Hello all! My wife was in Desert Shield/Storm. She hurt her back while serving during that time. She even was on quarters (in her tent) because of this injury. Well a few years ago she filed for disability for her back and was denied. She showed how she was on pain medication and receiving epidural shots for the pain. She also had a statement from another soldier that served with her that was a witness. They still denied her. Proper documentation was not documented because we were at war. She injured her back while making sandbags and carrying and exposing human waste. Well, this past weekend while looking through storage containers for pictures, she found an official form that had her back injury documented on it when it had actually happened!
Also, while in Desert Shield/Storm, my wife was exposed to Chemical Warfare Agents (the letter was attached with original claim) which had been well documented as a possible cause of cancer. Well, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2005 and even had a mastectomy and she had to have plastic surgery. That was also denied on the same request.
In her last letter from the VA, it stated that her case was closed unless there was new evidence. Well, this is new evidence, right?
What should we do now in regards to the back pain and her breast cancer? Any and all assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all!