Tayo

Congrat. congrats, congrats. As Cowgirl said,,, Being 100%, you get a lot of benefits. Depending on the state of your residence, you can even get a VA Disability tag. Check out your state benefits. Congrats!!! Tayo

Yes, Vietnam Tanker,,, I've come to call these things, "Dis-Ease" instead of disease. Just finished my go-round this morning. Meds,,, yea,,, just strong vitamins to go along with the Dis-Ease. I am in your corner my brother and will continue to pray "with you." Tayo

Hopefully I made since with my last question. For instance, I live in Georgia,,, many benefits are here. But, what about Washington, DC? Tayo

Carlie and Pete,,, One MAJOR Question. I see that benefits are given to vets living in specific states. Now,,, Washington, DC???? I lived there and could not find anything. What benefits are veterans receiving while living in Washington, DC? Tayo

Hello Purple,,, it's been a while and when I read your post,,, I smiled. I said to myself,,, "Hey,,, there's Purple!!!" Ohhh, and by the way,,, I am originally from Springfield. Went to South High School ;-) Pharmacy, pharmacy, pharmacy. LOL Here in Atlanta, the program switched from the two stop to one stop. Though,,, I still see the line for the "two-stop." Hmmmm For my particular clinic,,, the docs put the information into the computer and then I go straight to the pharmacy for pick up. Usually, by time I get there, it is ready. Mind you,,, that can be all of 30 minutes. Now,,, I tend to smile and give honey. Funny,,, doing that,,, when I go to the Pharmacy, they see me and if the Rx is not ready they get it. I don't know,,, Maybe it's the yearly holiday cards and reading name tags so I can give a Good Ole Mid-Western "Hi." Some of you reading this may say,,,, Hmmm, sounds like kissing "you know what." LOL But I tell you this,,,, Remember back in the our service days,,, there were a few rules of engagement: 1. Be nice to Admin 2. Be nice to Medics 3. Me nice to Mail people LOL Tayo

Hello all,,, I hope this message will fall on receptive ears. I am currently on my last day of "this go - round" of I.V. treatment. I started to get frustrated about the time length of my NOD claim at the raters office. Then,,, I had to pause. I realized that I am 1 Veteran, with a service connected dis-ease, who wants to be rated accordingly to my dis-ease. Then,,, I looked beside me and saw three files. Those files are medical files from veterans (two family member's and a friend) that asked me to put together there disability claims for VA and SSI. Well,,, I smiled. Then, I silently prayed, "Thanks for the Rater's." As we all know, most of these raters are not BSN's, NP's, PA's, MD's, DO's, etc. Rater's (or Rator's---I don't know) where probably trained for a few months in familiarizing themselves with not only the medical but also the legal VA terminology in order to grant claims covering multiple upon multiple disabilities. I believe we need each and every one of these raters. So, no jobs lost. However, I think the job descriptions should be a little different which would then add new positions involving hiring those medical professionals. Cost,,, well,,, it would be an expensive,,, a worth while expense. I am not going to speak, agree, or throw blame to any side of the political party. We are all responsible for the well being of Veteran's. If we can pay for and front money to different area's to maintain the United States of America's welfare,,, I believe we should be able to afford hiring more individuals to make the process of adjudication claims. Just a thought while sitting here, with an I.V. in my arm and "thankful" to the VA Rater's. Thanks, Tayo

Fanticbooks,,, Awesome,,, Simply awesome. I actually used your site as a guide when doing my claim. Many, many people have asked where to get info on how to assemble claims,,, I send them to your site. Thanks so much, Tayo

