retiredat44

So, I am at 90%, have no gotten a final rating, after years of the BVA wait... asked for TDIU, many years ago (their excuse was I was below 70%), then again filled out forms 2014. Filled them out again a few weeks ago. My POA said don't do anything until after they make a decision and if I have to file disagreement to go from 90 to 100% with BVA, if they refuse to move it up for the final rating. I filled out the forms. I have not worked since 1995. Could not fill in employer because they no longer exist. VA sends me a letter asking me for the employers. POA says the VA was really messed up bad with this virus thing and POA's working form home, so they are extremely slow and behind. I just thought once more it shows the loony things the VA does.. asking again for a work record, with names and addresses from 30 years ago... and even so, I am not even in the same state from back then. btw, there are exceptions to that more than 70% rule and many others, it is a guideline. I was totally disabled by 1990. But they jerked me around until later. And still doing it. I know that many of you guys are in areas where that damned illness is hitting harder than where I am.... I am in a very small town away from the cities,, but still think of the ones affected by this crazy world, virus and all.

Similar to mine, I had gastroenteritis, and hospitalized, and also other problems, sick from chemicals, a few times, all in my records, but they to this day refuse to link the gastroenteritis to anything including my ibs, and pancreas disease.. even though it is all documented by doctors. They will most likely fight you and you have to try to get IMO's, as they fight you.... and it is a really hard thing to get acknowledged, they fight you like they are getting a million dollars for every person they deny. I haven ' read anything else yet on your battles with the va.... I can say, through my experience, no one with the va will help you. At least in any significant way. YOu will have to take them on and unless you already see a win, start the long fight, and start looking for doctors who can back your story. Good luck! It will be a full time job.

I sent a message using secure messaging to the eye clinic, they called me back, by phone, and they made sure I have my meds and told me they will re-schedule for about 2 months later... so, it was worth the secure messaging for the clinic to make sure I am not left out... I don't want to lose my eyesight too!

I have more than pancreatic and liver diease, I have glucome and cataracts. The VA optometry cancelled my eye appointments with all these virus problems going on in the USA. The letter said if I have to reschedule. I have to see an eye doctor every three months because the damage was increasing for a while. Now what? is the VA cancelling ever vets appointment at the clinics? Are we screwed?

Everyone in the service or at a base, etc needs to report contact with virus to doctors https://www.thedailybeast.com/coronavirus-outbreak-on-aircraft-carrier-sends-troops-scrambling?ref=scroll if they don't some day in the future the va will screw them and say they weren't affected... of course they don't know they will get screwed like most of us didn't know until we made a claim and found how vindictive and mean the va is

I can only base it on my opinion, but in my experience, they do not go out of their way to help in any way, the 'duty to assist' maybe worded as to assist in help to get some records... but in no way are they accountable if they do not get records, read them, or anything else.... it is extremely misleading. You can read all of the experiences of those that were screwed over thinking that it meant one thing, but did not. I am sorry if you also fell victim, if you do go as far as the BVA, the judge can try to force the VA to look at whatever they missed or refused to look at. Of course that would probably be a very long time from now, I don't know where you are in this maze. Good Luck, let the truth prevail.

I faxed my TDIU form this morning. After being screwed around constantly for decades, and at 90% and still not have my rating, and they keep doctor shopping sending me to more c&p's doctors claiming the ones they sent me to were the wrong doctors. (doctor shopping by the va ). I asked for TDIU for decades and no one would help. I put it in my claims too, never got an answer. No one would help me, so I downloaded them, filled them out and faxed them off. same thing happen with my 1151, everyone refused to help, and I did that on my own too. I was last able to work 1990. went on ssdi 1995. Worked in severe agony in tears while I lost my home and cars back then. See what happens. My POA with the state of Oregon for my BVA appeal does not answer my emails. What a huge mess!

Honestly I don't know what is going on, all my reps, or the legal advice I got was to wait until the c&p's are finished, as they left me with 90% (It maybe like 94% or such. I yet to receive the statement on the ratings, so I don't know.), but my claims have not been finished yet, the c&p's I think were the last part to finish the remaining claims. I asked for TDUI a long time ago, never heard a word back about that issue. When they decide the remaining issues, I will find out what steps I have left open. You would think since I last worked in 1995, they would have given me the tdiu, but they refused every time I asked. There may already be decisions in the pipeline that can be looked up, but I am just waiting for official documents. I think I was lowballed with the 1151, but I can't be sure until I get the documents. The necrotizing pancreatitis alone should have put me over. They actually sent me for c&p's (a few weeks ago) for the IBS I filed for in 1997, when they denied me back then. That was before it turned into pancreatic disease. or the same time. They are untangling a web of screwups. If they don't address all the issues I will have to file a disagreement again. I wish I could explain this better, but in a nutshell, I am waiting for official documents to see where I stand in regards to issues, ratings, decisions. Then I have to get my bva vso (this vso specializing in only working with bva appeals) to help me some more, or another rep I have on retainer to help me figure out what to do. Personally, and it hurts to say this, but I don't think can deal with all these legal issues and clearly any longer, al these years of this have left me in a daze and too sick... I appreciate you insights and thoughts.... I kind of put them in the back of my mind so I can get some peace, and numb the pain.

