RichardZ

OP again here - Much thanks again for the well written guidance. it's really helped me get my brain around this. Pretty sure I'll complete the PACT Act request this week. Seems having this on my VA file will qualify me presumptively for issues that may come up later. A s a medical logistics troop from 1981-2000 (significant AD periods 1981-1985; 1991) my daily duties included personally opening with my hands and disposing outdated and suspended medications, medical cleaners, biological agents, vaccines, laboratory reagents, and insect repellants. In the 1980s I was the junior member of a two-person medical logistics office so was the one doing most of the hands on destructions. I listed this and several other TDY locations in my claim where I participated in this same standard medical logistics task. Next week or later I may request separately the cardiac stuff and back stuff. I may also request the depression secondary to my rating for insomnia. Much thanks again. Hoping I've enough for VA to approve the PACT Act.

Hi brothers (and/or sisters). Hey I'm the OP. I sure appreciate your detailed feedback, info, advice and will read several more times. I've got a follow on question regarding applying for service connection under the PACT Act. Where within the VA.gov website disability application process does one indicate that they are applying under or associated with the PACT Act? I was on VA.Gov for awhile today and as I progressed through starting a new claim I expected to find a screen, box, or field where a vet would indicate they were applying for service connection under the PACT Act. Do I have to name the disability first for example recurrent major depression episodes and then subsequent to that on the website/app indicate that I'm applying under the PACT Act? Thanks. I'd ideally just like to apply for connection and be noted that I'm covered under the PACT Act alone without immediately naming a medical condition. Much thanks once again.

Since 2015 when I retired I've been 80% which includes 60% Chronic Fatigue, 30% Insomnia, 10% Hemorrhoids. My VA psychiatrist (who happens to also be the Hospital Chief of Staff) has strongly advised me multiple times to file for a service connection under the PACT Act. I've strongly disagreed with him since I do not see a PACT Act connection (other than possibly using DEET and as supply troop regularly disposing of toxic substances - none identified in the PACT Act). He, my psychiatrist has told me that it would likely get approved and I should say that toxin exposure has exacerbated my behavioral health issues. I do not feel comfortable filing under the PACT Act however, I am considering asking VA to connect my Moderate/Major Depression Disorder and Anxiety disorder secondary to my rated Insomnia. Also considering filing for my recently worsening coronary artery disease (CAD) and spinal stenosis, spinal disc disease. Details follow and thanks in advance. e Recently, the VA noted my severe atherosclerosis in several CT Scans and in December 2023, I had stents put in 2 coronary arteries. I have copies of my military medical records that show I was twice seen in the military for chest pain and several times prescribed crestor for high cholesterol. Both of these military medical appointments were in the 1980s. Though I've been taking crestor and other statins ever since. Also, since my retirement in 2015 I've had several months long episodes of back and neck pain for which I've been seen by VA and civilian doctors. In 2022, an MRI revealed multi-level severe disc degeneration, stenosis, and spondylosis of my sacral, lumbar, and cervical spine and ongoing tendonitus left scapula and shoulder. I have been seen once on active duty for a cervical spine injury and one for a right shoulder injury. So basically, I'm asking for advice on whether it's reasonable or not for me to proceed with claims for PACT Act, depression/anxiety, CAD, and/or spine/neck issues? I only started thinking about this because my VA Psychiatrist has been almost pressuring me to file a PACT Act claim. Until that, I never though about filing. I'm retired, I have a good military and civil service retirement and am satisfied with the 80% rating I currently have. Again much thanks in advance. - Richard