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retiredat44

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Everything posted by retiredat44

  1. Nice guide! Is there another part of this guide, on this/foums that gives the definitons of terms like: VSO BVA, VARO ?? (many more..) I looked at this guide and was also hoping there was explanations for these shortened terms that are used by almost everyone. They confuse me.. thanx..
  2. I do have to admit, I do not understand al these breif short names are... BVO?.. ###, ***, etc... I use the term VSO, service veterans officer as the person at the local VA Clinc, Hosptial, and office who works to help vets file claims.. I really don't know how each office handle who can become one, or how much knowledge, experience and track record of these people are. I can say that they are all spoken of highly and admired for the amount of work, dedication, and help they provide in the filing process and appeals for veterans than come to them. Maybe I should read up on what each of these descriptions in these forums mean. I hope I am not using the wrong terms for these people and their positions. If I do I might give the wrong impression on the jobs and help they give to others. Is there a guide here to explain these terms here? What are BVA, RO, VARO .. etc??
  3. yes,,, I understand you,, since there are official forms, my Veteran's Serice Officer knows his job and his forms.. plus he has a team of people to work over the forms and research, I can only provide my story, and my records, and help him get the information so he can help fill out the forms, and work his contacts.. only one week passed from the time my denail letter came, and when he put the forms together to send to appeal.. there are both an appeal, reconsideration, and new items with more evidence,, (and when I mean more evidence, I mean a tone more literally,, as I stated, the IME report alone is two reams of paper which includes the research...) my medical records consist of another 2 or more reams.. not counting xrays, mri's cat scan, and whatnot.. side note: My father served in the US Navy and was stationed in the Marshall Islands. He smoked Pall Mall Red for 35 years, and they never blinked, they did one exam and gave him 100% VA Disability. He was never in the hospital and never saw one doctor until he was examined by the VA, and then when he died 20 years later.. I did not smoke or drink, yet have been sick for 20 years, 15 of that in bed 80% of the time.. and spent six months hospitalized fighting for my life.. and they turned me down.. (again, I was already at 50% for 12 years..) I should have been a drinker and smoker, then they would have given me 100% !!! Wish someone would explain why a drinker and smoker should get 100% and one that does not drink or smoke and has been on the death bed half his life only get 50% ??wtf?? (rhetorical.. no need to use reason, there isn't any answer..) :)
  4. I have tons of medical records from my time in the service, hospital records, medical care, which thew VA has in their records and access too.. I just did not have the IME/IMO at the time of my initial filing.. but now I do.. Like I* said, eveything I saw looks proper.. and am doing what you said..
  5. The VSO fills out so much paperwork and forms, and I sign them, I haven't looked at all the forms yet.. but he knows the procedures.. so, until I look over the forms, I cannot tell you which ones are being sent in.. too much paperwork.. and not feeling well, I need time to look at this stuff..