I had won an 1151 for my necrotizing pancreatitis (the hospitalization and surgery was screwed up by the va and they admitted they made bad mistakes, so the BVA judge approved my 1151), and also have liver disease, neurological disease (symptoms of Parkinsons or others), and other diseases. Some diseases go back to when I was on active duty, the edema and swelling of my limbs, which continue, and I was hospitalized with gastroenteritis on active duty too. And I have had intestinal disease and esophagus and gastroenteritis. So, I still have what I had on active duty plus it spread and got worse, and the c&p examiner/doctor saw the diseases. The VA low balled me with my 1151 win and my necrotizing pancreatitis, and left the claims open until they decide what to do with the unresolved issues and the c&p exams results. Not sure when the BVA will finalize my results and see if they stop fighting me and give me the full 100%, as I have been totally disabled for 35 years. Or will leave me short of the 100% at 90%. My left side of my chest is disfigured with severe swelling from liver disease and swollen lymph nodes. The doctors knew about this when I was living in the hospital 6 months, but it is much worse now and loosing the use of my right side and arm. My legs constantly swell with edema and skin flakes of and bleeds.. mY skin is paper thin around my ankles and thick and full of liquid above my ankles. Walking is extremely painful and hurts like hells, I also have the splenic and hepatic veins partially blocked to my heart and through my liver and spleen. Yet, they left that out of my diagnosis when they rated me. These issues were diagnosed many times while at the va for 3 years. They continue to fight me. Not sure when they will finish this charade and rip off. They just don't want to pay the full benefits, my daughter never got benefits while growing up, she paid for here schooling with student loans, and just earned 21 masters degrees. My wife never got any medical benefits. I spent 30 years mostly laying in bed sick. This is the crap I am hoping they will finally finish and stop the stalling of benefits. I first filed in 1997 with the va, but got sick on active duty in the 1970's. I guess they though I would have died by now, the surgeons told me most people die of the pancreatic disease after just a couple years. Still here, still going through this.

I am saying this out of experience,,, duty to assist is fraud.... they actually don't mean what the dictionary says it means..... liars, conniving crooks... I could give tons of proof to back it al up, but I will die spending my last few days or years listing al the lies,, instead of getting the much needed rest.... if there were lawyer or attorney, paid or pro bono, or someone that cared, they could prove this, but no one can take the time and resources to fight the deep pockets of the crooks... you are on your own.... no one will fight for your rights,,,,, only you.....

