Vync

Hmm... I lived right outside of Ft.McClellan for about six months and spent a good bit of time on base too. I was a dependent at that time.

I am not too familiar with the geography of Vietnam, but does the new AO bills/laws cover personnel who were stationed in Camron Bay or Lane Army Heliport (about 10 km from Quin Nhon)?

Hey Papabama, I requested my C-file by submitting form 21-4138 via snail mail. I called the 1-800-827-1000 number and they said it should take about a month to get them. I read where a number of other people say it can take months to get them. I had to physically go to the Birmingham VA medical center and sign a paper to get them to send my medical records. The lady said it will take 20 business days (a month) to get a copy, because my records back through 1995 are in storage. This is supposed to include any medical records from when I was treated in their outreach clinic in Gadsden, AL. For military service records: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-...ce-records.html That's about all I know. I'll include Kaela in my prayers. I hope she gets well.

Useless response I found on IRIS' FAQ section: Inquiry How can I check on the status of my pending disability claim? Can I check status online? Answer To determine the status of a pending claim, you can call 1-800-827-1000 and follow the recorded instructions. Currently, there is no other on-line access to claim information. Update: I think I found it: 1. Go to iris.va.gov 2. On the left, click on "Ask a question" 3. Left side: Choose "Status of Claim" 4. Right side: Chose "Compensation and Pension Benefits" (or whatever is appropriate) 5. Click "Next" 6. Fill out the form and submit.

Good question! I called 1-800-827-1000 and they said I could write a letter on regular paper or use this form: 21-4138 Statement in Support of Claim (Fillable) http://www.va.gov/vaforms/form_detail.asp?FormNo=21-4138

Ok, here's the latest on my issue. - Recently saw a neurologist and had an MRI done(see below) - Finally got the MRI results (see below) - Had another epidural pain block injection yesterday (very sore today) - Requested copies of medical records from the VA - Planning on requesting my C-File next... The neurologist is still hesitant to write an IMO. I hope to find something between 1995 and 2004 in my VA medical records. It's a long time ago, but worth digging around. Inspection-deformity: He has some straightening of the lumbar lordosis. He has hypersensitivity to even light touch sensation in the lower spine more along the right side and the left side. Range of Motion: Forward Flexion: 10 degrees Hyperextension: 0 degrees Right Lateral Bend: 5 degrees Left Lateral Bend: 5 degrees Sitting Straight Leg Raise: Right: positive in back only Left: positive in back only Impression & Medical Decision Making: - Degenerative Disc disease - Lumbrosacral spine w/radiculopathy MRI: 1. Midline bulding disc in the last two lumbar levels along with degenerative disc disease. 1. No disc herniations.

Berta, That really stinks and I am sorry you had to endure that form of idocy. That is clear proof that if someone is a screw up, they often tend to move up.

Berta, Those are great, but I really wish they would move forward on H.R. 1818 (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-1818), which is still stuck in committee. I wrote my Congressman, Spencer Bachus, and received a friendly letter in the mail explaining he is not a member of the House Committee on Armed Forces. I sent an email to Rep. Filner asking him to also take this under consideration, too.

