T-C

Bergie, Carlie, and John, thank you for your help and advice...TC

Hello folks. I have a question about filing a claim for an additional disability. I am 100% scheduler now and am planning on filing for Ischemic Heart Disease. Can anyone tell me which form I should use to file the claim? Should I use form 21-526, 10-10EZ, 21-4138, or other? The way I understand it is that 21-526 is used for a new claim from a new claimant. Thanks...TC

I was a long time smoker (close to 40 yrs). I tried to quit a few times over the years but failed each time. I tried chantix in July 07 and have not lit up for six months now and am sure that I will not smoke again. Chantix does help with blocking the nicotine craving. For me the most important thing was to recognize the triggers that I used to smoke and get past or around them. By triggers I mean smoking after eating, smoking while drinking coffee, etc. Whatever I did while smoking. As time went on, getting through the trigger times became easier. Chantix helped me stop smoking and I know others who have stopped or are stopping with the help of Chantix. The VA would not supply Chantix to me. They wanted to give me the patch or Gum, which would have kept me addicted to Nicotine. Chantix helps you break the addiction. The VA has a tendency to do things bass ackwords sometimes. Tbird, don't give up trying. You can and will beat cigarette's eventually.

Michelle I have dealt with the Montgomery RO and my experience with them was similar to yours. Others may disagree with me but I think you did the right thing getting the the senate involved in this case. I was caught up in the RO maze, getting the wrong information, lost claim info, them saying they haven't received info from me etc, etc, stuff like that. I finally contacted Secretary Principi and that prompted a congressional inquiry which put their focus on my claim. Secretary Principi is no longer heading the VA and contacting Sec Nicholson would probably be a waste of time. Something that I would highly recommend if possible is going to the RO in Montgomery and viewing your C File if you haven't already done so. If you do this make sure you call them to set up an appointment first. It may not be required but make the call just in case. Take a pen and paper to take notes of anything in your C File that could help you with your claim.

Great news Wally! I'm glad that your persistence finally paid off for you and your family in your quest for your deserved benefits...TC :)

I agree wholehartedly with what everyone has said so far. This is a great site for someone who wants to be proactive with their claims. The people that help others are a special breed. A bonus of this site is friendship. I have met an extraordinary eternal friend here without intending to. That's amazing considering I have spent the last 36 years avoiding friendships...TC

Good job Carlie! ...TC