eat, breathe, reproduce or not, and most importantly......we as individuals....want to stay alive......so what we are trading for? to stay alive.....they have the bargaining chip.....we have what they want.

1.) yes, DAV is about 3.5 hours away in RO. This does not work for me. I still have the blank POA sent to me from the DAV 10 years ago. My Dad was DAV member, I have his well worn belt buckle. My son also used DAV. Not being able to look into someone eyes who can screw me into eternity doesn't work for me. 2.) I will file the Intent to File today. 3.) I am capable of putting together a records package together as good as the best of anyone else (not all, but among which should be good enough, as I am more careful than most before actually committing. But, I am capable of committing. I did purchase VLB Attig's Veterans Law Blog Claim package, so I have a template for assembling things, among other bits and pieces of templates from around the internet and on here. So, I am not blindly saying I can do. I can do things if I pre lay out step by step, which I do. So, here is the part that sucks. So, for those who have limited time, turn around, stop reading. ************************************* DANGER ALTO VERBOTEN STOP Because I am misunderstood if I don't explain what I am experiencing and how it affects what I do, I always experience what I did when coming here. Through trial and error, what I did here, as painful as it is, this is the best method for success. 1) Just do it. I did. Then at first sign that I was having problems interacting in the swimming pool, I told the truth, half way. I said I had a problem. Of course it is misunderstood as a mental, behavior problem, always is, but then, that is better than saying I have dementia (which I do have, but NOT in the hollywood sense of the definition) in the hollywood sense of the definition, in my reality, I am a freaky genius, I am, just a misunderstood artist. 2) Then I attempt to tell what I actually have, so, that I can find the ones who can spare a few extra moments to understand what is necessary for a safe play space for both of us, that will be productive, and then the explanations can go away. For, I can't operate in the 'real' world without those allowances except as a spectator, and I am not the only one anywhere in the world who would benefit from those allowances. So, what I am saying here, there is a place where equilibrium is reached, and it is not far away, but like dealing with the VA, there are no shortcuts, no matter how smart one thinks they are.....ask me how I know.....8 years boots on the ground taking fire all the time. But, I am still standing. Just a little more time and I will have figured how how to exist here, and all of you will figure out if I am real, if I am worth it, or if I should be left alone. And most important, if you want to add a few extra moments to helping me over helping someone else at any given moment. Its called triggers. Folks with brain problems have triggers.....shaved, hair triggers.....responses are like zip trains, except they aren't bullet zip trains, they are zip bulk tanker freight trains, loaded for BEAR.....and they are RUNAWAY and infinite fuel.......think about being being the 'controls' of something as POWERFUL as THAT.....that's ME......it is not what its kicked up to be......it is so tiring to keep that monster in its cage.......just think about the other side now and then.....I do. I find that to overcome my language processing issues, that is easy to operate in circles and analogies. If I do that then I don't go into a full body tremor.....so, light bulb anyone? Then I can still type. But, if I am forced to dig down deep into areas of my brain that is clogged with clumps of proteins that don't belong there....my brain will try to deliver....and if unsuccessful, it won't stop trying to give me the right output....it will load up that channel of brain communication...so then what happens? Just like a computer with CPU (central processing unit...the 'brain') it will if overloaded, overclocked, it will start 'shedding' processes, shut down subsystems (all kinds of analogies here)....so my brain will stop controlling the correct position of arms in time and space, and if that doesn't get it what it needs to provide my answer and I am still trying, it will stop correct positioning more things..... Then my eyes will shut....and I mean shut.....not to open again....until the the load is gone....how do I know? I have spent 8 years trying....(not too often, way to tiring). Then usually whatever word, maybe two words, or maybe half a word.....will become trapped in a loop....not a smooth repeating loop.....but a jagged....irregular spaced.....tone variable.....usually lower and lower.....until.....boom! Everything in some fashion in some bumpy ride jerking and spasm loaded fashion will quickly return to my normal.... And here is where I usually get left in the cold.....just give it a minute or two.....once I realize that I am overloaded....I back off on the load.....faster back to normal.....then please just continue where we where......because guess what? I didn't go to planet #9.....I was right there......hearing everything....usually me being ignored, or over aggressive attempts at help, or really wrong assumptions of what is going on...... Then I am ready to pick up the conversation where we left off.....would seem like a common courtesy? Right? What usually happens, is that, I am ignored, and left out for eternity after that...... but, not by everyone, a very small few will care enough to figure out or listen long enough to see that a real person still lurks in these shadows. Or I walk into a new door and say, 'hey, I have dememtia'......and guess how that goes..... Or I go into this tirade on how I need allowances or everything goes sideways..... Or, I take my chances with the 'plan'.....a step by step just like here.....with an end in sight, either some level of acceptance or full rejectance....I have plenty of experience here, mostly with the rejectance. Most of US.......brain afflicted, whether it be anything......LBD, MS, TBI, we just go off and find a small comfortable box that won't hurt us by trying to help us........ Or a few of US, try to stay warriors to the end.....and then brother.....the end comes fast.....there ain't NO going thru this wall......as I explained above as to what happens to me....so, I stay away from the wall....leave it to the warriors... It is not weakness to know ones limits.....to know when to ask for help......to know that no one owes you any help.....they give help if they choose.....and not many do.....but I am really grateful for any level of help.....and even more grateful to be left with the insight to know what is going on, what I can change and what I can't. Like I said above.....if you hung around and read this....its on you.....I hope it helps you, and more important, I hope it helps others with the same issue as me in the future....... think about that person stumbling on his words.....whether it is in print or in vocalization.....if he is talking in circles....if he can't talk in a straight line..... if someone is missing a leg, do you jump to the same kind of conclusions? So......VSO.......if I go that route......he has to be sitting across from me.

