Sgt Schmidt

I had my C&P exam for IHD in June of this year. The doctor said that she had all of my records from my private cardiologist and asked me a few questions. She asked me when I was first diagnosed, when was my first heart attack, how many stents I had and when they were implanted, and when was the last time I worked full time. That was the extent of my C&P. No tests of any kind were performed. Jeff

Definitly a waiting game for most. I had 3 C&P exams back in June. The exams were for IHD, PN, and glaucoma secondary to DMII. I received a letter in August from the VA stating that they were waiting on final regs for IHD, shot down my claim for glaucoma, and nothing yet on the Peripheral Neuropathy. So, If they are going to deny you on a claim, there system seems to work very quickly. If there's a possibility of an award then it seems to take forever. (Wait, Wait, Wait) Jeff

Thanks for the information. I have about 20 months before I can draw SSI. Guess I'll just have to wait a little longer.

I'm not sure if this question has been answered else where in the forum. If so, excuse me. I'm currently rated at 30% and have three claims pending for which I have already had my C&P exams. PN, IHD, and PTSD/Depression & Anxiety. I'm assuming that the IHD alone will push me over the 100% + mark rating but like alot of us, we are still waiting on that decision. Oh, by the way, I called the 1-800- number and was told they would make a final decision on my PN claim after my PTSD exam. What's does PN have to do with PTSD??? My question is, Will I qualify for medicare if my total disability rating reaches100%? I filed for SSDI over a year ago on the advise of my cardiologist and was denied through all 4 steps because there was a debatable question if I still qualified for SSDI since I hadn't paid in to it for almost 10 years. My attorney of course turned out to be a flunky, didn't have the guts to take on the goverment, and like many others, I got screwed........ Your input is appreciated..... Jeff

This seems to be true. I was diagnosed with heart disease in 1999 but didn't file until October 2009 for IHD. Actually, I didn't file my first claim with the VA until January of 2009 because I didn't have a clue that you could. No one ever told me about compensation benefits. I just happened to be talking to a friend of my brothers and he mentioned the compensation he was getting for tinnitus. I told him," You've got to be kidding." I've had that ever since I got back from Nam. As veterans, we need to get the word out to our fellow brothers and sisters about the help that is available. We all know that the VA isn't going to send you a letter or give you a call and tell you anything. I recently went to a Veterans Reunion and the sign at the front gate reads as follows: "This is a healing field, Not a Fighting Field." Hopefully this forum will be the same. Jeff

I have been keeping an eye on this page every day and they finally updated the list. http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=364e68a9f9d22b69b597f1ef00816b2e&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.4.1.65.117&idno=38 Scroll down to the part for diseases associated with herbicide exposure. "GOOD NEWS"

Carlie, Thank you for your information and suggestions. I'll just sit back and let the system do its work and hope that it comes sooner than later. One of my exams was for IHD so I know it will be a while before I hear anything on that. Jeff

John, I had my exams done at a VAMC. I was browsing thru one of my VET magazines last night and it said in an article that it normally takes 140 + days, or longer, to receive anything back from the VA with the backlog they have. Guess I'll just continue to wait. Jeff

Hello All, I had three (3) C&P exams on June 30th and after my exams were complete the doctor told me I should receive a letter showing the results in a couple weeks. Let's see; June 30th to August 17th. That's about 48 days I think. That's a couple of weeks, isn't it? I was just wondering if anyone could give me a close picture on how long it takes to get the results back from the VA. I was told that one of my claims was sent to the review board but they wouldn't tell me which one it was. I asked my VSO and he said to just sit back and wait. Is that the best advice? Wait????? Jeff

After reading this I'll just bite my tounge and hold what I want to say because I don't want to get booted from the forum. Jeff I did send him an e-mail in case anyone is wondering. I suggest that we all do.

This must be par for the course with the VA. I won't say all of the VAMH's are that way but my AO exam was a joke too. Drove 200 miles round trip for lab work and a; "Hi, my name is Dr. Quack, how you doing???" Asked a few questions and escorted me out the door and told to have a good day. My VSO pleaded with me not to go to the VAMH I went to for the exam but I didn't have a choice. At least, I don't think i did. Jeff

I'm wondering if the VA will start covering medication like Plavix and Ranexa for IHD now that it is a AO presumptive. Before my VA PCP said that they would not fill these prescriptions. I was told that they just prescribed aspirin in place of plavix. My private cardiologist wants me on plavix until I bite the dirt. I took a letter from him to my VA PCP as requested from the VA stating that I should be on the plavix so the VA would prescribe it but I've still not received any responce from the VA. Renexa helps with the smaller veins that feed the heart muscle and plavix thins the blood. Jeff

