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USArmy98J
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Posts posted by USArmy98J
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I had an issue with my PC Doctor in 2005 and all I did was go to my social worker and say I was not happy with the treatment. She made the PC change that day and I have been pleased ever since.
Bill
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Phillip
Great news and I love it when Vets get what they deserve.
Bill
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Got the white envelope today!!!!
Just like I was told by my DAV Rep.
80% Combined Disability Rating
100% TDIU P&T
Got all the forms for Commissary privledges, state tax exemption, Chap 35 benefits for the kid.
Needless to say I am HAPPY with the decision and it really did not take long. I applied for increases on 15 Feb 07 and was granted on 18 Sep 07. I am lucky that my VARO is not over worked like many others and provide outstanding service.
Thanks to all the members here. This message board is an invaluable resource.
Bill
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Thanks everybody!!!! I doubt it would have happened without the guidance I found here.
Testvet:. Tell me more about getting a Military ID. I did not retire from the military. I would love to be able to use the Commissary, PX, Class XI and other facilites. How do I go about getting an ID?
Thanks everbody.
Bill
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Morning all...
I just got off the phone with my DAV Rep who called to tell me my claim had been decided!!!!
I had applied for an increase for Adjustment Disorder W/Depressed Mood, Hypertension, Arthritis, and IU, in addition to the 50% rating I already have.
He said my Adjustment Disorder was rated at 70%, Hypertension Denied, Arthritis Denied, and IU GRANTED.
He also said I would get Education Benefits for children and the IU would be P&T.
I have mixed feelings but at least I can end this fight and TRY to enjoy whats left of my life.
I can't say how much of a help this site has been and I have learned so much from so many and i say THANK YOU to all the members here!!!
I plan to become a more active member and hope that I can help others in their fights in some way.
T-Bird a very special thank you for operating this site and I will be making a donation to show my appreciation for your dedication. It is an invaluable tool for all veterans.
I hope all of my Brothers and Sisters have a great day and keep fighting!!!
Bill
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Armyboy...WELCOME to the site and THANKS for your service. I am by no means an expert but if you are already paid 100% IU I would not attempt to get an increase. Sometimes the least said the better...Goiod luck which ever way you go.
Bill
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Morning all-
I just spoke with my VARO and was told my claim was transferred from the rating board to a supervisor for review.
The lady couldn't tell me any more other than this was usually good news.
Has anybody got insight to share on what this might mean?
Thanks
Bill
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Just taking the heavy narcotics can make a person IU. How do you drive a car or concentrate when you are doped out? Plus you can OD.
John...I hope you are correct as I have a claim pending focusing on this issue and depression.
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Monica-
I have been fighting the same fight since 1993. I have basically the same back issues as you. I was originally rated at 10% back and 10% for a knee injury. The back worsened and I was increased to 40% for the back in 1999. Since then I have been taking VA pain meds daily to function and have now moved on to Fentanyl patches that supply a steady dose of narcotics and supplement the pain outbreaks with Percocet daily.
I know it is virtually impossible to get more than 40% for your back. My problems have caused severe depression, HBP, chronic pain, and arthritis. I have a case at the rating board for an increase for these issues and have had the C&P where the VA docs linked all this to my pain issues and have filed for IU and am just waiting on the claims process.
Don't give up, but more than 40% on your back will be tough BUT if you have ANY conditions that can be tied in with the back probelms file a claim and get a VA determination.
Good luck
Bill
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Ed...CONGRATs brother on getting the compensation you so rightly deserve :)
Like others said now step up the fight and BEAT THE CANCER.
Best of luck brother.
Bill
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Welcome to the family!!!!
You are amongst friends who will do anything to help each other.
Bill
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Inflation is coming guys/gals....Think what the Chinese could do to our economy should they choose to dump their USD into that market at one shot....
I agree 2% sucks but it beats 1%
Stay positive.
Bill
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Wings-
Thanks and I got those copies today
Bill
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Hello all-
I just saw this forum and wanted to intro myself. I have been reading these boards for a while but just recently started posting.
I am a US Army Vet (84-91) and can honestly say I still miss the Army and all my brothers. I was in the Intelligence Corp (insert jokes here ) and spent most of my time at Ft. Devens, MA, Ft Hood, TX, and USAFS Sinop Turkey.
I am presently 50% SC for lumbar strain, degenerative disk disease, and arthritis in my knees. I have been diagnosed with depression, and Hypertension recently and am in the middle of a claim process and have filed for IU.
Like many here if not for the pain meds I couldn't function. I have taken Oxycodone for the past 7 years (3-5 pills per day) and am now using Fentanyl 25 mcg patches for constant pain control and supplement that with Oxycodone when it's unbearable.
My depression is worsening and I feel worthless most of the time. I am in a narcotic induced "funk" 24/7 and can't do the things I used to. It pisses me off that I can't play pass in the backyard with my son, take him fishing, teach him to play golf like my father taught me, or do anything outside of my house. I don't feel safe driving and should I have an accident I would definatelt be looking at DUI so I don't go much.