  6. I got my response for my new claim, it was denied. I had not yet sent in my IME/IMO with the claim because it hadn't been completed and sent by the IME doctor until a few days ago. My VSO helped me submit my claim in May 2009. I received the denial letter last week. I just saw my VSO and he had already took my IME and more forms, packaged them and is sending them for the appeal. if I had the IME report earlier I would have sent it in sooner, before the claim had been fully processed. we were expecting claims to take many more months, mine shot through very fast! Many posts in these forums make it sound like claims are taking much, much longer to process. The VSO told me my IME/IMO report is very good and he said it looks very good to him. Again, I found a specialist that does independent medical opinions and examinations and after getting that done, it took another two months for the report to be finished and sent to me. I don't care that it took me a few months of reseaqrch, the money spent, the time it took,l as the report was vewry professional and is very favorabale to My VSO told me that the letter with the report is better than a 'More Than Likely' letter, and better written than just that phrase, as the doctor wrote it did a very good job he said. So we packaged the documents up for the appeal. he said I should be getting a new letter for the appeal in a couple weeks. I am just shocked they are moving claims very fast here in San Diego. So, those that say they are slow must be in another region that is overburdened by claims. MY documents from the IME doctor are two reams of paper! All research is included! Now that the VA's cards are on the table, we can work ont he appeal knowing what they know and think. Also, the VA never sent me to any doctor for my new claim! WTH?? I am confused, if I remember correctly, when I filed my first claim 15 years ago, the VA sent me to doctors. So did Social Security for SSDI. At least that is what I remember. This time they never sent me to one doctor. Oh well, I am stil happy as I think I have a solid case and so does my VSO. Thanx all for listening, and good luck with yours,, ;)
  7. This doctor had previously worked for the VA, but has her own practice... her specialties: Toxicology Internal Medicine Occupational medicine. The research links and statement are 4 inches deep... If my VSO want to send any of it, that's up to him, I am not sure how he wants to handle all that.. I am just making sure he knows I have it and he can look it over in the next few weeks... I haven't read everything yet, but did find the statement that says there's a good chance the pancreatitis was caused by the chemical exposure.. Also the neurological symptoms, just to much... gotta sit down and have a good read,, I am just in shock having 4 inches of references to the study and report.. my father got 100% without any of this, he had one exam and he got it pronto.. and I am way sicker than he was.. he served in the Marshall Islands during the time when they were setting off nukes there.. in the early 1950's. He passed away many years ago.. I will update when I learn more.. to tell the truth it scare sme to read my medical record.. I have one foot on a banana peel, the other foot in the grave.. It truly shakes me up bad..
  8. So, if I neglect to add to my claim one of my chronic conditions, the VA must investigate that condition too? cool.. I always wondered about that..
  9. please don't take thois as a criticsm.. just an observation.. I recently spent 6 months in a VA hospital bed and had to many roomates to count them all.. They had so many medical problems I cann't remember them all, plus I wasn't privy to private information. But being a roomate of them I saw and heard to much information.. I saw and lived with lot of overweight people there.. Some were very, very large.. ok, now since I read this forum, and see some converstaions about weight,, and I was reading about sleep apnea and overweight relating to sleep disorders.. I lso had a recent sleep test.. Note, I am very skinny because of my health issues, and the most overweight I had been was maybe 2--lbs, when my ideal weghtt at that time was probably 160 lbs. So, I have never been overweight much, but now I am severaly underweight.. so at least I want to clear that info up before I continue.. I worry about those that are very over weight because of what I saw when I had the very huge overweight roomates in the hospital. I saw a few that actually had to have special hoists used to lift and move them. The hospital has these hoists built into a few rooms that are on they steel rails mounted to the ceilings with electrical controls and cables with slings to wrap around and under patients that are too large to be moved by nurses and staff. The hoists are rated at around 425 lbs, but can also be rated up to 600 lbs. I saw that some of the big patients were sick with other problems including infections that were threatening their limbs. One patient that was at least 400 lbs, was freaked out that the doctors were going to have to remove one of the guys leg if this guy would not let them treat his leg and the infection that the obesity was making very difficult to treat his problem. The stress the weight puts on the body is really really bad and some of the issues and problems I saw would have to make people think about getting rid of some weight... about what it does to the body... to top that off the sleep apnea problem which can help make sleeping a life and death problem with overweight issues.. and the stress on the organs, and diabetes, and the leg problems.. I am just saying, for people sake that need to get some weight off, I wish you well, after seeing this firsthand, and living with some people with these problems.. please, try and get help,, you don't want to be in such bad condition. You might end up in the hospital for any reason and have the problem be much worse because of the extra weight..