I have so many questions, but it looks like the VA/BVA is sending me to some more C%P exams. At this point they rated me at 90% 1- My Necrotizing pancreatitis is the worst version, the only version worse is cancer. I know this because my doctors told me many times over the condition of my pancreas and other surround organs. Also have the portal and splenic veins from the liver tot he heart partially blocked. Plus liver disease. Much more. But, to me it looks like the BVA or whoever cheating on the rating, that should have been 100%. it is permanent, inoperable, and have spent 1/2 my life in constant suffering. I am not sure, but if I was at 60% and added (the pancreas disease alone should have been 100% for the 1151 win) for pancreas I should be at 100% . I don't have the documents yet, but I think they lowballed me. -------------- http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thedigestivesystem.html Code 7347: Pancreatitis is the swelling of the pancreas that occurs because the enzymes it produces become active while still in the pancreas. If diabetes and pancreatitis are both present, both cannot be rated. Rate only the one that gives the highest rating. If the whole or part of the pancreas is surgically removed, then rate any continuing symptoms on the following ratings, with the minimum rating of 30%. Ratings: If there are seriously disabling attacks of stomach pain with very few pain-free periods, significant amounts of fat in the feces, the inability of the small intestine to absorb the necessary nutrients, diarrhea, and severe malnutrition, it is rated 100%. If there are frequent attacks of disabling stomach pain, weight loss (lower than the average weight weighed over the last year), and other symptoms like diarrhea or significant amounts of fat in the feces, it is rated 60%. If there are at least 4 to 7 attacks of disabling stomach pain each year, it is rated 30%. If there is at least 1 attack of disabling stomach pain each year, it is rated 10%. ========= I also have swelling, but it is different, sometimes the legs swell more, other times it is my right chest, or my arms are puffy. Everyday it is different. (they may C&P me for the skins issues, and swelling too, the excema is different different types of skins issues, with dark, scabby, or dark, or red like blisters, swollen lymph nodes, etc.) Not sure if these will be on the C&P. The liver disease causes lots of skins and limb problems. 2-They never ever gave me TDIU, I asked many years ago. I had to stop working in the early 1990's (SSDI in 1995). 3.I suffer from Parkinsons (the doctors saw me suffer with it for 6 months in the hospital and the home care nurses the va gave me for a few months at my home watched as I had no control over my body for a couple months., they are trying to say my father had it, who was a Navy veteran during Korea. He haver had a Neurological disorder, he died of COPD 20 years ago. Many more, but these VA are liars, crooks and no matter what they make you fight and fight. I have lots of documents, I gave them documents, but believe they never read any of them. I guess I have to bring documents to the C&P exams for the doctors, I am sick to death of explaining everything to these lying morons. (sorry, but all they do it continue to make me angry)(they thrive on being crooked lying bad people). There should be penalties for government employees who are lying treacherous dirtbags. I know i should be happy for some wins, but as usual was shortchanged by them. spending 1/2 your life in bed sick no chance of getting better, suffering is severe pain. Constant fevers. i was hoping so bad this nightmare would be over. C&P exams coming supposedly, and I am usually very sick and angry by the time I see these doctors, and they don't disappoint (sarcasm). So, this is partially where i am at. I did list intestinal disease in the 1990's, and had been trying t get help from Kaiser hospital in the late 1980's and early 1990's. They said I had gastritis, and ibs, and was a drug seeker, and also had to have a spinal disc removed, they refused to mri it and when they did after 6 months it broke while they screwed me around and left me crippled. Kaiser removed my gallbladder, but it did not help. I gave the documents tot he va, and I bet they never read those. If they try to go back and look at a c&p for that ibs I will find those in my boxes and bring them. But, Like I said I gave the VA copied in 1997. I also gave them copies of the paperwork from the dental surgeons who said on the documents the loss of my teeth was from intestinal disease. (lack of nutrients, caused them to melt away very fast). I am not sure what al the C&P will be for, until they send me the appointments, and often they don't tell me, they just says I have an exam. I have had them send me to 4 exams in one day and repeat some. So, No clue what's going on. My wife is going with me. They better speak English fluently without an accent. My ears cannot understand anything else. Thanx for listening.

I don't have my ratings yet,, so I can't answer lots of questions...

https://www.disabilityadvisor.com/five-common-mistakes-in-va-disability-claims/ I did list my symptoms back in the 1990's, the BVA judge in the last few years asked me about those claims and why I worded them the way I did, and told him I Knew I was sick and the doctors were not quite sure... about the diagnosis of each,,, but I at least claimed the symptoms, of course the RO denied me and 10 years later I had firmer diagnosis on the same symptoms... so I did do exactly as they say to do.. but the only va office which took my claims seriously was at the BVA decades later... I thought I would post this here, the article and link and it might help others, to not overlook claiming health issues even if you don't know the exact diagnosis of your health issues. It may get denied, but at least it is in the records. IMHO

http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thedigestivesystem.html#pancreas The Pancreas The pancreas is both a gland in the endocrine system and a gland for the digestive system. If the pancreatic condition interferes with its function in the endocrine system, it is rated under that system. If it interferes with its function in the digestive system, it is rated below. For the digestive system, the pancreas creates important enzymes that help the small intestine absorb the necessary nutrients. Code 7347: Pancreatitis is the swelling of the pancreas that occurs because the enzymes it produces become active while still in the pancreas. If diabetes and pancreatitis are both present, both cannot be rated. Rate only the one that gives the highest rating. If the whole or part of the pancreas is surgically removed, then rate any continuing symptoms on the following ratings, with the minimum rating of 30%. Ratings: If there are seriously disabling attacks of stomach pain with very few pain-free periods, significant amounts of fat in the feces, the inability of the small intestine to absorb the necessary nutrients, diarrhea, and severe malnutrition, it is rated 100%.

it looks like they low balled me bad on my 1151 win with my necrotizing pancreatitis. I have like 5 issues,,, 1-the 1151 was a pancreas procedure that failed (won) 2-depression from illness and pain (won) 3-skin issues remanded (eczema skin swells too) remanded 4-gastritis and ibs from active duty originally filed and denied 1997. (remanded) 5-myosotis (muscles fill out, flab, but no power, no nutrients from the intestinal and pancreas disease, so they are very weak) remanded 6-neurological (the neurologists said it was Parkinsons... but originally had taken meds on active duty when I got sick from chemicals and took meds for tremors) but I lost al controls of my limbs and had to be bathed and moved by others until I got strength up and got some of the limbs control back, but lose control of my limbs when doing strenuous activity (remanded) I was at 60 % for many year (50% headaches plus 10% for bad knee patella from active duty) now with the 1151 win from the pancreas surgery issues (was in VA hospital 6 months fighting for my life after they cut the wrong parts) plus depression, my rating looks like it went to only 90% Of course the remands are still out there.. Was I low balled ? (I downloaded my benefits letter and found this number out.) I sent my POA a copy of my BVA decisions. Rhetorical and depressed, who can one with 1151 with necrotizing pancreatitis, spend 1 year in a wheel chair and in bed, no chance of any cure ever. Very sick and in severe pain every day. 60% to 90% low balled? and with a few more issues in remand... any more advice? Thanx..

