tanker31

Tyler, Tried the link, but could not find anything pertaining to migraine headaches. tanker31

I have been helping a Vet. with his claim. Vet. rceived notice to appear for C&P examination in next month. What should the Vet. be prepared for? For example what questions will be asked, etc... What area/subjects should he stay away from? Would like to hear from all, but especialy those who are service connected for Migraine headaches. Thanks, Tanker31

I'm 100% P&T. On 23 Feb. 09 I had a heart attack. Could not make it to the VA hospital in Houston. Went to local hospital emergency room where I was diagnosed as HAVING a heart attack. I was admitted to ICU. My wife and I advised the Hospital reps. that I was a 100% disabled vet and my health care was through the VA in Houston. No problem, they did their job, contacted and advised the VA of my location and medical condition. Va advised no bed at this time. No beds were available for me for approx. 6 days. By then a civilian Cardiologist had performed all tests, scheduled a heart catheterization, and I had grown confident in him and his ability. Long story short, stent was placed in artery ( 99% blockage ), I'm home now. This was all done at the civilian hospital. I have Medicare, so payment was not an issue once I declined the VA bed ( after waiting 6 days ). At issue here is not payment for the hospital stay and procedure(s), I would like to know if I can or if there is a procedure for the VA to work with my Civilian doctor in terms of rehab. and prescription medication my civilian Cardiologist is prescribing for me? I have been advised that I may be on some of these medications for life. Can I get this medicine and rehab. from the VA under my 100% P&T status? Thanks, Tanker31

Can any of the Florida Veterans advise if 100% P&T ( IU )Veterans get any type of brake on real estate taxes in Florida? I am thinking of purchasing a home in Coca Beach Florida. Any other benefits available to Vets ( living in Florida )? thanks. texas tea

Is there a time limit as to when a veteran ( 100% P&T with Chap.35 Benefits ) must apply for the $10,000.00 life insurance policy with premium waiver. If there is a time limit, what is it? If the deadline is missed, is there any reconsideration? Thanks, Tanker31

I'am helping a vet with his claim. So far so good--got 70% first go around, put in for IU--got that also. At this point he is 100% P&T with CHAP.35 benefits. Veteran takes care of his 80 year old mother. He provides room, board, transportation ( all major living expenses ). I believe he can claim her as a dependent through the VA and receive additional monthly compensation. If this is correct, what form should we use, and what additional supporting documents should we include ( if any )? If the VA does allow him to claim her as a dependent, will she be eligable for CHAMPVA? Veteran also has 25 yr. old daughter who has been attending college to obtain her degree in teaching--plans on going untill masters degree obtained. She works part time and attends college . His daughter has been attending college before he was declared 100% with Chap. 35 benefits. We are now applying at the college for her benefits. Is she able to declare/ask for reto. from the time she was eligable ( the date her father[ the veteran ] was declared 100% with Chap 35 benefits and attending school at that time )? Thanks to All Tanker31

Iam OK with one on one but do not like group. I did the group thing one time at the psy.'s request ( 8 weeks, 1 day per week, ran by social worker ). I completed it. I can not understand why I was not included in the decision to change treatment. I take my meds as directed and make all appointments including those for mental health. I think my best bet is to see a patient advocate and have them run interference for me. I do not want to come off as aggressive/uncooperative. Tanker31

My psychiatrist cancelled my appointment ( I had been seeing him every 6 months for 2 and 1/2 years ), and instead I received a new appointment to attend the trauma recovery program. I have come to accept my illness, and am ok with taking the prescribed meds. and living the life I have been delt. Seeing the psychaitrist 2Xs a year is enough. I do not want to attend/participate in the program ( Trauma Recovery ). I have already attended one of the Hospital's courses---group course, met 1 time a week for 8 weeks, run by a social worker. I do not do good in groups. Do I have the right to NOT participate/attend this program. If I do not attend/participate, will my benefits/award be in jeporady? How do I go about letting the Trauma Recovery Program personnel know my feelings about this without getting screwed. Is there a person at the VA Hospital that is supposed to help vets that find themselves in this type of situation? Iam not ducking anything, but what good is a program like this going to do for a guy who suffered with PTSD for 40 years? As you can see from my profile, Iam 100%IU ( P&T awarded last year )59 yrs. old. How do I "opt out" of further MENTAL TREATMENT by the VA hospital, and still maintain my other medical benefits and my award. Thanks, Tanker31