  10. I just got my medical IME/IMO report, and gave it to my VSO so he can review the report and letter. it is a 'more likely than not letter'. This is a doctor I found after having to search the Internet for. I researched and looked for many weeks, and finally found a specialist doctor here in Southern California. A doctor that does insurance work for insurance companies that specializes in Toxicology (toxicology for those working in chemical fields like the petroleum industry). She doesn't normally see people that are not paying her fees without being payed through insurance companies and insurance company referrals. But I got lucky when she accepted my plea. A re-cap. I was already rated at 50% and put in a new claim recently. My VSO (Vet service officer) told me it would be a good idea to get an outside opinion to include with my new claim. So, I paid this doctor $1,600 for a two hour exam and gave her a bunch of paperwork from my medical records. She just recently finished the report and sent it to me. I was thinking I would get a 2 or 3, or even a 5 page letter, stating that my illness maybe service related. I really thought that would be it. But, She not only sent an extremely detailed 'more likely than not letter' but also that part was maybe 15 pages. But to top it off, she sent in all the research, and it was at least 4 inches! It took two post office mailing packages to enclose all the I am not sure if my VSO thinks we should send in all the research papers to back up her work.pages! I have not yet had the meeting with m y VSO, I have a new appointment to talk to him about the IME/IMO to find out how much of it he thinks would be best to send in. I want to make sure the VA gets it before they get to my claim. It has been about 5 months since we sent in my claim so I need to make sure they get it before they proceed working on it. I also recently had a sleep test done through the VA, and haven't received the results yet. That had nothing to do with the claim, at least not directly, but was part of my neurology exam I had recently. btw, those that got an IME/IMO for their claim, how big was the letter, and was the research on it included also?
  11. Fee Basis will only pay if in like this example, as far as I know: you are seriosly injured or sick, and get to an outside the VA hospital, through your own or by ambulance. That hospital must contact the VA for info and further instructions either after you are stabilized, or while being stabilized. If you just go there for any medical reason without it being an emergency (not going to determine what is an emergency here, just saying emergency..) than you will probably pay for it as that would be considered not an emergency. If you contact Fee Basis and send them your outside facility Bills, you can send them documents witht he bills shwoing why you went there, why you stayed there, etc... you can appeal their decision. anhd lastly, do not expect prompt action by Fee Basis, as the issue can drag on for more than one year. I learned all this by experience. Good Luck..
  12. I was granted 50% for the medical problems I had on active duty from Petroleum chemicals, jet fuel, edema, severe headaches...I also had hypertension, and tremors. I had also claimed for more problems, but was denied those at the time.. I thought I had MS. But they denied that,, Turns out I have dystrophy, pancreatitus, thrombosis, edema, and lots more.. ( tons more..). and I really mean lots more.. Everytime I read my medical reports I freak out... my days are numbered and short as my body is in total breakdown.. It took all these years to get more complete diagnosis's.
  13. My medical records that are old and hadwritten look impossible to read and understand. I had a doctor do a review and this doctor told me they do this all the time and they could understand what was written. I asked this doctor specifically if she would be able to understand this hand writing. So, I guess some doctors and read and understand the gibberish.. Back in the day when they did not computerize the records, and only had chicken scratch wrting, that is the only hard record left, and means the difference between approved/disapproved.
  14. Update: I had an independant medical exam and review done by a specialist doctor a couple months back... the report is being worked on and will be sent to me in about 2 weeks... it needs typed and proofed. Then I will give it to my VSO, so he can send it in to be included my claim. He sent in my new claim a few months back.. I am not sure how much of my condition the doctor will say 'more than likely' caused and/or exaserbated injuries and illness while serving on duty. It took lots of work to find a specialist doctor (in Southern California) and was very pleased witht he doctor and her exam. Jut am really excited and can't wait to see how much this report will help me and my new claim. I paid this speciaist doctor $1,600.00 for the exama nd review. She took two hours in person, did the exam, interview, and is writing the report. She has lot of experience doing this, now for private insurance companies and individuals. But, in the past she did work for the VA. She specializes in Toxic chemicals like petroleum based exposure illnesses and other toxic chemicals, like those used for printing presses too. It has been worth work I did to research a doctor, travel, and pay the doctor. I hope it has what I need. This doctor told me my case is very unique because of my condition. I am a real mess. A basket case.. I will update as it progresses.
  15. Fallout from nuclear tests leads to health crisis http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090906/ap_on_.../us_health_bomb "The United States cannot wash its hands clear of this responsibility because the islands will still have that nuclear testing effect for the next 2,000 years," ----- My Father was in the US Navy and served in the Marshall Islands around 1953. He died around 20 years ago. he was sick with lung and intestinal problems.
