VetsLady

Hello Everyone, I'm helping a family member who has already been service connected for Prostate Cancer as related to Agent Orange Exposure. He has recently had issues with thyroid disease (Hashimoto's - aka: hypothyroid disease) and now wonder if it could have something to do with the AO exposure. I haven't been able to find anything except for Thyroid cancer. Any tips on which road to go down ? He is 70% sc for the prostate plus depression as it relates to the loss and ED. Thank You, VetsLady

I took the blank form out with us and they never asked for it. The CAC folks just plunked all the info into the computer while we sat there. And, we were there for maybe 20 minutes after they called his number, we got lucky and there were only 3 folks ahead of us. All total, we were in their office for 30 minutes. I'd rather be prepared then not, so call ahead....or, maybe we just got lucky.

YES, she too will receive a card. But, you will need to make that first step in going out to get your own card. My husband had his VA medical card and his drivers license and we took a copy of the letter the RO sent us stating "This Veteran is entitled to commissary privileges, etc." and just in case, I took the entire award/rating which actually turned out to be a good thing because RO didn't put the "entitlement date" for his 100% eff date on the statement ..... When I do get my card, it will need to be renewed every two years. My husband is 100% P&T and his card is INDEF .... There was a flyer/form on the counter of what documentation the spouse would need to verify identity. I should have grabbed one and scanned it in but I just bet there is someone here on Hadit that will know where to get a copy of this form. I looked at it as it pertained to me and saw what I would need to verify myself and it was: valid DL or State ID, Social Security card, certified birth certificate and our certified marriage certificate. It took longer to get our temporary base pass that it did to get his card ! We were the 3rd number called after we walked in. We waited 10 minutes. Lucky as I have heard it can be hours. If I'd had the correct documentation for myself, I would have walked out with a card also. When I do go back, I will call to make an appt. It's always a good idea to avoid a hassle, long lines or triggers to make that appt to go in. When you or your wife call, ask specifically what info they want and perhaps you can get both cards on the same day. I've heard it done both ways, some won't issue the card on the same day as they issue the Veterans, which makes no sense at all. If all of the documentation is there, then why not just do it then. I have a POA for my husband, so if he is unable to go with me to get my card, then I can sign for him. But, do call ahead, it will make the process much easier on you while you are there and you will know exactly what you need to make it a smooth process. VetsLady P.S. If it made any difference at all, we went early in the morning, shortly after they opened. Just a thought ...

Hedgey ..... Like those before have said, it's a benefit to compensate you for injuries/illness/disease you incurred while serving and protecting our Country. Nothing can compensate enough for what you have endured and gone through but, this will help and you have earned it. VetsLady

Congratulations on the award and benefits ! If you were not married to your wife during your military time, she won't be in the Deers system already as you should be. She will need 4 pieces of ID ..... One, your certified marriage certificate, not the keepsake one but the one filed with the County where you were married. And, she will need her SS card, a passport or other government issued photo ID, her drivers license and her certified birth certificate, again ... not the keepsake but the one registered with the County where she was born. I just went through this yesterday when we went to get my husbands card. And, although we were lucky and spent about an hour to get his card, they suggest that we make an appt for me to get mine...and he has to be present unless there is a Power of Attorney on record, which in our case there is. Double check with the CAC office when you call to set up your appt on exactly what you should bring to the appt, for you, you'll need the official letter the VA sent you and 2 pieces of photo ID. My husband used his license (even tho he doesn't drive anymore) and his VA medical card. Again, Congratulations to you and your family. VetsLady

Positive steps forward Postman ..... Congratulations on your increase ! VetsLady

Hallalujah Carlie ... !!!!!! I'm encouraged and inspired by your BVA win ! The NEVER GIVE UP AND FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU DESERVE is applauded !!!!!!! BIG TIME WOOOOO - HOOOOOO for YOU !!!!!!!!! Congratulations ! VetsLady

Wonderful news - very swift claim action as well. If the Veteran can't work he should file for IU, a simple written opinion from the doctor would strengthen this issue, if need be. My heart is signing as well for this Veteran, a BIG thank you to you for sharing your experience and helping a Veteran ! It sure does a heart good, VetsLady

Ah - ha. Everything my husband is ailed with is sc. I agree with you on 1 year, tops 2. Perhaps someday. I sure hope so for the future Veteran and their families.

THIS should not happen. period. Reality is that is has and does. Seems like there are more HADIT members recently who have seen positive momentum forward with their claims. Good thing. When you hear about 8, 9 and a 38 year old claim, no way. Should not be. I will say that had we known then what we know now, well .... it may not have taken 8 years. Then again, maybe it would have. I can't say for certain. What I can say for certain is that there are alot of wise and wonderful folks on HADIT who know their stuff and are very willing to help the next Veteran. Just as I am.

Congratulations Hedgey ! VetsLady

Congratulations on your victory, check on the HB eligibility, would be worth checking into. VetsLady

Isn't there a 10 year rule for the DIC part. So if the effective date is 2005 will you be covered for DIC in 2015 ? Thats the way I understand it to be. The parts my husband is thrilled about are the insurance benefits for me and the DEA so I can acquire the skills needed to support myself. We were self-employed for years and taking care of him right now is my main focus so being able to go back to college and stay at home if needed is a blessing with the online school programs available.

