Berta

My DRO only began to do it right when I raised hell- the Section 1151- what is the status on that- and have you filed a FTCA claim too? yep "Lay Evidence"...implying that I'm a dumbass, and don't know what I'm talking I heard that for 3 years too-"the claimant does not have professional expertise to render a medical opinion" But then when my wrongful death FTCA and 1151 claim succeeded ,without any lawyer or IMO- they stopped singing that song. They tried it again on a new claim in 2004 but I stopped them cold- and reminded the VA again that the proper diagnosis of my husband's heart disease, improper medications, and most other malpracticed conditions, came from me-the layperson, and not the VA doctors, and the OGC concurred with my findings. However- having said that- I got an IMO for my newer claim. Even though I had presented bonafide and undisputable medical evidence of this claim, I did not want the rigamorale again of fighting them on the 'layperson' point. I knew, before Dr. Bash called me,in 2004 that my additional diagnosis of the veteran's death was medically sound.(they had misdiagnosed DMII- he was an AO exposed vet) He gave a complete opinion based on his expertise that the DRO refused to read for over a year- seemes that claim was decided in Late January but they are working on the CUE and will put it all together. 1151s claims They can be quite short- should be- they dont have time to read alot of paperwork-mine was a re-open of my husband's 1151 after he died. There must be documented proof of medical injury- which you appear to have- and additional disability due to the VA screw up- you also seem to have that- I helped a vet get 1151 award (100%) in less than four months. Mine took almost 4 years on the 1151.(They even denied with a copy of my settlement papers with the US of A-that a was good one and that denial was quickly changed) The above vet- I stated his claim in about four sentences. One VAMC had said he had hemmoroids for years,he gets to another VAMC and they say it is bowel cancer, they operate, and saved his life but the misdiagnosis had shortened his life. 100% under 1151 plus SMC. I cannot explain why ROs -with excellent medical evidence-award in some cases but string it all out in others- Even though my husband's claim prior to his death, and my re-open of his claim ,was a short 1151 claim and I attached the most significant pieces of medical evidence-it took them years to argue with me and then VACO med team agreed with the initial medical evidence and points I had made in the first place. I say keep it brief as you can- hit them hard with the actual evidence-send it in until they learn how to read it-respond to everything you receive from VARO and keep your focus solely on the documented negligence (the surgical and discharge narratives) and its result to you.(the additional documented disability) A good IMO is well worth the investment in claims like this. The cost can be absorbed with a favorable opinion and thus- more compensation.

Make sure you stress that you want application of the Doctrine of Reasonable Doubt-re: the tinnitus- http://www.va.gov/vetapp03/files/0313192.txt men and women- has their been any update at all to the bilateral tinnitus issue as within this OG Pres Op? http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:o93slz...k&cd=3&ie=UTF-8

Frosty- although they said 'increase'-they probably mean the EED claim on the diabetes. Have you sent them evidence to support EED? Skin disorders can often be caused by DMII- did you claim this as seconary to DMII and also due to Vietnam service? Even if the sores pre date the DMII diagnosis- then possibly a doctor would say your SC DMII is "aggravating" this skin condition- still a potential secondary claim. check this out- my husband had the Tinea skin problem from leaving Vietnam up until he died- it is a fungus- and as this article states- the heat, humidity, being in wet utilities and wet fox holes all caused many tropical fungus problems and other disorders in Vietnam vets. http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:2se9sw...k&cd=3&ie=UTF-8 If I were you I would bring this article to the doc- and ask him/her for a 'more than likely' statement as to its connection to your Vietnam service and/or your SC diabetes- They told me by mail last year that my 'pension' claim was being worked on- and then a vet rep at 800 last month told me they have decided my 'pension' claim ???? I dont have a pension claim in- they write these letters so fast that they dont get them correct.

