Berta

You might need an IMO/IME ( independent Medical Opinion and/or Exam) but you might not---- Hard to say whether a C & P exam for this will go well. The IMO/IME doctor should give a full rationale as to the medical nexus of what you are claiming , as due to your SC conditions, if you need that- and I hope not . It is a well known medical fact that bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis can cause the secondary conditions you have. I have bilateral pes planus myself but I am a civilian. My podiatrist is also a surgeon.

Just to add- if you call the White House Hot Line, be prepared to state your problem as briefly as you can. Tell them the exact problem and why you needed to call the WH about it-because no one at VA has been able to resolve it. If you contact the Office of Accountability, please go over the link above first. I had two experiences with the WH Hot Line. One was remarkable and had good results- it was not a personal issue- it was something that could affect any veteran in the VA health care system. The last time I called I was referred to someone at the VHA. He called me up and didn't have a clue. It was a VHA issue but he said there is no liaison between the VHA and the VBA. Al least he came up with an answer fast but he was completely wrong.

This info is at hadit already but it pays to repeat stuff sometimes- The White House VA Veterans Hot line is still in operation. 1-855-948-2311 Fortunately it was a program former President Trump began, and is still operating. https://www.va.gov/ve/whvahotline.asp There is a story there about how they helped a female veteran right away-the VA had failed to properly diagnose her fracture. Also https://www.va.gov/accountability/ That office is still operating. And I know it is here at hadit but this is the Veterans Crisis Hot Line number https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/hotline Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 Text 838255 Chat online The news about Afghanistan is alarming. It is Deja Vu for many Vietnam Combat veterans, and all veterans of the Gulf War. Thankfully they can come here------ "More than 650,000 Servicemembers served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 2, 1990 to July 31, 1991. For VA benefits eligibility purposes, the Gulf War period is still in effect, meaning that anyone who served on active duty from August 2, 1990 to present is considered a Gulf War Veteran." https://www.va.gov/opa/persona/veteran-gulfwar.asp That includes of course all Afghanistan Veterans: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/gulf-war-illness-afghanistan/ I have a concern maybe others have as well- VA extended the end date for Gulf War claims many times over the past 20 years. We dont know yet what the VA will do about that final date. I hope it is not some ridiculous filing deadline.

This is GREAT News so far!!!!!! We had a widow here some time ago living in Italy and she did not receive her DIC check-and she was very upset because her rent was due- I believe I got her contact info the State Department or US Consulate in Italy- but I also gave her the email for the VA's Office of Survivors link---too and I think it was through that link that she finally got the check. And she moved back to the USA.

Yes---- take it easy Tbird-if you can---- I am having work done on my house and haven't been here much lately myself- but you have a great crew here, to help others.

Two questions--- Where did he serve and when? Was he ever exposed to asbestos`, or radiation, or any environmental toxins. and where? Can you tell us what meds he took for the schizophrenia- Paranoid type? I have some research to do and have found two DIC claims, so far, granted for Idiopathic interstitial pneumonitis. "Idiopathic" often means 'no known cause'- but the BVA awards for DIC have revealed an inservice cause. BVA decisions are not acceptable as evidence, however they contain a wealth of information----I will search some more.....

I am so sorry for your loss. I am a widow too (of two disabled vets). I had many problems with my original DIC claim-long ago- because the VARO refused to consider my most probative evidence. My VSO and vet reps didn't have a clue on DIC. Everything I know about DIC is in our DIC forum. Broncovet is right- can you scan and attach the decision here? Cover your C file #, name, address prior to scanning it. You said: "His private doctor wrote a letter stating the pulmonary fibrosis happened in Vietnam. But the VA dr said no there are no service records showing that and declined the claim. " A valid independent medical opinion requires the IMO doctor to have the full SMR records- to include military personnel records as well as all other VA or private medical records, in this type of situation. Do you have a copy of all of your husband's SMRs ( aka STRs) Service Medical/ Treatment Records. If so did the doctor have the as well? Those records are critical to establishing a bonafide " nexus" or service link to his cause of death. The VARO might still have them and could send you a copy--but they might have been retired to St Louis by now. You said: " I included in the claim that the treatment for pulmonary fibrosis are steroids and the medical records show they had to stop the treatment because he became so agitated on multiple occasions. " What source are these medical records from- -----inservice medical records or from the VA or from the private doctor? "That was not addressed in their deciison. " The actual letter from VA will tell us why they were not considered. It might be some bogus reason or a valid reason. I will find a list of VSOs /Reps- what state are you in-? "I need a veterans group to help with the appeal.. Who should I contact?" You should acquire a rep at this point but the truth is, you are already at the best place in town for DIC help. You said "the death certificate stated Idiopathic interstitial pneumonitis." I assume that was listed on the death certificate as # 1. Immediate cause of death. Did they list anything else as a contributing factor under # 2? Was an autopsy done? If so have you acquired a copy of it from the Medical Examiner ? My USMC husband was autopsied and cremated because he was an organ donor. The autopsy was critical to my DIC claim. They- my RO -ignored 12 copies of it that I sent to them by priority mail. I had filed FTCA for wrongful death and they failed to send the autopsy to the General Counsel- VA. When I found that out I raised Hell, sent it to their Peer review doctor and the General Counsel VA called me to negotiate a wrongful death settlement. I tell the vets here to make sure the spouse is up to date on their VA health care and that the spouse can use a PC and come here, if they expire. Did he have an claims pending at his death- if so that is when you need to formally substitute yourself as the claimant but I assume that is all explain in the new forms.

