Erich

Ok Bertha Just make sure you read the folowing articles before you choose anything. There are a lot of scams and other questionable opportunities to work at home. My google sponsored links and infolinks are constantly updated and I have little control over them. These two guides will help you: http://www.work-at-home-directory.com/scams.html http://www.work-at-home-directory.com/self-employment.html Erich

I too have a back injury and have a hard time working. But find it helpful to work at home online to suppliment my 60% disab. Erich

Thank You!!

I don't understand how the rating system works in determining compensation. Can someone tell me at what rate I should be paid with the following service connections? 50% PTSD 10% SFW to rt leg 10% SFW to chest 10% Neck Injury Please advise if 60% compensation is correct for these ratings? Thanks...

Purple is absolutely right about taking someone with you. I took my wife for the first part where he went thru what is going on with my wife and family and she came up with many things that I would not have remembered or said. I asked her to leave when he wanted details about what happened in service. The end result was I got 50% effective 7/07 which was related all the way back to Vietnam. I doubt if I would not have got anything if it wasn't for her telling him all the symptoms I have now and what I've had over the years... Just be honest and make sure you respond based on your worst days... not when things are going OK... and let him know that. Good Luck Erich

I am 50% for PTSD but was just recently rated. Can someone advise what the "MST" means? Can the VA drop our ratings if we refuse to go thru these in patient programs? Is this something all PTSD patients are set up to do? Sorry for all the questions... Purple, I don't see how they could expect you to drop everything and go to Florida for this... especially if you don't want too. I hope they back off and leave you alone. Erich

I also have obstructive sleep apnea and the VA denied my claim for a service connection. I was prescribed the C-Pap and tried it several times with no success. I still wake up about every hour or so thru out the night. I am tired and have very little energy during the day which causes big problems in my life. I went back to the VA and told them the C-pap didn't work for me hoping they would do surgery... they esentially said that is all they could offer me. So I am stuck with this and will probably end up like Reggie White some day. I'm told it is difficult to get this condition related to your service so you will probably have a long fight on your hands getting compensation... That doesn't mean you shouldn't try though.

I too have sleep apnea. I've been told it is a rather common condition among overweight veterans. The CPAP machine is the most common treatment mode used by the VA. I personally could not use this because I am a restless sleeper and the air passage "mask" keeps coming off during the night... so I chose to live without it. That is probably not a good choice considering all the risks involved... but who knows?? I've seen a post or two where vets were able to get this service connected but I think they proved it was related to other SC ailments.

"I have been going to the VA psychiatrist for two years now. This whole time I have been telling her that I do not like to be around people and have anxiety attacks when I get around too many people. In fact, sometimes it takes everything I got to leave the house.I told her that I already plan things so that I am not around people if I can help it. Shopping late at night, or early in the day on days when there are not people at the store, when we eat at a restaurant we go when it is not the normal mealtime." =================== Your behaviors are exactly like mine and they finally diagnosed me with PTSD. If you are 80% now then you should absolutely be 100% with the PTSD included. My symptoms go all the way back to Vietnam and I only just recently became aware of the cause. I always knew I had some kind of "nervous condition" that was related to my service but never put all the pieces together. I hope you will not let your condition go like I did because when it finally hits... it will hit you like a ton of bricks... if it hasn't already. Either amend your current claim or else file after this one is decided. In the meantime, go to your local vet center and start the healing process... That is what I am finally going to do... my 2nd appt with the vet center is Tues.

