retiredat44

I used to ask doctors at the VA, and none of them would help write an IMO, and I asked many of them at all levels.. I am pretty sure you are on your own... There might be some lucky Vets who had a VA doctor write one though.. I had to fine one on the outside through my own research (very heavy Internet research) and paid $1,600 and out ouf the several feet of records,, I could only submit an inch of records, the doctor wanted $600 per inch.. I really needed IMO, one neurolgist, and one toxicologist, I settled on a toxicologist... I am now awaitng my rating, I already had my C&P exams last month..

Exact same thing with me.. I am stil angry at the morons in the library at the VA, the employees there were rude when I was asking about the access and showing them the website gave me problems. i tried expaling to the people that I had already been to the regional office and signed all the papers for access... and they treated me badly.. with two attempts in person to get more access and jumping through the hoops and dealing with rotten VA employees I ahd enough,, only thing I can do is order re-fillable meds' everything else is BS!

I tried that phone number a couple months ago,. it only rang and never answered... I tried for several days...

works great,, thanx

oh well,, one could dream... I am stil not sure what those forms mean.. but thanx anyways... I guess my brain is worse and more dead thaan I thought.. I don't mean to give you a hard time.. but these forms just really are dry and undreadable.. thanx thought, really, I appreciate al info,, now if I can jsut figure it out..

I am sorry, but this circular logic and blah blah blah doesn't make any sense.. does it mean my IMO can be paid back to me, after I paid $1,600 for it?

link does not work..

I know a person who has had 2 knee replacements by the VA and they have always been happy.. it is probably depending on the person and reason.. but again they are active and happy, in fact they are a DAV van driver..

I got SSDI 15 years ago.. I was way to sick to work a few years befor ehtat and they denied me 2x, and I finally won, I could not get a lawyer. they ekpt tellingme no way.. my intestinal disease was killing me! I finnaly got it on appeal #2. My wife went with me and they asked if she would represnt me.. I was in a real bad shape there, shking so bad I could not speak or raise my hand and had lost a lot of weight.. I had a ton ofd medicla records.. I had written my congressman.. they gave it to me for depression... even though I was sick from inetinal disease.. IBD diisease is a joke to SSDI, they wil nto give it to you unless you die! and that is their plan, for you to die before they pay! They consider SSDI welfare even though it is an insuranc epolicy that you must pay by law out of your paycheck! I think the people running SSDI are eveil evil! and that's on their best day!

this kind of stuff happens with websites all the time, the hosting companies can have problems too.. Adminning the PHP, SQL, and hoping the server plays nice is a pain.. we understand.. glad you can rest for now..

I suffer from a an ear problem if someone makes a shril sound, or a whislte near me. I lose my sanity and go into a panic an look for esacpe, if there is no escape it's fighting time.. I once got into a fight with a 350 lb Colombian drug dealer on an aircraft, when this big goon and his other goon made a shrill whistle near me on an airliner.. The frakkin airliner didn't help me, as the goon tried to hit me... I am only about 5' 9' and not strong.. this was before I was totally crippled.. My wife things I am crazy, she has no clue the misery and pain people cause thorough ther careless FU attitude when they inflict their crap on my ears.. it is also like scraping fingernails on a chalkboard, do that near me, and you better pray there is a door for me to run out of.. I also may have a flat spot in my hearing.. I can hear very well, but for some reason, ther eis a tone that appears to be in the deaf range to me.. I notice it mostly whenI am watching TV,, soemtimes when people are talking, there are certain words and sound I am unable to understand.. and sound garbled, too low, or missing letters.. I did work on the flight line-in the USAF for several years.. I do not listen to music (exept when I was a teenager.. back in the day of Lead Zepplin.. and the other rock music bands..the good ones, not the crap of today) and also Rap makes me explode in pain,, can never listen to that garbage.. When I was a very young child I had deblitating ear aches that were beyond horrific..)

