belle

We were finally told by the VSO's receptionist that we were granted 60%, supposedly combined rating for a few different ailments. We are expecting the SSSOC anytime now, she said we'd get it within a month with the direct deposit a couple weeks later for back pay. The only official paperwork we have so far is a letter saying "records show you have potential entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability..." I am assuming that something I put in his claim about that hit a nerve somewhere and believe the secretary completely about the 60 percent rating on the way. I plan to fill out these papers and send them in hoping to be granted 100 percent due to unemployability. I have a question about another topic tho, it has to do with additional benefits for dependents. I saw a table showing pay due the wife and children when the rating reaches more tahn 30 percent. My question is "do I need to file something to try and claim this benefit?" or do they automatically allot it when they allot the back pay for the now 60 percent rating? and PS - how soon does one actually get paid after being notified of the rating change and back pay due? any info appreciated. thanks a BUNCH!! -belle

ok. Yep, we got the 25 pound copy (C file), we noticed it is missing many of the things we sent in as evidence and had a few extra things we didn't expect (like blank pages of form packets sent to us to fill out). I was so mad. I thought the paperwork they sent us was incomplete, I even put the info I figured they'd need in the margins of the papers I had. Then saw in the C -File that there were pages never sent to us to fill out. No matter though, we abandoned the pension idea when VSO said it wouldn't really help us much after being granted social security disability. I did get copies of all med records available to us - from military and VA. The VA doctor is great, on on hubby's side trying to help him. But the rating board just gets other 'experts' to say stuff to counter all the evidence and they go with that rather than his records. Berta is a pitbull, she has advised on step by stepping the SSOC (we are expecting a new one soon, so I didn't go back and go line by line on the old one - should I?) Here is the addy of my thread last month, it shows the great support this board offers. I am just hoping my brain can expand big enough to absorb and do what it takes to help hubby. I copy/pasted the GIST of his deal from that thread. Thanks for the help. :) http://www.hadit.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2340 Dear Sir: Many vets are STILL battling for compensation (even just pension for survival as disabilities remove work/income capability), as I have come to learn over the years. I am one of them. CONTACT INFORMATION: >Gary Bourne II >345 Copper Creek Road >Crab Orchard, KY 40419 >Home Phone: >Work Phone: >Fax: >E-Mail: artie114@hotmail.com > > INCIDENT INFORMATION: >Date of Incident: 3/10/1991 or w/in the week of >Location of Incident: w/in 5 kilometer of Khamisiyah > >DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT: I am Gulf War vet. I was in the HHC 197th Inf Bde >(mech) (sep) MP platoon. >I was also attached to the 299th eng bn, we provided security for the crew >marking the combat route, a part of Operation Flasher. . We had chemical alarms go off, >but saw no one writhing or convulsing. The alarms were dismissed as >defective and all >was called clear. After a couple of 'false' alarms', they were shut off >(attributed to diesel smoke=false alarm). They may have been working fine?? >*Although 2 of the units I was associated with, are listed by DoD as >potentially exposed to toxic chemicals (within a 5 kilometer radius of >chemical demolition), I was mailed a letter from Bernard Rostker that >assured of NO exposure even a low level unlikely. Was also informed thru >VA, DoD, studies and the media, that the vaccines we took, anthrax and PB, >as well as depleted uranium and oil well fires, not to mention, pesticides >and diesel fumes, could be toxic hazards. > >INJURY DESCRIPTION: Have 10 years or so, medical records from VA, with >Gulf War specialist as my primary physician. But results of many tests with >many different examiners on record. Diagnosed with basal ganglia and >thalamus damage due to toxic exposure during my service. As well as chronic >pain, fatigue, IBS, GERD, sleep disorder, memory problems, etc. I think it >could be Gulf War Illness, as my symptoms are matching so closely. I have >an appeal and a 2nd claim (or 3rd-need to ask VFW rep), it seems the >decision makers are ignoring and dismissing facts. I need help. I am no >lawyer and don't know the 'magic words'. I have cognitive degeneration-I >lost 24 IQ points we know of so far, my memory , I take drugs for (when I >remember too, lol). A real concern for LONG drawn out decision making and >appeals. > >INJURY TREATMENT: I am 31 years old. I have been diagnosed with or treated >for: arithrialgias, IBS, GERD, fatigue (no eitiology says C&P Final exam >board)(stemming from anxiety says the rating board), weight loss, rash, >respiratory (cold like symptoms), memory (now taking an Alzheimer‘s >treatment for it), muscle/joint pain, lost ALL teeth, sleep disorder, 10% >VA rating for high arched feet. , since my first complaint of fatigue in >1991. I was declared 100% disabled by primary doctor in Dec. 2002. And 100% by social security within 3 months of applying with the VA and military records. I feel like a mouse in a maze, when I read the letters from VA "you have not submitted new and material evidence", I thought a new dignosis of a disorder and the test results proving it was pretty new and material, but where I am not trained in law, I may be misunderstanding this. Am I reading correctly, when I am reading that even though no specific cause for the illness is proven, the VA will presume the association of illness and toxic exposures, when vet served during specified time, in specified area, and had certain (listed/named) signs and/or symptoms, for reason of service connected compensation? I was there, an MP, in units listed as potentially exposed to sarin or other toxins, I have suffered the listed symptoms over the past 10 years or so (chronically and medically recorded). I am disabled and seeking compensation relating to service connection due to Gulf War Illness. Every time I read the laws passed for Gulf War vets, I see clearly how one would surmise I was afflicted with the mysterious illness. I have test after test and x-rays and all medical proof of the illnesses, symptoms, disorders, and signs my doctors have observed and noted. How can I illustrate this fact to the rating board? That I AM one of the vets these laws were passed for. It keeps getting worse, my illness, my memory, the toll on my marriage and family. My claim is awaiting SSOC from DRO and then on to Washington, it is in appeal stage I think. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.