HONDOII, Thanks for the detailed outline, and for clarifying what you meant about VSO's. I am sure I will be referring to it along with others. Broncovet, Thanks, I have read far too many stories such as yours to trust anyone except myself (even when its really hard to get anyone else to trust me, and when I am limited in the time... that I will be able to pull that off). This is why I said what I did about not desiring to use a VSO before. I think such as in the case of my son, he served about 9 years, had medical problems in the service, and just 'handed' his POA to a VSO and walked away and just laid down and accepted whatever bone they threw him. He doesn't have clue what took place and doesn't care. For someone like him, I believe he did the right thing, for he would have fared much worse probably. For me, I don't expect anyone to take on the task that I will I have, and to spend the time necesary to do what I see has to be done. No one. Not here, not anywhere. Not many attorneys....either. The reason I have survived is all the double and triple checking of everything I do in public or before I submit anything. So far, so good. To not get it right is really not going to be okay. Sure it limits my surroundings, I do okay. I believe I will try to get 'verified' or whatever its called, tomorrow, so I can submit on ebenefits, I will research more on my own about the Intent to File and actually starting the File. 'Before' I hit submit or intent to anything. And I feel I should research a little more about VSO's and actually try to talk to more than one, so far, I talked to one about a month ago. The day after I requested my DD214. I was not impressed, but I was keeping him from his lunch. I do think I see your point about the intent to file is probably better for me, just in case I decide to work closely with a VSO, but I won't be handing anything over to anyone and walking away. Now I am gunshy of asking any questions, so I will look up the difference between an advocate and a VSO, jsut in case there exists advocates in some sense other than my wife is an advocate, I am my best advocate. It really evacuates a lot stale stinking air, that I can't just go to an attorney and do it right from the start. The VSO I went to about 5 years ago that didn't impress me and then I lost interest, I found out he was cutting grass for a living the next month, and the following month he was fired from that job, per the county VSO this year. I guess I didn't understand what goes on here, I was trying to limit to just what I needed help with, I was not expecting step by step, I am truly sorry, if I gave that impression. I know I present an extra burden. I think it is a great thing that you have here, a place where vets are helping each other. I will venture one question, because this has troubled me for awhile. DAV is only at RO's, that is almost 4 hours away from here. ?

GBArmy, I appreciate your reply. I respect it. You have helped me tremendously, and I have no doubt I will continue to learn from you in your posts helping others. I do wish I was able to be clear and concise like I once was. It is what it is. Your advice in this post taken to heart, in a good way. I do appreciate your efforts. Thanks. I will fare well, I don't quit.

2.what do I need to do to file a claim for my knees I injured while in the service? How do I present my evidence or the best way to present it in my claims? 3. Can I file for all my claims all at once? (I have about 12 claims to file) or should I file each claim separate? 4. Are there more than one mental health claim we can file for? 5.Can anyone tell me what I need to do to make sure I get a correct rating? and that I get my Earliest Effective Date ( known as E.E.D,) Its just so much less confusing if you ask your questions the same post ,After you get your answers move on to your next question. Just make sure you ask your questions in the correct forum. and stay with your post , & if you get your answer on any particular question that you ask just simply let us know and move on to your next question. These are based on first time claims and not Increase's or Appeals. It is the Veterans choice to file as many claims as he/she wishes there is no limits on how many claims you can file all at once or file separate. Its to your advantage to file all your claims at once to start your early effective dates on each claim. rather or not some will be denied that's certainly to be expected , but you can Appeal the ones that are denied but you have to be denied to be able to Appeal any claim. The VA is always going to find something wrong with some of the claims we file so expect that. Its hard to perfect a claim unless you have years and years of claims experience. when we think we have it right VA comes right back and pops our bubble with some cock&bull Crap they dig up. So denials are to be expected and thats just the game the VA Loves to play. Again, thanks for you patience, I would love to start over, don't know how at this point. If I can figure out how to ask questions where I don't feel like an outsider intruding on someone elses space, then I will stick around, if not, then I will just use this site as a reading resource.

paulstrgn, I don't have my service records yet, and waiting for another civilian hearing test record in the mail. And discovered I don't have 'verified' yet....that 'premium' isn't the same thing. So, believe ebenefits is the right way or best way to file, or is it the only way? So, I have to go to RO or local and get verified first. I just tried again to start a claim. thanks, I am hearing everything said, just filing it is a problem.

