Whodat

https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/

So my comments are that the VA has implemented a form called a DBQ. I am sure that VA medical staff had some type of training for it since that in the past, VA did c&p exams. Now VA do not perform c&p exams but states get a DBQ from your private doc. I am sure that a private doc didn't get that training in med school. Now it's used against the vet because of not being properly filled out.

Well, I guess that it is advantageous to the early and mid career vets. They have additional time to build up evidence. Now for vets that have already exited the service only have 10 years. I barely made the cut. I have been diagnosed within 9 years and 8 months after I had gotten out of the service.

Just reading the requirements for burn pit exposure. The requirements are if the disease must manifest within 10 years after separation. Why couldn't it have been within 10 years of the last deployment and or separation?

You are right about that. Another way to make easy money

I am sure that IME's are the way to go for a successful claim. Just so hard to pay big money for one. I did use buddies statements from a CSM and one of my peers while in combat, VA considered it but still got a denial. The buddy statements was while in combat, explained everything and the buddies contact info. Denied.

Exactly my point. The rules are to get an exam and DBQ. You did that. Now VA wants you to do an exam with the VA. Why should you have to if you have a DBQ already. Great job on your decision and success.

I am so happy for you and your achievements. I know that some on the site says you must attend the exam. I have seen some Vets go through R** **** and gotten dbq's. The Vets were also told that if the VA calls and schedule a c&p exam, schedule an exam but do not go. This organization had put in a letter stating the regs about exams and current DBQ. The Vets that used this organization are all now in the 100 mile club. Congratulations

Great disclaimer. Now should the site have a disclaimer or do each member need to provide one. If each member do have to provide one, do we have to type it in each time we reply? Is there a disclaimer tab for individuals?

Great point ladyvet, but however I was one of those gung-ho type of soldier. Airborne, Air Assault Drill Instructor. Pain and sick call wasn't in my vocabulary. All of my NCOER,s were good. Nothing negative. Medical within a year was the least on my mind. I was more concerned with my wages after the military so I went contractor which later turned into Civil Service. I did not file my first claim until 2014. Buddy statements are a no go. I do study my denial letters and hints are given, for example I do have a current diagnosis, I did have an event or injury while in service, but no nexus. That's the problem. Now in order to get a nexus, I have to spend big money just to get service connected.

Thank you Bronco for those encouraging words. I have been in the battle for 5 years and it depresses me but I will hang in there. It make take 17 years, I might get a little enjoyment for the reward but being that my wife is 13 years younger than me, she will get more joy. Lol

So true but why would I file a claim if I didn't serve. I served for 21 years and led from the front. NCO's are the backbone of the army. Never went on sick call, only did self treatment. Now my backbone is failing. So I guess I will have to fight for another 21 years to prove that it was caused by the military.

You are so right john999. Getting to a hundred is very challenging for our vets that deserves the hundred. This is why some of our great vets give up quick. The VA does realize what they are doing to our great vets but isn't really too concerned. I am trying my best to hang in there but this long battle is putting me into depression.

I never knew that it would be so much red tape to file for a VA claim. A young healthy 18 year old that wanted to join the military, passed the physical with flying colors. Wanted to make my parents proud of my foe my accomplishments. Esp my dad because he did over 25 years active Air Force. Drill Sergeants are your first and everlasting impression. I know because I was one. The last thing that you want to do is piss a DI off. Never complained of anything to include pain. Get to my first duty station, the brain washing still continues. If you are dedicated, you will not complain. If you complain, Chapter is thrown in your face. My days in service, if you didn't cut it, you could face QMP. Do your job, don't go to sick call and your job and you will be just fine. All of the years of physical and mental abuse to your body, vets file a claim. What do VA do, deny. I think that VA has put more stress on vets with the claim process that we should be compensated just for the stress from the VA. Look at Mr Cue and others, years of fighting and stress has taken some time off of their life. I am so tired.

Thanks again. My best bet is to hold off until I can afford to pay for an imo is what the VA wants. All I have is my VA health records and x rays etc shows the worsening of my symptoms and conditions but will not provide a nexus or link.

Great, thank you. I do believe that my best option is to do an HLR since the last time that I have filed for Shoulder and GERD in 2018. I would like to go straight to BVA since I am expecting the HLR getting denied and years of waiting. I am not young whipper snapper. Lol.

This is the way of the of the VA and the world as of today. The VA our Government has hired top of the line lawyers or representatives to find a way to delay or deny vets. They will find a way to do just that. Reminds me in the 90's where Leonard vs Pepsi for false advertisement. Pepsi advertisement was to collect 7,000 Pepsi coins and win a jet. But since Pepsi has top dogs, Leonard walked away with nothing. VA advertise that they will take care of Vets. They do take care of some but most have to fight like hell.

On the above, I had just recently filed a claim for GERD, left shoulder increase, left shoulder increase, right shoulder sinusitis. The last time I filled for shoulder and GERD was 2018. So I get a letter back stating that I used the wrong form. I should have done an HLR. What form was I suppose to use? I thought once the claim is closed with no appeal, then you file a new claim. The VA has really changed.

This is some great info Broncovet. I will do just that. I will ask. Hopefully my c&p examiner will not get offended.

I am so sorry that you have to go through all of the mess that you are going through. Looks like you have your ducks in a row and the paper trail. I wonder if McDonough have eyes on your situation.

You are right about at@john999. I was also told to make sure that they have the right DBQ for the exam. That has been one of the problems lately. It's a shame by the way I feel but I feel like filing for a claim is basically preparing to file for an appeal. The claim is in but I am more focused on the appeal.

This is a general statement. Not pointing fingers at anyone.

I do not think that it's presumptive. Did you have those symptoms while in service or a within a year after leaving service? If so you may be good. If not, get ready for a long battle.

This is a cut throat doggy dog world. T Bird intentions was to start a site for vets and help vets. There are rules and regulations that must be followed like everything in life. T Bird enforced the rules, if she didn't, she just created a new standard. Now you have crooks out there being 2 face stating that they stand by her but really stealing her knowledge to make themselves better. That's what happened. The rules were broken and she did what was necessary. Now that she has decided to close the site down and now people are complaining about B's but cry that the site is shutting down, pointing out deficiencies. How about thanking her for her accomplishments, and try to help her by keeping this free site open. But nooo. We would rather complain and join a paid site. Good job. She had asked for help, I have been on this site for awhile, read the success stories. But do I see lots of contributors? Not really. I see selfish people took the free advice, got their money and ran. I also see people venting for free but now complaining and pointing fingers. Pay the membership fee and vent somewhere else. Just urinates me off. Selfish people.

Thanks brothers. Just being proactive just in case I need to appeal. Hadit had taught me to research the qualifications of the examiner. Did my research on her and she is a NP foe 8 years, and her experience with c&p exams is 0 to 1 years. She had her school and training in Indiana as well as licensed there. I live in Mo. But I think that Mo honors out of state license which does make sense. Medical professionals can travel anywhere to treat things like covid. I had claimed right shoulder GERD and sinusitis so it shouldn't be too bad for her.