e-CFR Data is current as of November 2, 2009 Title 38: Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief PART 17—MEDICAL Dental Services Browse Previous | Browse Next § 17.161 Authorization of outpatient dental treatment. Outpatient dental treatment may be authorized by the Chief, Dental Service, for beneficiaries defined in 38 U.S.C. 1712( b ) and 38 CFR 17.93 to the extent prescribed and in accordance with the applicable classification and provisions set forth in this section. (a) Class I. Those having a service-connected compensable dental disability or condition, may be authorized any dental treatment indicated as reasonably necessary to maintain oral health and masticatory function. There is no time limitation for making application for treatment and no restriction as to the number of repeat episodes of treatment. ( b ) Class II. (1)(i) Those having a service-connected noncompensable dental condition or disability shown to have been in existence at time of discharge or release from active service, which took place after September 30, 1981, may be authorized any treatment indicated as reasonably necessary for the one-time correction of the service-connected noncompensable condition, but only if: (A) They served on active duty during the Persian Gulf War and were discharged or released, under conditions other than dishonorable, from a period of active military, naval, or air service of not less than 90 days, or they were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, from any other period of active military, naval, or air service of not less than 180 days; ( b ) Application for treatment is made within 180 days after such discharge or release. © The certificate of discharge or release does not bear a certification that the veteran was provided, within the 90-day period immediately before such discharge or release, a complete dental examination (including dental X-rays) and all appropriate dental treatment indicated by the examination to be needed, and (D) Department of Veterans Affairs dental examination is completed within six months after discharge or release, unless delayed through no fault of the veteran. (ii) Those veterans discharged from their final period of service after August 12, 1981, who had reentered active military service within 90 days after the date of a discharge or release from a prior period of active military service, may apply for treatment of service-connected noncompensable dental conditions relating to any such periods of service within 180 days from the date of their final discharge or release. (iii) If a disqualifying discharge or release has been corrected by competent authority, application may be made within 180 days after the date of correction. (2)(i) Those having a service-connected noncompensable dental condition or disability shown to have been in existence at time of discharge or release from active service, which took place before October 1, 1981, may be authorized any treatment indicated as reasonably necessary for the one-time correction of the service-connected noncompensable condition, but only if: (A) They were discharged or released, under conditions other than dishonorable, from a period of active military, naval or air service of not less than 180 days. ( b ) Application for treatment is made within one year after such discharge or release. © Department of Veterans Affairs dental examination is completed within 14 months after discharge or release, unless delayed through no fault of the veteran. (ii) Those veterans discharged from their final period of service before August 13, 1981, who had reentered active military service within one year from the date of a prior discharge or release, may apply for treatment of service-connected noncompensable dental conditions relating to any such prior periods of service within one year of their final discharge or release. (iii) If a disqualifying discharge or release has been corrected by competent authority, application may be made within one year after the date of correction. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1712) © Class II ( a ). Those having a service-connected noncompensable dental condition or disability adjudicated as resulting from combat wounds or service trauma may be authorized any treatment indicated as reasonably necessary for the correction of such service-connected noncompensable condition or disability. (d) Class II( b ). Those having a service-connected noncompensable dental condition or disability and who had been detained or interned as prisoners of war for a period of less than 90 days may be authorized any treatment as reasonably necessary for the correction of such service-connected dental condition or disability. (Authority: Pub. L. 100–322; 38 U.S.C. 1712( b )(l)(F)) (e) Class II©. Those who were prisoners of war for 90 days or more, as determined by the concerned military service department, may be authorized any needed dental treatment. (Authority: Pub. L. 100–322, 38 U.S.C. 1712( b )(1)(F)) (f) Class IIR (Retroactive). Any veteran who had made prior application for and received dental treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs for noncompensable dental conditions, but was denied replacement of missing teeth which were lost during any period of service prior to his/her last period of service may be authorized such previously denied benefits under the following conditions: (1) Application for such retroactive benefits is made within one year of April 5, 1983. (2) Existing Department of Veterans Affairs records reflect the prior denial of the claim. All Class IIR (Retroactive) treatment authorized will be completed on a fee basis status. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1712) (g) Class III. Those having a dental condition professionally determined to be aggravating disability from an associated service-connected condition or disability may be authorized dental treatment for only those dental conditions which, in sound professional judgment, are having a direct and material detrimental effect upon the associated basic condition or disability. (h) Class IV. Those whose service-connected disabilities are rated at 100% by schedular evaluation or who are entitled to the 100% rate by reason of individual unemployability may be authorized any needed dental treatment. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1712) (i) Class V. A veteran who is participating in a rehabilitation program under 38 U.S.C. chapter 31 may be authorized such dental services as are professionally determined necessary for any of the reasons enumerated in §17.47(g). (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1712( b ) ; chapter 31) (j) Class VI. Any veterans scheduled for admission or otherwise receiving care and services under chapter 17 of 38 U.S.C. may receive outpatient dental care which is medically necessary, i.e. , is for dental condition clinically determined to be complicating a medical condition currently under treatment. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1712) [20 FR 9505, Dec. 20, 1955, as amended at 26 FR 11214, Nov. 28, 1961; 27 FR 11424, Nov. 20, 1962; 29 FR 18219, Dec. 23, 1964; 32 FR 13817, Oct. 4, 1967; 33 FR 5300, Apr. 3, 1968; 45 FR 47680, July 16, 1980; 48 FR 16681, Apr. 19, 1983; 49 FR 5617, Feb. 14, 1984; 54 FR 25449, June 15, 1989; 57 FR 4367, Feb. 5, 1992; 57 FR 41701, Sept. 11, 1992. Redesignated and amended at 61 FR 21965, 21968, May 13, 1996; 73 FR 58876, Oct. 8, 2008]

Berta, After my afib episode and hypertension onset, no more sudafed. They switched me to loratidine, singulair, inhaled steroids and nasal spray steroids, which work ok - but if I miss a day I know it really quick. Regardless, my sinuses are typically congested and tend to get infected. They then give me prednisone (I can't stand this stuff) and augmentin. Testvet, Sorry to hear about your heart attacks. I know what you mean about seeing them move fast in the ER. When the discs in my back became herniated, the ER didn't give a crap and let me sit in agony in the waiting room for about four hours. When I had afib, I was in no pain at all, but those ER folks scrambled like crazy. Of course, these were in civilian hospitals. My mother had a heart attack recently and was in really great shape too. The problem there was diet. I eat relatively healthy and have good cholesterol levels, but she liked tastier food and her numbers were much higher. She's better now, but is trying to eat healthier.