GBArmy, I could be wrong, but, I am thinking if we sat across from each other, we could have a meaningful conversation. Thank you, for your post, if you will, try to understand that I think that posting that others will stop, will actually cause that to happen. Maybe I am wrong. I am trying, and I do think have gone over and above in trying to help me. I truly am sorry that anyone has to deal with me on any level. I just reread your post at least twenty times. I am trying to accomplish every one of the things have listed in you paragraph. Please don't suggest to others to not help me, that is what I was trying to say. 1.) Tinnitus filing a claim, why not? I have tried twice. When I couldn't get into the system because it said I was missing something, and here is where my limits come in. I confused 'premium' access with 'verified' access. First time I had neither, Second time I have 'premium', but I don't have 'verified'. And yes, you covered going to the RO and getting verified or even at a local it might be possible. Then I lost that in my head. In the mean time, I applied and got enrolled and within 3 days, all the while these questions are going on, so yes I have been busy, and a bunch of you have been helpful. On the phone call from the VA to set up my first appt, I asked about the ID picture, and was told I cold accomplish that then. And, I still don't have any military records, except for my DD214, I have been collecting my civilian records, it appears I have had 4 hearing tests post service. I just got a call on Friday that my records from that test were pulled from storage and are being mailed to me. So, by now I am all confused, so I ask more questions, and to make it easy for me, I start to think if I break them out into separate threads, like is done on most other forums (on other topics, on similar ones to this I have no idea) then others might benefit just like I benefit if my question is in the title. I really thought that is what the big NOTE on the front of the forum was saying. Don't embed questions in a thread, ask it in a new post. So, I came here frustrated, I get slapped down real hard, called a flake, told I could never be believed...because I dared to share the truth...believe me, that was enough for me to take a hike, if I didn't see the value in the whole. Then I break out questions so it is easier for me work with and I think I am following the rules, and it appeared to me that I was being slapped down again.... I didn't come here to complicate my life....I have enough of that already. And I don't want to complicate anyone elses, that is why I said UPFRONT, I need allowances.....that is no bull. I really don't want a problem to exist. I really don't think I am procrastinating, not since I have assembled a war room, and there are still pieces missing, so I was asking do I start the file without those records? But, then I find out that I still can't because I am not 'verified' . Or is there more than one way to file online? and which one is best then? From what I gathered filing on ebenefits is the way to go? So, I do understand what you said. I am hoping you understood what I said about planting a seed for others. I understand however it works out.

Buck52, Thanks, for taking your time with me and breaking it down. I didn't come here to be on the defense. I admit I came here frustrated with a lot of baggage, I got the message to just get to the questions and leave the other stuff at home. I have done my best to live up to that. I have to once more outline my limitations, as they rule my life. I might appear to conquer these limits for a bit, and then its obvious again that I haven't to everyone, including me. We are all unique. I have Lewy Body Disease (or if you prefer: Lewy Body Dementia). Most people think of Dementia as Alz, but it isn't, even if someone has Alz, but I don't. Most people with LBD, never lose sense or insight into who they are, or where they are. I am positioned at MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment), and that is only a small part of what Dementia is. Dementia is anything that your Brain controls that is not being controlled properly. Now imagine at any given moment any of the myriad of things that encompasses can misfire, in any combination, in any sequence, for any duration, and in any random pattern? Now imagine that sometimes everything seems normal. That is me. Why is this important. This is my toolbox. Not yours. I have no choice, you do. The only choice I have is to pack up my toolbox and go home, or to use the tools I have to best of my ability (with the help of others). This is why I initially asked for allowances, not because I am an ASS by nature. I am one by disease. This is a very resource intensive exercise for everyone, who decides to play in my sandbox. Now understand this: or as in the Navy: Now here this: Dementia label gives everyone the right to discount me. I live with that anchor for over 8 years now. I drive myself the 1000 miles to Mayo clinic to participate in research studies, I do my own bills, I filed my own LTD, I filed my own SS, I just filed and enrolled in VA health care. I will file my own VA disability claims. So, here is another reason to discount me and move on. If this is what anyone must do, please do so. This is very resource draining. The MS people on here will understand, I was chasing down a MS diagnosis for over 3 years, going through every neurologist in my half of the state, before I spent a month at Mayo and got at least an answer that has kept me alive past the expected expiration date, which even begs the question? Is it even the right diagnosis? This brings the Toxic more into focus, at least for me. My Toxic exposure combined with possibly even some LBD or something else, has made my whole adult life a chronic nightmare, and made me one frustrated individual used to going it alone. I don't want to go it alone. I believed the tag line in the header, when I signed up. I would love to continue to believe it. I don't have a mental illness, nor an imaginary anything, for I know how damaging that would turn out for me. I have an organic brain disease, as real as you missing legs. Its like missing brain cells that move around at random, try dealing with that and people. So, once again, I ask for allowances to overcome my limitations. For those who are short on time and patience, I am not the one to help, plenty more on here who need your time. I have stayed away from the whole VA picture for over 42 years, and like in my introduction, I was told it would be there when I needed it, I do, am I am here.....that statement is meant for the VA, not for here. I am here, but, I don't expect anything here, except to be treated as someone who has the right to ask whatever question I deem necessary. It is your choice to answer or not. If I break any rules of the road, like being overweight, then boot me out. Buck52, You brought up a good point about the experience of those on board here, like Buck52, GBArmy, VetQuest, BroncoVet, paulstrgn, Miss Berta, Shreaktank1, even GeekySquid, and I wish Capt. was still around and so many more. I would love to get 20 answers for every question, but, I know that is unreasonable to expect. I also want to hear from the guys who just filed their initial first claim last month, or the month before. I was a systems analyst, I headed up C-level meetings before my brain went toast. I want enough info to make real decisions based on current as well as historical experience. I don't hastily file anything before, and really don't hastily file anything now. I need time to build a template that visually makes sense to me. It was stated that I was obviously struggling? Well? I did ask for allowances? Does anyone think that will change now? If you do, please don't help me. I struggle thru everything, but, the thing about me that everyone could count on and still can......I don't give up brother......I will never leave anyone behind....I will never leave anything broken....unless I can't break it apart and turn it into something else. So, work with me if you can, if not, I understand. I can't hold a linear conversation on a regular basis. Neither can I write in a linear fashion in a consistent manner. If you can work with that, help me, if you can not, then I understand. I didn't sign up for what happened to me, not on purpose, but I did sign up for whatever happened to me. This is me. Again Thanks Buck52, and everyone else. I wish I could do what you guys ask, for my sake.