Great point-our state Department of Higher Education sent us a form here in NY-my husband took it to his PCP at VA who signed it due to his 1151 P & T stroke. They probably have the waiver form at any state Department for Higher Education. It is one of the few things VA ever did right for him.

THANks GBArmy- this is important information!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FANTASTIC News!!!!!! Also your wife and dependents are eligible for CHAMPVA- Lots of info here on this Wonderful Benefit-under search feature CHAMPVA - It has to be applied for and VA does not mention it at all , as far as I know, in P & T awards. They advised me in a separate letter of how to apply for it. CHAMPVA Benefits | Veterans Affairs

To add: 347 237 4819 White House Hot Line for Veterans https://www.va.gov/accountability/ (Office of Accountability) I have no idea if these entities are still viable, due to the new Administration. But they are still available on the internet. This is where I sent my Letter to Secretary Shulkin: "Secretary David Shulkin February 19, 2017 Veterans Administration 810 Vermont Ave. NW Washington, DC 20420 XC #XX XXX XXX Dear Honorable Secretary Dr. Shulkin, I hope you will consider my suggestion here as one potential way to reduce the tremendous backlog of claims at the Board of Veterans Appeals. I have been a disabled veteran’s advocate for over 20 years, helping veterans and their survivors prepare and support viable claims for VA compensation , DIC, and other benefits they might be fully eligible for." Gee I had no idea how long ago that was-- I suggest if you write to : Secretary Denis Richard McDonough (same address as above) that you word the letter , as I did ,' Dear Honorable Secretary McDonough' and state briefly right away in the first paragraph ,what =your letter is about. I used a personal statement for the next paragraph that sure got his attention !!!! you could do that as well. My letter was about 4 pages long, as I detailed the need for a regulation change-regarding CUE and also I proved with evidence that I had used this tactic successfully myself because nothing in 38 CFR/USC prevented me from doing that, and ,in most cases, my decisions was overturned ( and even one for my daughter, a veteran) in 3 weeks. That staved off the long arduous appeal process. (Also a few vets here used my approach with success.) I wish you well in your quest for this much needed change in how the VA views ALS!!!!!! We here have altered the lives of MANY veterans , survivors, and their families. Thanks to Tbird and this wonderful site she created !!!!!

GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!! That is how I proved the VA killed my husband ( FTCA and 1151 award.) Then I proved a few years later ( but this time I had 3 IMOs and had done extensive lay research on that claim) that he also had an additional undiagnosed and untreated condition- DMII from AO. I filed for direct SC death and I won. "What do I do to change the policy? Dozens, if not hundreds of veterans w/ALS are affected." When I wrote to former VA Secretary Dr.Shulkin, years ago - I gave a good legal argument with evidence for 2 regulations i 38 USC/CFR that should be changed. A few VA secs had responded to me over the pat 2-3 decades , but I did not really expect any response from this VA Sec. A few months later Dr Shulkin's office called me to tell me my suggestions had been incorporated into the AMA. M21-1MR was changed to reflect that. Another policy might well be changed. I do expect that to happen. Some time ago I contacted the Presidents Hot Line for veterans - President Trump wanted a lot more Accountability from the VA. I had done from time to time about twenty years of research regarding a 'policy' that was actually a standing Mandate with the VA Office of General Counsel- VA and the NPDB. My information was given to the Office of Accountability-VA ,that the President had set up. The Office of Accountability contacted me and asked for some more info---- The result of that was a Bill S 221, in the Senate. It passed the Senate unanimously and went to a HVAC medical sub committee,(still there) and then it will go to the House of Representatives. The intent of my research and this bill, is to save lives of disabled veteran in the VA Health Care System. I believe the VA saves live every day. But their incompetent doctors, and other incompetent medical personnel, have to go------!!!! Also VA hides their true malpractice statistics from Congress and from the Public. That has to change. The Bill will hopefully change that as well. You can also write a Bill yourself- there is instructions on the internet on how to do that- and then you need to sind sponsors in the H VAC r Senate VAC- I have a separate Bill there , with no sponsors yet-it takes a lot of work.

