chiefhouse00

Greetings Berta Yes! I'm 20% service connected for Hep C and underwent three treatment sessions with no success. It's seems to be very difficult getting hard and clear evidence from doctors to support my my list of aliments. There are a lot of medical studies on the severe side effects of the treatment cocktails used to treat people with Hep C. I'm hopeful that my upcoming C&P goes well and my pending Appeal for Agent Orange. Any advice you give will be helpful. Thanks Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Berta Here are some of the aliments that I have submitted for service connection: - Neuropsychological Adverse Conditions (Stroke) Secondary to Chronic Hepatitis-C and the prescribed medication (Interferon and Ribavirin) - Diabetes Mellitus (DMII) Secondary to Chronic Hepatitis C and the prescribed medication (Interferon and Ribavirin) - Chronic Fatigue Secondary to Chronic Hepatitis C and the prescribed medication (Interferon and Ribavirin) used to treat this service-connected disability - Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) Secondary to Chronic Hepatitis C and Diabetes Mellitus (secondary to Hep-C). My Peripheral Neuropathy condition which affects all four extremities has been confirmed by military doctors and Veterans Administration C&P examiners. - Chronic Arthritis Secondary to Chronic Hepatitis C and prescribed medication (Interferon and Ribavirin). Also, I have some good MRI, CP Scans, and military medical records that may be helpful in linking my mini strokes. My C&P is next month. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Berta Thanks for this advice. I will submit a claim for mini strokes as secondary to the High Blood Pressure (HBP). My HBP was rated 10% when I got out in 1999. My MOS (Fuels Specialist) put my on the flightline and sprayed perimeter areas servicing aircraft and equipment at NKP and Korat AB Thailand in 1970 and 1972. I have provided more military documents for that time period on my appeal because the original claim was denied. This service-connected claim process is very tedious and requires a tremendous amount of patience. I have the will-power and patience to see this through the end. Again, Berta thanks for giving me this valuable advice. Smile! Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Berta Yes! My Chronic Microvascular Ischemic Disease was discovered during a brain MRI. My VA Provider told me that I have a history of mini strokes...scared the heck out of me because I didin't know that until I had the brain MRI. I am service connected for High Blood Pressure and a number of other aliments. I put a claim in for DMII, PN, and other aliments related to Hep C and three failed Interferon treatments. I've also included mini strokes in this claim. I was recently awarded 20% service connected for "Chronic Duodenitis with Gastric Meteplasia and Villi Atrophy consistent with Celiac Disease associated with Hepatitis C." My next C&P is scheduled for 6 Jan 2011. Also, in 1970 and 1972, I spent two tours in Thailand (Korat and NKP)... I only spent a couple hours on the ground in Vietnam enroute to NKP. I submitted an Agent Orange claim but it was denied. I submitted an NOD which is still in Appeal Status. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings What is Chronic Microvascular Ischemic Disease and how do you get it because I was recently diagnosed with it. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings What is the possible rating for chronic duodenitis with gastric metaplasia and celiac disease? My recent C&P examiner confirmed that both diseases were due to interferon treatment for Hep C. I started Hep C treatment prior to retiring from the military service in 1999. I failed three treatment sessions and the treatments were discontinued in 2006. I complained of painful abdominal pain for many years and underwent an endoscopy last year when the chronic duodenitis with gastric metaplasia and celiac disease were discovered. I submitted a claim and it closed today. I would like to know what code or codes may have been used to determine the rating I will get. Can you help? Happy Thanksgiving to All Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Clown Man I will give it my best shot. I have a couple doctor appointments scheduled for next month. I have good medical data for this approach. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I was recently denied service connection for Diabetes Mellitus II associated with Agent Orange and Ulnar Nerve Entrapment in my arms/hands primarily because I couldn't provide NEXUS documentation (no proof of being in Vietnam). The VA C&P examiner (Neurologist) opined that my Ulnar Nerve Entrapment condition was most likely diabetic peripheral neuropathy. He added that it was in all four extremities (worst on the legs by far than the arms). Also, completed an EMG confirming PN both hands and feet by another C&P examiner. I was diagnosed with Hep-C prior to discharge and service connected for Hep-C (20%). Question: Can I claim my DMII and PN conditions as being secondary to Hep-C? Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I have had Hep C since 1969-1970 and have already failed three treatment therapy sessions. I have had two biopies and my virol load is 3 miillion plus. I was on a maintainence plan put stop after three months because of excessive rash around the areas of injections. In addition to Hep C, I have high blood pressure and now DMII. Question: Is or can DMII be related or caused by Hep C? v/r Chiefhouse B)

