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SgtD6970
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Posts posted by SgtD6970
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I had filed for lung cancer agent orange related and was disapproved, I filed a nod in Jan 08 and received my approval Sept 11, 08. I was adwarded 100 percent from Oct 06 - thru Oct 07 then it went back to the 60 percent I had for other items pending a C&P for residuals of the cancer, I had that C&P on Sept 11th. Now we will just have to see what they rate that at.....but the main thing is I got the lung cancer approved and won mu NOD and of course they owe me some back pay which is hard to figure out how much based on my drawing retired pay and cdrp, but I think it will be a good hunk of change. Sgt D
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the closest thing, and the one that the raters usually use is 7346 Hiatal Hernia
It's actually called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)and thats what I filed for, my claim is still pending I should have an answer soon Sgt D
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Your post is just to darn long to try and read!!!!
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OK now I maybe able to get me some new toys to play with, guess I'll have to ask at my next appt sure would like the GPS so I can remember were I am and how I got there. Sgt D
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Yep they test me everytime I have an appointment, I am on pain meds and I don't have a problem with them testing as I don't do illegal drugs or drink, but I hate having to call each month to get my refill, I have read some where that the doctor can write a script for 3 months and I will ask on my next doctor's appointment. Sgt D
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Has any doctor formally diagnosed you on paper with PTSD?
What is the SSA award for?
You need to file VA form 21-526 available to file or download and print at the VA web site.
You need one to one help with any suicidial thoughts.
"Is the VA just passing the buck, by telling me to call the Hot-Line, Will this hurt my case"
If you need immediate emergency care call 911 or get to any ER-ASAP if you continue to have these thoughts-
"I am having flashbacks from the Viet-Nam War. I was with a Patrol Squadron, and our job was to follow everything on the water. I saw, felt and witnessed many things as we ran operations on the various islands in the Pacific."
Unless you have awards on your DD 214 indicating direct combat with the enemy you will have to prove to the VA what in-service events caused your PTSD.
Bertha
Why would he file VA Form 21-526, if he has already filed a claim shouldn't he just file VA Form 21-4138 instead of filling out all that stuff on VA Form 21-526, Sgt D
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I got the results of my last hearing test today, I'm at 10% now and was wondering if this test will put me in line for an increase.
Left ear: 500 -35 , 1000 - 35, 2000 - 60, 3000 - 80, 4000- 90 Average 66
Right ear: 500 - 30, 1000 - 35, 2000 - 45, 3000 - 90, 4000 - 100 Average 67
Speech reconization of 88 in each ear.
Can someone who know's this stuff tell me what percentage I should be at.
Thanks, Sgt D
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Ok we know what GERD is now..... so what is Distal Esophagitus? I am service connected for it, and I have acid reflux. When I did my exit claim I asked for a rating for Acid reflux... they granted service connection for this Distal Esophagitis. I have no Idea what it is. I tried to figure it out again yesterday but i just kept going in circles and it all was related to GERD. So i just asked for a rating increase for it back in Jan, but I have no idea on how they will interperate my C&P results. I also cannot find the rating criteria for it in the manual. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated..... If needed I can post up what my C&P said from last month.
Ryan
I did a google search for it and came up with plenty to read about it I don't have the time to read all of them but from what I gather it's part of or caused by having GERD. Maybe someone will post more later and they can explain it to us. Sgt D
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Ok. I got my most recent batch of records from VAMC and one page noted "probable GERD."
I've seen the term frequently. I tried to look it up and there are pages and pages of the term being used. After several, I get the idea it has to do with heartburn, acid reflux, ulcers? non of which I have (yet). I also gather they are solidly connected with NAISDs which I do take, 1000mg Naproxn sodium.
GERD- Gastro????
And since I don't know of any symptoms, why is it "probable"? And what does that mean to me? Please.
Here is what the proper name is for GERD... Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease....if you look this term up you can read all about it and how it is rated. I currently have a claim pending for this. Sgt D
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I still have not heard back from the DAV at the VARO. I guess I am on my own on this one. I am calling their national headquarters tomorrow and threatening to call the local news, which also aires at Ft Campbell, and saying what a lousy organization they are.