Thanks Lorraine .... The day we walked into the VSO's office to file the claim, neither of us imagined this process would take so long. A couple years, maybe .... one hears alot of stories sitting in those offices. Fast forward 8 years - I've seen alot of changes in his health as it declines further but him knowing that the major process is complete and his injuries/illnesses are now 100% recognized by the VA is validation like none other. Along the way we dropped the VSO, not to say that VSO's are not a huge help to many Veterans, just not in his case. I learned alot along this long and winding road (to exerpt from the Beatles song) and felt confident enough that I could handle it and was not afraid to ask questions if need be. I hit a few brick walls emotionally in the past several months, thanks to the Hadit folks who helped stand me upright again. A great family and network of friends helps too ~ I know many don't have that, I feel lucky we do. Veterans don't give up .... I know a few who have been dealing with the VA on issues of injury/illness they incurred while serving and protecting our Country who are still battling it out. Finally, we can breathe a sigh as we continue to enjoy each day to the fullest. Each day is a gift we treasure. Thank you again for your comments, all of you ....... VetsLady

Thank you for the comments ..... feels like a (((( warm fuzzy blanket )))) The written word came in since my original post: IU granted 12/31/05 P&T granted with eff date 12/31/05 SMC-S DEA, and ChampVA will reimburse for all of our out of pocket med expenses for me since his P& T date. New combined overall 160% IHD-hypertension and PN increase is ready for decision Out of all of this, the best part is still hearing my husband tell me "Now, I don't have to worry about you ....." VetsLady

Way to Go on the Award, they are coming in slow but steady !

Congratulations on a successful VA journey ! VetsLady

Thank you Everyone for all of the good wishes, happy dances and advice !!! YES, short of keeping this inside a coffee can in a deep hole dug in an undisclosed location in our backyard, we have learned how to save every dime and to save a dime on everything. These past few years have been tough. My husbands greatest fears have evaporated with this recent sc, increased rating and retro. Every day is precious and every day we have together is a gift. He was very worried that he would die before the decision was made to sc him - something I always knew was in the back of his mind but he never expressed his fear to me, until we received this recent news ..... he said "Now, I know you will be ok" I know there are rules, etc for the DEA benefits, etc. and will let my mind go on vacation for a couple weeks before I address this - I know we can get an earlier ED on his P&T, his medical records support it for at least the past 5 years. And, there are still a few issues to deal with on the AO IHD ..... the bulk of the claim is complete - a little fine tuning and I hope to have that completed within the next few months. Now it's time to relax the brain cells for a little bit and NOT have his claim be the second thing on my mind each and every minute of each and every day. Thank you, thank you one and all for all of the support, guidance, and life jackets. VetsLady and Proud to Be !

Doing the "Happy" dance for you ! Nice to see these Nehmer claims being pulled through the system finally ! VetsLady Doing the "Happy" dance for you ! Nice to see these Nehmer claims being pulled through the system finally ! VetsLady

Wow - Oh - Wow ! Got the verbal word today from RO that hubby received P&T rather than IU ! RO also confirmed that request for increase on one issue was increased from 60% to 100% and the AO issue requests for increase along with the IHD is ready to rate. Bank deposit today confirmed retro compensation for the 100% and according to my calculations, there is an SMC in there. Have not received the written decision yet .... it's probably in the mail. Still have a few loose issue pertaining to AO but our almost to the day 8 year roller coaster ride is almost over and we will have the opportunity to finally live our lives and enjoy each day we are blessed with. VetsLady

Great news Stillhere.....Congratulations on a well deserved success ! VetsLady

Huge sigh of relief and feeling of bittersweet justification ! Congratulations on your success ! VetsLady

Thanks CHR49 ..... This has been an 8 year long journey since the initial date he filed his original claim. The last date he worked was a sad day that has been completely erased with todays news. VetsLady

Thank for you all of the kind words .... YES, this is a HUGE relief .... We are still in shock. His original claim was in 2003. Rec'd sc for 1 issue in 2008, then a BVA decision granting the remaining issue came in late this summer and he is also part of the Nehmer heart disease action -- that part of his claim is still in development. So there is still work being done but .... for now ...... it's a huger than HUGE relief and I thank all of you who offered your encouragement and kindness and there were some very rocky roads as well. Happy Holidays and wishing everyone a blessed and healthy 2011 ... Vets Lady

Received the unofficial word yesterday that my husband is now 100%, not yet sure if it's TDIU or P&T .... filed for IU but his conditions will only get worse and we had a statement from his doctor stating such. He hasn't been able to work due to sc conditions for the past 5 years ...... not sure yet if they are going back the 5 years for effective date (they should) or ... what. We'll probably hear details next week. Either way, it's a HUGE relief ... we can move forward from here. There is enough on our plate for now, it's still full but the cracks are mended. Thank you for all of the support and hand-holding, life rings, ladders ..... Thank you Hadit.