Commander Bob

Have you had a recent problem with your esophagus or stomach? Has the peptic ulcer been acting up lately? Due to your age, I'm guessing it's been a long time since you were in the service. Have you filed a new claim based on your present condition?

How many years was he service connected 100%? What happened??? Did your mom get DIC?

R&R..... excellent idea. I agree, just what the navydoc2 ordered.

Have you re-opened your claim since 2001? You need new evidence. Is your knee condition getting worse?

You're right Rockhound. You will just add to your torment if you go down to the the VA and "rag on them". I have found that logic is a twisted tool used by that overloaded, apathetic bureaucracy. Besides, the VA gestapo police would enjoy practicing their taser training on someone. Vent here, my friend

Good Morning Pete992. Well, it's time to go fishing. I hope you catch a big one.

I wish you the very best, and a speedy success, Maurice. I was told a year for mine. I'm not rushing it, and neither is my NSO. Ha, ha. I need a few months to recuperate from the VA's denial letter, anyway. There has to be a better way.

Congratulations on your win in February, rjimemez. You've come to the right place to help others.

Thanks for that VSO/VA caller ID clarification, Pete53. I've experienced the same thing, and was told by my NSO, that when a vso office is located in the VA regional office's bldg., the phone lines are provided,"free", by the VA. I can see how someone would be confused, when the name "VA" pops up on their caller ID. It adds to the feeling that some vso's are in collusion with the VA. I would hope not, however, who knows what goes on behind closed doors. Or maybe the Stockholm syndrome could be in effect, in a effort to get along within the system??? Although, sometimes it does smell fishy. Regarding "which Veteran's service organization is the best"??? DAV, VFW, PurpleHeart, and other congressional chartered veteran service organizations seem better than each other, depending on who you get. and where you live. As you know, yoggie2, you are your best advocate.

Thanks Pete,... I'll check the account. I missed last year's stimulus payment. Bob

I salute you, yoggie2. Congratulations and Best Wishes on your success, your desire to help other Vets, and on your financial "retirement." In this day and age, it's a good safety net. Cmdr. Bob

Congratulations Judy... The TVC and the TVLB have several publications. Could it be in the TVLB's " Texas Veterans Voice ". ??? I'm looking forward to reading the article. Please keep us posted.

My VARO informed me that If you do not recive your payment by July 10, 2009, contact VA by e-mail, letter, or telephone. Be sure to refer to your VA file number. If you use the internet, https://iris.va.gov/ . Or by phone, 1-800-827-1000.

Glad you liked it. I originally named this one "Many Rivers to Cross" , however, when I downloaded it, it labeled the original picture capture date from my computer. Probably pilot error. I like your title.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cUnVQIlFxM Bob

My heart is with you. I wish you peace, and I urge you to take joy in it being over. My advice is to rest awhile and celebrate the finale. You are truly free from the burden of the fight, for a while, if you wish. I have experienced the torment that follows such letters. With me, it would come like a thief in the night. When I would wake in the morning, I would have a few moments of peace before the torment began. The reawakening of the argument, and my rebuttal to the VA's nonsense would replay like the annoying screech of a snooze button going off, and chase me out of bed. Coffee and toil helps, however, intrusive thoughts are a part of PTSD. I have learned that time heals these wounds of injustice. With time, I found peace in knowing that I was right and the VA was clearly and unmistakably wrong. I caught myself laughing at the VA, one morning, and in that moment, I found relief. Time is truly a miracle drug for such wounds. For many decades, because of the ten dollar rule, lawyers were not an option. Now, you can find a law firm that handles VA claims. You have developed a splendid file. Perhaps, after a while( barring any deadlines ), you could consider passing the torch to a lawyer. I have discovered that peace of mind is worth more than any retro check. My most positive thoughts are with you. Bob

Baring a change in AO regulation or new evidence, you will at least get a denial letter, that you can NOD to. Then you will be able to keep the claim alive. Logic dictates that sooner or later, squamous cell tonsil cancer will be on the AO list.

It sounds like they lost or shredded your NOD. How long ago did you file the NOD?

As someone who has stirred the pot and woke up the sleeping dogs, please allow me to put my two cents in. From the limited info you posted, if you pursue your NOD claim, I will guarantee that you will have many sleepless nights. Also, what if your letter gets lost or shredded, or you receive an absurd "Statement of the Case", littered with mistakes and inaccuracies??? I don't know the additional benefits you would receive by getting the schedular 100% versus the IU??? However, I belive in you Larry J, and I am confident that you would win your claim if you pursued it. Question; Have you been P&T, Chapter 35, for over ten years? Also, have you received a "Statement of the Case" after filing the NOD yet?

Well if we can't find it, then let's start over. Do you have a copy of his DD214?

No matter the outcome of the bill, your efforts are commendable.

You made my day brighter. Thanks for keeping us posted. Best wishes.

Can you do any specialized exercises to build up muscle mass and help make your back stronger?? I'm giving more exercise a try these days. I think I'm feeling stronger too. Could be the placebo effect?

I am glad to hear three decades have passed since your self medication experience. I admire and appreciate your post. Recounting your experience will help many new vets that stumble upon Hadit, looking for answers. I agree, the self medicating issue is seldom mentioned. Thanks Stretch. sauerkraut??ugh.

Annette is in the past, under lessons learned. What's the deal with liquor, these days? Take it or leave it?