GBArmy, I. why haven't I submitted a claim for tinnitus? straighforward answer: because of the question I asked in this post as short as my mind can ask it. I am reading Sir. And I studying. I don't shoot look aim. I look, aim, adjust, correct for windage, adjust again, and then squeeze it off. That is what I am doing. I am trying to get it right. I really appreciate everyones advice, but let me give you some, thanks for shutting down any possibility of me getting an answer that I think I need, it matters not what you think I need, it does matter what you say, you and others are the respected elders, when you repeatively chastised someone like me, on an online forum, the others get the message, don't help him....so I guess I am toast here now..... So you and a few others don't like me or my style or my damn limitations that I carry because of my service? then go ahead an block me. I don't know what any of your problems are, but if I can't or I am not willing to help any of you, then I will just stay away from you, I ask the same thing.... I have learned the hard way, people pull away from me eventually, you can't catch what I have, but you can make my life easier or harder? the choice is yours. I decided a long time ago, if I was going to lose most anyway, that why not just be up front? Those who care will listen and help, those who don't want to be a part of any of that, will do what they do, please do what you do. I will do the same. I came for help. As long as the admin doesn't tell me to leave I will continue asking. So, I got an answer from Miss Berta on another question? I am not trying to win any popularity contest, I don't want any stars, I am searching for answers, I have been for over 42 years, and I think I am finally getting close, I am not ready to move on. I need more reasons and info, either one has them or doesn't, like I was told not long ago, no one cares what others feel, I need answers for my benefit, I will continue to do whatever it takes to get them, as long as I can keep my dignity, I would rather not be continually chastised, I believe the block works both ways? I don't want to block anyone, not even people who chastise me on one post and do exactly the same thing on another, just leave me alone brother. If I have reached my quota with you, then move on. I am very grateful for my air force training, it taught me to find the real problem before attempting to fix anything, unless you were burning JP-4, then you threw everything you had at it and then you moved on to the next one, cannabilizing every plane on the ramp if necesarry if 'that' one had to get off the ground.....that is not the case as I explained.....I have time....not a lot....but I think I need to be as certain as 'I' need to be before I pull any triggers....there are more opinions on this board than the four, and hell of lot more experience, this isn't the only place I am using for a reference, thankfully. I am paying for some. Did you not read down to where I praised the VA and asked if what i experienced in signing up for medical care was some kind of new norm for new applications? And let me give you a personal thanks for the push on that one, the very last thing I did was read one of your prior posts to me before I hit submit, Thanks. Geez, I have a brain disease, guys, why is that such a problem? you can't catch it. The VA had me crying on the phone earlier today, I was so overcome with gratitude, and I thought I was going to have to fight with them.

