Mark

Berta, Do you have any specifics on the arm/shoulder loss of use? I am currently rated at 30% on that and amd sure that could easily be higher but I have declined physical therapy and treatment at the VA hospitol because I have missed so much work. I am now in a position to seek and receive that treatment. I have been receiving shots in my neck and shoulder for the pain. I have also lost a lot of the use in that arm and shoulder. What use I do have has been seriously degraded due to numbness and tingling. Any help in this area would be greatly appreciated. I was also given a small electroc-bio medical device that has pads that sends electric signals through the muscles through a device called a biomedical system called ISO 9001. It helps but leaves me exhausted. The actual name is a Bio-Med 2000. The VA issued it to me. Mark

john, The key id to seek the treatment and care you have earned and need. Keep going and presenting your case in a logical and unemotional manner. Easier said than done I know, but that is the best starategy to receive your earned entitlements. Notice I said entitlements. It is more than just compensation, it really is about the medical treatment and the long term care the veterans recieve over time, not just a check. For most of us the money is a small amount and it is not enough to live on. The medical care, treatment, prescriptions, and other associated long term care whther it be physical therapy or counseling or prostetics is what makes the differences for most. I know you are pissed but stayed focused on the end state of you getting better or treated and things will get better. Don't get side tracked on the short term or near term issues. We all get angry or frustrated at some point but we just need to focus on what is in our best long term interest for our health. That is what you should be looking for really. I know in my situation I could have just given up and accepted it but I did my research and presented my facts and in a logical understandable manner so as to be clearly articulated to the VA that I needed this and rated these serviced connected ratings. So over time I have prevailed. It has taken more time than I would have liked but that is just the cost of doing business today. Hang in there and do the right thing for your long term health. Mark

Berta, Thanks! Looks like I need to be blind in two eyes not just one. I use a cane and knees barces on both knees but I will not qualify. I was thinking about selling this house and getting into a plcae that was all on one level verses multi-level. Having stairs and a basement is just two hard. I have a shoulder issue that also makes using most of the kitchen cabinets an issue so in my next house I will looking for a house with lower ones for sure. Mark

Would I rate any help with home modifications or special home grants due to new rating of blindness in one eye? Mark

John. I am a a gov employee under FERS under FERS working for DoD. Is there a website that might have the info my personnel office is not very helpful and I would rather do the research myself. Thanks. Mark

Thanks to all of you for replying. I am working and a gov employee. I have missed over 120 days due to my service connected illnesses. I am in the voc rehab program and have about 2 more years left before I finish. That part is solid. I have just over 3 years of gov service. I was hoping to reach 5 years as I was told that was the magic number to reach to be vested and then go out on medical retirement, as I knew I would never do 20 years and then retire. I retired from the Marines in Jan 2002. I was initially rated at 60% and my rating has been going up as my condition has been further worsened. My migraines is the main issue but along with all of the other issues it all comes in to play. Bottom line is missing work and being this ill I will never be able to work forever. I am already 100% scheduler so I was told no need to file TDIU as I am working. I am desperately hanging on to reach 5 years. Just not sure I can reach it. My ultimate goal is to do online teaching from home as I am working towards my advance degrees. I have 3 kids going to college. 2 in the first year this year and one going this summer. Being blind in one eye is no great help and always being sick is tough. Loss of use in ine arm is becoming an issue as well. The skeletal issue effects my neck and shoulder as well. Sad story and could very easily be a country song so I have been told. Any suggestions.............. Mark

Jay, I am rated as follows with an additional 30% for blindness in one eye now as of yesterday: I am 100% for the following issues: 50% for sleep Apnea 50 migraines 50 major depression 30 shoulder 10 traumatic arthritis 10 traumatic arthrits 10 condition of the skeletal system 10 tinnitus 10 sinnusitus 10 upper respistory condition (asbestos) 10 skin condition 10 knee 10 knee 0 hypertension ( on medication from the VA)) 0 acid reflux ( medication from the VA) diagnosised with a hialated hernia 0 scar PTSD deferred So is it worth going in and asking for P&T in your opinion? Mark

Jay, If I ask for a review of this latest decision they can review A L L? I just want them to review the latest decision. The blindness based upon a service connected and rated 50% for migraines and now 30% for blindness in one eye because of those migraines for over 20 years and blindness in 1 eye for 5 years should be a P&T issue - according to me. Couple that with my other 10 issues and I and I am a 100% scheduler. Now a relatively young (44yrs old) buy I am losing my job and will not be working by years end so maybe it will be a mute issue by then. but maybe not. R/ Mark

Jay, Is it worth requesting P&T based upon the VA C&P exam stating stating that my condition is permananet in nature and it has been going on for 4 or 5 years and if so should 'nt that be enough to grant me me P&T? The rating is based upon my migraines that have a documented 20 year history. Mark

I am 100% scheduler. The Dr told me that this would most likley push me over to 100 P&T. Then I would rate Chapter 35 benefits for my 3 kids ( 2 in 1st year of college and 1 going this summer, plus the rib would like to go eventually) Also, I have over 20 years of Migraine history, and it is not getting any better. The vision issue is forever as well. I am BLIND in one eye. What the heck does it take to get a P&T rating? Mark

Hi Berta, I got my rating today from the VA. RThey rated my loss of vision from migraines as 30%. They granted it and rated based upon the Dr's reports and the evaluations - all conducted by the VA, but tthe Dr said it was permanent in nature but they did not grant me P&T. I was 100% before. They said no change in my status. I was already 100% scheduler so I am just adding another 30% rating. The letter states that the arting is based upon "impairment of field of vision is based upon objective testing" Goldman visual feild testing revealed your response, fixation and reliability good. Field finding of your left eye were not within normal limits as you were unable to see the fixation target without a red light at the time necessary for fixation and your vision was mapped at a concentric of 3 degrees centrally. They go on to say that they have assigned a 30% disability based upon based upon unilateral visual field concentric contractions to 5degrees or less. Higher evals are assigned for more severe levels of impairment. OK. hereis my question. 1) If the Dr says it is permananet in nature and it has been going on for 4 or 5 years why not grant me P&T? 2) if I have 3 percent vision or on my best day 5 why throw in the line about higher evals are reserved for worse vision loss? What should I do file a NOD or a CUE? Mark

Robert51, How did you "apply" for P&T? I am also 100% scheduler. Thanks Mark

Thanks for the replies. I am currently finishing my masters (MS/MBA) and will look into the state education benifits. Thanks. Mark

I am currently in the Voc Rehab Program and am due to graduate Dec 2008. My current program of study leads into a Doctorate program or a DM in Management. I paid a lump sum of 2700.00 when I retired in Jan 2002 to eligible for the full 27,000 college tuition benifits. After being rated by the VA and found qualified for the Voc Rehab program I was enrolled in the Voc Rehab program. My question is what type of tuition assistance is available beyond the voc rehab program? I understand that you lose your tuition assistance - dollar for dollar - or month for month while in the voc rehab program. Is there anyone out there that knows of any Vet programs that will assist a 100% disabled vet in gaining an advanced degree like a Ph D or DM? I know it is a long shot but being disabled and in my situation I am limited in what type of work I can do. With this advance degree I can work on my terms and earn a living. Any suggestions or insights would be greatly appreciated. Mark

Berta, Thanks. I looked on google but found very liitle in the way of good infp and migraines. I will keep looking and see what I can find. More later as I find it. Thanks again. Mark