http://www.va.gov/vetapp06/files1/0601274.txt Apparently the VA Cued themselves- as they had erroneously granted SC death (DIC) then realised it was error. Only part of this is posted at the BVA-????? This one a 2006 CUE claim-denied-is from my POA- the veteran failed to state the regs they broke-one of the main reasons for CUE denials- http://www.va.gov/vetapp06/files2/0601611.txt I need to edit this- I just found in BVA 2006 decisions one of the strangest cases I ever saw: http://www.va.gov/vetapp06/files1/0600420.txt The veteran was a POW during WWII: In a December 1976 Forfeiture Decision, the RO determined that the veteran had forfeited all rights, claims and benefits to which he might otherwise be entitled under laws administered by VA. The RO based its decision on a finding that the veteran's sustained membership and service of approximately one year in the Japanese sponsored and controlled Bureau of Constabulary during the enemy occupation of the Philippines in 1943 and 1944 was of assistance to the Imperial Japanese Military Forces. In a letter dated the same month, the RO notified the veteran of the Forfeiture Decision and of his appellate rights with regard to the decision. The veteran did not, however, appeal it to the Board. The December 1976 Forfeiture Decision is thus final. 38 U.S.C. § 4005© (1976); 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.104, 19.118, 19.153 (1976). The veteran now claims that the December 1976 Forfeiture Decision should be revised or reversed on the basis that it involves CUE. (The veteran did not succeed)

Dave- did they send you a VCAA letter or a Dingess letter yet? How about a formal I-9---did you prepare that yourself? SInce they apparently denied and sent a SOC- have you sent them a response to the SOC? If you prepared the I-9 instead, they are probably going to docket the claim-for the BVA but you still have time to support the CUE at the VARO- The legal errors and regs they broke should be clearly stated,(except for Duty to Assist) the evidence that proves the error should be stated and the EED of course -is the manifestly different outcome- Have you found anything similiar at BVA or CAVC? I think sending them a copy of the actual older decision being cued is always helpful too.

Onriver- how did they state the denial of the neuropathy? I assume they denied that claim or is that still pending- also-if I were you I would file a claim as to the Bell's Palsy as secondary to the SC DMII and use the following print out or anything else that shows that diabetics have increased risk for Bell's Palsy: http://www.neurologychannel.com/bellspalsy/ As I understand this medical article the EMG is only one potential test for peripheral neuropathy: http://www.athenadiagnostics.com/site/cont..._neuropathy.asp Neuropathy is clearly associated with DMII and the VA knows it- they would have to come up with a different etiology or cause for your neuropathy-and they most likely could not do that.

Hoppy- thank you for sharing that incredible situation you have had with us---- it is just overwhelming what you have put up with and I commend you for staying at the VARO until they got it right- I feel that you should also be getting SMC- at the HB level -Housebound- as this disability prevents you from living a fully complete life- I hear you on the DW 40- knocks me out and weed killer- (I call Round up civilian Agent Orange)-xerox machines- there are numerous things that someone with allergies or any disability like this just cannot deal with. Congress had that Carbon Tetrachloride bill some years back that went no where-and it was lousy anyhow- the VA has got to start addressing their use of carbons, fule JP 04 etc , better as much of that was used without any protective gear issued and now vets are suffered from long term health problems due to these chemical airborne substances. I am sorry if my post triggered this all in you- but I believe you have helped and encouraged many by telling us all this- "If you call follow this saga, you might want to give up the service officer business and enrol in medical school." You sure are right there- there are men and women right here who know by far more medically than some of the so called doctors at the VA-I have knocked down about 6 of their expert 'medical' opinions in my own claims so far (1995-to present)and have no faith at all in most of them. Vets must certainly try to be in control of their disability and how the VA treats it. That is how Knowledge becomes power-and it could save your life. Thank you Hoppy-I am grateful that you persisted in your claim.

I have a state vet rep too(NYSDVA) and he too would have gone ballistic on this one! I think this guys head was where Pete just said their RO heads are- in another post- "in his proffesssional opinion was not related to my service." What profession does he have- (have a few choice remarks for that but cant say them here) I swear they are denying probative claims like yours to save time-and money- Tanks? Vietnam?- NOD that baby right away- Type Notice of Disagreement in Big letters then put your c file # etc, and State: I completely disagree with the recent decision that I received as my Vietnam service, to include combat and my MOS (or occupation) is fully consistent with my bilateral tinnitus. I intend to continue to appeal this decision until the VA corrects it , as it is based on VA regs and case law, as well as common sense, when one considers that a year of exposure to the defeaning sounds of combat and the amplified sounds of tank fire power obviously can cause tinnitus. Sincerely, etc This is a real winner-but dont worry veteran- many of us get crap like this- sounds just like Buffalo VARO-but probably not. OH PS- I know some tank men- they did not give you any protective ear gear did they? like that could help- maybe you should mention that fact. I dont know of a single Nam vet who had ear plugs issued in combat-maybe they did in the tanks? Veteran- now is the time to ask for any other comp you might be eligible for-too- any AO problems like diabetes, etc- any PTSD, anything whatsoever that is disabling you and can be related to your service.