I am trying to keep a good attitude and I think after my last C&P on 14 Aug I MAY finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, lets just hope it's not the train.
THANKS to all the members here for their advice and guidance I have recieved, I have found out many things that my DAV Rep didn't know or maybe chose not to tell me.
May all have a Blessed Day.
Bill
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Robin
Add my Welcome to the long list. This is a GREAT bunch of Vets that look out for and help each other with the "process" or just listen to venting (that helps I know).
Look into a dog. I have a 10 lb Minature Pinscher who thinks he is a full size Doberman and he brightens each day for me especially when my son is in school.
Welcome aboard Marine.
Bill
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TruBlu
Welcome and you have found a GREAT bunch of Vets that look out for each other and provide unlimited knowledge and tips to navigate the "system".
Just keep fighting the fight and never quit till you get what you deserve.
As my young son does for me from time to time....Gives me a BIG HUG and says "It's all good, Dad"
Heres a BIG HUG and remember "It's all good"
Welcome
Bill
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Welcome John-
I am new around here also and have found a great group of Vets that look out for each other.
Good luck and keep fighting for what you deserve.
Bill
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John/Berta
Thanks for the thoughts. I was thinking along the same lines too. It seems to me the shrink is confirming SC for the depression and then to other doc I saw the same day is saying the narcotics lead to unemployability.
Who knows, I will just wait and see what they say and either be happy or continue the fight for what I deserve.
Bill
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...Hi again. I went today and got copies of my C&P from 14 Aug and I will be quoting the doc statements and wanted your opinion insight and to what to expect.
One Doctor says " In my opinion, the depression is most likely caused or is a result of his back condition and his unemployability due to his work history and the fact that h this veteran has to wear a narcotic patch for relief of his pain".
The second doctor says AXIS I: Adjustment disorder with depressed mood.....AXIS V: GAF is 49
Quoting from the repost...."I believe his symptoms are moderate and have persisted for a number of years. I did not find evidence that depression in and of itself precluded employment. The veteran did report some social isolation. I did not find evidence that depression precluded activities of daily living. I do believe the veteran's depression is secondary to his back problems."
What do you make of this?
Thanks
Bill
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Can someone let me know the 800 number to call and check on a claim.
Thanks
Bill
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John
I hope you are right. My VARO got the forms on 16 Aug and called my 17 Aug for a fax number of my last employer and said that was all they needed.
Bill
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Berta-
Thank you for your reply.
I have already filed for SS and that is pending. I just spoke to my Rep and my claim is at the review board and the Little Rock office moves fairly quickly so I should know something soon.
I have been reading (not posting) this board for 2 years now and I know the info provided has helped me put things together and get to this point and I can't thank enough of the "VA Vets" for the info that otherwise would not be disclosed.
I THINK I may be coming down the home stretch on this finally and will definately make a nice contribution to the board to help keep this resource available.
Bill
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I am presently 50% SC for low back and knee issues. I have been taking Oxycodone for the past 5 years for pain and have now been put on Fentanyl patches (25 mcg/hr). In February I was sent to MHC by by PCP and was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and had a GAF of 47. I was put on Citalopram and Temezpam by the shrink. I have not worked since Jan 2007 when the pain became unmanageable. I had a C&P on 14 Aug and the shrink said "all the depression is directly related to the back and pain issues" and the second doc I saw said basically it would be a premanent thing but meds would help to a degree and when I asked his opinion on employability he said "I feel it is rather difficult for employment while you are on these meds and you have to be on them".
Now the starange part. I did request an increased rating in late Februaruy 2007 for pain, depression, arthritis, and hypertension. Now what I don't understand is that I received a letter from my RO on 9 Aug and enclosed was the form for IU along with a request to complete and return it along with an authorization for my last employer (only worked there for 3 weeks) to complete.
It is my understanding that I would not qualify for IU based on a current 50% SC rating and I have no idea why the VA would ask me to fill out the necessary forms. This all happened prior to my C&P exam for the claim.
Can any of you guys/gals shed light on this as I am totally lost on this one..
Help an old Army 98J soldier understand what is going on and how/what I should do at this point.
Thanks in advance
Bill
US Army
98J
Success 30% On Ptsd Moderate To Severe
in Success Stories
Posted
DaNang
Good job on getting the 30% rating. I assume you work with the NLR Regional Office. I have worked with them since 1992 and have always had a pleasant experience. Just keep fighting bro and it will work out. I started out at 30% in 1992, got increased to 50% in 2000 and earlier this month I was increased to 80% combined for depression, back, and knee problems and granted TDIU P&T. Don't give up and if the evidence is there the NLR ofice will take care of it. I have only had to appeal one decesion from them since 1992 and after reading some of the horror stories here I feel very lucky.
Good luck in the future and if I can help in anyway let me know.
Bill