  16. My VA medical records stated I have AIDS. I found out about it during an exam recently. Some doctor (unknown) had put that in my file. I do not have AIDS. I was tested several times for aids while I was hospitalized last year for 6 months. They tested me 3 times because they kept losing the tests/results. The doctor removed that info because I told him that was wrong and to look up my test an dreults. He then looked it up and found evidence that my test result was negative. I never did anything that would have given me aids ayways. But the point is someone errouneously put that in my file.
  17. I have VA disability at 50% and Medicare Part 'A' (I have SSDI and Part A' came with it..) and have been through both private hospitalization and hospitalization at a VA hospital. If I did not have VA health insurance.. and only had Medicare part 'A' and not part 'B' my life would have been ruined more than it is financially. If I did not have VA insurance (or had VA with a cop-pay.. and not 100% covered) and only had Medicare Part 'A' I would seriously consider part 'B' medicare for the cost,, because the high cost of health care and much much greater cost of energency care would ruin my life (more than it already is health wise and financially..). Calculate the cost of Part 'B' medicare and see if it may pay for itself for any health problems and bills that you might end up with.. If you feel lucky and that youy are better off without paying Part 'B' that's good. I have spent time in both VA and private hospitals under emergency care and found out the hard way that medicare part A' alone is close to worthless..
  18. If this is the wrong thread for this I apologize.. you want to see the government nightmare for Social Secuirty , SSDI and Medicare Part 'B" ! ?? http://www.medicareadvocacy.org/FAQ_PartB.htm it's a F$$##@ mess trying to get these a-holes to cover your health... so if you don't pay for part 'B' but have Part 'A' and also have Veteran's health care through the VA, don't even try to use Medicare,, unless you are betting that the VA wil pay for what Medicare will not, through a non-VA health facility. If the non-VA facility has been approved by the VA, Medicare wil stil be sent bills, and kicked back and forth and then eventually, they wil be sent to you, and to make it bad, the bills can show up even after one year or more after the health care.. and the government wants everyone to be under this government health care? Everyone might ass well keep a gun handy to say bye-bye if and when they start playing games with you.. Note, when I say government health care I mean Medicare, not VA, the VA had been excellent to me and have saved my life several times and treat me very, very good..
  19. I have Part A medicare under SSDI and am also 50% rated diabled Veteran. If and when I go to an outside hospital and have the VA pay my medical cost at the outside hosptial through Fee Basis, they also try to get medical to pay. Since I only have part A medicare, Fee Basis has to be contacted and send any bills I recieve to VA Fee Basis. Medicare wil not pay for anything done in the hosptital because the part B is not purchased. Bottom line, if you get any medeical care done aat a hosptial outside the VA, it must be approved by the VA for them to pay the bills. Medicare will not pay shit, unless you pay for part B. VA Fee Basis may not even pay your bill if it is not approved. My experience has been real life because my VA doctor called an ambulance while i wa sin her office and they sent me to a non-VA hospital. I had a shitload of bills sent to me. I sent them on to VA Fee Basis. In al my correspondence in trying to get my bills paid, the hospital tried getting piad by Medical. Medical refused to pay anything. Medical is a total worthless bunch of shit. Unless you pay for part B which will be taken out of your pocket. Note: VA Fee Basis may take longer than one year to pay bills from outside approved care. If you ever get sent to an poutside hosptial you are in for one hell of a tiome, especially if you are to sick to tend to your own matters. Those bills wil stack up and the creditos fromt he hsopitals and doctors will fill your mailbox with overdue bills and notices.. and you had better find a way to pay... Be prepared for a long drawn out workload of making copies, phone calls and begging for help and payment. Either that or have both VA rating that is service connected and they pay all medical and pay for part B medical too, (if you are on SSDI and medical). Medical doesn't do a dam thing for anyone on part A, it's sick joke...