Hello everyone,,, I have been missing in action lately and will still be "out of it" for a while. These daggone treatments will drive the strongest of us CRAZY!!! Anyhow,,, as some of you know,,, the VA has "misplaced" my documents,,, all of 12 times. Well,,, I keep everything,,, including the "date stamped." So word of advice,,, when you hand anything into the VA,,, please get it date stamped. Any emails,,, save them because there is a date with it. I contacted my congressman. Yes,,, probably the best thing in the world. After contacting him,,, I received a call from the VA,,, it was a field rep. Guess what,,, my paperwork miraculously appeared. He came to the house. He told me,,, "because the decision of incompetent was made, no action is going to take place because the letter from my provider was not taken into consideration." He then said , "however, the process of monitoring of my funds must take place." Now, the good part. All my funds were released (dating back to January 2008). ---I forgot the term--- I am fully allowed to manage my own funds with "incompetency" NOT in the record. He told me that in a few months, the VA is going to re-rate me while considering the physicians letter. YES!!! Further,,, my paperwork for an increase to R2 has also "miraculously" been found. LOL The VA is working on that information. LOL LOL LOL Soooo,,, please, please, please,,, keep all information sent to the VA. Tayo

Hello everyone,,, I have been a little under the weather lately and have not been participating in the forum as much. I hope everyone's holiday went well. Well, I have some news. My folder has been "misplaced" again. Honestly,,, since Aug, 18, 2008-- I have submitted information (my NOD) 12 times. 12 TIMES My claims counselor is at a lost for words. The only thing he said to me was to resubmit. He literally did not know where my "folder" was. He went into the computer,,, nothing. He said he asked someone,,, nothing. I got my decision back for the "competency" ruling. The ruled me "incompetent." The reason,,, based of information when I was extremely ill. The letter from my neurologist stating that I have since became better and able to handle my funds,,, the letter never reached the decision board. My service rep said that they never got it because my information has been "misplaced." He then told me that everything should be okay when the field rep comes to my house. He told me to show them the letter and provide any and everything they ask for. He then said that will overturn the decision. Everyone, I have stamped proof of this. You know, when you hand in information and they stamp it,,, I have that. Everyone,,, my NOD is extremely important,,, just like everyone else. I am now,, I do not know what to do. I keep looking at those submission dates and I am brought to tears. Where is my information. How could my folder continue to get misplaced? This is unreal. This is unbelievable. Within four months,,, my folder misplaced 12 times. Somebody,, please,,, what do I do? Who do I talk to? Who is over my claims counselor? Please,,, what do I do? Tayo

bob_abad, On December 24, at 0954,,, I responded by stating a possible connection with HTN and sleep apnea. I have been thinking and thinking about this. there had to be a connection. TODAY,,, GUESS WHAT!!! I was watching a program on TLC (the Learning Channel). The show is called Mystery Diagnosis. the title of the episode is called "Eaten Alive." The 3rd case on that show was about a gentleman suffering from sleep apnea. Because of the sleep apnea, the patient had HTN, tachyarrythmia (fast heartbeat), etc. All this associates HTN and Sleep Apnea. Because the airway is obstructed, lack of O2 causes the heart to work harder,,, thus the other problems,,, HTN, etc.,etc.,et.c THERE IS A CORRELATION BETWEEN THE TWO!!!! ---smile--- Listen,,, if possible,,, this is the program,,, if there is a way you can watch the program. Once again,,, it is case number three --- http://tlc.discovery.com/tv-schedules/seri...112261.29206.11 Dec 31, 11:00 am (60 minutes) Mystery Diagnosis Lethal Diet TV-G, CC Parents Ed and Jane try to figure out why their son, Alex, is so unsteady on his feet, and why he has recurring sinus infections. A 31-year-old woman begins gaining weight and complaining of oily skin, hair loss, body cramps, and irritable bowel syndrome. --- Tayo

Hello there,,, Here's another site that may help. http://www.bddiabetes.com/us/main.aspx?cat=1&id=258 Tayo