I had my C & P exam and my wife went with me. She stayed for about an hour and gave all her input. Then I told the examiner my story. It was hard for me to tell everything especially about the sexual harrassment and drug dependence. But I told him all that I remembered. A week later I had a clinic appt and the Nurse Practioner told me I was diagnosed with PTSD from C&P exam. I didn't feel comfortable asking him about details of rept. I was just relieved that someone finally heard me and believed what I had to say. I have since been referred to the "Vet Center" and had appt with the Director. He set me up with an individual therapist next Tues. He also said they will probably put me into a weekly group which I am looking forward too. I plan to wait a month or two to let the process work and see if they come up with a fair rating. In the meantime I hope to get better with the support of the Vet Center. Thanks again to everyone for your help and advice

Thanks again for the additional comments. I have not got any outside help for my problems for over 10 yrs. I contacted both of those Dr offices and they don't have any records now. One of those Dr's told my wife that Vietnam had a profound effect on my life... The army must have taken the position my wounds came from a "fragging" since they did not put PH in my records. Our camp did get hit with mortors/rockets a couple of times but nothing close to me... Was also in a convoy that came uder fire but again nothing close to me. I think my focus will be on getting blasted by the grenade because that is "straw that broke my back". Before that it was all a combination of fear, stress, insomnia, malaria, boredom, and the sex harrassment that got to me. Was on duty in perimeter bunker 12 hrs nightly 7 days a week... I felt like I was between rock and hard place with drug problem and Squad Leader targeting me as his next conquest. I still think he was most likely one behind the grenade attack because it happened after I rept him to CO.

Thanks to all for your input... I can't help but feel very anxious and nervous about the exam. I do plan to tell the examiner the truth. I just hope I can remember all the problems this has caused me over the years. Right now I'm afraid my 3rd marriage is going down after 18 years but I don't blame her. I am no good to her sexually, socially, and our kids don't really like me. I spend about 95% of my time in a back room of our house. I hate being stuck in that room but hate leaving even more.

I have a C & P exam scheduled for 10/14/08 and I think it could be to determine if I have PTSD. I filed a claim in Feb 2007 and later amended it to include PTSD. I did this after my last C & P examiner advised me to apply for this. I saw a young woman in her 20's about nine months ago who screened me for PTSD treatment and she later told me that I have PTSD symptoms but my main problem was Depression.... and therefore didn't qualify for their PTSD treatment program. I think there was more going on than that because even though I was wounded by shell fragments from a grenade, I did not get a purple heart credited to my records. I am 20% service connected for these wounds though. I was hit in my chest, buttox, and both legs by shell fragments from a grenade that I think exploded on the roof of the bunker I was in. My CO had already identified me as a "pot head" and was in the process of giving me an "Undesireable Discharge" when I got blasted by grenade. I was not offered drug rehab which sucks... [My discharge was upgraded to Honorable about a year after I got out in 1971] However, to further complicate matters, my Squad Leader was a homosexual who had twice made advances towards me. Both times I woke and he was sitting up next to me on my bed. The 2nd time I rept him to my CO who I believe did nothing. I think there is a good chance this Sgt might have been behind the grenade that got me??? Anyway, when they screened me for PTSD treatment I had to take a 500+ questionaire which was a big problem for me. I was unable to concentrate and focus on the questions after about 30-40 minutes [about halfway thru] and it also gave me a headache. So the last 200+ questions were probably not answered right?? I'm concerned they might ask me to do this again... is this part of the C & P exam for PTSD? I called Indianapolis VARO and asked them if this exam is for PTSD and they wouldn't tell me. The lady just said it was to further evaluate my condition. Then she said she needed to document my file that I had called... I know there is a lot at stake and I'm very nervous. Can anyone tell me what I can expect if this exam is for PTSD? Also... I'm told I can't get Depression service connected because I didn't seek treatment in the service or within 1 year of discharge. Can someone confirm if this is true?

I believe Nevada is also a state with good tax laws...

I have not had C & P exam for PTSD. I had a C & P recently for increase in Disability for Shrapnel Wounds. That Doctor was very nice and advised me to file for PTSD. My wife is a Clinical Social Worker and she went thru the questions she uses to screen for PTSD and said I definitely had it. The PTSD exam I had was to detemine if I qualified for treatment at the local VA program. They have apparently set up strict requirements. I think they only admit vets who were in heavy combat because she asked me questions like "were you ever surrounded by the enemy" and "did you see any friends killed" which the answer to both questions were no. I don't know anything about a GAF score so I guess they will set up another C & P exam for the PTSD. If they deny claim based on the 500 question test and interview with the young woman, I am going to be pissed and will appeal and get IME. I sent back the forms yesterday so I guess the ball is in their court.