I found a few more BVA decisions that awarded tinnitus- "The Board finds that service connection for tinnitus is warranted. The Veteran has reported ongoing, recurrent tinnitus during the appeal period, and that his tinnitus began while he was a radio mechanic and equipment operator in the Army; he worked on and was in great proximity to running generators and was exposed to a great deal of noise. See May 2014 Form 9. " https://www.va.gov/vetapp21/files5/21031005.txt ----------------------------------- The veteran below had multiple grants from the BVA to include tinnitus, In part: "The Veteran seeks to establish service connection for cervical strain, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, and tinnitus. Specifically, the Veteran seems to assert that the VA examinations are inadequate; that his tinnitus is due to his MOS as a multichannel radio operator, and due to his service with the air defense artillery unit and loud weapons fire; and states that he developed such disorders during active service. See Third Party Correspondence, April 7, 2020; see also VA Form 20-0996 Request for Higher-Level Review, September 2, 2019." and also was on remand because VA failed to do many things under 38 CFR 4. etc and the wife gave a statement thus, that was given much weight by BVA. "In her statement, she stated that the Veteran’s claimed conditions started during his military service and had progressively worsened following service." This was not only an important statement for the many conditions the BVA granted but also it showed that the conditions, to include tinnitus, started in service and were 'continuous' from service. https://www.va.gov/vetapp21/files3/a21004927.txt I am not having luck finding a good place to find a buddy statement. But I do not use Facebook and there might be some vets there there who were in your unit. Did your Unit have a Nickname like the "Screaming Eagles" or "RED HORSE" ? ( my neighbor is 20 yrs Retired -RED HORSE- Rapid Engineer Deployable USAF)- sometimes a Nickname will produce a web site or forum that could hold reunion rosters etc with contact numbers-for buddy statements. But I dont think you will have any problems due to your MOS. My phone just rang , however, it was our radio show producer and it took him many years and some denials ,and one award for Tinnitus SC "0" rating, )to finally get his tinnitus service connected at 10%.

GBA is RIGHT 100 % !!!!!!!! I will do some more research on your unit- and can post any direct cnact info Ihave if I know the name of the VA Regional Office you deal with. It will take some time because, with a half hour here the roofer will be making lots of noise hard to think straight---- To bolster GBA's point- many of these raters/adjudicators at the RO, might well be veterans but that does not mean they understand many of the MOS's fr each branch of service ,and what those military duties actually involved. I noticed in many of the BVA decisions, that the veteran had detailed exactly how they were exposed to acoustical trauma. Some of them were not even born when the Vietnam War occurred.

http://www.hadit.com/veterans-benefits-claims-definitions.pdf That has most of the ones we use-----(I hope) US Army " Soldier's manual : radio teletype operator, MOS 05C, skill levels one and two." https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/2607799 US Army MOS O5e: http://www.mosdb.com/army/05E/mos/112/#:~:text=05E MOS&text=Installs and operates FM%2FSSB field radio communications equipment.