Ladies & Gents., Looking for FACTUAL comments concerning my recent post about being told my psychiatrist appointment being cancelled, and told appointment made for me instead with the trauma recovery program. I/we can speculate all day long--I want input from those that are familiar with the program, or attended same. Would like to know what would happen if I indicate to those in charge of the program AND my psychiatrist that I do not/will not attend ie... do I have a say in my mental health treatment without jeopardizing my current status/award? Thanks to all, Tanker31

I have been seeing my assigned Psychiatrist at the Houston Veterans Hospital ( for PTSD---I am 50% PTSD, 10% Hearing,100% Unemployable--P&T awarded last year )every 6 months for the last 2 and half years. I was scheduled to see him again this month. Today I received a letter cancelling the appointment, and directing me to report to the TRAUMA RECOVERY PROGRAM next month. I have never herd of this program, did not request it,and do not know anything about it. Can anybody shed some light on this program, and why they would cancell my appt. with the psychiatrist and send me there? Thanks to all Tanker31

Funny---I had run in with teller yesterday at Bank of America. I wanted to cash a small chek. The teller wanted 2 picture ID's, a credit card, and thumb print. I told her to Fxxx Off. I went to manager and explained that I had been banking there for over 20yrs ( before BOA ) owned the bank, had 20Xs the amount of the check I wanted to cash in my account. I also told them that I strongly disagreed with their policy to conduct business with illegal imagrants, and that I was an AMERICAN Disabled Combat Veteran---Produced my VA I.D. and said here is my 2nd picture I.D. I then told the manager " here is my check, cash it for me and bring me my FXXXing money in 100 dollar bills or close both accounts my wife and I have here". At this point I looked like, and was acting like the sterotype VN combat vet. Manager jumped up from behind his desk and went and got me the cash. He further advised that his cashiers and he would from this day foreward only need one piece of ID. I thanked him for his time and left

My buddy received notification of his award on February 21, 2007. He was awarded 70% . His award was retroactive to Nov.1,2005. Would like to know how long before he should receive his retro check. Thanks to all, Tanker31

What documents or proof is accepted by the VA in order to claim Mother as a dependent. My buddy just got his brown envelope yesterday---70% service connected for PTSD---effective date of October 05. He supports his Mother and provides room and board. What is the process?

The Et does not go for any PRIVATE treatment. All treatments, including PTSD has been conducted through VA. Should he bring his reports from the treatment he is receiving for PTSD through the VA ( ie.. his PSY doctor treating him for PTSD )?

Everything is complete and verifyable ( documentation has been provided to the VA )