LOL!!! Chicken or the egg. You are right. We tend to originally think associate weight gain and OSA. Meaning,,, those with weight gain may develop OSA. Then, many times weight gain and snoring is associated,,, being snoring is a milder form of OSE (same principle). But,,, this is only one discussion,,,, weight gain. But, what about others who do not have the weight gain and still have OSA. Well,,, OSA can also occur because of hypothroidism (usually those individuals have weight problems, etc.), adenoids and tonsil enlargement,,, even individuals with sinus problems. There's a big gambit of things that can cause OSA. What I loved about bob_abad question was,,, well, their had to be some correlation with the heart. Now,,, coming up with all the correlations,,, then it's putting it together. That's really going to be the fun part. Tayo

Hello again,,, I was sooo happy to research this. I had a friend of mine come over. They love to see me excited about something. I spoke with a friend of mine. His specialty is Family Practice and he treats many people with DMII, HTN, and OSA. He says that weight is usually the problem when those patients. And because of the weight, they may have OSA. I asked him if OSA can be secondary to HTN or DMII. His answer: Depending on the level of DMII and the blood pressure,,, initially; diet can control the two,,, thus weight loss decreases the OSA occurrence. Then we started talking about OSA and HTN. Now mind you,,, he actually came over to my house (great friend). We pulled out our books and went REAL deep. Nothing in the book said anything. So,,, we took it step by step. 1. What is OSA: Basically,,, pt stops breathing for a period of time,,, usually 30 to 60 seconds. 2. If the patient stops breathing,,, can that cause stress to the heart? Possibly. If there in no O2, esp. in chronic situations, there is stress upon the heart,,, the heart works harder, etc., etc., etc. 3. We came across this website: http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/full/131/5/1379 In that cite,,, we focused on the Discussion. Now, keep in mind that this is just a study. VERY INTERESTING!!! VUALA: in this study,,, there is a correlation. Now, we didn't know the specifics of your condition but,,, look at it and see what you think. :D Tayo

Hello, I read both of your correspondences. I must admit that I don't know much about AO. However,,, lets talk about OSA possibly secondary to DM-II, Diabetic nephropathy, Tinnitus and HTN. First,,, lets eliminate the Tinnitus. I personally cannot find a connecting. Now, the diabetic nephropathy is because the DM-II. HTN and OSA,,, maybe there is a possibility but,,, once again,,, that is hard to associate HTN and OSA. That leaves DM-II. Lets look at DM-II as adult onset diabetes. With that said,,, if caught early and depending on A1C count, etc.,,, treatment can be diet and exercise. Okay,,, if that doesn't work,,, then pill, then insulin. With that in mind,,, Normally, not all,,, patients with DM-II are a little over-weight. Remember, not all. That brings about weight. As with DM-II, OSA can also be associated with weight gain. But, still,,, that does not make OSA secondary to DM-II. What makes me think is that OSA would be more secondary to weight gain or other ailments like hypothyroidism, etc. etc. etc. I'm sitting here thinking but,,, I can't figure out how to associate the two. Even if you are not holding a few extra pounds and still developed DM-II,,, I'm trying hard,,, but I still can't see the connection. Maybe you should ask your Endocrinologist or primary care-giver if they can find a strong correlation,,, meaning, OSA secondary to DM-II. I am so sorry. I will also look in my books to see if I can find something. Does anyone else have any ideas? Tayo

You know,,, When I went in to the VA office, I requested to see my C-File. They told me that if I see it, it would push my claim back. Well, I decline to see it. Now, I do want to see what is in my C-File, but scarred because I DO NOT WANT MY CLAIMS PUSHED BACK. What is the deal here? Tayo

I haven't gotten one from the VA either. I don't think I've ever received a letter from the VA talking about an increase given in the past. Whenever I needed to prove proof of income, I had to show bank statements and the original award letter. Hmmm, maybe this year will be different. Tayo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETE!!! Relax and enjoy this day!!!

