I'm new. I understand this is a long post; so thanks in advacne to all who helpiong Veterans.
I've recently signed a POA with a NSO with the DAV. He says I'm way under rated for my SC issues, and we are moving forward on increasing my claim. Previously, I gave up because the rating decisions were as ridiculous as the process. He also got me to apply for VR&E considering my plan to return to school to complete my degree. Recent economic misfortune, age, and SC issues are the catalyst. Recently, I relocated from SoCal to the Bay Area after losing a business in LA with my brother. That's another long ugly story. Most importantly after losing the business I moved because the air quality is much better. I slept with the windows closed in LA and an air filtertration system. If I didn't I would wake up with black soot in my nasal passges and have a bad breathing day.
History:
Active duty (88-94). Upon discharge; SC ratings of 0% (not relevant); 0% eczema; 0% Allergic Rhinitis & Chronic Bronchitis. Completely denied "conjuctivitis of the right eye". Ever since AD I've had a prodcutive cough, shortness of breath, and, catch bad bronchial infections that must be treated with Antibiotics. The VA also provides any type of inhalers I want to assist my breathing. I rarely use them because they make me very jittery. I try to minimize antibiotics use so I don't develop resisitance, but take them when necessary. This August I was in bed for four weeks with excruciating pain under my shoulder blades (bronhical wrenching). I had to role out of bed on to my knees and then stand up. Needless to say I suffer from anxiety & depression (A&D) as a result of the social impact the chronic cough has on my personal, professional, and social relationships. Moreover, the constant thought of this illness in the back of your mind is taxing to say the least. I was fried from the (A&D) 10-15 years ago when I was dealing with the loss of both parents at the same time, looking for work, and dealing with this chronic condition. I still suffer from A&D, memory impairment and cognitive defecits. It's been a long difficult road at times, but I don't give up, and I do regulary see a threapist at the VA to help me cope with this and life. The conjuctivitis is chronic also but got denied. I experience daily pain on the right side on my head, neck tension, and shooting pain at times.
History after Active Duty:
In 95 I got hired by the phone company. I worked for them for 5 years (95-00) and started using my GI Bill for college at night. I did complete my associate degree with honors (it's a miracle really). My work relationship were impacted there. I had a repetivitive stress injury to my wrist while working for the Phone Company and decided to try another supervisory job with a Cable Company because of the RSI to my wrist and to get out of dusty environments. This proved a big mistake for varous reasons including; I was not prepared or had the experience. My anxiety & depression, memory impairment, & cognitive defecits were so severe I got fired for it. It was called a lay off but it was a termination. I pursued a state voc-rehab program in computers from the phone company. After completion a retired Chief helped me get into a County Telecomm dept for a year temp job. My SC'd issues reared there ugly head again and I didn't get on full time. Frustrated, I decided I didn't want to work for anyone else again due to the social rejection & discrimination. I rehab'd houses for two years; developed real estate for 2 years, and then bought a franchise with my brother. The reason I moved from the construction industry is to work in a cleaner environement that's less taxing on my respirtory distress. The franchisor seized a significant amount of money on us and forced us into insolvency May 09.
Current situation, status, and goals:
In 2003 rating increased to 10% for Allergic Rhinitis.
In 2003 Allergic Rhinitis separated from Chronic Bronchitis.
Eczema still 0%.
Conjunctivitis still in denied status from 1995 rating decision.
I'm 44 yrs old want to finish my B.S. degree in accounting and get my CPA license.
I have my associates degree and was just admitted to a business school. I start in two weeks.
My goal is a CPA license at minimum because of CPA demand, work environment, and opportunities.
The office environment doesn't put stress on my respirtory system.
CPA work is more static reducing overall stress on cognitive functions, memory, and A&D.
Reduced stress on congnitive & memory functions will decrease A&D leading to life balance.
I'm receiving 100% financial aid for now because I lost everything in the business.
Just had my assessment & orientation with Voc Rehab counselor.
My DAV SO says my increased claims will take 9/12 months. That's ok.
Questions & Understandings:
I have my interview with my Voc Rehab counselor on Monday.
She said to bring EVERYTHING about what I want/plan to do.
What should I expect? Is she an ally or advesary.
Currently, I'm only 10% SC, and it's hard to get approved at 10%.
How do I position this so I have the best shot.
Voc Rehab provides up to 48 months of eduction benefits.
If so I want to pursue a master degree.
How do I get a masters degree approved?
Thanks again for reading and contributing your valueable time.