Yes- I read that post- sounds like the Keystone Cops did that C & P- Is that issue part of the claim that you are awaiting decision on? It sure doesn't hurt to Google varicose veins etc- and find a good medical abstract or article to explain to VA exactly what condition you actually have here- boy- men and women- it just galls me that you all served for this? bad enough some of the VA docs don't speak English but some seem just plain stupid.

Hello Everyone, I am sending this to those of you who know me and what I do for veterans. A few weeks ago I took the test and applied to become a legal "Veterans Service Officer" (VSO) with the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 799 here in Coos Bay. I received an official letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs General Counsel yesterday stating the following: ***** Dear Mr. Harris, It is a pleasure to welcome you as an accredited representative of the above named organization for the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the laws relating to veteran's benefits. Your recognition is an honor which carries certain responsibilities. As an accredited representative, you may inspect the claims folder of any claimant from whom your organization has a proper power of attorney, but you must observe the limitations imposed by the VA regulations in disclosing information to the claimant and others. With respect to these veterans' records, you occupy a very confidential postion, and we rely on your integrity. Other privileges and responsibilities that you acquire through recognition are mentioned in the VA regulations governing representation of claimants, in title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, §§ 14.626 through 14.635. Congratulations and every good wish to you. Sincerely yours, Signed David R. McLenachen Deputy Assistant General Counsel ***** To all -Mike is based in Oregon area,still doing wonderful work for vets, and is at http://www.pointman101.org Also: "we are starting up a new veterans group in the area called "Southwestern Oregon Veteran Outreach" (SOVO). Four of us have applied or are in the process of applying. Mine came back first. Having VSOs who can work a claim from the ground up will give SOVO more credibility in the region. We will work in conjunction with Point Man Ministries Outpost #101 and VVA as well."

Thanks Pete- I think I can get the ID at the closest Naval Reserves place-that is where the County Service Agency told me to go years ago- I was in BXs and bought stuff but I was with enlisted personnel and a AF veteran. Our local VAMC has two small stores next to their canteens for some good deals on various items too. Something vets should check out when they go to their VAMCs.

could the doctors have put HTN in the records instead of BP or HBP? to mean hypertension? I see HTN used more than BP in many medical records. Berta

I got a senior citizen discount at Lackland Air Force Base at a big brunch. AARP has discounts available too -and any of you VA Voc Rehabbers- your student ID can get some discounts too- At a Ponderosa I whipped out my AARP card, my student ID, and my fire dept auxillary card-but they said they already gave the guy I was with a senior citizen discount-for our meal- he was ticked -he is 12 years younger than me-not a senior yet at all! Carlie- and others- if I go to a military base (to a PX or BX) without an enlisted person, I dont think I have my ID card yet- the one dependents get- can I still purchase stuff at a BX? Is my CHAMPVA ID good enough?

John- I dont know how Alex will reply- I for one sure believe strongly that if a veteran is eligible for SMC, they should claim it, and have VA rate it and compensate them. I actually believe too- that if many of you look at some of your older decisions, where VA stated they considered you for SMC but denied due to whatever- that in fact-some of you might have met at least the HB or A & A criteria, by medical evidence, when they stated that- If it was not Nodded within that year, then only a re-open or a CUE can recover it. I had a new POA when I got my 1997 decision as to Rod's accrued. They said he was not eligible for SMC. Then VARO stated twice 'he was not eligible under any circumstance'. Yeah right- when I got a little smarter on SMC and the fact that he was declared 100% due to 1151 disabilities as well as 100% SC PTSD-it hit me that they snookered me big time-and my new POA rep never picked up on this either. My SMC CUE claim is in progress supported by medical evidence and VA case laws and regs on that. I do not believe that the ROs go out of their way to really try to determine SMC eligibility in most cases- when they might award 100% P & T yet state that SMC was considered but denied. I have never seen any follow up reasons and bases in many claims like that- as to how they did deny the SMC. Say a vet has PTSD and the evidence reveals, he is danger to himself and others, has also agoraphobia, paranoia and suicidal ideation. Family statements indicate he cannt be left alone. The VA would grant the TDIU or 100% probably, say they consider SMC and denied, and yet the vet might well be Housebound based on the evidence they already have- the VA is supposed to consider you for any benefit that you are eligible for. see what I mean? I think the SMC denials tacked onto sc awards are rubber stamped in most cases. After a long ordeal to even get the proper SC award, I think many vets accept the denial of SMC without questioning how they arrived at the denial.