1. How would you file a first time ever claim, today? Knowing everything that 'you' know today. Why? I have a good idea of what I want to do, right now, today. And I have a good idea of what I want to continue to do, and a good idea now that I have no clue of how much I will change that idea as each day goes forward. So, I know I have to get this ball in motion and pick a plan an go with it. I have decided to go it without a VSO. I wish I could get a partial power of attorney accepted (maybe I can, maybe someone can clarify that). NO ONE except me should decide my fate, unless their agenda is 100% one of doing what is in my best interest (or as close as money will buy), I don't want anyone bargaining for me unless I can contractually limit them to specifics. I know this could be/may have been my toughest non adversary to date that I have ever had to bargain with, but I have never shied away from trying when I study it and apply what others have done before me, in a lot of endeavors. So, some of the choices I see: File on all items that I have all the required pieces for to develop a FDC. File on a subset of the items to hope for a desired rating level to achieve a desired level of benefit. File on even a smaller subset to just feet in the door and get a rating, then come back with the rest. Then, as far as Intent to File, or Just starting a Claim, my initial thoughts open for clarification. The Intent to File you hold the rest of everything to your chest until you pull the filed trigger, but you keep the effective date? Actual results? With Starting the Claim today, and not completing it for some length of time, are you uploading partial bits and pieces or do you still wait to enter specifics all at one time? does this give the VA a heads up of what you are up to, so as to allow a faster shootdown if that was in the cards? Since I have not been into the online claim system, I have no idea how that works, except what I read, and without seeing it, that doesn't mean much to me. I have read, based on the past, that some believe, the only way to deal with the VA is US Mail Certified. I believe that may have been very true....my question? Is it still that way? I saw there was a tinnitus claim recently awarded in 35 days. I believe that was FDC and online submitted? In navigating the different VA websites, I have 3 different signons, a premium account, and was sent to DEERs....but can't accomplish that yet....as I really don't know what its for, its probably an okay thing. Would anyone here avoid filing online? Why? Trying to make up my mind, looking for more ways to look at it. Now, my actual experience with the VA in the last week. 1). I filed a 10-10ez one early am. 2). The next day, in the late afternoon when I signed on the VA website to look around again, instead of whatever it said initially, like pending or working, or somethin, I don't remember as it wasn't displayed long enough.....it said: Enrolled, with big check mark? Now I wasn't sure exactly that it meant what it said. 3). The next day: I was called to schedule my first appointment, which I had checked that box. Which I did, 12 days out. That same day, which was yesterday, I checked online for more things to discover, and I discovered 'my' handbook. I was given Priority 5, which I think will work for me. So? Which VA am I working with? Has something changed? I have been called 3 times now by the VA welcoming me to the system, and it has been very pleasant experience. Is this a trick? a Jedi mind trick? or is this something that I haven't been reading about? Is this what you are experiencing? I am trying to decide how to start the claim and how fast. I am still waiting on my STR's. I have two pretty straightforward claims direct SC either up or down. After that it gets really complicated, these are not really my concern right now, I do know I want to save these for a later day. I may be able to pull one or two out of these to develop with the first two. This would put me theoretically over 30%, which I see would be something worth getting. I believe it has value to ask this question without specifics as to the claims (I will do that later in the process). I am really trying to weigh all the reasons and ways for getting an effective date now, instead of later. But, I don't want to sabotage my claim.

Thanks, and I will return will more concise material.

I am not a boots on any presumptive ground vet. I don't know if I have ever been any closer to AO than just off the Seabee storage area in MS or spent the night and ate at a Seabee's house multiple times who would have been involved in 74 -76, although he didn't mention it. He had more hashes on his sleeves than I could count back then. But, I was at Tyndall AFB in Florida, hunting and harvesting from the hot spot where barges loaded and offloaded since the 40's.....off of that bayou, half way in the middle of the bay, probably as close as the public dare take a dioxin reading, its the highest numbers for dioxin in north florida, except at Eglin. That bayou is on the superfund, it is full of DDT, DDE, DDD, about every other toxin and metal you can dream up, except dioxin? And it has the lead, cadmium and arsenic that is in my blood. Another thing about Tyndall, it is home to the AFESC, the Air Force Engineering and Services Center. Their laboratory headed up the Herbicide Orange Incineration Research Project at the NCBC the Naval Construction Battalion Center, in Gulfport, Miss. (it looks like they might have got me coming and going with close calls). I got down in the sediment and the water in that bayou at the edge of the bay, retrieving ducks, and raccoons, rabbits and squirrels, consuming some adipose tissue laden with something. I was an avid hunter on base. And I lived on the bay, snagging speckled trout in the middle of the night under a light with a cold one. And then the blue crabs just waiting to be netted on the flats.....a sportsman's paradise....outside of Louisiana.....a Cajun will never go hungry. (but, he might regret it) I have about a hundred diagnoses of all the right stuff, with some just starting to grow. I am accumulating a lot of research material, but have not hit much of the 'right' stuff. Any help in this direction, would be appreciated, any websites or documents or if you want to share finds. It appears that the impact of the toxins has been downplayed, while keeping Tyndall operational and also keeping EPA out. I see that something has changed since the hurricane, but, I can't make out for sure if it is truly a move in a direction to actually do anything to clean it up, just stall more, or forever wipe it out of memory. Did AFESC transport any AO to Tyndall? Did they manage to drop a few barrels as they were offloading? What else have they brought to Tyndall? Is their Laboratory a fully functioning Lab or is it a Paper Lab? What if any Chemical or Biological Agents have been to Tyndall? One of the ATSDR reports does mention a radiation burial and gives an approximate location, but of course it was minimal. What has occured over on the other side of the base where I hunted rabbits, deer and bears? with the open fire breaks and the hardstands with pock marks, or were those AO bore holes like was done at Eglin? Were those hard stands for storage? of what? All of these areas were open to hunting when I was stationed there, and we hunted there. One of my buddies wife has Essential Tremor among other things and has had DBS, which was successful......of course I have had essential tremor since Tyndall, also. Along with 100 other things. Any help would be appreciated. If this post doesn't belong in this section, please remove, and accept my apology.