What To Expect At First Vr&e Meeting After Assessment & Orientation.
in Vocational Rehabilitation
Posted
Hello,
I'm new. I understand this is a long post; so thanks in advacne to all who helpiong Veterans.
I've recently signed a POA with a NSO with the DAV. He says I'm way under rated for my SC issues, and we are moving forward on increasing my claim. Previously, I gave up because the rating decisions were as ridiculous as the process. He also got me to apply for VR&E considering my plan to return to school to complete my degree. Recent economic misfortune, age, and SC issues are the catalyst. Recently, I relocated from SoCal to the Bay Area after losing a business in LA with my brother. That's another long ugly story. Most importantly after losing the business I moved because the air quality is much better. I slept with the windows closed in LA and an air filtertration system. If I didn't I would wake up with black soot in my nasal passges and have a bad breathing day.
History:
Active duty (88-94). Upon discharge; SC ratings of 0% (not relevant); 0% eczema; 0% Allergic Rhinitis & Chronic Bronchitis. Completely denied "conjuctivitis of the right eye". Ever since AD I've had a prodcutive cough, shortness of breath, and, catch bad bronchial infections that must be treated with Antibiotics. The VA also provides any type of inhalers I want to assist my breathing. I rarely use them because they make me very jittery. I try to minimize antibiotics use so I don't develop resisitance, but take them when necessary. This August I was in bed for four weeks with excruciating pain under my shoulder blades (bronhical wrenching). I had to role out of bed on to my knees and then stand up. Needless to say I suffer from anxiety & depression (A&D) as a result of the social impact the chronic cough has on my personal, professional, and social relationships. Moreover, the constant thought of this illness in the back of your mind is taxing to say the least. I was fried from the (A&D) 10-15 years ago when I was dealing with the loss of both parents at the same time, looking for work, and dealing with this chronic condition. I still suffer from A&D, memory impairment and cognitive defecits. It's been a long difficult road at times, but I don't give up, and I do regulary see a threapist at the VA to help me cope with this and life. The conjuctivitis is chronic also but got denied. I experience daily pain on the right side on my head, neck tension, and shooting pain at times.
History after Active Duty:
In 95 I got hired by the phone company. I worked for them for 5 years (95-00) and started using my GI Bill for college at night. I did complete my associate degree with honors (it's a miracle really). My work relationship were impacted there. I had a repetivitive stress injury to my wrist while working for the Phone Company and decided to try another supervisory job with a Cable Company because of the RSI to my wrist and to get out of dusty environments. This proved a big mistake for varous reasons including; I was not prepared or had the experience. My anxiety & depression, memory impairment, & cognitive defecits were so severe I got fired for it. It was called a lay off but it was a termination. I pursued a state voc-rehab program in computers from the phone company. After completion a retired Chief helped me get into a County Telecomm dept for a year temp job. My SC'd issues reared there ugly head again and I didn't get on full time. Frustrated, I decided I didn't want to work for anyone else again due to the social rejection & discrimination. I rehab'd houses for two years; developed real estate for 2 years, and then bought a franchise with my brother. The reason I moved from the construction industry is to work in a cleaner environement that's less taxing on my respirtory distress. The franchisor seized a significant amount of money on us and forced us into insolvency May 09.
Current situation, status, and goals:
In 2003 rating increased to 10% for Allergic Rhinitis.
In 2003 Allergic Rhinitis separated from Chronic Bronchitis.
Eczema still 0%.
Conjunctivitis still in denied status from 1995 rating decision.
I'm 44 yrs old want to finish my B.S. degree in accounting and get my CPA license.
I have my associates degree and was just admitted to a business school. I start in two weeks.
My goal is a CPA license at minimum because of CPA demand, work environment, and opportunities.
The office environment doesn't put stress on my respirtory system.
CPA work is more static reducing overall stress on cognitive functions, memory, and A&D.
Reduced stress on congnitive & memory functions will decrease A&D leading to life balance.
I'm receiving 100% financial aid for now because I lost everything in the business.
Just had my assessment & orientation with Voc Rehab counselor.
My DAV SO says my increased claims will take 9/12 months. That's ok.
Questions & Understandings:
I have my interview with my Voc Rehab counselor on Monday.
She said to bring EVERYTHING about what I want/plan to do.
What should I expect? Is she an ally or advesary.
Currently, I'm only 10% SC, and it's hard to get approved at 10%.
How do I position this so I have the best shot.
Voc Rehab provides up to 48 months of eduction benefits.
If so I want to pursue a master degree.
How do I get a masters degree approved?
Thanks again for reading and contributing your valueable time.