  20. How long are claims taking? Jusy wondering,, as I just started mine... it looks like about a year... not counting unforessen circumstances... sorry if this is already in some other thread.. Thanx.. alos, is the length of time it takes regional?
  21. Rhe ones I have spoken to and have helped me were very good... Not sure how many people had any bad experiences if at all. I know they are very overworked in my area..
  22. I also have degenerative disc disease and had a laminectomy L-4 removed because of herniation 20 years ago. Not sure though if I can proved it was hurt by my work in the USAF. As back then I only had developed a knee injury. So, I would think you would need to show proof it developed while on active duty. I am a mess and Basket case. Just thought I would chime in. Having this disc disease is more hell. I am currently being treated for the pain. They gave me some type of shots there recently and they are going to do more soon. it is really crippling.
  23. I was thinking, since the fuel had benzine in it and I am already rated at 50%, and most of the fuel I worked with was jet fuel mostly was JP-4, a little JP-5 (by an astronomical amount), and had the benzine... and only the motor fuels like gasoline had lead.. the lead test is still very important, because helps my case.. I am not sure if they know how much benzine the body has been exposed to and absorbed.. We still moved lots of gas and diesel, BTW, my IME/IMO private doctor was not sure about lead exposure amount because she was thinking back then, we had unleaded gasoline. I explained to her we never had unleaded as I was overseas and all the fuel (gasoline) there was leaded... (this was going back to the 1970's anmd 1980's). She said that made a huge difference in my claim because the fuels used overseas had different additives than in the USA. Not even sure about all the additives that were/are in the Diesel fuel. We also served and stored 115 grade AVGAS. But, all-in-all the main exposure was Jet fuel in the hundreds of millions of gallons.. I also suffered from exposure to Trichloroethylene in my job duties. (I Had also worked in reprographics). The printing presses use it for cleaning rollers.. I also spent 3 years on a Nato base and was very busy 24/7 moving fuel. Was always moving lots of fuel. Also was in SAC and constantly filling B52's, tankers... in Nato we fueled everything... except B52's. They could not land at our base, the runway was far to short. As I had to explain my job duties to my private toxocologist doctor I got my exam for my IME/IMO I was soaked in fuel all the time... it's a really messy job. and had to manhandle lots of hoses and fittings and pull samples, flush lines... and always had leaks in moving fuel in/out of tanks, trucks, pumphouses, etc.. laos had to strip and repaint fuel pipes and work in pump rooms full of fumes... whatever got soaked in fuel stayed soaked until it evaporated.. and stayed on until I got home and removed the clothes and showered..
  24. my Rating of 50% was from severe headaches and also had severe edema (all due to fuels exposure and ptrep chemicals) and was dignosed and treated fro them in the USAF. So I had my documentation. I would not know how you would prove the headaches if you did not have docs from the injury while on active duty. Also how you would link then to your service if they gappened after you served, or never reported your condition to the doctors while serving. I would think proving headaches after the fact would be hard to do. Hell, even with physical proof, it was hard to get the doctors to figure it out until they did tons of tests.. had I not had more related conditions such as the skin problems from chmicals, I would think they would have not understood or believed me.. I wish I could tell you what to do.. but probably the best you might do is find any written proof from that time period... Good luck!
  25. I hav e been through the SSDI and Veterans disability claim processes and can definitely say get a VSO! They know everything like alawyer (at least they should) and also provide support, and are great people.. It's not a traffic ticket your are fighting... it's your future! There is no way in hell you can figure out what to do and how to do it... the pro's have a full time job learning the routine and work hard for you. Like having a dream team and getting O.J. off... (as sicking and sad, and BS as that was), it's a comparison for having pro help and getting the desired result.. When my dad applied, he didn't go through all this when he was disabled and applied for VA disability... he just applied, they looked at him one time and gave him 100%, he didn't have to get help.. and, I am way sickers than he was and I had a VSO and the first time I only got 50%, am still going for 100%. I have been sick in bed for 20 years and worked sick for many years sick before I collapsed.. now you have to fight for what they used to give without a huge fight..
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