Sorry for the acronyms- VSO Veterans service officer BVA Board of Veterans Appeals-Washington DC I fund so far veterans who served in Germany who were radio operators and were awarded for Tinnitus. While a BVA decision only applies to the specific claimant- their decisions hold a wealth of info. This is in part: "Here, the Veteran contends that he incurred tinnitus due to noise exposure during his military service. See, e.g., Board hearing transcript dated March 2017. Specifically, he asserts that he was exposed to loud radio equipment noise, weaponry, and grenades while he was stationed in Germany as a communications specialist. He explains that during the course of his military occupational specialist (MOS), he was exposed to loud noises from his radio equipment, such as loud buzzing frequencies. Furthermore, during the March 2017 Board hearing, the Veteran testified that he experienced ringing in his ears since his military service. Id." "His DD-214 Form reflects that his MOS was a radio operator and a multichannel equipment operator, and that he was stationed in Germany as a multichannel equipment operator. His service treatment records reflect no complaint or diagnosis of tinnitus during service." "The Board has no reason to dispute the Veteran's credible lay statement concerning his in-service noise exposure. To this end, the Veteran's statements are consistent with his with his DD-214 Form. Therefore, his claimed exposure to loud noise is consistent with the circumstances, conditions, and hardships of his service, and is credible. See 38 U.S.C. § 1154 (a) (West 2012)." https://www.va.gov/vetapp17/files9/1759448.txt --------------------------------------------------------------------- Next one in part: "The Veteran contends that he has tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, which developed during active duty as a result of harmful noise exposure. At the outset, the Board notes that the Veteran has credibly reported experiencing ringing in his ears during the pendency of the appeal. Moreover, he was diagnosed with tinnitus during a November 2014 VA audiological examination. Thus, the Board finds that the current disability element has been met. Additionally, the Board finds that the in-service element has been satisfied. The Veteran’s personnel records reflect that he served as a radio operator, and he has reported (for example, in correspondence received in April 2018) “monitoring and communicating with high frequency [M]orse code for long periods of time”—a task which involved exposure to “constant high pitched screaming and ringing.” The Board accepts his contentions of harmful noise exposure in service. See 38 U.S.C. § 1154(a). Consequently, the only question on appeal is whether there is a link between his current tinnitus and in-service harmful noise exposure. After reviewing the record, the Board finds that the evidence supports the Veteran’s claim that his tinnitus originated in service. As noted above, the Veteran has reported ringing in his ears since being exposed to harmful noises in service. A VA audiological specialist has noted the Veteran’s reports of ringing in the ears since service, and diagnosed him with tinnitus. Although there is some negative evidence in the record regarding the Veteran’s claim, the positive evidence put forth by the Veteran of ringing in his ears during and after active service renders the nexus element to be at least in equipoise. As such, a nexus to service is shown and service connection will be granted. See 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.303(b), 3.309(a); see also Charles v. Principi, 16 Vet. App. 370, 374 (2002)." https://www.va.gov/vetapp19/files10/19177782.txt I need to mention that the NPRC problems were reported on TV about a week ago- They do suffer a tremendous backlog, but the problem is probably at your RO. If you give us the name of your Regional Office ( VARO) I can post some contact info here- tomorrow----(in midst of men working on my home ,it has been hectic) GBA made a good point too- I bet your unit has a web site- if you tell us the exact unit designation of your DD214, you might find info on the site and maybe even be able to contact a "buddy" to verify the proximity to flight line or the other things you mentioned as to the acoustical trauma you were exposed to. By unit designation I mean like this I use my deceased husband's as example "1stMARDIV, 1st Amphibious tractor Battalion, USMC Danang Vietnam 1965" (it was originally 3rd Marines but Admiral Zumwalt changed that) You said :" We also used loud generators to power our mobile radio trailer. " That would be great evidence if you can get that verified by a buddy- but your MOS alone might do it-- I will try to find our acronym help list You said "I remember the NCO instructors shaking their heads saying why bother, a monkey can key a radio mike- and they were right." Yeah! Ha Ha