He must do what his doctor says, also, if he is on strong meds, he might be dependent on them and withdrawls might hit him like a mack truck..

take your wife or a friend, maybe have someone else drive you.. be yourself, if you don't feel well, go there not feeling well, they want to see you at your worse.. not at your best,, just get there and back safely..

Fibromyalgia is also in my medical records.. I suspect the intestinal disease plays a huge parts,, also blood pressure problems, thrombosis too.. every part is in pain.. but since most people don't have intestinal disease,, it's very hard to ell what people have that causes the Fibro if they don't have the stuff I listed.. some part of their body must have a problem to drain them.. oh yeah, I forgot.. I have also had lots of times where I was diagnosed as Anemic. so there ya go..

Note: I worked with both JP-4 and Trichloroethylene, and was sick from both. The doctors treated me for illness while I was active duty. These are the chemicals I got sick from and and trying to get my 50% rating raised to %100. ------------- Medical Management Guidelines for Trichloroethylene (Cl2C=CHCl) http://www.atsdr.cdc...html#bookmark02 Health Effects •Trichloroethylene is a mild skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant. Inhalation or ingestion of trichloroethylene can produce CNS effects including headache, dizziness, lack of coordination, stupor, and coma. Respiratory depression or cardiac dysrhythmia from high-level exposures can result in death. Other effects of acute exposure include hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. •Trichloroethylene sensitizes the heart to epinephrine, making it more susceptible to epinephrine-induced arrhythmias. Trichloroethylene can cross the placenta and has been detected in breast milk. Acute Exposure Trichloroethylene is thought to depress the CNS via a solvent effect on lipids and protein components of neural membranes. It sensitizes the heart to epinephrine, making it more susceptible to epinephrine-induced arrhythmias. Direct exposure to liquid trichloroethylene degreases the skin, causing redness, blistering, and scaling. Trichloroethylene can cause respiratory and CNS depression and abnormal heart rhythm. Death may result from respiratory depression. Liver necrosis has been reported for some people exposed to fatal levels of trichloroethylene, but individuals exposed to trichloroethylene as an anesthetic showed only minimal effects on liver function. Children do not always respond to chemicals in the same way that adults do. Different protocols for managing their care may be needed. CNS Trichloroethylene exposure causes concentration-related CNS effects. In the past, concentrations as high as 5,000 to 20,000 ppm were used to produce light-to moderate surgical anesthesia. Typical symptoms of exposure to lower levels of trichloroethylene (>500 ppm) include excitation, lightheadedness, headache, nausea, incoordination, and impaired ability to concentrate. At higher doses (>1,000 ppm), lack of muscle tone, decreased deep-tendon reflexes, drowsiness, dizziness, impaired gait, and stupor may develop. Death may result from respiratory depression. Peripheral Neurologic In a few cases, trichloroethylene exposure has been associated with peripheral and cranial nerve damage. A decomposition product of trichloroethylene, dichloroacetylene, is neurotoxic and may be responsible for the cranial nerve effects. Cardiovascular At near anesthetic levels of exposure, trichloroethylene may cause acute cardiovascular effects including decreased contraction of the heart's muscle fibers, disordered electrical conduction, and lowered threshold of the heart to the effects of epinephrine, potentially disrupting the heartbeat. Trichloroethylene can also cause blood vessel dilation and low blood pressure. Respiratory Trichloroethylene is a mild irritant to the lungs and respiratory tract; however, its thermal breakdown products, phosgene and hydrogen chloride, are severe pulmonary irritants, and phosgene is a suffocating agent. Accumulation of fluid in the lungs has been reported after severe trichloroethylene exposure; the exact role of trichloroethylene breakdown products is unknown. Children may be more vulnerable because of relatively increased minute ventilation per kg and failure to evacuate an area promptly when exposed. Hydrocarbon pneumonitis may be a problem in children. Hepatic Liver toxicity can occur after prolonged inhalation of high concentrations of trichloroethylene. Ingestion of alcohol may increase this risk. However, liver effects have not been reported in acute-duration human exposure studies, although some older case reports have provided limited evidence of liver damage. Renal Kidney effects have not been reported for