Berta I have recd va forms 21-0781a and 21-0781. I have completed these but haven't sent them back yet. The form 21-0781a is for PTSD secondary to "Personal" trauma. I don't know why they want that because everything I'm claiming happened to me while in the service. I'm not sure what "proven nexus to service" means but I am primarily claiming the grenade explosion and subsequent SFW to chest, buttox, and legs is the stressor causing the PTSD. This info is clearly in my records because I am receiving 20% for this. The jeep accident has also caused headaches and back pain but I can't say truthfully that I am still traumatized by that... I am angry the army didn't take action against the Sgt who made sexual advances to me and later used him as part of the process to give me a 212 discharge but don't know if that has any relevance. I am also upset that I wasn't given some kind of treatment option for the drug problem but again I don't know how that would relate... if at all. I think I am just going to send back the paperwork and hope they will do the right thing. If not, I will probably follow up with an IME to use for an appeal... Thanks for your input

Thanks to everyone for your responses. As far as being treated for PTSD... I don't guess I am since the young lady [who gave test and interview] says my depression is primary and I only have "symptoms of PTSD"... whatever that means. This is why I think I probably need an Independent medical evaluation to screen for PTSD outside the VA system. I'm afraid they [the VA] are going to say my in service drug abuse and no purple heart will be some kind of a road block. I've also made some good money [from the internet] over the last few years and some residual income commissions are still coming in... though that is fading quickly. I've heard that outside income is a significant factor with service connected PTSD ratings?? I know I have major problems with both physical and mental health which I'm sure is only going to get worse when I run out of money. Even though my wife is supportive in some areas... she does not seem to grasp the future financial mess that is fortcoming and I don't think she will quit spending until we are broke... then I think she will probably leave me.... and I don't blame her. I have no interest in sex and am not a good social companion. Anyway, it does feel good to get some of this off my chest and appreciate the support and feedback given here... Thanks again to everyone.