And if there is no real good reason to deny the claim- just say the SMRs were lost in the St Louis fire! (I am still livid at them saying that to 2 of my local vets-one got his 'burnt and destroyed ' records within weeks from NARA-after they (VA) and his vet rep told him that -- we just applied for them on line and they all arrived- no water marks , no charring- and my other vet enlisted years AFTER the fire!!!!!)

This is often helpful- if you have someone there to take the time to help you- In January I wrote to my VAROs Director and listed my issues as the VA was getting them buggered up. My first de Novo review was ludicrous and they had to re-do it- it was still all messed up- and in violation of due process and many 38 CFR regs- I helped to write to them- their response was in error on two claims- I copied their response , corrected it and sent a cover letter which apparently helped them define the 3 main claims. The additional claims I have will all be rendered moot by the proper awards on the three main ones- 2 main ones I should say- The OGC has jurisdiction over one claim. VARO- for 3 years said they would handle this claim. They didnt so I wrote to the IGC and the decision on that will come to me directly from OGC Washington. I realised last Sept-( my De NOVO was a copy-paste job of a prior decision) that many claimants have to do their work for them or tell them exactly what they should do and why they should do it. I have made it clear in the 2 main claims they are working on now- exactly what I expect under VA case law and regs which is corroborated by overwhelming medical evidence. If I ever go to visit my VARO I would be inclined to want to make paper airplanes out of the paychecks of some of them and fly them all right out the window .

Many here can help you with the C & P audio report- It will probably look like a scale with decibals readings- it can be compared to the VA's criteria for rating hearing loss- If it does have not decibals readings and stuff like that-to conform to the C & P (below) it is deficient- One question- you stated: "My post office is currently faced with a safety hazard notice I've had to file twice now over them not activating (and reportedly not even ever setting up) the vibrating pager system that has been in place for years and has left me in the building during the last 2 fire drills. It has " As you saying that-you cannot here the drill bell and reply on the pager to vibrate if there is a fire or a drill? Do you wear some protective head gear at work for some reason ? If not, I see this as a hearing loss that is directly affecting your ability to work-,and if SC hearing loss- good evidence for TDIU. Save all paperwork on the pager accomodation,the hazard report, and the dates etc of those drills- etc. I used an EEOC case to support a TDIU case. Here is the blank Audio C & P : http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/disexm05.htm

Bound- that all sounds positive- I think you are looking at a bilateral rating for both shoulders? Also it appears that : ,"It is my opinion that the diagnosis of mayofacial strain is at lest as likelyas not related to the veterans service connected right shoulder condition which has caused altered posture and increase use of left upper extremity" I think she means you have decreased use ? I dont get the 'increase' part- A loss of use of upper left extremity is addressed in 38 USC 1114- I think you should look at the SMC "M" award here as well as the other types of SMC. This BVA case might help you: http://www.va.gov/vetapp94/files2/9414411.txt There should be a link at hadit to 38 USC 1114 where all SMC and combinations of disabilities are found. The Special Adaptive Housing- she could mean using a walker at some point, and not a wheelchair-it is hard to say- however: "Reguarding entitelment for adaptive housing, the veteran was able to amblate without the cane, but had great difficulty in doing so." It appears to me that the back problems and the ambulation problems are directly related (as I understand her opinion) to the SC shoulder problems- I mean one shoulder is SC but the other -it seems should be given a bilateral rating if the SC shoulder has affected the use of the other shoulder. Did she consider Dr. Bash's opinion? I am curious because I got a great IMO from Dr. Bash that they ignored for over a year- has the VARO acknowledged his opinion yet? The decision will tell you much more- you have excellent evidence for SMC and I hope for the Special Adaptive Housing- Rich is an expert on that-and others here know a lot about that program. If I were you I would list the issues you believe they have decided - and check each one to see if the C & Ps covered each issue-and let's hope the decision comes soon. Good for you! No vet should ever accept a deficient C & P exam! And if the VARO states what the doctor said in a decision and if the doc is wrong-tell them!