acute-duration human exposure studies, although some older case reports have provided limited evidence of kidney damage. Minor changes in indicators of renal function have been reported for some workers occupationally exposed to trichloroethylene. Dermal Liquid trichloroethylene can irritate the skin. When in prolonged contact with the skin, as under tight-fitting clothing or shoes, trichloroethylene can cause chemical burns. Exfoliative dermatitis and erythema have also been reported after 2 to 5 weeks exposure to trichloroethylene. Trichloroethylene inhalation in combination with alcohol ingestion may cause a red, blotchy appearance of the face and upper portion of the body, commonly referred to as "degreaser's flush." Because of their relatively larger surface area:body weight ratio, children are more vulnerable to toxicants affecting the skin. Ocular Trichloroethylene splashed in the eye produces pain and transient eye injury with complete recovery in a few days. Exposure to high concentrations of vapor may also cause these effects. Potential Sequelae Some survivors of ingestion or severe inhalation exposure have experienced chronic nerve disorders. Inflammation of the nerves of the eye and blindness have been reported after ingestion. Chronic Exposure Chronic exposure has been reported to be associated with damage to the cranial nerves and neurological effects such as memory loss and impaired cognitive function. However, these studies did not have accurate exposure data and individuals were often exposed to mixtures of chemicals. Prolonged or repeated application of trichloroethylene to skin causes degreasing and inflammation of the skin (i.e., contact dermatitis and exfoliative dermatitis). Chronic exposure may be more serious for children because of their potential longer latency period. Carcinogenicity The DHHS is currently reviewing the classification of trichloroethylene; the NTP Board Subcommittee has recommended that it be listed as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." The International Agency for Research on Cancer has determined that trichloroethylene is probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A). Reproductive and Developmental Effects Trichloroethylene is not included in Reproductive and Developmental Toxicants, a 1991 report published by the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) that lists 30 chemicals of concern because of widely acknowledged reproductive and developmental consequences. Trichloroethylene readily crosses the placenta and is found in fetal blood at levels comparable to those of the mother. Evidence that acute trichloroethylene exposure causes reproductive or developmental toxicity in humans is inconclusive. There have been some reports suggesting an increased incidence of birth defects in children whose mothers were chronically exposed to trichloroethylene in drinking water, but these studies are limited by several factors including poor exposure data and small study populations. top Prehospital Management •Victims exposed only to trichloroethylene vapor do not pose secondary contamination risks to rescuers. Victims whose clothing or skin is contaminated with liquid trichloroethylene can secondarily contaminate response personnel by direct contact or through off-gassing vapor. Trichloroethylene vapor may also off-gas from the vomitus of victims who have ingested trichloroethylene. •Trichloroethylene is a mild to severe skin, eye, and respiratory-tract irritant. Acute exposure can cause CNS and respiratory depression and cardiac dysrhythmias by inhalation or ingestion. Other effects include hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. •There is no antidote for trichloroethylene poisoning. Treatment consists of support of respiratory and cardiovascular functions. == more : http://www.inchem.or...c/ehc/ehc50.htm "High oral doses (200 - 300 ml or more), taken suicidally or through misuse, have produced toxic effects on the liver and kidneys. Hepatic necrosis and nephropathy have been found at autopsy. The use of trichloroethylene in a confined unventilated space for 3 - 4 h has also resulted in liver and kidney damage. Addiction to trichloroethylene ("vapour sniffing") has produced liver and kidney damage, and deaths have occurred. " "6. There should be further epidemiological studies to investigate the possible carcinogenic effects of trichloroethylene exposure. Additional cohort studies should be initiated. Registers of TCA-monitoring data should be organized with epidemiological studies in mind. Case-control studies, particularly of haemolymphatic, pancreatic, and genito-urinary tract cancers, should specifically consider exposure to trichloroethylene in industry, dry-cleaning operations, and via food, such as decaffeinated coffee."