My case [like most] is rather complicated. I am currently 20% SC for Schrapnel wounds to chest, buttox, and both legs and neck/back pain from jeep accident. I have case pending for increase for Nervous condition, back pain, neck pain, hepatitis C, Depression, Drug abuse, Malaria, chest pain, leg pain. I recently amended my claim to include PTSD. I was stationed at Fort Riley Kansas when I recd orders for Vietnam. During that training period I was driving an army jeep back from exercises when I was broadsided by another vehicle. I don't recall much about the accident other than waking up in the back seat of the jeep and being taken to the army hospital by ambulance. I was later told the jeep overturned 3 times and was "totalled". I injured my neck and back and had [what they called] a "mild concussion" along with scrapes and bruises. I don't believe the concussion was mild at all because I have had headaches ever since that time.... and my back and neck has also been a problem off and on since then. This is when I first started using pain medication and drinking alcohol to excess. I was sent to Vietnam in 1970 at the age of 18 yo. Vietnam was a horrible dirty place and I was just not ready or prepared for it. It changed my life in a bad way. It wasn't one thing in particular... it was the entire overall experience including fear, stress, shrapnel wounds, malaria, hepititis, homesickness, drug abuse, paranoia, and even sexual advances from a Sgt E-5 squad leader. I remember before leaving the states there were all kinds of war protests on the TV news so I wasn't happy about going there... and very confused. One of the first things I found was that alcohol, marijuana, opium and other drugs was everywhere. The vietnam people offered to sell drugs to us as casually as trinkets or souveniers. Another thing I learned quickly was the attitude with most GI's [i met and knew] was that the war was a mostly a waste and we were no longer trying to win. I don't think I knew anyone who felt it was worth risking our lives. This was very confusing to me. It is no exaggeration when I say that most of the guys I had contact with either drank and/or smoked pot and used other drugs everyday. Unfortunately I fell right into it myself. I think one of the reasons was because I was so young and still having some headaches and back pain from the jeep accident and alcohol and drugs made the pain go away. Another reason was that it numbed my fear and I was trying to fit in and the guys who were using drugs were friendly to me. Basically I wanted to feel better and the high I got from taking drugs did the trick. I was not infantry nor was I in any kind of situation one would consider heavy combat. The first time I was really scared was when our camp was hit by "incoming". I heard and saw several explosions in the distance and I remember thinking that one could have just as easily landed right on top of the bunker I was in.... This happened a couple of other times but I don't recall anything landing real close to where I was. Someone said it was just a "harrassment" type of warfare meant to hurry up our total withdrawl. I don't remember ever seeing anyone killed or wounded. I was assigned as a security guard on the perimeter of an ammo supply depot near An Khe in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam. We were on duty and in our bunker towers 6pm to 6am seven days a week. It's been about 35 years and the whole experience is foggy in my mind probably because it has been so long ago... and I was using one drug or another practically everyday. There were times while on duty that I wasn't certain of what I was seeing and hearing. There was suppose to be some kind of motion detector near the perimeter wire which caused a beep to go off. I can remember the "beep" going off quite a few times but it could have been animals or malfunctions??? It got to where I wasn't sure if the sounds and movements outside the perimeter wire was real or possibly hallucinations. I was shooting my M-16 or M-79 at just about any sound or movement ... real or imagined. There were times when I saw what looked like muzzel flashes and tracer rounds in the jungle outside the wire and I would shoot at those. After about 4-5 mos it got to the point where I just couldn't take it anymore and told my commanding officer that I didn't think I could go on... I had already been in the hospital for Malaria and was still having headaches and some back pain which I felt were probably related to the jeep accident at Ft Riley. . I told my Commanding Officer I was using drugs and didn't think I was able to do my job the way it should be done... he was upset and mentioned something about him being able to put me in for a "212" which was a type of "undesirable discharge". At the time, It sounded almost like this was his way of helping me. Now I can look back and see that Instead of looking for a way to help me get straightened out and back on track, he was taking the disciplinary approach and getting rid of the problem. He eventually told me something to the effect that I was no longer fit for duty and he was putting me in for an "undesirable discharge". I didn't contest this because I thought I would be going home soon. However, I didn't consider how long it would take for the paperwork to process. I believe by this time I had already been disciplined once for smoking pot. It was mostly a situation of me no longer being able to perform my duties and wanting to get off the drugs. I thought when I got home everything would be alright and normal again. I wish I would have been offered some kind of treatment program to recover and maybe I could have returned back to duty Later on I found out there were thousands of other American GI's who were in the same or similar situation as me. In fact, I have spoken with a few veterans who were there in 1972 and 1973 and they were offered rehabilation for their drug dependence instead of "kicking them out". I realize now I should have tried harder to stick it out but at the time, the situation just seemed hopeless. I wish they would have offered to get me help instead of the other. I defintely would have taken rehabilitation instead of the discharge if offered a choice. I have felt shame and guilt all my life for not completing my tour of duty. Another problem I was dealing with during this period is that I was sexually harassed by a homosexual Sgt E-5 who was a squad leader in our Company. I woke up at least twice and he was sitting next to me on my bunk. I don't know what he did while I was asleep but this was very upsetting to me. I am still very angry about that whole situation.. I think he probably saw me as a good target because I was