I've read so many post about how bad the DAV is and I to am really disappointed in them, I have written several emails to them, never received a reply, called never got to talk to a real person. Maybe if everyone who has a problem with them would send them an email and place an article in their local paper they might change, but as I see it all they want is your life membership and then we will send you a magazine about how great we are and what all we do for veterans. Sgt D
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Almost every Vet I know that has been rated for hearing loss is rated as service connected 0%, only know of two who are rated at 10%
Well now you know 3 who has 10% for hearing loss. Yep guess I am stone cold deft in both ears, I guess to get a higher than 10 % you have to have had your ears cut off or something. Sgt D
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Do you currently have a disability for hearing loss if so it's easier to get approved for Tinnitus, I was reading thru my papers today from when I retired from the Army and the VA awarded me 10% for Tinnitus and 0 % for hearing but service connected both that was in 1990. In 2004 I applied for an increase for the hearing loss and was awarded 10%, anything above 10 % for hearing I have no clue as to how bad your hearing has to be for mine is really bad even with the hearing aids the VA provides me. If you ask my wife she thinks I just have her on ignore. Sgt D
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Well I'll tell you this don't hold your breath waiting for this other wise you'll be 6 feet under and won't be here to get the next 2.5 % we'll get. Sgt D
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Sort of given a heads up early last week. Is this true, or rumor mill? I still have mine from work, but this would help lots of SCed/homeless vets in dire need of teeth maintenance.
Just curious...Thanks!
Here's the article on this:
CALL TO ACTION: BILL WOULD GIVE DENTAL BENEFITS TO ALL DISABLED VETS -- Have your elected Representative
support H.R. 5595 which would give dental coverage to
all vets with at least a 10% service-connected rating.
Veterans with service-connected disabilities would get expanded dental coverage under bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park.
The "Make Our Veterans Smile Act" (House Resolution 5595) was co-introduced by Kirk and fellow Navy Reserve intelligence officer U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, D-Pa.
Currently, only 100 percent disabled, homeless or prisoner-of-war veterans are eligible for dental benefits. The bill, if signed into law, expands dental coverage to any service-connected disabled veteran, regardless of disability rating starting Jan. 1, 2009.
"We need to ensure that those who wore the uniform, risked their lives and sacrificed so much are appropriately cared for," Kirk said Thursday. "We won a great victory for area veterans when we saved the North Chicago VA Hospital from closing. But the commitment the government makes to help care for disabled veterans is incomplete without addressing their dental needs."
According to the Veterans Administration, 258,000 veterans currently are eligible for dental benefits. More than 2.5 million additional disabled veterans would receive coverage under the Kirk-Carney bill.
In Illinois, coverage would expand from nearly 5,000 veterans to more than 60,000 veterans, according to the Congressional Research Service.
Legislation is on Thomas, here... http://thomas.loc.gov/
Type in H.R. 5595.
Legislation printed below:
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Make Our Veterans Smile Act of 2008 (Introduced in House)
HR 5595 IH
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5595
To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide dental care to veterans with service-connected disabilities, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 12, 2008
Mr. CARNEY (for himself and Mr. KIRK) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide dental care to veterans with service-connected disabilities, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Make Our Veterans Smile Act of 2008'.
SEC. 2. PROVISION OF DENTAL CARE BY SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES.
(a) Provision of Care- Section 1712(a)(1)(G) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking `rated as total'.
(;) Authority To Provide Care by Entering Into Contracts- Section 1703(a)(7) of such title is amended by striking `section 1712(a)(1)(F)' and inserting `section 1712(a)(1)'.
© Effective Date- The amendments made by subsections (a) and (:) shall apply with respect to outpatient dental services and treatment, and related dental appliances, furnished on or after January 1, 2009.
Since this may be great for a lot of Veterans, I much would rather have a increase in the amount given to all Veterans since there are many Vets like me who have no teeth. Mine were all pulled before treatment for cancer. So just give me another 10-25% pay increase. Sgt D
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Oldman - Welcome,
3) FYI - a veteran has to be about stone cold deaf to get compensation for hearing loss,
by compensation I mean $, if evidence proves service connection for hearing loss is in order
service connection can be granted (and more times than not) at zero %, in other words
service connection is granted is granted at zero %, but no money for the disability, unless like
I said you are practically deaf, so no this would not be an unusual case.