thanx for the study... it looks like a readable sudy.. I think most people are clueless about it.. there are some morons that think adding a new diet or adding vitamins helps.. morons.. I have it, and I can say it's devastaing, and even with al the hopital care I have had, it can't be cured.. those of us that have it, like myself, end up spening most their time lying down, and feel like we ran a marathon.. except, I can vouch for a body that only is totally fatigued and pooped out, but pain everwhere.. a disease like this may not show up with blood tests... al it takes is for slight chemical inbalance, some disease.. and you r totally wiped out, and can't function.. you become a couch patato with no life.. ... only ptoblem is I have more illnesses and have to hear from othe rpeople with this disease and others to see if they have more symptoms, how it started, and how long they have had it..

Yes, you are right,,, but,.. I understand the origninal intent of the question,, I am tring to clarify what I think is meant.. if you have a problem with your arm... but there are also problem with the hand on that arm, do all the problems connect together autmatically on that arm, or must you absolutely list every problem on that arm and hand? This was an example.. I understand because I have problem to that are all interconnected.. you can't have one without the other... and there is no way for a Veteran know how to list hese problems and under what category many problems come under... so, if you say the never are damage din an arm, or dhould, will that cover the problems in the hand too? or must they be listed.. another example.. if you have problems with your stomach, must you also list the intestines too, or will the VA figure out they all go together and do it for you? I hope I have been clear.. These are some examples,, my case is a mess, and trying ot do the many issues and connected issues makes it a mess to list.. not being a doctor, and trying ot make it clear do the VA can understand the health issues.. well, it is so very hard to type compicated issues out an dhave these one way communications once every six months makes it almost impossible to file claims for complicated health issues.. it's hard to tell if one part made the other part sicker, or vice versa.. and the VA wil pounce on, or not even help, or give a rating, or deny it if we don't write down the events and health issues that fit's their books.. if they look in their books and whatever you wrote cannot be found it will be denied, or not even looked into.. you would think you could just put the chemicals ' more than likely' caused intestinal disese. but the medical term might not be intestinal disease, it maybe listed in some VA book as Ulcerative colitis. Then if the above sentence is not worded perfectly to match the VA book, it wil be denied.. the problem is if a doctor did not write it the same, or the claim was not speific enough and only made a broad statement of disease.. --- Is this what this thread was that if the condition was not specifc enough, wil the VA connect the dots, or just deny the claim?

nevermind, I think I put this in the wrong thread.. thanx..

This website has been extremely slow and even stops responding a whole bunch over the last few days.. it's been terribly painful to browse and post for several days.. just sayin..

They always poke me.. I had more than one problem,, so I don't know if it was for tremors. edema. or?? The headaches were well documented when I was on active duty,, and I don't think the arm poking had much to do with headaches.. it seems I have had more poking than 99% of patients..