I have been helping Vet with his claim. All has appeared to be going smoothly ( except the delay--claim started in Oct. 2005 ). The initial claim was for PTSD and hearing loss. After submitting the claim in October 2005, the Vet received a C&P examination on 23 Dec. 05. The Vet attended and received an examination that seem to indicate a finding of service connected PTSD ( I 'am enclosing some Quotes from the report in a few sentences ). Additionaly he has already received hearing aides for his hearing loss, even though he has not received ANY disability rating. He is also being treated for PTSD ( meds, therpy, etc...). Vet also is treated for a number of other medical problems NOT claimed as service connected at no cost. Vet is receiving SSD. Here are some quotes from last PTSD C&P examination conducted in DEC. 05. " I reviewed the C-file, which was replete with data from Dr. XXXXXand the PTSD Treatment Center intake examiners; all of whom feel the veteran has PTSD with depressive features". " The medical records were reviewed and were positive from Dr.XXXX onward.Medical records are supportive of PTSD. His stressor letter was extensive and impressive. The veteran is clearly guilty, depressed, and has PTSD ". " The mental status suggested PTSD with depressive features, did not exist prior to entry ( DNEPTE ). " In my judgement, the veteran clearly meets the DSM-IV stressor criteria for PTSD, A-F. These are mentioned in the PTC intake examination and in my report above. He has all the symptoms of PTSD, including xxxxxxxx. The C-file is replete with data supporting his claim." " I see no reason for psychometric testing". Diagnoses: Axis1: PTSD with depressive features,moderately severe, AXIS II: No diagnosis, AXIS III: 1. blood clot........,2. Hypertension, AXIS IV: Insomnia, anger, irritability, assaultive behavior, nightmares, flash-backs, night sweats, unemployment, AXIS V: Current global assessment of functioning is 50". " I have reviewed the C-file as well as the extensive stressor letter and found it strongly postive for PTSD with depressive features. His psychiatric symptons are daily, these are service connected, and these symptoms did not exist prior to time of enlistment. Meets the criteria A-F for PTSD". Signed XXXXXX M.D. With a C&P examination/report like this, coupled with the fact that he is being treated for PTSD, other medical problems and already given hearing aides for hearing loss ( all by the VA with no rating and no cost ) why is he required to have anothe C&P for the same disabilities claimed and examined for over a year ago? Is a second C&P examination for the same 2 claimed disabilities ( already examined in 05 ) SOP ? Anybody have a notion as to what's up with this? Should he take any action? Should he bring his first C&P examination results with him?

In October 06, I became 100% P&T. My service officer suggested that I apply for CHAMPVA for my spouce. I did, and the process went smooth. Last week my wife attempted to use CHAMPVA at our family doctors office, and also went to have annual mammmogram ( referal from her OBGYN ). On both occasion, they refused to accept CHAMPVA for payment ( or even partial payment--I know Champva is secondary to all other coverages, but this is the only coverage I have for my wife ). Both doctor's office stated : "CHAMPVA is only accepted as a secondary to MEDCICARE". We do not have Medicare. Is CHAMPVA any good, Am I missing something, or are the doctors not up-to-date? Input please. Tanker31

Thanks all for your input so far. I must admit that it was driving me nuts, so I went to the see my SO at the DAV bright and early this morning. SO was out--saw his supervisor--sxplained my thoughts and asked him to WITHDRAW the claiim. He saw the problem,and composed a "withdraw lettter" on the spot for my signature. Signed same and left in his possession to foward to VA ( said he would handle ). I also sent a copy with my signature registered return receipt via US mail. Have not yet pulled my POA, nor have I advised them that I would seek $$$$ damages if I lose any benefits. Supervisor advises he will contact me in a few days to verify VA's response. I will give him a few days, then I will be right back down there sitting in his office taking action if I'am not satisified with his response/explaination. My question now is: Should/will the VA respond to the "WITHDRAW LETTER"-ie.. will I receive a letter or form acknoledging my request? Thanks Tanker31

In the month of October 06 I received a letter from the VA stating that I was NOW 100%P&T ( Unemployability ), I had been and continue to be paid ( as of Dec.,06 ) at the 100% level due to IU ( had not been awarded P&T status until the above OCT date ). In the month of Nov. 06 I received form VAF 21-4140 EMPLOYMENT QUESTIONNAIRE. I was expecting it, as I had seen mention of it here on HADIT. I also knew it was inportant and needed to be responded to. I completed it and sent it back to them certified-return reciept. ( They got it on the 28th of Nov. ). As a back up, I went to my DAV service officer, asked him to put copy of completed form in my file ( same day that I mailed ). He agreed to do so, but felt like it was a good ide to send another completed form ( 21-4140 ) to the VA through their office. I felt like it can't hurt to have back-up, so agreed with him and he sent them a completed copy also. On Dec. 5th, 06, I received a letter from my service office showing that they had sent form as agreed. Here is what I'am so FREAKED out over. In thie letter to the VA in which they forwarded the duplicate completed form they added the following in the body of the cover letter to VA " Please take action to consider the following: Entitlement to increased rating based on Individual unemployability. It is requested that all appropriate development, to include conducting any necessaryVA examination(s), be completed as soon as posible ". I'am already 100%P&T for IU--I do not want to open up the case again. I went to my DAV S.O. the day I got it ( Dec. 15, 06 ). He said not to worry, that the VA would see it was ment to provide the completed questionnaire. OK--I left but did not feel right ( SO has been very good up to this point ). TODAY ( DEC. 18, 06 ), I receive a form letter from the VA ( we all know this one ) " We have received your application for benefits. It is our sincere desire to decide your case promptly ....yady, yada, yada ". It now appears that what I thought would happen, has---VA thinks I'am applying for some ( or more disability ), and that I'am willing to go through the process again. I don't want to go through the process again-- Going nuts thinking about how this might impact my award--Am I being to paranoid, or what action should I take. Thanks to all TANKER31