I have heard C file mentioned before. I am positive this is silly question, but what is C file? Thanks! :)

LOL - possible want to disclude me, I say yes. I am like Ricky's wife, he threatens to restrain me should we get a hearing. But the truth is, he has brain damage and memory problems, focus, pain, fatigue. All the gulf war illness stuff. He let his claim lapse until right before we married and I pushed to get it up and rolling again. His symptoms fit the law, his VA doc states same, and calls him 100% disabled. socal security granted him 100% within 3 months off applying with the VA medical records. But we get the same run around as the rest, no new and material blah blah blah. Though he gets new tests with new results and submit them, they keep saying nothing new and material. I read all the stuff I can to see if I can help, but it's all way over my head. The people here are great I admire their knowledge and tenacity. I just get weaker and more fustrated by the day. I do realize I sound completely whiny and deserving of no assistance when so many others are so straong still. I certainly do not want to get in the way of them and their attempts. I am just getting tired and weak. The damage to my husband is weighing heavily on our marriage and our lives. I feel completely alone, and since I never went to serve in the military I get wayy overwhelmed with the anagrams and units in service much less the laws and codes. Hoping that maybe a lawyer would take over since this next denial will be our last?? Just praying. I have posted here before with much of his medical info, etc. Maybe a search if you wanna see it? Thanks for reading and reply!! :P

Hi all! Same old whines from the vets wife about no hope in site for the VA claim. Went to doctor lately and more tests are set up to compare to the earlier tests. We called the VSO (VFW Joe Humphrey) in Louisville. He has told us all along that his job deals with when the case goes up in front of a board or court. He has not helped us otherwise except pushed a few papers thru. When we requested froms from him, he sent some of the pages for us to fill out - now in the permanent record it looks as if we left pages blank on purpose, etc. It goes on and on with him. We are due a SSOC and the on to Washington. We asked about a hearing and he said today that we had to write him a letter about it. He had never said anything like that before - just alluding to the fact that that was when HIS job kicks in and he does his thing. We evened had to argue with his about presumption laws. Is he that clueless or is it just he is THAT much a yes man to the decision makers to always guarantee our denials? I am positive we expected too much, thinking a VSO could answer questions about our case and advise us of tests, etc to prepare the case for the decision makers. This one knows nothing of the case and does nothing for it or us. We think is time we got new VSO, but are so scared to delay case more. Yet we have never had any assistance of any kind in this from any VSO and truly dunno what to do or which way to turn. I came to this board whining before. And many are super and try to be helpful, but they are so far more advance then (me) as my husband does the going to the doctor and that's about all toward his case. I called Randy Fisher of Lexington and left our number - I hear he is good with the Gulf War Illness claims. My question is 1) Is it too late in the game to sseek help (a new VSO)? and 2) Will he be as overworked as the rest and not have time to really do anything to help? I am sending in statement to request a hearing due, and ask for TDIU. Other than his doctor's appts and testing at VA - is this all we can do to help ourselves? The years keep rolling by and the marriage is not gonna hold up. I just wanted to try and get him his disability thru VA before I leave. I cannot wait years more. Please help, and clues?? I need hope. Thank you again as always. -Belle (Sonya)

Will do! Contacted his office before, received form letters like from Fletcher's office. But Patrick Justice still calls us every now and again (maybe from Chandler's office? I don't remember). Anyway, he seems less informed than we are. Our VSO's receptionist gets on computer and lets some info slip at times and admits that she not supposed to give. But is closest we have to ANY real life help til you guys. Thanks so much for any offerings you have. :P It IS SO appreciated. From bottom of my heart! -Sonya

Yes. thanks. I did get the TDIU form. It was the file for the SOC that I needed Works for. I do have the program, just gotta find it! :P You guys are super!

