Norris

J, Thanks. I was hoping you or some of the admin guys would give me the answer. What had me confused is that, I never applied or even mentioned IU to the C&P doctor. He did ask me if I was working before I was diagnosed with Lymphoma and if so when did I quit. I told him, yes I was working until the chemo got me to the point where I didn't feel strong enough anymore. He did put a note on my paperwork something to the effect that due to the effects of the lymphoma, I could no longer work. Again thanks,

First a little background. Vietnam Vet..Prior to being diagnosed with Lymphoma, I had a Service Connected VA Disability rating of 40%. That consisted of 20% for Diabetes, 20% hearing loss, 10% for tinnitis.. VA Math total 40%. After being diagnosed with Lymphoma, I was given a temporary 100% rating. After extensive chemo, cancer is in remission. C&P exam for residuals was conducted 26 January 2013. Received a letter yesterday from DAV stating: It reads, "...The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has reviewed the most recent VA decision concerning your claim for benefits. The VA has taken the following actions. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity is granted with an evaluation of 20% effective 1/25/13 Service connection for peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity is granted with an evaluation of 20% effective 1/25/13 Entitlement to Individual Unemployability is granted effective 1/25/13 Evaluation of Lymphoma which was 100% is reduced ot 0% effective 1/25/13 The letter from the DAV did not state a new total percentage, but I figured it was now a total of 70% with a bilateral factor of 44% I did not apply for IU, but apparently the VA rater gave it to me based on what the C&P doctor wrote. Am I correct in assuming that I have been awarded IU effective 1/25/13 as stated in the letter from DVA?

Senior CPO... Thanks for the comments. Sorry your chemo didn't do what it was supposed to for you. Hope you are doing well.. Reference the SSI, I think I am too old to apply for that. I have been rated by the VA at 100% for the last couple of years and I think that, I will be downgraded. I did read that if the oncologist has you on the Watch and Wait, that is considered treatment, infact that is what the C&P doctor wrote on his paperwork. That I was in remission but undergoing treatment consisting of Watchful Waiting. What I was saying is that there is a posibility that the VA will continue my 100% just based on that. I really don't know. The C&P doctor classified my PN as severe, both legs. Thanks again and good luck with your treatments.....

Berta, Thanks so very much for the informative post. You asked what my previous 40% rating was. I was previously awarded 20 percent for hearing loss (I flew HUEYs in Vietnam). 10% for Tinnitus (caused by blow to head during crash in Vietnam) and 20% for diabetes. The VA math added up to 40%. I have not filed for any disabilities for the residuals from my Lymphoma and the chemo. I was under the impression that the VA ordered C&P exam after my treatments was an automatic noification to the VA Rating Officials and that I did not have to file a seperate claim. The C&P doctor did state on the C&P examination paperwork, that "Veteran unable to work" or words to that effect, due to the easy fatigability and bilat feet/leg numbness. He also noted that I was employed by General Dynamics Corp prior to the cancer and I had to terminate my employment due to the effects of the cancer and subsquient chemo treatments. Thanks for your concern.... I did receive excellent care from the entire VA staff, again I have nothing but praise for the treatment and care I was given.

Hello All. Vietnam Vet here. I have a question, Two years ago I was diagnosed by the Southern Arizona, VA Medical Center, Tucson, AZ as having Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. I immediately filed a Compensation Claim and was given a temporary rating of 100%. I received all my medical care from the VA Medical Center in Tucson. My Lymphoma was treated with a very strong series of Chemotheraphy. As a result of the Lymphoma and the chemo, I was left with several residual or secondary effects. I completed my chemo almost 18 months ago and have since undergone a PET-Scan and two CAT-Scans. My doctor said the cancerous lymphoma nodes were so small, he recommended no further treatment, just watch and wait. Had C&P exam for Non Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) residuals. Oncologist has noted that the cancer is in remission at present but he wants to see me every six months for follow up exams. The C&P Dr. examiner submitted the following comments: Status of NHL: In remission. Treatment completed; Veteran currently in "watchful waiting" status. The residuals noted by the C&P examiner were, Severe Peripheral neuropathy both lower extremities due to the chemo. Hearing adversly affected by the chemo. Audio exam ordered. Examiner also wrote that my ability to work is impacted due to the bilateral peripheral neuropathy and easy fatigability caused by chemo damage. Any WAGs as to how this will be rated. I have read that the VA considers watchful waiting as continuing treatment and continues the temporary 100% rating. I am so very thankful to be in remission after suffering for a couple of years battling NHL. I have nothing but praise for the treatment I received from the VA Staff in Tucson, AZ. To all here.. Thanks for your helpful comments.