I want to thank everyone who has helped me so far. I want to state that I have a much different view of the VA, today...than I did a just a few days ago....it had been jaded from decades of watching nothing but negative news reports (even being skeptical of a few friends who said they were not having any problems over the years). Then I come online and read more horror stories, but, then I did read a few stories where it seems something went right, or maybe the VA made a mistake....for the good. So.....I took the plunge..... 1) I requested my DD214, ten days later I have it....two weeks later I find my original. 2) I requested my medical records.....still waiting on them, eta.....sept 24..... 3) I apply online for 10-10 EZ, medical care. ( 1 ) day later.......24 hours later.....I am signed on to VA Health, and it shows, form submitted on one day, and enrolled the next day. 4) The following day, I get a call from VA and set up a orientation, physical, primary care doctor appt for 12 days out. I am working the research and building my plan, filling in the template from VLB and my own version. My priorities as I see them right now are to: 1) prepare for that appointment, have my notes with all my conditions listed, and any answers to questions I might be asked in front of me (this is what I normally do, I have spent a lot of time hiring and firing doctors) this time I will behave. 2) prepare for filing the initial claim ( would be easier if I had my STR's? ) thanks again, without the push.....I would be still thinking about getting started.

thanks Richard, this helps, the reason is what I am facing is very complex. What SS lists as my disability is not rate-able as SC, I don't believe I can twist that any kind of way. But, what led me to that diagnosis is a big list of seemingly unconnected rate-able things that will eventually be rated as SC if my research continues to lead that way, to connect all of my many diagnoses to SC either directly or secondary. If I was a presumptive in current law, I would be.....but, alas I am not. I will have to do it the hard way. And I don't need any color like orange, to get there, but, its probably there, just no one can test for it, at least not yet. Or at least not publish those tests, and be very selective in the tests results published, contrary to any similar test results conducted for the same reasons anywhere else, by the same testers. I am sure I will have to settle for good enough, for some other reason than the truth. I just noticed your question about why I asked it? Because it was asked exactly like that on a form in one place and not asked in another. I figure that I will run into that question again. I figure I am not employed, due to disability. And I am not retired. Because the insurance company would want me to go back to work if the doctor says I can go. The doctor says no, forever. SS says I was due a Compassionate Allowance, just needed a diagnosis, no exam, no wait, Doctors CV is about a hundred pages. But, I cannot currently connect to service. My path here will be a multi step process, enough will service connect. And then I open to being pleasantly surprised at any time.....even to be cured and sent back to work, that is better than outliving an expiration date.

thanks, Above I said my SS didn't share the same issues....I will ask you to read between the lines here, as my case is so complex I have no illusion that I will accomplish this in my lifetime, my pancreas has been acting up, chronic pancreatitis, surgery around the corner, and I bought a diabetic test kit to find out for myself what these crashes are about, and I am sure I looking at being on of those blog entry statistics of not being around maybe even as soon as all the dots are connected. My toxic exposure 'is' responsible for all of this. I will have a real hard time 'winning' the truth from the VA. SS doesn't care where my problem came from as long as I paid in the quarters and then some and then more. And when I was awarded SS I really had no 'proof'...and not much of a clue...I do now. So, while I have about 30% future ratings from military experience not related to toxic exposure, I have a pretty voluminous list of issues that are going to found to SC and chronic to day 1, whether VA agrees or not. And if this all comes to pass as I see it now......the diagnosis that I received when I was awarded SS.....will have to be revisited. Not the effects, but the name, the cause, unless it may more likely or not co morbidity. What a mess.

thanks Richard, may I ask are you basing this on opinion or on experience? I always double or triple source anything...always, and the last place I would trust is to call the VA (as I feel it would just be the daily opinion of the person on the phone line on 'some' days, as it seems to be that way most places, like calling the IRS) or just like trying to fill in form 10-10 ez, it is different in content for where you find the form. I am hoping someone else chimes in, with a link to an experience, and maybe you can expand how you come to that conclusion. I actually don't need it now for the purpose that I was going to use it for. 10-10 ez on downloaded paper asked that question, the online fill in version 'at' the location I filled it in at 5am....did not ask. But, I might come across that question again. I have been trying to digest volumes of forums, blogs, gov sites, and I seem to remember reading that while the lower levels of VA claims processing try to do what you propose, say that if one receives SSDI and in this case workplace income replacement, this is double proof of someone 'not being employable due to disability'. But, it seems that I also read, that it has been argued and won in higher levels (I will get all these terms in time) that not only before retirement age, but even after retirement age, that for VA claims purposes, unemployable definition has to due with the effect of SC conditions on the ability of the 'average' person to work (I believe this would transfer to secondary to the SC, also). And it is not reduced by the persons age nor, if or not SS does anything. So, while for the last 8 years I have said in most cases when asked either in person or on paper, what is my status? I say retired. But, upon closer examination I receive a W-2 from that private insurance company that reports wages on line 1, but, it has a visible code for (third party sick pay) which says I am not able to work, but that I am also NOT retired, for when I reach retirement age, the policy ends, and I have not reached that age. So, that is what I was looking for. To complicate matters or maybe to make them simpler if one was using logic. SSA automatically changes SSDI to 'regular SS retirement' at attainment of age 65. My workplace policy doesn't until the magic calculated congressional budget retirement age of 66+somethin. And then I read VA has ruled for some cases that age has nothing to do with. For TDUI purposes....I am really confused now. For now I remember reading that VA considers 65 as retirement age? I do have some cognitive issues, while I have I believe tremendous insight compared to what I am supposed to have on paper, I do have problems juggling these many concepts and writing them down to where I remember what I was looking for. So, please excuse me or I ask for the allowance I need to be long winded to make a bookmark for what I need. In my case, to make the point about them not being connected, my eventual SC disabilities (not yet claimed, nor awarded) have nothing to do with my SS award, as they do not share the same issues for the award. And the SC issues manifested to point of being rateable long before the SS award.....I believe that makes a difference... now i know what beliefs are worth....nothing in this arena, that is why I am asking, I am sure I will have to deal with this question again somewhere in the near future. thanks