The original claim (since I have been involved with it) was for rash, weight loss, diarrhea, fatigue, joint pain, memory loss. Denied -not shown in service, not manifested to a compensable degree within 1 year of separation. Evidence of an illness is not shown by evidence of record. We NOD'd with every denial, sent in more medical records, letters, test results. They always request more 'new and substantial evidence.' And send letters saying they need more info, testing, etc. The 2nd claim is for organic brain syndrome and anxiety disorder. -Hubby was in fender bender today (totalled truck) I dunno if we are gonna be able to get a SOC together by Fri. I still need to find a copy of works so I can read the file that has the form on it. I do think I will try to fill out the TDIU form tho. If I send it in, will it just postphone the claim more? We are waiting for DRO to send the SOC (since about 2003 I think).

Nope. No response from Principi, but we never contacted him directly. We were one of many cases shown to him by Mr. Woods, we didn't expect a response. It is me (the wife) that is typing, hubby just reads along - loving the replies. The wait is so long between submissions of evidence and NODs that we just go to appts and tests and call monthly to 800# and VSO, and forget about what was last said or done on claim. So, officially, until I am in the pool of paperwork, I cannot say for sure what claim is on DRO desk awaiting SOC. I am in my pile, and will type the latest info. WINGS asked ofr reason of original claim and denial. I will post that, as well as the latest and what we await. This site and you guys are a boon to us have have all but given up! I am gathering my info for typing in here and collecting the papers to copy for our visit to VA Fri at this very minute. :P -Sonya

Berta - Thanks for reply. The Doctor who stated this is the one that is head of the Gulf War Clinic at VA in Lexington. He si also Assistant Professor of Medicine at Univ KY. He backs his opinions on our documents with arguments that he has so many other veterans fr so many years with similar symptoms/illnesses. We have no medical research articles to back up our claims. Over the years along with the disillusionment and disheartenment of failed attempts to get them to hear, I, too, feel as though I am losing my cognitive ability, memory and focus. I read the posted studies here in this thread and got lost with the medical terminology. I am so not prepared for this fight. I have had wonderful people like you look at the paperwork and hear me, but I have not turned in the right forms, papers, studies, or contacted the right 'authorities that be' to get them to hear. Mr. Woods from NGWRC even went as far as taking my husbands claim with him to Principi in front of congress. Used his claim as one of the 'classic cases' for vets not being heard. We have contacted congressmen - received form letters. etc. Hubby feels like the poster boy for PGW Illness. I used to have a great attitude with hope and perserverance. Now the desperation has eaten away at me and I am lost in the paperwork. I do want to keep on trying. But now most strength is daily survival. Almost all records are from VA and VA testing, VA doctors. We thought we almost had a connection when an early C&P exam stated the fatigue had no etiology and was not associated with other symptoms, but along came the rating board, with another doctor opinion (a doctor who had never seen hubby - only the med report), and this other doc stated that the fatigue COULD BE associated with anxiety disorder - so rating board went with that - that it WAS associated with anxiety and we were denied again. Today I am sitting down with the box of files and looking for these papers again, along with the decisions. So I can pinpoint what we have done and where we are at. I have in past attempted to list the papers that were in the file and then try to put in chronological order they like the dates to be bass ackwards and all mixed up. I just stay confused. It took us close to a year to have the ppl at the 800# and at VSO to recognize what a D.R.O. was. They claimed no knowledge until one day - a person on the other end of the line said 'OH, YOU MEAN A DROW!!!' I about fell outta my chair. I had been pronouncing 'DEE ARE OH'. I am so sorry to be so ignorant. I realize you guys are advanced and it could frustrate you that I have been involved so long and still understand so little. Today I continue my study and I will continue to come here for tips and leads to hunt info. The help you have given by replying has lifted my hope. I thank you greatly.

THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH!!:P

Nope we don't know him, but we will certainly try to know him soon. I do not know how to write a statement of case. Yes, my husband goes to Lexington for DR appts and testing, treatments and meds. Oh thank you for reply! Definite plans to visit VA Fri tho! Thank you thank you!

