dontcatchmany

I am going to apply for an increase in disability compensation in the near future based on unemployability. I have a couple of questions for any one who might have soime insight. I am currently at 70% with several service connected problems. As I understand it, 40% of that 70% comes from one problem. I have recently ( about a month) asked for a re-valuation based on additional problems with 40% problem. So I think I should be eligible. Question 1. Should I wait for a determination on the most recent request before I send in the 21-8940? Question 2. I have had 4 surgeries since December 2006. Two were toe amputations and were out patient. 2 were foot bone removals and required hospitalizations. I had an additional hospitalization due to a major infection in a foot which required 6 weeks of outpatient IV antibiotics. In addition to all of this I have been in doctors offices several times a month since August of 2006. My question is should I list for VA, all of the doctor's visits or just the surgeries. I have been totally unemployed since 2005 (I was on severence for a year after that). Technically my job was outsourced overseas. I have not actively seeked employment because I tend to be in a doctor's office or in a hospital frequently. Do not know too many people who would employ me when I have to be dealing with medical folks all the time.

I am a disabled Vietnam vet and in addition have DMII for which I am currently undergoing re-evaluation. I once tried to get into a VA clinic here in Morehead City but was told that a waiting list was at least a year to see a doctor (the clinic was new). If after a year, you have not seen a doctor at that clinic you have to "re-apply" for an appointment. I just spoke with the VA office in Durham this a.m. (after a dozen calls and holding for up to an hour on several occassions...LOL) and will be getting an appointment letter within 30 days I am told. I will follow up on the registry. I want to make sure that I add my 2 cents worth on the tracking of health care for veterans.

I understand there is an agent orange registry. How does one go about getting on this registry and getting the examinations associated with it. I can find lots of data, but not info on how to "sign up for this". If there is a registry?? Thanks

Thanks for your replies. The revaluation of 2005/2006 added DMII as well as neuropathy of both lower extremeties and feet as well as neuropathy of both hands. The neuropathy was what raised the overall valuation to 70 % as I under stand it. The loss of toes and bones in my fee as well as hypertension and renal problems (I guess that is the Nephropathy) was submitted as secondary to DMII about a month ago via my veteran's service rep. In 2005 I submitted peripheral vascular disease as secondary to the DMII but that was not allowed as being secondary to DMII.....I may dispute that at some time. At this time I have not had any heart problems or a stroke although I had both carotid arteries cleaned out (carotid endarterectomy) in 2006 and 2007....one was 85% closed and the other was 98% closed). I would probably be a goner now if not for the carotid surgeries. I did not turn that data in to VA. The renal diagnosis is still in progress. That diagnosis was derived from abnormal variations in some of the "body chemicals" most notably extremely high potassium levels and createnine(sp) levels. That has been somewhat moderated by some diet changes and some meds. I am going through more test in a month or so to see how we are doing. I am sure eventually that dialysis may have to be put in the picture, but hopefully we can postpone that as long as possible. All I sent to VA at this point was the original diagnosis of the stage 3 to 4 renal failure. I should have more detail data soon. Thanks again for your replies.

I left Vietnam and the Army in 1969. At that time (actually about a year later) I was awarded 40 % disability related to several injuries and/or conditions related to my Vietnam service. over several years it was reduced to 20 %, I think because of changes in the rating system as I was never re-examined. In 2005, I applied for revaluation for additional compensation as one of the original conditions had worsened and also added diabetes type 2 with several complications from that diabetes. Over some time and ratings increases, the rating went to 70 percent in 2006. Since 2006, I have had other complications from type II diabetes, including surgeries due infections in my feet (two toes removed and infected bones removed from both feet). I added in hypertension which I had in 2005 but failed to add it to the revaluation. Also stage 3 or 4 renal failure due to the diabetes. I submitted another request for revaluation about a month ago. I guess my question is has anyone here done numerous request for revaluation and what did you do with doctors and such to show the progressive nature of your condition and with each revaluation what was considered to increase the rating. Thanks for your replies.