young and naive and he knew I was already identified as a drug abuser. Anyway, on the 2nd occasion I reported him to my Commanding Officer who... as far as I know... did nothing. I do think the Sgt was confronted by my Commanding Officer because he didn't come to my bunk again and when I saw him after that he gave me dirty looks.. I have never reported this to the VA or claimed anything from it. Sometime during that period the same Sgt gave me an order to report for duty. I think this was probably done to document the Army's file for my discharge because I had already had the discussion with my CO and was waiting for the paperwork to go thru.. I was [and still am] very angry that this same Sgt was used as part of the process. My CO had already said I was getting an "Undesireable Discharge" which I agreed too. A couple of weeks later [while waiting for the paper work to go thru] I was wounded by shrapnel from a grenade. I have no idea where the grenade came from?? To this day I think it could have been the Homosexual Sgt?? I was wounded in my chest, buttox, and both legs. My right leg still bothers me even though the Army claimed my wounds were superficial. I recd 4 months of treatment for the wounds and still have "retained foreign bodies" in my chest and legs. I did not get a purple heart nor did I receive any other decorations which is OK and probably right. Shortly after being wounded, I was medivac to hosp in Qhi Nhon and spent what seemed like quite awhile there and was then sent back to my company even though I had not completely healed. My discharge papers were ready as soon as I reported back to my company headquarters. I was in Vietnam a total of 8 months and 22 days according to my Discharge. When I got to Ft Lewis, Washington, the Army offered to send me home the next day if I signed a medical exam waiver which I did. Otherwise they said I would be there at least another 7 days.... After getting home, I followed-up treatment for my leg wounds with my family Dr. I am pretty sure the VA has those treatment records because the 4 month duration of treatment for the wounds was mentioned by the DAV when they filed my claim back in 1988. About a year after getting home I was given an Honorable Discharge. Right now I have headaches, rt leg, chest, back and neck pain, and bad dreams from when the grenade explosion. The explosion was less than 10' away and the blast lifted me up and against the wall of the bunker. I was not on duty when this happened. I continue to dream about seeing the blood coming out of my left upper chest and my right leg shaking uncontrolably. One of the chest wounds is directly over my heart. I remember thinking that I was dying and would never see home again. This is the bad dream I have so often. It comes during the day and at night. In the past I would go months without the dream but it always comes back to haunt me. Usually when other things aren't going well in my life. I have always had a hard time trying to fit in and make friends since getting out of the service. The only "friends" I've made are those who are hard drinkers or people who use pot and pain killers and other drugs. I have finally cut myself off from these people completely.... but now I am without anyone to talk too other than family. I have been on Methadone treatment off and on since getting out of the service.I have been on methadone this time for about 13 years. The following are the prescriptions I receive from the VA: Methadone Valium Piroxicam Simvastatin Mirtazapine Testosterone Hydrochlorothazide I've struggled with depression, insomnia, nightmares, stress, and nervous anxiety all my adult life. The VA and other doctors have given me anti-depressants which don't really help. I have mostly "self medicated" instead of getting treatment from the VA. I have had many different jobs and was either fired, laid off, or "let go" from most of them. I have not been able to find employment since 1996. I think this is because of my work history and companies don't want someone working for them who is on methadone. I have worked out of my home and earned money from the internet. This is very hard and intense work. It takes someone who can be aggressive and competitive everyday in order to succeed with this. I just don't have that anymore. I don't have the energy and I'm unable to concentrate very long. When I try this now I get headaches and become nervous and anxious. I also get back/neck pain if I sit upright for extended periods. Another problem is that I have very bad feelings about the money I have earned on the internet because I have been selling "work at home" programs which very few people make money from. I feel strongly that it is unethical and immoral to sell these programs and it may even be illegal?? The stress and guilt of continuing to make money like this is just too much for me. I am mostly exhausted all day and have very little stamina to complete things I start. I get drenched with sweat simply by working in my yard for 10-15 minutes. I also sometimes start sweating just by being around other people. I have no social life because I feel nervous and tense when I am around people I don't know. I asked the VA for treatment for PTSD about 6 mos ago and was referred to this young woman who looked to be in her 20's. She asked me questions like "was I ever surrounded by the enemy" and "did I see anyone killed near me" which the answer was no to both. She also gave me a 500 question test which after about 1/2 into it I got a headache and could no longer concentrate.... so I just hurried thru the rest of the questions. I did not feel at all comfortable with this woman and could not relate well to her. Later she told me I have symptoms of PTSD but my main problem was depression. The VA has me seeing a "therpist" about every 5-6 weeks and I'm taking Miritzipine at night. I did spend some time in VA hospitals in the early 70's after my discharge was upgraded but doubt if I was diagnosed with depression within the 1 year time frame after release. Most of the VA treatment I have recd is for substance abuse. I'm sorry this is so long. My wife is a Clinical Social Worker. She helped me recall a lot of the info and also helped me put this together. I copied and pasted most of it here. I guess I have a few questions: Should I submit the above info as a statement in support of my claim or is this to much info? Should I get an Independent Medical Exam to determine if my PTSD is compensable? Would the 1 year time frame for the depression diagnosis start from my discharge or from the date I became elgible for benefits when my dischage was upgraded? Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to read all this!!!! Erich

