Boro

Thanks for that link. I have joined, waiting for approval.

Can anyone direct me to a place where I can get FREE advice or help about disability claims. Seems like a lot of places lead you on to believe they're going to help until you get to their fee structure. I am 73, retired, not working, currently getting VA disability but would like help in how I can possibly achieve a 100% rating, and I'm not paying for it. I just filed for Hypertension righ after President Biden signed the PACT Act. Anyhow, I'm in southern AZ. I'll travel somewhere to get my questions answered or do it online or texting. Whatever works for the person that would give me advice. Charles Borozinski

Yes, they were. When they requested another document from me back in Nov. 2009, they all were in the list on that sheet they send that says - We are working on your claim for: At that time I noticed they didn't acknowledge SMC "K". So, I made a formal request for it on the VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim. After their repeated requests for things they had, I thought I should not leave this to chance. Who knows. After all this time they may still neglect to give it to me.

It must be 3 or 4 months since I posted any status. Almost 8 months to the day, I found out, as of Feb. 10, 2010 my claim is sitting in the VA rating team. Pretty darn slow, I think, for a presumptive condition. I had my C&P exam last Sept 1. Over that time, they requested documentation from me, that they already had, at least twice. I would now hope that it will only take a week or two more for it to be completed. Summary of my Prostate Cancer condition: Diagnosed June 2000. PSA 26.2. Prostate removed Aug. 2000 Cancer returned 2004. Radiation treatments to remove at that time. Damage to colon from radiation resulted in more residuals from the Prostate Cancer, other than the expected. I filed my claim July 8, 2009. I did not know until a couple months prior that I could be eligible for compensation. I'll keep ya's posted. Chuck US Army Combat Engr. 12B20 Vietnam 1970-1971

I think I'll give my SO a call today and have him check into progress for me. One thing I have learned, I make them sign for everything I give them. I'll keep ya posted. And, I'll start the claim for Heart Disease.

When I left the VA Regional Office in Phoenix on Tuesday, the Coordinator indicated to me that nothing esle was required for them to proceed. My C&P exam was Sept 1, 2009, which I thought went well. Since then they have asked me for things that were already in my file! ;) This last piece was probably my fault. The copy of the DD214 they had did not have a embossed stamp on it indicating it was certified. So, I took them my original and let them make their own certified copy. To help things move along, I sent them a copy of my 201 file showing my deployments etc. At any rate I am hoping that my file moves along. When I need any assistance I use The Chief Service Officer at the Mesa Vet Center. His name is Johnny Pancrazio. I have taken him my claim papers to have him review them for things I might be missing. But, reading on forums such as this one, it seemed to me that most claims were being awarded approx. 60 days after the C&P exam. Having not ever done this before I'm just going with that type of info. With prostate cancer being on the presumptive list, I had the misconception that these type of claims might move through the VA a little quicker. But, they continually show me, they don't seem to have any real process or checklist for gathering their data. Anyhow, it is now 6 months.

Never made a claim other than the one pending right now, for Prostate Cancer and it's residuals. ICD, yes Ischemic Heart Disease/Ischemic Coronary Disease. Yes, in country Vietnam, from the day I arrived until the day I left there, I was on the ground. 12B20 Combat Engineer at Camp Eagle.

Berta, I read the post pertaining to ICD. I am currently in the waiting process for a claim I filed for Prostate Cancer. Hopefully this should be finished within a month or so. I was diagnosed with ICD 20 years ago. In 1996 I had angioplasty and a stent installed. I am thinking it is probably not wise to add to my current claim with ICD because I think it will just stall getting the prostate cancer thing finished. What do you think?

Well, since my C & P exam was scheduled so quickly I thought things would continue moving along. As usual I was wrong. A month ago I received a letter from the VA on my claim asking for something they already had. Plus, they apparently don't even read the VCAA Notice form I signed. Which told them to process my claim with the evidence they had on hand, and that I had nothing else. Like most people these days, if there's writing on a piece of paper longer than a sentence they won't take the time to read it thoroughly. Anyhow, I gave them what they wanted (which they already had), sent another VCAA Notice, and that has been a month now. So, now I'm playing the waiting game again. Might just call my Service Officer and ask him to make an inquiry. Maybe expecting this to be completed in 4 months is just too much to ask.

Hi all, Filed my paperwork July 1, got my C & P exam Sept 1. I know, and the examiner confirmed that I will get service connected disability for my prostate cancer residuals. When they have finally figured out the amount, how am I finally notified? Does it just show up in my bank account one day? Or do I get a packet of paper that explains the compensation amount, and then wait another couple months? Appreciate any info from anyone who has successfully been through the entire process.

Re: Prostate Cancer summary In July 2000, PSA was 26. Biopsies showed Gleason of 7 4+3. Radical prostatectomy 8/31/2000 August 2003, PSA had risen to lever to warrant Radiation treatments. Sept 2003 thru Oct 2003 - 37 treatments over 51 days. I did not know about AO presumptive conditions concerning Prostate cancer until I met someone on the golf course two months ago. I sent my claim in on July 10, 2009. Shortly after sending the claim in I met with Service Rep. and submitted a statement in support of my claim to cover some other bases and residual issues I have been left with. I am already scheduled for my C & P exam down in Tucson on Sept 2. At the same time I received a packet in the mail asking for evidence for a lot of things I already gave them. Is this pretty normal procedure for them? Alot of the areas I requested compensation for I, as I'm sure alot of others, just don't discuss with their doctors. Such as: incontinence, ED, and other digestive and bowel issues that were a direct result of the radiation treatments. I have just learned over time what not to eat and when or when not to travel, and what fiber supplements help. I intend on going to see my Service Rep again immediately this week concerning some of these issues. But, I was wondering if someone on this forum can tell me what to expect at this C & P exam, and what kind of paperwork, if any should I bring with me. On the subject of ICD (Ischemic Heart Disease), I have been being treated for High cholesterol since the early 90's. I had angioplasty and a Stent placed in one artery in 1996. I do not know if this is also something I should be requesting compensation for, as well as hypertension. I'll appreciate any info anyone has from their experience. thanks Boro US Army Combat Engineer Vietnam Service 1970-1971 Phu Bai, Camp Eagle, Quang Tri, Hue

After recently filing a VA Prostate cancer disability claim, I have been doing alot of surfing for info. I found this site and hope to tap into some of the knowlege here to help me be successful with my claim. Currently live in Arizona Vietnam Vet - 1970-1971 - Phu Bai, Camp Eagle, Quang Tri areas for a few. Combat Engineers! Which is the best area for me to ask questions concerning the Claims process and what to expect from my exam. I already have an exam date. I have to travel to Tucson on Sept 2nd. Boro