I agree to your statement to some degree, when I retired from the Arny in 1990 I received a 0 % for bilateral hearing loss, then in 2004 I went for a hearing exam and was given hearing aids, I then applied for an increase and received 10%. A couple of weeks ago I went for another hearing exam for I thought my hearing had gotten worst. it has but not enough to warrant an increase, however they are giving me new hearing aids to help with the hearing loss difference from when I first got the hearing aids. I think best thing to do is after you get the hearing aids then apply for an increase. Sgt D
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Good News ...
I was approved for and received my Service Disabled Veterans Life Insurance policy Today.
The premiums are a small amount compared to any other insurance that I might have been able to get, which is unlikely in my current health.
The odd thing I noticed was on one line it stated:
"Your application has been found to be an informal claim for waiver of premiums"
I do not understand that part as I was told that you had to apply for the insurance and get it, then when you are 100% disabled by the VA go back and ask for premium waivers. Once you get premiu waivers you can get upto Twenty Thousand Dollars in additional insurance, but I must pay the premium on the additional insurance on my own.
Then I read further and you do not have to be 100% total or even TDIU by the VA to get waivers, you just must prove that you have not had or can not obtain gainful employment for six months.
So my next thought was:
If the people from the VA Life Insurance Division find me 100% unemployable for premium waivers would that not be cause to give me TDIU?
Just a thought running through my head.
I have never thought about it like that to obtain 100%. I am disabled thru Social Security and I got the waiver based on it and then got the other $20,000. I am like you I can't get any other insurance so to me this was something that I didn't even have to think about, I've had both now for about 5 years. Sgt D
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Hello from Dennis, I've got a couple of questions mixed with a couple of my thoughts.
1. When is the last time we vets got a real pay rise, not a COLA?
If you are 100% p&t like me then you gave your country everything but your death.
I feel that it is time for vets who are 100% S.C. to get a pay increase. Try to
a home on 100% s.c. money, try to rise a family, make a car payment, buy food,
gas, and pay rent with 100% s.c. money. Yes you can do, I do it, but thats all I
with my pay. I was injured at the age of 17 while in the Navy. I would like the
opportunity to plan a financial future and stay a time ahead of the game. It is
tough being disabled at a young age. My step sons make more than twice the money
I get and they get things like bonuses,profit sharing,401K plan,and a turkey at
X-mas.
Don't get me wrong I love the U.S.A and would have my legs wrecked again
in a minute to serve this country. I just feel that 100%er's need more money. My wife needs dental work, the VA give her CampVA but it does not cover eyes or teeth, so I pay. I think it is time for all 100%er's to ask the Fed's for more money. The other day I got 11 cents per mile to a VA. Gas cost me in Oregon 3.59 cents a gal. Do you know how much a Fed. worker gets if he uses his/her car, a hell of a lot more than 11 cents per mile.
Yes, I have supported the vet-groups. I think I've been a member in them all, and they do help. But I wonder what would happen if all 100%er's sent just one message to Washington and the media: We want a rise so we can support your families!
Well time for me to shut-up and to see what bill I can pay last without being late. Maybe the Fed's could make the months shorter? P.S. I know that less than 100% s.c. vets have hard times also.
THANK-YOU and Take Care (Dennis ie..Tinman)
This were most vets cannot and will not agree with your statement. Just why should only 100% vets get a pay raise and not all vets, didn't we all serve and become injured serving our country? I do agree that a pay raise is needed but not just for the 100% folks. Sgt D
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The below link will explain why it takes so long to get a claim approved:
http://glumbert.com/wii/view.php?name=baddayoffice
Sgt D
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Hey Pete - did you not once post a link to a site where you could order real cheap glasses.
Army retired guys can only get the black BC or brown BC frames. Just got my so even I can see you from here betrayed!!!