Wife of vet here, claim at DRO desk awaiting SOC they say when we call VSO office at regional VAMC. . Went online seeking help a couple years ago: March 27, 2003 Dear Sir: Many vets are STILL battling for compensation (even just pension for survival as disabilities remove work/income capability), as I have come to learn over the years. I am one of them. CONTACT INFORMATION: >Gary Bourne II >345 Copper Creek Road >Crab Orchard, KY 40419 >Home Phone: >Work Phone: >Fax: >E-Mail: artie114@hotmail.com > > INCIDENT INFORMATION: >Date of Incident: 3/10/1991 or w/in the week of >Location of Incident: w/in 5 kilometer of Khamisiyah > >DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT: I am Gulf War vet. I was in the HHC 197th Inf Bde >(mech) (sep) MP platoon. >I was also attached to the 299th eng bn, we provided security for the crew >marking the combat route, a part of Operation Flasher. . We had chemical alarms go off, >but saw no one writhing or convulsing. The alarms were dismissed as >defective and all >was called clear. After a couple of 'false' alarms', they were shut off >(attributed to diesel smoke=false alarm). They may have been working fine?? >*Although 2 of the units I was associated with, are listed by DoD as >potentially exposed to toxic chemicals (within a 5 kilometer radius of >chemical demolition), I was mailed a letter from Bernard Rostker that >assured of NO exposure even a low level unlikely. Was also informed thru >VA, DoD, studies and the media, that the vaccines we took, anthrax and PB, >as well as depleted uranium and oil well fires, not to mention, pesticides >and diesel fumes, could be toxic hazards. > >INJURY DESCRIPTION: Have 10 years or so, medical records from VA, with >Gulf War specialist as my primary physician. But results of many tests with >many different examiners on record. Diagnosed with basal ganglia and >thalamus damage due to toxic exposure during my service. As well as chronic >pain, fatigue, IBS, GERD, sleep disorder, memory problems, etc.I think it >could be Gulf War Illness, as my symptoms are matching so closely. I have >an appeal and a 2nd claim (or 3rd-need to ask VFW rep), it seems the >decision makers are ignoring and dismissing facts. I need help. I am no >lawyer and don't know the 'magic words'. I have cognitive degeneration-I >lost 24 IQ points we know of so far, my memory , I take drugs for (when I >remember too, lol). A real concern for LONG drawn out decision making and >appeals. > >INJURY TREATMENT: I am 31 years old. I have been diagnosed with or treated >for: arithrialgias, IBS, GERD, fatigue (no eitiology says C&P Final exam >board)(stemming from anxiety says the rating board), weight loss, rash, >respiratory (cold like symptoms), memory (now taking an Alzheimer‘s >treatment for it), muscle/joint pain, lost ALL teeth, sleep disorder, 10% >VA rating for high arched feet. , since my first complaint of fatigue in >1991. I was declared 100% disabled by primary doctor in Dec. 2002. I feel like a mouse in a maze, when I read the letters from VA "you have not submitted new and material evidence", I thought a new dignosis of a disorder and the test results proving it was pretty new and material, but where I am not trained in law, I may be misunderstanding this. Am I reading correctly, when I am reading that even though no specific cause for the illness is proven, the VA will presume the association of illness and toxic exposures, when vet served during specified time, in specified area, and had certain (listed/named) signs and/or symptoms, for reason of service connected compensation? I was there, an MP, in units listed as potentially exposed to sarin or other toxins, I have suffered the listed symptoms over the past 10 years or so (chronically and medically recorded). I am disabled and seeking compensation relating to service connection due to Gulf War Illness. Every time I read the laws passed for Gulf War vets, I see clearly how one would surmise I was afflicted with the mysterious illness. I have test after test and x-rays and all medical proof of the illnesses, symptoms, disorders, and signs my doctors have observed and noted. How can I illustrate this fact to the rating board? That I AM one of the vets these laws were passed for. Thank you, Gary Bourne II (by wife) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THEN I heard from THIS SITE!! :P Praise God!! And Bless Jim!!: Jim- Thank you so much for reply (both of them). B) I am in rural KY. The VFW Service Officer is kind, but seems overworked and not as knowledgeable as I would like to see. We have not been notified that we will have to pay him anything. Generally, the VA SO's are paid by the organization that supports them. VFW people are just as good as any, as a whole. You can switch service officers at any time you feel it would benefit your cause. DAV, VFW, STATE VETERANS, AMERICAN LEGION and lots more have people that can help you if you feel like you need more attention. I have been diagnosed with 12 symptoms of Gulf War Illness, I am presently taking Alzheimer's medication due to the brain damage. right here, you should be examined for C&P. If they haven't scheduled an exam then you DO need