Greetings Thanks for the replies and I will certainly try to find orders that sent me TDY to Thailand (NKP) via Vietnam in 1970 timeframe. I will keep you posted on my progress. "...We can win if we try..." Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings It’s been a well since I posted but it nice to be back. Well, I got the dreadful four ailments that I've tried my best to avoid. • Hep-C (20%) I failed three treatment sessions. Recent claim denied for increase. • Hypertension (10%) I take four types of meds for this. • Sleep Apnea (50%) Using CPAC over four years. • Diabetes Mellitus (not rated) just start taking Metformin last week. Question: Can my Diabetes Mellitus be linked to anyone of the other dreadful diseases or all linked to Agent Orange or what? I served 30 years starting in 1969 until 1999. TDY to Thailand 1970 and one day in Nam en-route to Thailand, 1970. I plan on filling a claim for Diabetes Mellitus soon. Should I wait to file since I already have a couple other claims (skin rash (10%), Back/arm/leg (10 % each) and Neck Problem (o%) being reviewed now. “…I’m not going to let any of these ailments get the best of me…each day is a victory…” Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Could someone send me a link to a VA Disability Calculator. Thanks Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Could someone send my a link to a VA Disability Calculator. Thanks Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings and Merry Christmas I'm currently rated 20% for Hep C. I've had this disease for over 30 years and it was identifed while on active duty. Well, I failed my third treatment session to remove or control Hep C from destorying my liver. Anyway, this third try has cause my liver viral load count to incease (1 million to 3 million) versus reducing it after the first four months. For those of you who have undergone this Hep C treatment know that its a very painful and diffecult process. I filed a claim for an increase with the VA in Sept 06 when I started this third round of treatments but was told (via email) that they have not reviewed my claim yet. I can only wait and see what is next. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I haven't heard anything yet...my retro should include increases from 50 to 80 percent effective Feb 2004. Hopefully, we will hear something soon. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greeting I had a C&P exam for my lower back, legs and arm/hand numbness and tingling problem. An EMS was done and it was determined that I had nerve damage to my lower back, both legs and arms. I was only rated at 10% for my lower back and both legs. I was not given a rating for my left arm/hand nerve problem because it was not associated with the lower back condition. I was already rated 10% for the right arm nerve damage problem from a previous C&P. If the C&P examiner found a nerve (PN) problem with my left arm, shouldn't it have been given a rating even if it was not related to the lower back. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Dan Are they going to reschedule the C&P or a later date or just provide a need rating with the info you provided. Yes, I started my third therapy session and hope for better results. I sent my request to the VA for a temportary 100% rating while I'm in this 48-weeks HCV treatment. Those who have undergone this HCV treatment therapy definitely know how severe it is fighting this dragon. I'll let you and this site know my outcome. Any advice, please pass it on. Best Regards Chiefhouse B)

Greetings This HCV treatment is being done my the military hospital. My HCV condition was detected during a physical exam while on active duty in 1998. Its estimated that I've had this disease for 20 years or more and not direct cause determined. I've completed two other HCV therapy session with no success...both managed by the military. This will be my third go at it and hope for a better outcome this time. I will submit a request to the VA today for a rate increase while I'm in treatment...HCV treatment therapy is rough and very hard to deal with but I will try to complete it. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings This HCV treatment is being done my the military hospital. My HCV condition was detected during a physical exam while on active duty in 1998. Its estimated that I've had this disease for 20 years or more and no direct cause determined. I've completed two other HCV therapy session with no success...both managed by the military. This will be my third go at it and hope for a better outcome this time. I will submit a request to the VA today for a rate increase while I'm in treatment...HCV treatment therapy is rough and very hard to deal with but I will try to complete it. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I'm currently rated 20% for HCV and getting ready to undergo a new 48-week FDA approved and hospital controlled HCV treatment session. Will or can the VA approve 100% rating while I'm in treatment. Best Regards Chiefhouse B)

Greeting Here is what the VA said concerning my case. "Our records show that a 30 percent disability evaluation was assigned to your bronchial asthma effective Dec 26, 2002. Our rating decision dated Sept 21, 2005 granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, and included this condition in the evaluation of your asthma. Effective Feb 19, 2004, a 50 percent disability evaluation was assigned to bronchial asthma with obstructive sleep apnea. We have affirmed and continued the 50 % disability evaluation assigned to your bronchial asthma with obstructive sleep apnea." Also, I have not yet submitted the VA Form 9 which I received on 11 Jul 2006. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I will not pursue this any further because both aliments are so closely related and falls under the pyramiding clause according to the VA. Thanks for the feedback. Best Regards Chiefhouse :D

Greetings I was first rated at 30% for asthma in 2000 and service-connected for sleep apnea in 2005. The VA combined both service-connected aliments and rated it at 50%. I submitted a NOD and now I have to submit a SOC to continue my appealed. I don't want to tie up the system if what I'm doing is not the right thing to do. I still take meds for asthma and use the cpap machine for sleep apnea. Both aliments shold be rated separately and not combined. Should I persue this SOC or let it go? Best Regards Chiefhouse :D

Greetings To date, no eye doctor has told me how I developed the PSC Cataracts. I've taken topical steriods for skin rashs and epidural steroid injectionss for lower back problems, and tons of other meds for asthma, high blood pressure and HCV just to name a few. I have also had eye truma and jet fuel spilled in my eyes...so it could be a number of things that could have caused the cataracts besides just getting old. Since retirement (1999), I've been seen at Walter Reed and the VAMC concerning my eyes...always got new glasses. I'm scheduled to see a C&P eye doctor on 29 August 06...I'll let you know the outcome. Best Regards Chiefhouse :o

Greetings Short Version: I provided additional information last year to the VA and they recently admitted to incorrectly rating my poor eye vision and bilateral cataracts in 2000 as "Denied". The rating was changed from "denied" to "zero percent" for cataracts only and scheduled me for an eye exam on 27 Aug 06. My military medical records is packed (1970 - 1999) with eye related problems but the VA selectively highlighted the cataracts and ommitted the floaters, dry eyes, and blurred vision problems when they recently reverse the ratiing decision from denied to zero precent. Should I continue to persue this issue? Best Regards Chiefhouse :o