hfsess

My wife has been being treated for chronic interstitial cystitis, a chronic infection of two different bacteria growing in her lungs, and now fibromyalgia (accompanies the interstitial cystitis) for over one year now. We filed for SSD and she was immediately turned down because the SSA said she would improve within one year. All of her problems are chronic and progressive by defination. So, go figure how SSA decided she would improve. She has not worked since her intital hospitalization in August of 2006. We have hired an attorney and filed an appeal. She is in constant pain, takes all kinds of meds and uses two inhailers daily. She is subject to relapses of lund disease at any time that basically leaves her bedridden for several day. Her doctors (3) will not get involved with SSA, only send records of treatment without comments or recomendations. Any suggestions or comments welcome. HFS

I have a Vietnam vet buddy with multiple incidents of skin cancer. Does any one know of any connection between AO and skin cancer. He has not contacted the VA or asked for disability. His wife asked me if he should file. Any answers appreciated. Howard Sessions

I need advice on the possibility of obtaining non Formulary prescription drugs. I am 100% service connected. I was taking the VA Formulary drugs for colestrol control until my private doctor switched me the crestor and zeita. My cholesterol went from 200+ to 88 and my triglycerides went from 500 range to under 100. My wife recently had to retire because of health problems and my other medical insurance went with her job. Can I request the VA provide me with these drugs and has anyone had any experience with requesting non Formulary drugs. Thanks for your input. Howard Sessions RVN 69/70

From my own experience his diabetic condition will qualify him for disability, the ED and heart condition, as well as many other conditions can be linked to his diabetic conditon. He need to immediately file for his beneifits through his state VA reps or a service organization ie; DAV, VVA, American Leigon etc. How much and when he qualifies for will depend on your documenting his medical history, his C&P exam and your willingness to pursue this and not let the VA wear you out with paperwork and denial of your claim. Just keep pushing and good luck. Howard Sessions

Has anyone had experience with being granted 100% then being called back for another C&P exam for other claimed medical problems. A few months back they granted me 100% for my heart, to be re-examined at a later date, I am now being called in for another C&P exam for other problems. Howard Sessions

Received awards letter today! B) 100% service connected. My health has not changed that much since my 40% approval, I just documented better. Thanks to all for support and sugestions, and encouragement. Do not give up and document everything even if you don't think it will matter. Best of luck. Howard Sessions 6/32 Artillery Phu Hiep Vietnam 69/70

Allow me to introduce myself. Age 57, married 2 adult children, live in Milledgeville, GA Serverd U S Army 1968-1971, RVN 1/69-1/70 6th Bn 32 Artillery Phu Hiep RVN. Healthy as a horse until 1988 suffered 1st heart attack at age 39, have since had 4 more & three strokes had bypass surgery after 3rd MI at Augusta VAMC. After surgery medically retired by social security in 1990. Was earning over 50K annually ;and learned to live on 12 K. When diabetes included in AO I was one of 1st to apply and received 20% diabetes, 20% erictile dysfujnctions, (now have penile implant) 10% coronary artery disease for and overall 40% service connection as of 2/1/2001. Last June 6/05 I applied for increased compensation and 100% unable to work. I have been waiting for over 6 months now and only receive a letter stating my claim is still being considered. I applied throgh the state of GA VA. Should I have begun with a service organization, am DAV and VVA? Is six months normal for a claim. The VA Docs have since diagnosed me with diabetic nephropathy and I have begun Insulin injection daily. I requested and got copy of my C & P exham and the VA Doc did not mention that I told her I could not walk more that 100 feet without chest pains and dizziness and shortness of breath. Is there part of the C & P exham paperwork they do not let me see? I am curentely receiving Enhanced External Counter Pulsation treatment to strengthen my heart so I can function normally. My civilian docs provided a history of treatment but would not give me a letter describing my condition. Forgot to mention I am in 2nd stage of kidney failure from disbetes, when original 40% granted I appealed on kidneys and was turned down. Only have 40% kidney function left. Someone told me a 40% rating means you are 60% dead. I am begining to believe it. Any suggestions or communications would be appreciated. WELCOME HOME ALL! hfs