to find a Service officer that is more than nice. One that 'dogs' that until you get what you need. I have applied for social security, and heard positive comments from the examiner of the claim's potential for acceptance. If you can't work and have the degenerative disorders you do, you should get SSDI and you should get it soon. I saw the law where I can also qualify for non-service connected pension once ss finds me eligible (a law my SO was not familiar with-he just knew that 'usually' if ss paid, then the military pension would.) I have sought atty, but no luck yet. I have no money, so I am not sure if representation is even available for me. You should have the S/O check and make sure that you have applied for both Comp and Pension. Comp is for compensation of a service connected ailment while Pension gets you help from non service connected. You should be able to get your Pen benefits hurried along if you are destitute by, again, your Service officer. If he doesn't know how, shoot him (just kidding, just beat him). REPRESENTATION IS YOUR RIGHT, you deserve that and more. If nobody has thanked you for your service, let me be the first. You deserve everything that you will get from your tour. Just don't give up and quit, because then, they win. The enemy is .GOV. All of it. Yes, I lost all of my teeth before age 30. All close family have healthy smiles into retirement age. I had noticed the tooth deterioration on ngwrc website. They just turned to powder over a 5 yr period. No matter what anyone says, this is NOT normal. It is all connected. I was examined for ptsd, I sought treatment while in service, it was close to my separation date and they referred me to VA when I got home. Was found with no disorder initially, then, anxiety, personality, fatigue, etc. But no ptsd. with one question: did you receive a combat ribbon (Combat infantryman or anything such as combat medic?) if you say yes, I would say go immediately to the next paragraph and even if you didn't you should consider that next one. From this point, I will ask you to do me a favor. Call the Vet Center in your city. They will be in the white pages either as Vet Center or Veterans Center. Call them and schedule a meeting with one of their trained therapists. They can do what I can't do and that is to diagnose. I'm a former medic and I think I know more than I probably do know, but from where I am sitting, you have raging PTSD. I would guess that all this Iraqi Freedom bullshi* has you 'pinned down'. Do you isolate a lot just to stay away from people, always aware of the perimeter, are you mad as hell and screaming at everyone? Your other choice is the VA Hospital and I think that there is an in house ptsd program in a facility somewhere close to you. They are great. The VA understands PTSD and their program is great. lol I saw no war horror. Was never under fire. I was MP, well armed, felt rather safe. There were explosions within my line of sight, as tanks and trucks were bombed. I saw a bit of aftermath close-up, exploded equpment, enemy corpses, etc. Our M8's went off here and > there I personally don't think you needed see much that would shock you. I suspect that what you saw was probably enough to give you some raging nightmares and intrusive thoughts while you are struggling to get through your day. One passing note. HADIT.COM. I won't be going anywhere so you can always get ahold of me. Hope it is helpful. Thats one of my new 'missions' in life. Later Jim --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hubby DID have C&P exam at one time - can we get another? How? Should I get him tested (If possible) for mycolpasma infection? He has many symptoms. As well as PSTD (he has DR appt next month). I don't know if his Doc ever used the words 'In my medical opinion...' yet (am checking now). If I didn't fill out a form for TDIU, or not mentioned the words exactly - will they ignore that truth - that is IS completely disabled? (SS awarded full compensation w/i 2 mos of his application for total disability w/VA medical records. Same VSO as back then- still no word - says he 'does his thing' when he goes in front of board. So far, only argues w/us about presumption, etc. He DID make note where I (the wife) hollered and fussed at him over the phone though for not helping hubby. He sent us part of the paperwork for non service connected pension, we filled out what they asked plus I put income info in margins, he told us not to file for it because it delays S/C claim and would not help if SS disability paid off. So we quit that claim, only to find a blank page or 2 in the application when we got copy of complete 'official record of file of claim'. I (the wife) WENT off on VSO. I am sorry - I know I shouldn't have - maybe I have PSTD too now?? S/C claim on DRO desk facing SOC the VSO office tells me, we expect to be denied on anything we have tried. If he were to get a VSO that DOES something - do we start over? It has been 15 years since his service, he let claim lapse over the 1 year limit until we married 8 yrs ago and I went and filed again for him. I dunno how long we can hold on. Please pray for us. Thank you to anyone who reads this. -Sonya