The MOS criteria I posted ,can help: "The claim of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis and impingement syndrome, is granted. The claim of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis and impingement syndrome arthritis, is granted. The claim of entitlement to service connection for a right-hand finger disability, diagnosed as trigger finger, is granted. The claim of entitlement to service connection for a left-hand finger disability, diagnosed as trigger finger, is granted. The claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is granted. FINDINGS OF FACT 1. The Veteran’s assertions of in-service noise exposure and the performance of strenuous duties associated with his military occupational specialty (MOS) are credible and consistent with the circumstances of his service." https://www.va.gov/vetapp20/files7/20044653.txt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "The Veteran was exposed to excessive levels of noise during service. 2. Bilateral hearing loss was not shown in service or for many years thereafter and is not related to service. 3. The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus was incurred in service. "CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 1. The criteria for service connection for bilateral hearing loss are not met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1101, 1110, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1131, 1137, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303, 3.307, 3.309, 3.385. 2. The criteria for service connection for bilateral tinnitus are met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1101, 1110, 1112, 1113, 1131, 1137, 5107(b); 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303, 3.307, 3.309." https://www.va.gov/vetapp19/files2/19111592.txt In Part: "Turning next to service incurrence, the Board finds that the Veteran was exposed to excessive levels of noise in service, based on his consistent statements regarding in-service noise exposure related to his MOS. The Board also notes that while the Veteran’s specific MOS isn’t listed in VA’s Duty Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Noise Exposure Listing, military personnel having an MOS of Engineer have for the most part been determined to have a moderate to high probability of noise exposure." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In this case.... In Part: "We note that, although the Veteran does not have a hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes, the examiner did provide a positive nexus opinion for the Veteran's high threshold left ear hearing loss. The examiner noted the Veteran's military occupational specialty (MOS) during service was field artillery, which carries a high probability for hazardous noise. The Veteran had reported significant noise exposure including 105- and 155-millimeter howitzer artillery pieces in combat and training and aircraft and helicopters." and "Here, the credible evidence supports the claim and service connection for tinnitus is warranted." https://www.va.gov/vetapp21/files6/21037517.txt My note here- remember you guys had No real type of acoustical protection during the Vietnam War-at all. And the ear plug lawsuit is advertised on google and tv- https://earplugs.injurymatch.com/int/?cid=1211&afid=3&project=Earplugs&usid=11260499982|military earplugs lawsuit-b&sid=GoogleSearch&msid=CjwKCAjwo4mIBhBsEiwAKgzXOAVyIAGGyHiqmwjFmlEBFcNec7FmIqORXeVDBbp5jxY5IVrgBvjhiRoCVNoQAvD_BwE&st-t=GoogleAds&vt-k=11260499982&vt-p=&vt-n=g&vt-d=c&vt-dm=&vt-c=military earplugs lawsuit&vt-t=118020728530&vt-ap=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=11260499982&utm_content=118020728530&utm_term=524417910620&vt-p1=118020728530&vt-p2=524417910620&gclid=CjwKCAjwo4mIBhBsEiwAKgzXOAVyIAGGyHiqmwjFmlEBFcNec7FmIqORXeVDBbp5jxY5IVrgBvjhiRoCVNoQAvD_BwE

That is Superb advice from GBA! By all means go over this list: https://criteria.njarmyguard.com/wp-content/uploads/fast-10-35.pdf This is an update of the original Fast Letter 10-35 that has helped many veterans here, http://blog.finkrosnerershow-levenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Duty-MOS-Hearing-Loss-Probability-Chart-VA-Fast-Letter-10-35.pdf As this notable vet law firm states, tinnitus is almost always rated at 10% and no higher for one ear or both ears: https://cck-law.com/blog/secondary-conditions-to-tinnitus-va-disability/#:~:text=VA rates tinnitus under 38,takes both ears into account. The article also reveals some conditions that could be found as secondary to the tinnitus. You are only claiming tinnitus? And not hearing loss as well? You might well be able per your MOS on your DD 214, and with this updated VA Fast Letter , enhancing the initial 10- 35, to get a reasonable response on your claim.

I am glad I looked into this further------ That BVA search above is outdated -there are now 167 decisions at BVA on ALS in 2020 and 2021 so far-and it looks as if the BVA is certainly more up to speed on ALS claims!!! 1) https://www.va.gov/vetapp21/files5/a21009033.txt PLS variant - ALS granted The veteran's private physician and a VA doctor agreed and the veteran also had submitted medical texts and info from good sources to support his claim ------------------------- 2. "Service connection for a neurological condition, to include frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FTD-ALS complex), is granted." "Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted." https://www.va.gov/vetapp21/files5/21032237.txt _____________________________________________ 3."ORDER Restoration of service connection for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with bilateral upper and lower extremity weakness with atrophy, persistent daytime hypersomnolence, bowel impairment, and urinary frequency, is granted. FINDING OF FACT 1. The grant of service connection for ALS in a March 2013 rating decision is not shown to have been clearly and unmistakably erroneous." "After a review of the record, the Board agrees and finds that while service connection was originally improperly granted on a presumptive basis to a period of service that did not qualify for such presumption, the Veteran did in fact have a qualifying period of service for which presumptive service connection for ALS could be granted. Therefore, the severance of service connection for ALS was improper, and restoration of service connection is warranted." https://www.va.gov/vetapp21/files4/a21007344.txt ( This case holds a very interesting CUE situation) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. " The appellant has established “veteran” status, as service connection is in effect for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA). 2. The Veteran has a diagnosis of ALS. CONCLUSION OF LAW The criteria for service connection for ALS are met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 101 (24), 1110, 1112, 1113, 1131, 1137, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303, 3.318." https://www.va.gov/vetapp21/files4/21021092.txt -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I think these cases are good to review if ANY ALS vet gets denied.