Here's one site to order from they run from $8.00 and up. I got a pair for $48.00, no line bifocals tinted and overall nice glasses. www.zennioptical.com. Sgt D
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I requested a copy of my C-File using the FOIA form from the VA. I received all the C-File completed at the Birmingham Hospital. What I did not receive was a copy of the C-File from when I first filed in 1990 when I retired from the Army. Question is do I need to request a copy from the Richmond Hospital were the C&P was conducted or how do I get a copy of the information from that C&P. Thanks Sgt D
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You have to be 50% or more for galsses or be SC for some type of eye conditions to get gert glasses. DJ8
Dale Fr
That is wrong it only requires you to be 10% or more to obtain glasses thru the VA, and it does't have to be S/C for an eye condition. I suggest you call the eye clinic direct and get an appointment. Sgt D
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I get one pair free every year. I found out that if I am SC for eyesight then I can get more. So I am going to file a claim for Presbyopia then I am also eligible for polarized sunglasses and maybe even more. I just got a letter in the mail from the VAMC telling me it was time for them to "SEE" me again, they even quoted it like that. Thursday while at dental I stopped in the eye clinic and told them I had received the leter they looked me up and said it was supposed to be every two years, I said I dont know I got the letter, they said are you having problems and of course I answered yes. So they made me a appointment.
I went to the Birmingham eye clinic on 2-11-2008 and had a complete exam. I had never tried to get glasses thru the VA. I was impressed with the exam. I was told I would have my glasses in a week or so. Well I called today to check on them and was told they were requested on the 21st and I should have them by March 18th. Guess even the eye clinic can't help from not telling the truth. Oh well at least the glasses are free if I ever get them. Sgt D
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Welcome from Huntsville. The Montgomery RO is by far one of the worst ones to deal with. They are slow and normally deny several times before you win your claim. Even with stacks of evidence they appear to be stupid or just plain incompent. Good luck on your claim.
Just wanted to add: If they are sending you to BH for exams watch those guys also. They tend to be nice and supportive of your condition. But when you get your copy of the exam WHAMO! You will think they were examing some other vet who does not have a disability.
Thanks Ricky
Yep they do send me to Birmingham for exams, the last one for the cancer I could not even understand the doctor, he barely could speak english, and from the start I knew I was in trouble with him. Guess he couldn't read english to well either so now I'm having to fight the VA and try to get it corrected. It seemed like he had a problem dealing with veterans, I don't understand where they get these clowns from, guess it must be doctors who really can't make it outside of goverment. Thanks again. Sgt D
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Welcome aboard Sarge
60 %-
Has this progressed to possibly more than 60% disabling?
Do you get SSA disability benefits for the cancer?
Are you employed? If not have you filed for TDIU (100& comp rate)
When they awarded your claim-since you are under Nehmer class action case- did the VA give you the proper retro award?
They tried to snooker millions of bucks from AO vets years ago.
Did you ever have a denial from the VA for this same disability?
If so- not sure of all the circumstances here- but did they pay you retro back to the original claim?
If not did they clearly state why not?
OK lets see if I can answer this. I am 60% disabled from other conditions that are not related to the Agent Orange claim for lung cancer. 20% R foot, 20% L Foot, 10% Lower Back, 10% hearing, 10% Tinnius.
Yes I drawn SSDI for the cancer.
No I do not work I haven't been able to work since 2001, I do not meet the requirements for IU as far as the percent on one or more ratings.
I did file for the agent orange connection for lung cancer and they disapproved it, I have docotrs letters stating that the lung cancer was more than likely caused from exposure to herbicides, that is what I filed the NOD for. I'm still waiting on and answer to the NOD, maybe they will do the right thing and approve it or again they may sit on it and hope I die so they can add me to the list of those they that screwed around. Thanks for your imput. Sgt D
(I used to be a proud member of DAMM - Drunks against Mad Mothers)
Got Nod Approved
in Success Stories
Posted
Yes Lung Cancer from Agent Orange is Combat Related and that is one more thing I have to get done getting that submitted.
Everything now hinges on the C&P I had last week for the residuals. I don't know if I'll get 30, 60, or 100 percent. But if I don't get the 100% my next step would be IU since I can't work because of the lung cancer. I got SSDI with no problem so I should be able to get IU. I still have battles to attend to but now I can enjoy it a little more with the back pay...Sgt D