I found some very interesting info on Effexxor at the following website: http://www.prohibitionkills.blogspot.com/ Apparently some people have had good results with treatment of EDS or Endorphin Deficiency Syndrome Here is what they say in part... Effexor: Different than all the others: If the above mentioned endorphin boosting measures fail to properly relieve your treatment resistant depression, you need to know that of all the antidepressants, effexor is special. That's because effexor is molecularly similar to the quasi-opioid tramadol, and is therefore the closest you can get to finding a legal, medically accepted opioid script to treat your depression. It should come as no surprise to you that clinical studies have shown effexor to be by far the most effective tool medical orthodoxy has to offer in the treatment of refractory depression. However, for many endorphin deficiency depression patients, acupuncture, D-phenylalanine & Effexor just aren't enough. For them, daily opiate/opioid use is really the only viable option. I hope this helps... Erich

The VA will medicate, medicate, and medicate more as long as you allow it. I am living proof since here is a list of what they have me on: Valium 10MG Methadone 60 MG Mirtzapine 45 MG Testosterone 5MG Niacin 500 MG Tamsolusen 4MG Hydrochlorothiazine 25MG Mometazone Furoate 20 MG Piroxicam 20 MG Simvastatin 80MG They also have me using a breathing machine at night for Sleep Apnea... and want me to take Welbutrin but I refused this... Sometimes I think if I were treating with a non VA Hosp I might get some cures or other form of treatment besides meds... I agree with the others... if you have lost coordination and balance then you probably are being over-medicated. You should defintely communicate this with your treating Dr... Erich