It is a shame some analysts see us as paper files on a desk and not Veterans who served our country.

John, It sounds like trading one poison for another...

Berta, You're awesome. My service medical records are riddled with motrin prescriptions, which is also an NSAID (http://www.drugs.com/pdr/motrin.html) also known to commonly cause heartburn. I have an appointment at the VA on Thursday and am planning on requesting a full copy of my treatment records back through 1995 (when I got out of the military). I don't expect them to produce the records on the spot, but it will be worth checking. This is somewhat related, because it could be secondary to the medication, but the VA also prescribed me sudafed to help treat my allergies. They wrote me scripts for 360 count with 5x refills several times. Now I am being treated for atrial afibrulation (irregular heartbeat as of 2006 I think), which happens to be one of the more serious side effects of the drug (http://www.drugs.com/sfx/sudafed-side-effects.html). I probably need an IMO, but it could also be secondary. I'll see what my VA medical records show...

Hey Sawgunner, I totally know how you feel, but my DDD is not SC (yet). I'm not giving up, but am going for a pain block injection tomorrow to keep it at bay. I hope you get to feeling better. Think about it from this perspective: What medication does the VA give you to treat your SC DDD? The VA gives me naproxen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory). I have been on it for years and they also have been giving me omeprazole (to treat reflux). Check out the side effects of naproxen. Heartburn (me) and depression (you) is listed as side effects. http://www.drugs.com/sfx/naproxen-side-effects.html COMMON side effects Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach upset; stuffy nose. SEVERE side effects Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes. Additional links VA awarded SC reflux as secondary to medication http://www4.va.gov/vetapp09/files1/0902694.txt Hadit topic on reflux and SC

This makes a lot of sense. I cannot recall how long, but the VA has been giving me naproxen for years for SC TMJ. They also have been giving me prevacid and/or omeprazole to help control heartburn. Before they gave me the reflux medicine, I remember the VA hospital sent me for a radiological upper GI exam (not an endoscopy) and it confirmed I had reflux. And the VA has frequently given me prednisone to help overcome some allergy/sinus problems and they also give me inhaled steroids for SC asthma, which is also in the link Testvet provided. http://www.drugs.com/sfx/naproxen-side-effects.html COMMON side effects:Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach upset; stuffy nose. Testvet, Thank you for posting that link. I never realized my reflux could have been caused by the medications the VA prescribes for my SC conditions. Sawgunner, This looks very promising. Hope you get to feeling better. Does anyone else think this is worth pursuing?

The economy is definitely in reverse. I received my annual mortgage letter from my lender and found out my house payment is decreasing by three dollars, instead of normally increasing. Never had that happen before.

I'm a Gulf 1 era vet and this stuff really frustrates me (add to list of triggers, especially when I find out the Federal government is funding a puppet theater in Atlanta (http://www.myatltv.com/news/article_news.aspx?storyid=135275). If Abraham Lincoln was still alive today, this would not be happening.

Berta's You're right. My SOC denial letter was pretty crappy too. When I was in Korea, those kids on the street know better English than the writer of the letter. They didn't even do a spell check. They even misspelled my name. This really makes me wonder if the VA even read my evidence at all. I wish they would provide an itemized list of evidence that was considered, like by date, title, page numbers, instead of "service medical records". Carlie, That info you posted from Clown Man Ricky was great. It clearly explained a lot of things to me. It also made me want to grab some suds and catfish while I am stuck waiting for my decision. :) Thank you both very much!

I have plenty of metal in my mouth, thanks to the Army tearing my jaw apart and the VA trying to fix it. Still have not been able to pick up my favorite radio station...

Fascinating. I wonder how the physician worded the linkage to SC. It had to be "at least as likely as not".

halos, I hear you there. They jerked me around like that for a while too. Here's another one you might relate to. For a couple of years, the Birmingham VA hospital used to setup an easel with what I call 'guilt posters'. The posters has a big chart with the number of appointments scheduled, number missed, and the percentage missed. Of course, the missed info was posted in big red ink. If the idiots would get their scheduling correct, the percentages would have been much smaller. Saving trees? How about the robo-letter you receive monthly telling you that they are still working on your claim. At least it is a sign that the computer remembers your claim is in their hands...

Grats! That's awesome!

I'm curious. Why does that not set a precedent? I wonder if a FOIA request would be able to tell us if the Veteran had his appeal alive for 26 years (1978-2004) or if he just filed years later instead...

Bob, The Red Cross said there is no way to test you for it, but then again, I was talking with a volunteer. If my brains start to go to mush, then I'll know. I wonder if that would be considered for SC status, because they sent me there...

I wonder if this will cover inadvertent exposure to other things. I recently looked into donating blood plasma to supplement my income, but was denied because the Army deployed me to Europe for almost five years during a certain 'high risk' time frame. They said I was at risk of having Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Red Cross Blood Eligibility Guidelines