Unique, I suggest the same as Pete did. Get an attorney and make sure that you get a good one that specializes in SSDI claims. Remember that TIME is of the essence! You only have so many days to file that appeal. Also, make sure your attorney is willing to take it to federal court if the appeals council refuses, or denies to review your appeal. I lost my claim simply because my attorney was a jerk.... IMO Jeff GOOD LUCK

Berta, I haven't claimed heart disease due to DMII. I started having heart problems in 1999 before I was DX'd with DMII. My private cardiologist said that I should be on total disability over a year ago. Filed for SSDI but they denied me to the end. One reason being that I hadn't paid into SSI for over 7 years. My ALJ was a jerk, so was my attorney, and the Appeals council flatly refused to review my appeal. Two heart attacks and four stints plus COPD and Cronic Bronchitis wasn't enough for them I guess. I work as a part time dog warden which requires roughly 28 hours a month. It's not really a stressing job but I can't be out in the sun very long. Heat is a killer for me and certain meds I take say to stay out of direct sun light. Most of those meds are for my heart condition and blood pressure. Jeff

Berta, I have two other claims filed related to the DMII. One is for glaucoma and the other is for Peripheral Neuropathy. My PCP at the VA Hospital told me that the PN was caused by my DMII and my personal physician also stated that and wrote a IMO statement that I sent in to the VA. They have scheduled an exam for the glaucoma. The others I'm waiting to hear on are for PTSD/Depression and IHD. Just waiting like the rest of us. ;) My wife wants to know how to get government health insurance and at what rating you have to be to get it. We currently pay a $6000.00 deductable which eats away at your saving very quickly and still doesn't cover much. :D Thanks for the kind words and I would be lost if I hadn't found this great group at HADIT..... Jeff

Hi All, Got that big brown envelope with an increase rating for DMII comp. Waiting is beginning to pay off..... Two down and 4 to go. Thanks to all at Hadit for the "GREAT" info you provide. Jeff

Donna, I'm thinking you're right on your statement about October being the earliest any of us will hear something on our claim. I have 5 claims pending and the last I checked 3 of them were ready to go in front of the review board. One of them being for IHD. That's what I was told by my VARO about 2 months ago. Yep, still waiting. :D I'm trying to keep my composure so I don't go looney even though some of my friends and family say I already have. ;) Jeff

I spoke with my VSO this morning and he said the IHD claims will most likely be processed no earlier than December from the information he has received do to the large back log. The VA is hiring 4000 new employees to help handle this back log...... He said all I can do is wait, wait, wait. I called my RO about two months ago and they said my claim for IHD, DMII, and glaucoma was ready to go to the review board but the regs haven't been issued for the IHD yet. If your claim concerns a terminal disease they might hurry it up. Haven't heard a thing from them. Once again, wait, wait, wait. So why the hold up on the DMII and glaucoma? That should be a no brainer for them since I was a boots on the ground vet. How long do we wait:

It's all in my medical records from my private cardiologist.

From what I understand from my private cardio doc my METS are 3 or less. Do I smell CASH!!!! Oh, by the way, it's pronounced is-KEY-mic. But ya know what, It really doesn't matter as long as it turns into C-A-S-H!

Hey Rotorhead, You didn't give up then, so Brother, don't give up now. I'm 59 myself and have days where I would just like to lay down and die. Heart disease, diabetes, copd, chronic bronchitis, depression, and the list goes on. Sick of the games the government plays? You bet your sweet patut I am. My mother, God bless her soul, said if she new what we had to put up with when we were over there, and then what we received when we got home, she would have done her damness to keep me home. I served 13 months in the RVN and I would do it again too if asked. We are fighters, warriors, and soldiers of pride....... Semper Fi, Jeff

I sent in a request for my medical records and they said they didn't have them there and to contact my VARO. Further down in the letter it stated; or go to http://www.archives.gov and submit a request. Wait a minute! That was where I submitted my request to in the first place. What the heck is up with that crap? :) Totally confused....... Jeff

Congrats pigdriver! Semper Fi Jeff Echo 2/3 3rd Marine Division 69 - 70

Take the advice about the lawyer. They don't get paid unless you do. Make sure you get one that specializes in SSDI claims and also has the experience in appealing in federal court if your claim goes that far. Let's hope that it doesn't. If your claim reaches the third step, make sure you check out your ALJ's decision ratings and dicuss this with your attorney. Have all your ducks lined up in a row and both barrels loaded. :) If it reaches the third step they will notify you about where, when, and who your judge will be. Remember, just because your doctors say you can't work doesn't mean that social security will award you disability. Search for your judges ratings here: http://www.oregonlive.com/special/index.ss...tabase.html?app Good Luck, Jeff

I'll bet the VA is saying a big HARUMPH HARUMPH to this one. :) An expression of disdain, disbelief, protest, or dismissal; a huff, grunt, or snort; To dislike, protest, or dismiss; An expression of disdain. Jeff