Purple Heart helped me in the 1990's, my first claims... I had no idea they were closing.... any mistakes made were mine, but I had a big win with them....

is it the only chemical you were exposed to? did you have any juries or illness on active duty? has anyone else in your unit gotten sick from active duty issues?

You guys want to learn a little about fuels. Look, red, investigate the development of gasoline and the introduction of lead into gasoline, and what happened to the people who studied it and it's effects. You will be absolutely shocked when you find out what happened to the people who figured out how to put lead into gas. it is a crazy story and got our government (congress stopped lead from being band for decades, even after they found out how it destroyed people) involved and they became part of the conspiracy to keep it in use because without the lead our transportation systems would have never been developed, or would have been seriously delayed. This is no joke. There are long historic references and stories on what happened and why, regarding the fuels and the chemicals.

I know a vet personally who had pancreatic cancer, who was suppose to die, but ended up living after the really big surgery. he worked in the boiler rooms on ships, he never could get service connected. and they will try to say all kinds of things are hereditary without any proof of your family anything about your family at all. So, unless some doctor links say asbestos, or some fuel, or other, it is very hard to link. It is very hard to find a doctor to help link it, and hard to pay for the IMO's. JP-5 has a higher flash point than jp-4. Otherwise, same stuff.

when my decision(s) are written in stone and it is all really true and not mistake or dream, I have a few things to say about some issues, whether or not what I will say can help others, I hope so. Actually, what I have to say has already been said by many people in here and other places. 1-If you can, even if it is hard, get your documents gathered and organized. Some places can destroy or throw records out after some time passes, then the documents are gone forever. (keep multiple copies in different places and keep them save. Hard copies are best, a digital copy is always great.) 2-be good to people at the hospitals and clinics, they might write something down someday that hurt or help you. 3-Preserve dates (filing dates, appointments, etc.) 4-the vso's are (or were the last time I was at some of them) flooded with veterans filing claims adding to the backlog, and the vso's often don't know much about anything, except maybe some forms. Also, go with your want and needs, within reason, if they say they will not help you with a claim of some type, get another one if you think you can win. 5- even though I have some advice about writing down names and dates a out who said what, I screwed up several times and didn't write down names, dates, and needed those. 6-the hospitals write down everything you do, at least as an inpatient. Everything you do and say, no matter how insignificant, paltry, stupid, etc. I know, I got some copies and read some. I made some stupid comments, dry humor and they wrote it down, a waste of time and paper and pencil. But they did take detailed notes. Lots of stuff to say, but will wait until later. You are at the mercy of many other people. You are under a microscope, the va will use anything they can against you. stop for now..

it is normal for me to wake up in the middle of the night,,, worry about the nightmares... taking meds.... but I checked and it was there... but not out of the woods yet,,, until al the pieces fall into place, etc.... after it is all locked down... I can share little tidbits of info... nothing really informative, but just info and experience. I can say I wish I had filed more claims and appeals 10 years earlier... but they kept telling me the pain had reason,,,,,, or it was ibs... etc... I can also say, do not rely on anyone else... to the new vets who are doing this the first time... get all your documents..... even if you think you might not even need them, get them before the doctors throw them away if you don't see them again.... there is a big leap for those of us that have to stop working.... the stop working is not just that we stop working, it is we cannot, we are going down , on the ground and being kicked as the world goes by.... you cannot say I am thinking about stopping work because this injury is to much,,, too much suffering... because when you go to disability, any disability state, federal, va, etc... and they have 20,000 claim files, you are # 20,001. None of the people you talk to are doctors, they have no clue. We are not doctors, so there could be a lot of miscommunication. Dates are important, even if al your ducks are not in the row, don't worry, you will have plenty of time to move the ducks. The judge had a 1st question, it was did this happen on active duty on the job, at work, etc. Some of my stuff happened on active duty but got worse. Some people the injuring illness stuff happens and develops years later. I was already rated for injuries when I went into these issues. These claims. My situation was unique, as looking at the

I won the 1151 ! Benefits as a result of VA error (Section 1151). plus I won a couple others. more info when I get it. Thank you guys,,,, Had probably saved and helped more people than you get credit for. Motivation, information, support.