Recent VA News Releases To view and download VA news releases, please visit the following Internet address: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Harvard Honors VA's Computerized Patient Records System One of "Top 50 Government Innovations" WASHINGTON (April 11, 2006)- Citing the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) leadership role in transforming health care in America, Harvard University has recognized VA's computerized patient records as one of the "top 50 government innovations of 2006." "VA is again recognized as a leader in the health care industry for the use of electronic patient records," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "This affirms that VA is providing America's veterans with world-class medical care and raising the bar for all health care providers." VA's selection as a "top 50" innovator qualifies it as a contender for Harvard's prestigious Innovations in Government Award, which is considered the "Oscars" of government service. Eighteen finalists for the award will be announced May 4, as part of the observances of Public Service Recognition Week. The seven recipients of the award will be announced July 10. VA has computerized patient records for each veteran who uses its health care system. The records allow the Department to provide better, safer, more consistent care. It permits health care professionals at each of the 1,400 locations where VA provides care to see the complete health records of any patient. "Computerized patient records have changed the way health care is practiced in VA," said Dr. Jonathan B. Perlin, VA's Under Secretary for Health. "Just ten years ago, only 60 percent of the paper charts for our patients were immediately available. Today, virtually 100 percent are available at all our facilities-at all times." "Our electronic health records have been an important element in making VA health care the benchmark for 294 measures of disease prevention and treatment in the United States," Perlin added. The value of VA's patient records was demonstrated when, within 100 hours of Hurricane Katrina's making landfall last summer, every patient medical record from the devastated areas was available to every VA health care provider throughout the nation. # # # To "unsubscribe" from this list, or to update your name or e-mail address, please visit the following Internet address: <http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/opalist_listserv.cfm>

Yeah Terry- it is good- But it is our responsibility as claimants- to hold them to it- as we have to hold them to all VA regs and case law- I havent even gotten a VCAA letter yet- hope I get a Dingess letter- but one of my claims was decided ,per 800, in January and the other is in rating board now- and the Bonny V Principi claim I sent them in 2003 is now being handled by the O Gen Counsel- maybe I wont get these letters ? VCAA letters ,I read somewhere, are not being sent to any claimant who has filed a claim with enough evidence to decide- If they follow the law to the letter in a VCAA statement specific to each claim-and actually look into the c file- there are claims there that could be decided without even the need for sending VCAA letters-as many claimants have supplied already- enough evidence to support their claims.

I think Alex would agree- this is all determined by medical evidence and medical assessments- Whoever is telling you these things does not seem to comprehend how VA rates Mental disability- a vet does not need to exhibit all symptoms that involve each rating- also what could be a severely stressful triggering event for one vet could be a mild stressor for another vet- Vets cannot really fit themselves into levels of disability- only professionals can do that- And the stressor has to be proven. What Alex posted here is the bases of all Mental Disorder assessments- How the disability affects the veteran's employability is the prime medical assessment that VA needs to make. My husband -100% PTSD had no suicidal ideation ever.He was meticulous in his personal appearance.Parts of his brain and some memories had been compromised by strokes- however, after receiving the full gamut of mental tests from a Psychiatrist-his cognitive processes were found still fairly unaffected by he stroke, yet he still suffered from constant flashbacks,memories , and survival guilt.His flashbacks were like a movie being projected over his sight- from seeing so many in his unit die due to the enemy.As an employee he challenged authority-especially when he worked at the VA,and needed accommodations to his PTSD from a college while in Voc Rehab-such as thebig Exam clocks- he thought they were time bombs-their ticking put him right back in the boonies- he was allowed to take exams in a separate room. His SRB and DD 215 clearly reflected stressors. The shrink wrote that his Vietnam experiences had caused "catastrophic" disability and his gaf was 26 or 34 I forget- It all depends on the vet's individual experiences and stressors and how a shrink determines those service events have caused disability affecting their employability.