I have answered this question hundreds of times in the last 8 years, probably wrong. I am looking at answering this for the VA purposes on 10-10 EZ and I only think I know the answer. I was working in 2010 in the private sector, when I was 'awarded' SSDI (SS Disability) and I was 'awarded' LTD from workplace insurance carrier (it is an income % replacement when added to SS, no double dip). This LTD will disappear at 'retirement age' in their dictionary. 66+ something. I am under 65 currently. What is my status for VA purposes? Am I retired? Am I unemployed? I am thinking it makes a difference how I fill that in.

the motility study is very interesting, thanks

Forgot to add: I mimicked starvation mode while on weight control program. I lost 38 lbs, I was really helped mimick starvation mode by being put on speed by service. This effectively mainlined the toxins stored in my body fat as I metabolized them and sending the toxins to all my organs, even across the blood brain barrier. This from my research. A good paper is the study after the superfund cleanup at the former Loring AFB. In the report the same mammals I ate at Tyndall are used to measure the remaining toxins on site, because they take the place of apex predators like eagles. So, one could understand I didn't have the toxins drip out in my over the years, I had them dumped on me just before separation. Any help, greatly appreciated.

This is a general question first: I am looking for any leads to more information to toxins in Fred Bayou, Shoal Point Bayou, at Tyndall AFB. I have ingested apex predators from said location, waded in the sediment, splashed in the water, cleaned the mud off my boots, wiped my brow, field dressed the animals (washed my hands of course), fish and blue crabs, from the same extended body of water, mammals, and birds of prey (all legal of course, during hunting season, in areas open to hunting on the base). During 1970's. I basically ate off the land my two years stationed there. Also, hunted and tracked deer and black bear on the other side of the base in the Red Horse Area, area of two hardened structures, in the middle of paper mill plantings with plenty of newly cut over turned fire breaks. Also up to beach areas were strafing runs left tracks of lead. Other areas of base open to hunting. I have a big stack of documents to digest, looking for more, any help would be greatly appreciated. If you would rather message me offline that fine also. I am looking for any information as what toxins were on the ground in 1974, 1976, or in the water, or in animal testing. Tyndall managed to dodge the EPA until the Hurricane, but actual data is very hard to come by. Even the local tests seem to be mostly hands off, even in their wording as the discharges from Tyndall as listed as 'Industrial'. I can guess why. Still, I have my hands on quite a bit, I know there is a lot more hiding out there. The latest local study alludes to the dioxins from sediment out in the middle of the bay off of Fred Bayou, being off the charts and it being a mystery as to why the paper mill is on the other side of the bay? I could guess why.... I have Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic in my blood. These I know. As of January 2019, I have: brain: pineal cyst, lungs: scattered nodules 3mm, bottom both lungs hazy attenuation, one lung smaller than normal. (pneumonia, pleurisy at 29 yrs) Low volume, exactly how much, don't know. bone islands: small ones scattered right kidney: 26mm renal cyst left thigh: intramuscular lipoma Liver and bile duct: intraheptic dilation and extraheptic dilation of bile ducts (in liver and outside of liver) something making bile duct larger than normal I had acute pancreatitis at 35 yrs, have chronic pancreatitis since. About once a week currently. I am not diagnosed as a diabetic, but I haven't been tested in a few weeks, the crashes after the evening meal are swift and horrible. IHD, IN Service chest pains, EKG, at ER. chronic, thereafter, treatment with no diagnosis and constant shift of emphasis from gastro to heart with multiple angios and endoscopes, both clean, but low excercise tolerability and with low tolerability of chemical stress test which showed abnormality when angio showed none.....and then doctors blamed the other specialty, back and forth for decades. Then MI, heart attack, stent intervention, and finding of additional old 100% blockage (which has been left as is) and collateral arteries. AFIB now, I don't know if that is toxic relevant yet. Diverticulitis at 29 yrs, Constipation alternating with Diarrhea from service time and bleeding hemorrhoids, also motility problem exiting with no notice, no hold back. And opposite motility problem of food not reaching stomach, and regurgitated maybe up to an hour after a meal, without any acid. ( clean endoscope about 15 years ago, I have the pictures) . Two rectal surgies, first due to one of those involuntary movements tearing things up a bit. So, constipation has been a big deal with diastasis recti diagnosed in January as the reason for the cat scan. had GI and heart appts scheduled at different base when separated, was rushed out of service in 7 days without physical nor appts. Hyperhydrosis: currently severe, diagnosed 8 years ago, never could get a doctor to listen to me, but, in looking at old pictures, everyone else is dry, and I am soaked. All the way back to then. I