I was stationed at an airbase that was 1/2 US Army, 1/2 USAF. I had a frriend who was in a karate Calss with me, and we were pretty good friends. We travleedl around together, and he soon got married. I had no idea he was goignto get married. He was always bringing strange women back the his place off base he rented. he finally got married. He was acting as if he was under great stress. he loved the military. He started to say things about his wife being too freindly with his friends. he started to crack. he was very strong, but also extremely strong headed. he started to get paranoid.. and pretty soon he was getting into some type of trouble with his command. I was int he USAF, so I have no clue about his command. He finally started to crack and there was no talking to this guy he started to pick fights. By this time he was a Balck belt. I was taking some karate callses too and was not as involved as he was, whe was very physcally fit. He started to accuse me of going around with his wife behind his back. I never ever, ever touched his wife, nor even thought about it.. I mean she was nice, young, and fun, but I had my own life and had already had a few realtionships, and besides I dated a few woem both American and German.. he finallyu went crazy, and finally challenged me after one night of a Karate Calss. I barely got him to calm down. he scared the $hit out of me, because he was very irattional. One day he never came home and his wife disappeared too.. I later heard his command threw him out because he went crazy.. I am sorry for using the word Crazy... but not sure what o do with poliical correcness and read about triggers in this forum.. I am using the term loosely,,, but he became unhinged.. I have been aroud people that drink alcohol and are ouyt of control, sam ething,, there is No reasoning with some people. and the average guy can't help thesse people, don't even try,, I mean if you can talk to them, tel them you care, and try to let them know they can straiten out a problem if they calm down, but that's about it.. very few of us have the training, and if anything happens we just wil feel guilt for not doing soemthing right.. I had a younger brother who had a dark side. he died a while back, he was a big strong fun guy with a family.. but he took some prescription pain killers, and also liked to drink beer. he lost his truck driving job because they found out he had scoliosis (curved spine) of his back,, so they fired him because they didn't want him to drive with a back deformity. He still had his drivers licence and California medical card for truck drivers.. But when they fired him, he went back to school and had been going to college a couple of years,, he was going ot a university,, and one night he took some drugs drank some beer and died.. I had been sick many years and was not as close as I wish I were... There was nothing I could do, some people just do things, and that's all that you can do but let them know they can come to you if they feel they need help. Beyond that, it's out of your hands.. I am sorry for your loss... there is nothing that can be done when some people do things they do..

My first claim 15 years ago, was for headaches from Jet Fuel (JP-4), they sent me for a C&P, asked a few questions, felt my arms and granted me 50%..

I see the El Toro article: http://www.veteranst...nwanted-legacy/ (which has already been listed in these forums..) it tells about the toxic chemcials, some of which are the Jet Fuel and also trichloroethylene, both of which I was sick from on active duty and in my service medical records. I have been disgnosed with several diseases including Myotonic Dystrophy (from bases I was stationed at in the USAF), but they so far refused to say it's MS.. yet I have many diseases.. my C&P results might be ready soon, I had the c&p exams last month, and am awaiting the new rating.. Currently it's at 50% for just the exposure and headaches, but have added many more afflictions and diseases.. I got an IMO to and added it with my claim.. I am confused though why they didn't say it is MS, with so many miserable diseases and afflictions I suffer from.. That is why I would like to hear about what symptoms people felt, feel, and the progression of the health problems.. So I can understand what is wrong with me and to see if the VA has a clue, or if they are guessing.. Thanx,

Could you tell me more about the symptoms that you first noticed and how they progressed? Thanx

I continue to struggle with my neurological symptoms. I really truly think I have MS. The DX of Myotonic Dystrophy is just wrong IMHO. I have the symtoms of MS as far as al the studying I have done on al the information I have gone through.. I hope the C&P at least recognizes my neuro condition. But, I am not happy with getting the wrong diagnosis. I looked at al the major neurological diseases. My symptoms: tremors, shaking, pain, unbalanced, spasms, fatique, tiredness (exhaustion), neropathy, edema, Intestinal disease, eye issues, spots in cornea (cataracts (one eye had surgery, other eye still has cataract), degenarative disc disease, with no teeth (teeth were removed because intestinal disease destroyed them) my speech can have periods of time where speech can have problem, but usually when exhaustion sets in. Also, have been a chronic pain aptient for 20 years. Take morphine for constant body pain.. pain can be everywhere and overwhelimg. Also, I have migraine headaches often. All this is documented.. Why can't they put the puzzle together.. Sometimes I feel they just refuse to give people the MS diagnosis.. why I don't know.. my VA disability claim 15 years ago was for headaches from the Jet-Fuel. I also claimed MS (Multiple Sclerosis) they gave me 50%. for headaches. But denied the MS.