Bill- I would not be concerned at all about the Voc Rehab part-I just wondered about it- And -TDIU- there is no percentage criteria- regardless of what some SOs and vet reps say for claiming TDIU. I had a vet, through another vet I helped, who had no SC % whatsoever. Nada. By email and phone I assessed his evidence. Private PTSD medical care.Lots of documentation, photos from Nam etc. lots of stuff-heavily medicated for the PTSD. I sent him a TDIU form, gave him some pointers on it, and what evidence to attach to it. Within 4 months he got 100% PTSD from the VA. The vet that referred him to me- took him 12 years to succeed in 100% for Bi -polar manic depression. Same VARO but that is how things go here in NY. TDIU is based on the fact that VA finds that a vet, due to service connected disabilities, cannot be employed. Many here are TDIU vets. It depends on medical evidence- If a doctor , with good reasons and rationale, can state that your SC disabilities hinder and prevent you from being employed, the VA will consider you unemployable, unless they find evidence to the contrary- it is not unusal at all for a vet with PTSD to receive TDIU.

Hollywood- since I posted that some time back- the DRO has done better with my claim -2 conferences with her boss and my vet rep- etc- and when I filed out an I-9 -that got them working on it better too- as on page on of the I-9, I preserved for appeal ALL errors of 38 CFR,38 USC and M21-1 they made and I also stated as many errors as I could that they have already made on the initial I-9 page. I have excellent evidence and took the oppotunity to send them an I-9 that they do not want the BVA to see. I havent even gotten VCAA letters yet- and put that on the I-9-my due process was crapped on by them numerous times. In 1996 I filed an Administrative Review, and I sent the original AR to VACO in Washington. Within days I had a call from a VA lawyer on the Review- and got what I wanted- someone at VARO who could read. Long story but this AR was instrumental in the VA's finally admitting to causing my husband's death in 1997. My medical evidence was excellent on that claim too- and the AR showed them I was not going away- I do not advise anyone, however, filing an administrative review with VACO unless you can talk VA legalise toe to toe with VA lawyers ,can rattle off the regs that your claim involves in a heartbeat, and have 150% confidence in yourself and the merits of your claim. Also having a legal background can help. I also do not feel that the Administrative Review will be used in place of a formal NOD- unless you stated the specifics of the NOD in it. All of this will not get you closer to your award unless you can satisfy the Reasons and Bases they gave you for the denial. But I bet you did that- and I know how frustrating it is when they refuse to acknowledge medical evidence that helps the claim. If you start faxing your medical evidence to their VSM or Director- it might help. Why actually did they deny?

Bill- sorry it took me so long to explain the board to you---- I still get confused here. Dr. Bash is at http://www.veteransmedadvisor.com/ He will email you back or call you- I just love him---he gave me a great IMO but the VA doesn't want to acknowledge it. (I think they did in January though- made decision I haven't gotten yet) The expense of an IMO can be absorbed by one or two comp checks,if the med evidence and IMO warrants a higher rating. That would be great if the private shrink can help you- Bill- you cannot take PTSD meds due to the possible affect along with the job fumes..... I feel that you should apply for TDIU_ regardless of any claims you might have in process now- TDIU is full comp rate- 100% I will attach the form--something to think about--- did the VA ever turn you down for Voc Rehab? If so that is evidence of unemployability. 100% is a big jump from 60%. TDIU_form.pdf

WHEW!!!! Glad we have the VA Iris query system!!!! some replies are wrong but if you add more to your query and send it they usually get it right- John- my local vet rep messed up 3 years ago- he told a vet he would file the I-9 and he didnt. Then again he thought the BVA would SC the guy for a personality disorder.(yeah right) He asked me to help and I interviewed the vet for 2 hours and went through his SMRs and med recs hoping to see evidence of potential PTSD claim.There was nothing to work with. The medical current diagnosis was PD anyhow. I did suggest a HBP - heart disease claim- that was plenty in the SMRs to support HBP-plenty-but the vet rep went with a re-open on the PD claim. I guess they didnt tell him in vet rep school that PDs are not serviceconnectable but the PD diagnosis can someimes be wrong.