recently switched from passive cooling apparel to active cooling vests, just like the astronauts. Essential tremor: first occurrence in the service, of course I didn't advertise it, but working on that, diagnosis in early 90s Chronic Sinusitis: by age 29, secondary pneumonia, pleurisy, allergy shots, doc said he had never seen anyone with so many sensitivities, it took 3 vials for my cocktail shots. Brain MRI showed sinus polyp in 92, it is so chronic now that it is draining as I am standing still most of the time. Chronic Bronchitis, pneumonia multiple times Dry eyes: diagnosis, have liquid draining out of my eyes most of the time Chloracne: ? I don't know.....I know I have some big pimples that keep coming back in the same place along the top of my eyebrows where one would wipe their forehead if they sweat alot, with big blackheads that do the same. First blackhead was on scrotum. I have had recurring cysts in my eyelids since right after service, last one was last year. I have sebaceous cysts (humongous ones if that is what they truly are recurring all these years. First one was in the groin with 3 months of leaving the service, I get a recurring line of them across the middle of my back (where your shirt would rub if you bent over, and then another line of them across the back of my neck (where your collar would rub) have a couple of them now. One of the first things that should have clued me in that something was not like everyone else: PN, I would get pins and needles so bad that I remember kicking my toolbox and not feeling a thing. This is when flight line had big metal tool boxes where you could load them up with anything and there was no accounting for any of it. But, that is what I would do, steady myself against the wall and stamp the floor until I got enough feeling that I wasn't afraid of breaking my ankle when I took my first step. (that has morphed now, it just plain hurts and burns and whatever else it wants to do.....and I am on my second lift chair, (both, out of my pocket) I haven't been able to lift my butt off of anything in about ten years with my legs only, and the cramping of bending my legs makes it impossible sometimes. Arms, too. Current diagnoses says that it isn't just feeling any more, its taking its toll. Eyelid tics early on, and alternately burning or cold sensations....anywhere.....and for the last 15 years at least as I am journal keeper (only started reading it lately) I kept good notes for preparation for doctor appointments since the 80's as I was trying to figure out what was going on. For the last 15 years: the left side of my face has been numb, no apparent muscle damage, nor distortion, but numb. So, I was diagnosed with Lewy Body Disease back in 2011 (LBD, I was diagnosed at Mayo, in research studies there) not everything that I thought should be connected to this disease was connected by mayo, like the essential tremor, and a few other things, not consistent with the level of everything as a whole. And neither am I. As we can read that toxic exposure can contribute or cause cognitive issues and most of what I listed above. Especially if we are talking about a toxic soup. Add half burned, all day, JP-4 on the line, hydraulic fluid baths, fire fighting foam spray, all the good stuff, solder, all of it. Might as well add a good dose of sunshine. I am trying to connect dots, my wife and I have the war room set up, and we are well on our way. This will not be my initial claim, but this one is going to take a lot of work. Its not just my word, I have more to put me where I said I was doing the things I said. Any help with info on more details of toxins at those locations, and any info on disease linking to the toxins there would be really appreciated. I outlined some of what is going on with me as maybe someone has personal experience or knowledge from written material. I have already outlived one expiration date. LBD carries a likelyhood of 5-7 years, it was 5 -8 when I was diagnosed. That is why I think they let me walk out of mayo with that cat scan report back in January, with all of those little things, thinking well, he won't be around when they get big enough to worry about....well....not if I can do anything about it. I have attacked LBD with a vengeance since 2011, now it seems I have something else to go after. I don't think everything is connected to my exposure. That is what I am trying to determine with more information. Its crappy that I can't just go to a lawyer, but, I sure am not surprised, I will deal with it, just like everyone does. I do have some cognitive issues, I have tried to put no emotion in here, just facts of what is, and what I would like to know and the reason why. 1. Tyndall 2. Toxins 3. Diseases

Buck52, Thanks for all the tips, I have quite the smorgasbord to choose from. I think I have just about nailed the toes down, I am hoping to get the toes to help me get my foot in the door. I have a plan now, just have to follow it through and wait. I do have a few other issues but will bring those up in another question. I am in process and will be doing a few of the things you brought up. There is a tremendous amount of info here, its hard to stop reading and getting to actually the working the plan. Just waiting on the in service medical records to see what I have to work with before I will finalize anything. So, thanks again, for taking the time to add to my tool box.