Bryce

Cindy, I called the VA VASO immediatly ( the day or two) after I was diagnosed with this cancer, told them what I wanted to do..file a claim for Larynx cancer..and the person answering the phone, said the earliest they could see me was 2 June so I set up the appointment for then. Did she fail to record this as my claim date then? I don't know, but if what you say about filing the claim right away, she caused me to miss that file date. Or would they record the request date for the claim from first contact? ie..that phone call? I will be going there for my appt and I would like to know what I can do to get THIS straightened out..or am I overracting? Thanks again for your interest and help..BD

Cindy, did you get the info I posted last..it should give you a good idea of where I now sit..I asked if you may have any suggestions or comments as to how to approach the VA on this. I am having some voice issues and will be going in for rehab now that my Radiation treatments are complete. What concernes me most is the weakening of the voice as the day goes on. It's probl'y 1/3 normal strength right now with some days being slightly better..but as the day progresses (especially at work where I must talk a lot) I find it weakening as the day goes on. I could probably put up with this for a few months, but if it is going to be like this for a long time (year or more) or may well get only back to say 50% what it was normally..I couldn't see myself continuing in this job. This is the ground work I feel I must establish to insure proper disability ratings in the future should the events follow (as they may) to the negative side. Even a 30 or 40% loss of my voice could ,I feel, render me incapable of performing in my profession.(Air Traffic Controller).and at 63 I damn sure don't put "retraining" high on my list of things to do.. So, If you have any suggestions on how to set the pace on this I'd appreciate hearing from you. Or anyone else for that matter..Thank you all again so much for your' interest..BD

Opps..forgot to tell you..no tracheotomy.

Hi Cindy, yes, I had surgery, they removed the small mass and it was cancer of the Layrnx. I am currently undergoing Radiaion Treatments with 4 to go of 28 total. I have lost my voice completely for a short period of time (couple of days) and it now comes and goes with useable results, tho with some effort to speak, ie, I must force more air thru to make sound. This may improve , I'm told and if so thay's my preference..but if I can't do almost normal speach in the future, I will most likely be out of my job as an Air Traffic Controlller. Sooo, I guess it's to early to tell at this time , just what will be awarded, huh? What would you suggest on how to approach this...I have an appt with the local VASO 2 June and I'd like some idea on how to present the situation as it stands as well as the potential for job lose. Sound reasonable to you? Thanks for you interest..BD

Hi Pete, Yes, I was in Nam, 67-68, and Larnyx cancer IS on the "Presumed" list..but it doesn't indicate the one year limit you mention..I think that is for a couple of other cancers on the list. Larynx cancer is eligible by itself with no time constraints. I just wanted to know if it is (in fact) rated at 100% initially and then reduced as treament success is realized. And then, if I am declared cancer free (which can take some years I think) would my disability percentage be adjusted downward accordingly? As for VA medical treatment..I am retired A.F. and have Tri-Care, which has been wonderful..accepted at my hospital here in La Crosse, WI and is part of the Mayo system. Couldn't ask for better treatment, courtesy, compassion, professionalism, ect..they have been terrific. I guess what I'm lookin' for here is the best way to deal with the VASO and get my claim in right the first time so we don't have to fool around appealing ect, ect. Thanks again..BD

Yes, I am a Vietnam Vet..did serve in country (boots on the ground) 67-68. I guess I didn't mention that in my first blog. I just got an appointment with the local VASO and the first available appt date was 2 june..so I'm getting in as soon as I can, anyway, any compensation will be retroactive to first diagnosis as I understand it. I think Larynx cancer was placed on a "presumtion" list of agent orange related ailments after your' husband had it (more recently) however you still may be able to make a claim I think..correct me if I'm wrong..but don't surviving spouses have a right to file for these reparations? I just re-read your blog and it looks like you DID get some compensation huh? OK. Anyway, Thank you for the input and best of luck to you. I'd be happy to recieve any advice on my situation and how it relates to the questions in my firsrt entry here. Thanks again..BD

Yes, I know the Larynx cancer is on the "presumed" list and I can prove I was in country with my DD-214. I have Tri-care and am using that for my treatment at a Mayo affiliated hospital. Great treatment and fast appointments. I was just wondering how this will effect my current and future rating percentages.

Hello, I'm new to this site, so I hope someone can give me some insight into my situation. I have been rated 50% disabled in the 90's for back problems asociated with a service connected disability (Disc surgery performed at U.S.A.F. hospital). I now have recently had surgery for Larynx cancer and will be meeting with my local V.A R.O. in early June. I read that this cancer is commonly rated at 100% initially and then (possibly) reduced as treatment results are clearified. Is this so? If I have an initial rating of 100% for the Larynx cancer what does that do to my prior 50% rating ..and I guess I would like to know if that then equalls 150% or some adjusted % what happens when/if my cancer rating is reduced to, say 50%, as treatment progresses. or perhaps 30% as could be possible? Thank you for your' information..BD