[Denied!]

Pete,

I have been trying to remember Alex's name...thanks for posting about him. Does he still show up here from time to time? I wonder how he is. That man was such a help, as are you and so many others.

Gwen

PS: Sorry if this doesn't belong in this section.

[Can Va Comp Effect Future Employment?]

I think that being a veteran helps with getting jobs. There are many places that give them extra benefits and preference. This is just my opinion, but I'd not turn down any disability comp that you might get from the VA. Who knows when it will get worse and then you need to put in for an increase. But, like I said....just my opinion on that.

Good luck and thanks for your service!

Gwen

[Denied!]

Yes, be sure to file for Individual Unemployability! From our experience, the VA never tells anyone about it. If it hadn't have been for online help from Mr. Smith, Pete, Bertha, and others; (before the Hadit days on the old Prodigy Veteran Bulletin Board) I would have never known about it. Thank God, we now have Hadit to spread the word. Also, I (I did the paperwork...Dave wasn't able!) just wrote an informal letter requesting the TDIU for my husband and had him sign it. I put an attention line: Requesting Individual Unemployability. Now, there are forms online, but I think the letter would still work.

I just wanted to add that it really didn't matter what your disability rating is...if you can't work because of a service connected disability....file for the IU! They will adjust the rating as needed. Dave, my husband, started out with a 10% rating. (So, don't let the rating keep you from asking for this!)

Good luck, fight for what you deserve...you've paid dearly for it!

Gwen

[Thyroid Cancer]

<snip> She is bed-bound and just last week broke her ankle trying to get up for the bathroom by herself. Again, overall, the thyroid CA is her least problem.

Hi Rich,

Sorry to hear about Judy breaking her ankle....she has been through so much! Please send her my love and let her know that she is in my prayers!

Hugs,

Gwen

[Thyroid Cancer]

To all

I found out last week that i have thyroid cancer, got my medical clarence yesterday, so i will be going into the hospital end of of the month for the operation, has anyone had this operation, <snip>

Patrick

Patrick,

Sorry to hear about you having Thyroid Cancer! I want you to know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers! I don't have any of the answers to you questions. My husband has a nodule on his thyroid that had to be checked to be sure it wasn't cancerous. Thank God, his wasn't. I'm a survivor of Uterine Cancer, and know many other cancer survivors....I will be adding your name to that group soon!!!

Love and Prayers,

Gwen

[Too Soon Old, To Late ....]

After all these years, I was told about applying for C&P in Nov. 2005. Placed on SSDI last year, now I am just beginning to start the C&P process. An MI in 1987 landed me in the VAMC, then also informed of DMII, Hypertension, CAD, among others. In 1993, the VA dr. said I was no longer eligible for ongoing care for DMII and related neuro syptoms. Like a "good little soldier", I said ok, and no longer went to VAMC for care. I re-entered to VA system after being declared disabled by my IMO and then later by SSDI, hoping I might be able to get care and the rather large load of prescriptions. Of course, even though put in Catagory 5, I am paying copays for everything, including office visits and some tests. I did not apply for benefits until Nov. 2005. Service connection for DMII is a certainty, but will I be able to recover the thousands spent during 2005? Just one of several questions I will be needing help form you that have/are going through the process.

Thanks

Welcome to hadit, I'm sorry that you are just starting the C&P process, sad but true that the info hasn't been given freely. (Thank God for Tbird, and Hadit!!!) Anyway, just a little suggestion...if you haven't already, I'd suggest filing for Individual Unemployability! It is listed as TDIU and rated at 100%.

About recovering anything before 2005, I don't think so....but lots of smart people here will be able to tell you for sure. I just know that the date you file, is the date you get back pay to....after winning your claim.

Good luck, you deserve the very best...you have earned it!!! Thanks for your service!

Hugs,

Gwen

[Over-active Thyroid]

I can feel for you in this matter. I have just the reverse a non producing thyroid. I can not say what an over producer feels like but a non producer leaves you dragging all the time. Over or under it is no fun. I have an ultrasound and the iodine test next week. Mine is a reflair up from years ago while on active duty and documented in my health records and the VA did no rate it as service connected. Not sure if this new info will matter to them or not.

I hope the test come back in his favor.

Thanks, I hope your test is Okay and you feel better soon. Glad that you have this documented! I guess the thyroid is bad regardless of over or under active. The only good side I see to the over-active is you lose weight fast....LOL...I could use a little of that! Dave lost 25 lbs in 6 weeks. ( But he's a big guy. ) I just hope they can help him feel better...it is the waiting around that is hard! And of course, I have to listen to him complain because they messed up and made him have to wait...guess that is wife's are far....hahaha.... B)

Wishing you all the best!

Gwen

[Over-active Thyroid]

Dave got out of the hospital a week ago. His doctor put him in because of High Blood Pressure. Anyway, while there, they did some tests and found that he has an over-active thyroid and severe colitis.

He has a nodule in his thyroid and they were supposed to do a test to see if it was cancerous. The radiology department canceled the doctor's order for that test (according to the doctor) an jumped ahead to do a cat scan test on his abdomin and pelvis...that required iodine.

We kept waiting for the thyroid test and finally learned that because the cat scan was given "out of order," they can't give him the thyroid test (to see if it is "hot") because it requires iodine. Seems that now we have to wait 6 weeks.

They can't even treat him for the over-active thyroid because if it is cancerous, the treatment will do more harm than good! I can't believe this!!!! Poor Dave is bouncing off the walls. This explains his horrible condition and while I'm hopeful that this can be treated and he can get some relief....I can't believe how long he has to wait! By the way....this was a local hospital....not one through the VA!

I had no idea how bad an over-active thyroid could make a person feel. I think it is just that much worse because of his other mental problems....

Just wanted to update you all!

Hugs,

Gwen

[Vetwives/family Retreat April 06]

The Specialized Outpatient/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment program of the VA Black Hills Health Care System is hosting its semi-annual Women's Retreat April 28-30, 2006 at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center, two miles east of Sturgis. The program is intended for women veterans (all eras) and collaterals (wives, significant others, mothers, etc.) of male veterans traumatized by experiences during military service. The weekend retreat begins at 12 Noon on Friday and ends at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Those wishing to participate must pre-register by phoning 605.720.7449 or 1-800-743-1070, extension 7449. Prior to registration, a brief telephone screening is required.

Interesting!! Brenda

Sure with they had something like this closer to SE TX, where I live! I think it sounds like a great idea. As the wife of a VietNam Vet 100% TDIU, I can see how this would be helpful!

Gwen