We had a PLS vet here - as a possible ALS variant and a DIC ALS widow and also there is more info here on ALS variants: https://www.index.va.gov/search/va/bva_search.jsp?QT=ALS+variant&DB=2016&DB=2017&DB=2018&DB=2019&DB=2020&DB=2021&RS=11 This was an old search I did at the BVA, but will try to update it if that will give more info.

I certainly agree that, since ALS became Presumptive for EVERY Veteran, many veterans would have a hard time with VA and many probably never even know that ALS is presumptive to ALL veterans. This is some info- we have more here- "VA Provides Benefits to Veterans with ALS and Families Military veterans, regardless of the branch of service, the era in which they served, or whether they served during a time of peace or a time of war, are at a greater risk of dying from ALS than if they had not served in the military. For reasons as yet unknown, veterans are, in fact, twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS as the general population. In 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented regulations to establish a presumption of service connection for ALS, thanks to the efforts of The ALS Association, key members of Congress, and advocates. Under the regulations, the VA presumes that ALS was incurred or aggravated by a veteran’s service in the military. As a result, veterans with ALS and their families and survivors are eligible for “service connected” benefits. Anyone who served at least 90 days of continuous active duty in the U.S. military may qualify for VA benefits. Survivors of veterans may be eligible for benefits, including monthly compensation, regardless of when their loved one was lost to the disease. Qualifying veterans with ALS are entitled to receive VA disability compensation, which is a monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by an injury or disease that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. Disability compensation is paid monthly and varies with the degree of disability and the number of veteran’s dependents. Veterans with ALS may be eligible for additional special monthly compensation. There is a minimum 100 percent disability rating for veterans diagnosed with ALS. These benefits are not subject to federal or state income tax. Tables listing current compensation levels are available at: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/." source: http://web.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=va_provides_benefits I bet many reps reps and VSOs still do not know ALS is presumptive. I will go over the info you gave us very carefully----

This is Wonderful News Buck!!!!!! You both are on my church's prayer list and we are all praying for Brenda and for you1!

"If you receive a combined disability rating of at least 30%, we’ll automatically consider your eligibility for additional compensation for your dependent." https://www.va.gov/disability/add-remove-dependent/ *The again you would think they could have considered this when they determined the EED. You might also need to file a CUE claim on this----but the decision will reveal what to do next. I need to add- when the AO IHD claim was awarded my husband by then had been dead for 16 years , and my daughter had served by then 7 years in the Military- but still they had to go back to the EED etc etc and include for her dependency allowance, because the AO IHD claim changed everything- I dont think that was part of the retro but it involved a CUE SMC award too- Am I reading this correctly: You said: "Within 30 days of receiving the earlier effective date (1999) award, I submitted a request to be compensated for the past period that my dependent child was eligible. Within one month, the claim went to notification and then returned to under review. It has since been closed as of July 22, 2021 ." When did you get the 2019 EED BVA award letter? I assume this is in formal appeal status at your RO? *

Pacman is right on with this question- Part of my AO IHD death award certainly granted dependency to our school age child. But then again she had already been listed as his dependent, when he wat only at 30%. You said " Can someone tell me what this VA communication could possibly mean concerning the outcome of my dependent claim." I have two answers-they are possibly working on that issue- but they might request from you proof that the child was in school, not an adult, at time of the EED date, and fulfilled the dependency criteria-I fill find and post that here- my Second answer is they might not even be working on it because they might be illiterate. I base that on over 25 years of personal experience with the VA as a claimant. But I agree with all above, to wait for the actual decision.

My neighbor called me yesterday because the results of some tests were done at the local VAMC and I told him of the Vaccine mandate at VHA regarding their VAMCs etc. I said 'I actually thought all VA medical providers had been vaccinated'- and he was stunned to learn that some have not been yet. I might have already mentioned- when I saw my PCP doctor last week (Non VA health care) the secretary asked for proof of my vaccine to scan into the system and then my doctor asked for it to scan somewhere else-I guess one of the scans was for CDC or whoever does a vaccine count, as my county health department does. We all need to be careful, I think, even if vaccinated