Very, very, very interesting. I agree,,, a lawyer may be needed in this situation. However,,, you have his medical records. 1. Find the original day you went in to see the doctor about the ankle. 2. Look for what is titled "Progress Note." 3. You will see something like c/c. That means the patients chief complaint. What is there? 4. Then look at what may be listed as HPI. That means "history of present illness. Does the Chief complaint match what is in the History? 5. Then look for Assessment and Plan. That should be at the bottom of the progress note. Here, it should talk about the doctors assessment of the injury. Is this the same as the initial complaint, etc. 6. Now,,, the doctor should have written information about X-Ray of the correct ankle. The doctor would have put in a consult to X-Ray the ankle. Was the consult for the correct ankle? --- Now,,, locate the note containing the X-Ray. "Radiology Report" 1. What does the report say? They should have listed what ankle was X-Rayed. 2. Does that match what the consult was for? Hope that helps. Still,,, you may need a lawyer to get all this settled. I also agree with the others about contacting Dr. Bash. Still, after reading the VA's response. It sounds like Dr. Bash is a wonderful person but,,, I read that he is known by the VA. I'm not sure how to take that. I do understand what Dr. Bash is doing. To interpret medical records and form an opinion,,, well, the patient does not need to be present. That is an opinion of a physician. So,,, yes,,, please, once more,,, contact Dr. Bash and try to find a lawyer. Tayo

Hello ausgmblr, Not sure what you mean but,,, the document is Form 21-2680. However, I think there is actually a new one. I tried to attach the file,,, I hope it comes through. Anyhow,,, your doctor or provider just fills it out. Tayo Form_21_2680.pdf

Purple,,, Actually yes. The VA will provide a B/P machine. They gave me a B/P machine. You would have to sit and watch a video that talks about hypertension,,, but, they will give you one. I use the Atlanta VA hospital. So, check into it. Tayo

Hello all, I have shared my medication regime before on this site. Well, I just had to schedule my I.V. treatment. That treatment is every 2-3 months, depending on my labs. Well, the treatment is going to be in January. You know, all the medicine I take (30 pills a day),,, it gets depressing. Then,,, having to look forward to this daggone I.V. treatment. The I.V. treatment is every 6 hours for 2 days. It gets extremely depressing. All this, for the rest of my life (remember, I'm 35), just to stay alive. I feel like,,, if I take a piss test,,, the poor technician would go crazy trying to figure out what's in it. ---I guess that is kind of funny.--- It feels lonely. Almost like going through this all by myself. How do you all cope with what's going on with yourself? How do you find the strength to say,, well, all is going to be well. My question,,, with everything that is going on,,, what do you do to take your mind off of your illness (especially the medication part)? Then, having to fight with the VA to get your benefits? Tayo

Wow,,, poolguy11550, That's pretty good. I posted here about my experience of getting no response from the I.R.I.S. lately concerning my NOD. I admit,,, before I did get something but it was about another question. As for my NOD, because I got no response, I had to actually go to the Atlanta office to resubmit it. My service rep said that my stamped NOD would still stand. Tayo

Out_here04, If Oprah got the info,,, which I am sure she knows about 'cause she is the one who started Dr. Phil's T.V. program. I agree, if she had something on her talk show,,, wow,,, who knows what could happen. The whole world would know what is going on with the vets. Tayo

Thanks so much,,, It feels so good to be a part of this family. Really,,, In my mind,,, I feel like a younger brother to some (just turned 35),,, and a older brother to others. Like one big family. Literally,,, Hadit has become a welcomed part of my life. ;) Tayo

Hello all, I just reread everything. I am just so sorry. This site has helped me so much and I feel that I let everyone down. ;) Please know,,, I by no means believe in falsification. Education, yes,,, but falsification, no. That goes against my creed. I really hope my explanation I just submitted makes everything clearer on what I meant. If not,,, please let me know. Once again,,, I am sooooo sorry. I did not mean falsification nor do I promote that. I am so sorry. I really am. I think I was misunderstood. That is my fault because I was not clear. Please let me know if I cleared everything. :D Tayo