VIKE 17, That's the information I was looking for thanks. Think I will leave as is. Thanks to all. Tanker31

Berta and ALL, Thanks for all the input, however Berta hit the nail on the head---I would like to know ( if anybody knows for sure as Berta put it)----Will I have to go through the whole re-eval crap again? If it is just a matter of submitting forms, and the VA approves/disapproves the request , (and the current rating stays the same if not approved) then I would go for it. If you subject your self to jepordising current rating--then that would be an entire thought process. I think the P&T is inportant--we all know things can change in the future ( new rulings, new definations, new politicians, I could die in the near future --I want to protect my spouce as weel) Thanks to all. Tanker31

Berta, So far I'am in agreement with those who say to leave it as is---not much to gain. In response to your questions: (1) I receive TDIU at the 100% rate ( plus 1 dependent --wife ) (2) I receive SSDI for PTSD (3) Voc Rehab was not feaseable due to TDIU (4) Meds. due influence my daily activities My last few appointments with my VA psychiatrist have indicated that Iam not getting better, and as a matter of fact indicate that Iam getting worse. VA psychiatrist also filled out forms for SSDI which indicated that it would be expected that I would not be a good canditate for employment due issues attached to my PTSD ( hyperviligent, anger, expected to miss more than 5 days at work each month, etc...). I was granted SSDI on my first try. I make it a practice to get all medical/mental reports after each appointment ( I wait 30 days, and then go to the VA and get copies ). I see the VA psychiatrist every 90days, with my next appt. in August 06. Thanks Tanker31

I have been discussing the posibility with my SO ( DAV ) of trying to obtain PERMINATE and TOTAL status. I am presently 100% Unemployable ( 50% PTSD & 10% Hearing ). If I decide to go for P&T status, do I have to go through the entire process again ( another C&P exam, submission of documents, etc... )? The only thing I would pick up if awarded the P&T status would be health coverage for my wife ( which she has at work). Kids are passed the age of eligibility for education benefits. I guess the question is do leave a sleeping dog alone. What would be the benifit of obtaing P&T status? My award was effective December 04. Input please.

John999, Lots of guys were anxious to get out, however the military was supposed to give everyone a discharge examination. Perhaps you did get one but just do not remember. In my case, I reported for the discharge examination, the medic/doctor in charge announced to the entire group " anybody who thinks they have a problem ( medical ) get in line 1, those who think they do not have a problem get in line 2". Those who got in line 1 were informed that they would have to stay a couple of days past their original discharge date while they were tested/treated for problems. Those in line 2 ( those with " no problems " would get out on time ( discharge date ). Needless to say line 1 went down to almost none, while line 2 grew to almost the entire group. Everybody wanted out. If you did not receive a discharge examination ( and there is not one in your file), I would think that anything that needs a base line as compared to today ( example hearing --is it better than, worse than, same as ) when discharged, then the VA would have a hard time turning down claim. I'am sure ther are other things besides hearing---this is just an example. Tanker

Alex, My buddie's MOS was 11E ( tank driver/loader ). His DD214 documents MOS as well as time in Nam. No awards other than unit awards received while serving with unit in Nam ( northern I Corps ) Looks like we will have to wait it out for the next year while they verify, although we did include the rearch ( copies of after actions report, lessons learned, etc...) If anybody has an idea how to push the antisipated one year wait while they verify, please advise. Thanks for everybodys input Tanker