They take a urine sample from me each time I pick up my meds and once did call me in for a count but I was OK with it because they had to do a yearly profile on me anyway and threw in the Pill count with the profile. I think I will send a letter to my Primary Care Dr and will therefore get my request on record. I have had contact with a couple of other vets in a similar situation as mine who got their script transferred so I will also bring this to her attention. I think the best I can hope for is that she will refer me to the local "pain clinic" and let them make the decision. I just don't think she has the guts to prescribe this herself or else will not shoulder the responsibility... Here is the first draft of the letter I propose to write her. I welcome feedback: ============== Dear Dr K I have a problem that I hope you will help me with... As you know, I receive methadone medication from the Cincinnatti VA hospital. It is becoming more and more of a hardship for me to drive this long distance each month to get the medication. I am 56 years old and have been on Methadone [off and on] since being discharged from the Army over 35 years ago. I have been on the medicine this time continuosly for over 13 years. The drive to and from Cincinnatti is about 210 miles and usually takes me about five hours roundtrip. This is not only a physical strain, but it is also becoming a financial burden with gas at $4.00 per gallon. Even though I am rated 20% service connected... the VA refuses to reimberse my mileage expense. I think they base this denial because my income is over $1100 monthly.... I contacted the online VA "Ask A Question" service at VA.GOV and explained my situation to them and after reviewing my records... they said to contact my primary care doctor for help. Prior to contacting the Online VA service... I had spoken with a couple of other veterans [on the internet] thru Veterans Discussion Forums who were in a similar situation as me. They too were prescribed methadone and had to drive a long distance because their local VA facility had no "formal methadone program". Both of these individuals have been on methadone for many years and were getting older... which is the same situation I am in. Each of these individuals were able to get their methadone prescription transfered to their local primary care Doctor. One of them was able to get his methadone prescription transferred locally thru the facility Pain Clinic and the other said his primary doctor simply agreed to prescribe the medication for him so that he wouldn't need to travel the long distance anymore. Both of them now get their methadone medicine [one month at a time] thru the Prescription Mail Service.... instead of driving the long distance. This is the same thing I would like to request. I am on 60 MG per day and have tried to come off the methadone more than once without success. The problem I have is that when I get down to 40 MG I have bad headaches along with pain in my back, neck and right leg. I can only imagine how bad it would feel if I was on a dose lower than 40 MG. I am fairly certain I will need to be on this medicine the rest of my life. For your information... I was knocked unconscious twice while on active duty in the Army. Once when a jeep I was driving overturned 3 times. The second time happened in Vietnam when I was wounded from shrapnel as a grenade exploded less than 10 feet away from me. I am not a Doctor but I strongly believe the primary reason I need this medication now is for pain management. I didn't mind the drive so much when I was younger and the cost of gas was not so high. Now it sometimes takes a day or two to recover from the stiffness and I fear it will only get worse as I get older. I hope you agree and will help me with this bad situation.... Erich Winnecke

Thnaks for the C-file info. I like your analogy regarding Hellen Kellor and Marco polo... Erich

Yes.. I was there in 1970 and it was everywhere and CHEAP! I was a perimeter guard at An Khe Ammo Supply Point. On duty 6pm-6am seven days a week. Very boring. Prior drug use is why I am concerned about whether they will transfer the script to louisville. I am sure they have me "branded" as a substance abuser because I did continue to "self medicate" after getting home and have been in a couple of VA treatment programs in addition to the one I'm in now. I quit using all illegal drugs when I got back on methadone this time.... over 13 yrs now. I don't get any euphoria from methadone. It does two things... helps with depression and keeps pain in back, leg, and headaches to a minimum. I have a feeling I am going to get a lot of hassle and resistance to getting a regular monthly prescription here and the Cincy VA turning me loose... It sounds like it is all in the hands of my Primary Care Doctor who isn't the type of person to go out of her way or do something outside the normal procedure... Is that what it comes down too?? This Forum is awsome... I will definitely be using it for advice about a pending claim I have for "change of condition". Thanks everyone for your feedback and responses... Erich PS: Can someone explain what a "C" file is... I have medical records a several different VA hospitals

I am 56 years old and have been on Methadone [off and on] since being discharged from the Army over 35 years ago. I have been on the medicine this time continuosly for over 13 years. I have to drive to and from Cincinnatti which is about 210 miles [both ways] from home and usually takes me about five hours roundtrip. This is not only a physical strain, but it is also becoming a financial burden with gas at $4.00 per gallon. Even though I am rated 20% service connected... the VA refuses to reimberse my mileage expense. I live in Louisville, Ky area and drive this distance because our local VA facility has no "formal methadone program". I was knocked unconscious twice while on active duty in the Army. Once when a jeep I was driving overturned 3 times. The second time happened in Vietnam when I was wounded from shrapnel as a grenade exploded less than 10 feet away from me. I am not a Doctor but I strongly believe the primary reason I need this medication now is for pain management as opposed to substance abuse which is what the Cincy program is all about. I didn't mind the drive so much when I was younger and the cost of gas was not so high. Now it sometimes takes a day or two to recover from the stiffness and I fear it will only get worse as I get older. My question... Is there any federal law or VA regulation preventing the VA from transferring this prescription to the Louisville facility and allowing me to get monthly refills from my primary care doctor? If anyone knows the answer to this I will be grateful. Thanks Erich