Michelle

Berta: My last Primary Doctor with VA that I use to see anytime I went to the local Clinic told me that the VA Doctors don't have to be licensed they just have to have gone through Medical School. Her name was Dr. Haynes (Columbus, Ga) and we had become kind of close. She said only when you work for the Federal Government (Military/VA) that you don't have to be licensed as a Doctor to perform as one. This came straight from her mouth. You can just straight out ask someone at the VA though. Michelle

Calm Down; This is probably a good thing. The Tiger Team tries to handle the older claims and they rated me last year and I got an increase from 40% to 70% Combined Rating. This was good they gave me what I asked for except for IU. I knew I wasn't going to get that because I was still working. They seem to be a lot fairer then the RO. So hang in there you will here something soon. Michelle

Thats you all for the info. I kind of thought the "MDD" was secondary, and I didn't want to waste a bunch of time for nothing. Thanks Stacy, I'm going to take a ride to my RO then next week. I didn't know it took so long since everything is done on the computer. Oh well, thanks again. Michelle

Hello Again Everyone, this is for T-Bird, or anyone that has the knowledge. I asked my RO (through IRIS -VA Email) for a copy of my C&P Exam that I just had on 9-21-06 (Mental Portion) but I guess I should have asked for it before I left the Psych office in Tuskegee. He stated that my RO would not have a copy of my C&P yet that it takes 30-45 days after the exam before they get the results back. First, I think that's a big fat lie. I was sitting right there while they were typing everything into the computer system and I know it's only a click away from the RO getting it. The Psychiatrist didn't even have my file, all he had was 2 Sheets of paper telling him what to do or look for at this exam because I brought it to him from when I checked in they gave it to me and asked me to give it to the Doctor. So, you know I read it :D I also asked in making their decision on this claim if they could clear up or address for me why the previous Rating Decision I received didn't address the VA Examiner's diagnosis on "Major Depressive Disorder in partial remission". He stated that I would have to send a separate statement addressing the "MDD" to determine if an error was made or not. Let me explain for you: In my last Rating Decision from June 2005 (I requested an increase in my Polyneuropathy and PTSD and received it) However, it states "Examiner also diagnosed the Veteran with PTSD and (the key word being "And") "Major Depressive Disorder" in partial remission. He also noted that "my anger, avoidance of people, hypervigilence, difficulties trusting people and intrusive thoughts are worse". Then he specifically stated that "due to veterans PTSD it has a negative impact on my occupational functioning due to my difficulty concentrating, my reduced tolerance for frustration, my tendency to pull away from others and my reduced motivation." I found a Board of Appeals case which may help but I wanted to ask you all first before I waste my time. The examiner didn't state or say that it was Secondary to the PTSD like he stated other things in relation to the PTSD. But is it a Secondary Condition to PTSD? I want a copy of my C&P Exams how should I go about it? Should I call the Mental Health Section where I had it? Or just wait till I get a decision on my new claim for T&P due to IU. Michelle

Hi everyone: Just my opinion but you know we shouldn't have to fight VA or become experts in Law to be granted our claim for compensation. They didn't have to fight or beg us when we or the spouses of some went to serve our country while they sat behind a desk. I am so disappointed in our entire VA System and the Federal Gov't. I think they should fire everyone at the VA RO's especially in the Ratings Area if they are not a veteran. Because until you have gone through what most of us have gone through then they don't have a clue as to how we feel. Then they often wonder why we are so angry. It's bad really bad, and I think that instead of beating up on each other that we should pull together and get some laws changed. We really need each other so lets direct our anger toward the right people, and get congress to change the laws. All of Congress and DOD/VA know why the Vietnam Vets are sick, they know why the Gulf War Veterans are sick; they are the ones that helped us get this way when they gave/sold all of this Chemical/Nerve/Biological Weapons to Iraq and other countries. The facts don't lie and I have them and they are their for everyone to look at. We just need to do something. When the Military has used you up; they have no use for you once you get out..It's a shame, but it's the truth. I feel really sorry for all of us; but until we get together and put our anger into words before Congress to let them know we aren't a bunch of ignorant veterans and we want the laws changed, nothing is going to change. I'm willing but I can't do it alone. Michelle Michelle

jstacy, if you don't mind me asking what is your 100% for? Is it P&T? Which RO do you deal with? Michelle

Hello Everyone; IStacy; I also have Chronic Inflammatory Perepheral Polyneuropathy of undetermined etiology in all four extremities as well as Ulnar and Median Neuropathy in upper extremities and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The Civilian Technician that performed the EMG and NCS (been performing them for over 20 yrs) told me that my nerve damage had gotten worse since my last one in 2004 and that I had nerve blockage at the elbows at about 75% now which is why all of the swelling, numbness, Carpal Tunnel because the blood is not circulating properly. I am diagnosed by VA at 60% for all of the above and 30% for PTSD (Combined Rating of 70%) so I hope the VA thinks like you do because I have a claim pending for T&P due to IU. I have been suffering with these conditions for 10 years and have been off of work for a year so I think they are permanent. Michelle

Hello Everyone: Phillip I was reading your response about your friend. I am also SC with PTSD and I also have SC Chronic Peripheral Polyneuropathy (Nerve Damage in all extremities). I have a claim pending for T&P due to IU and in June 2006 applied for my Social Security Disability which is now at the Disability Adjudicator's office. I stopped working in Oct/05. I started receiving VA's disability compensation in 1999 but I was diagnosed right after I got out of the Military, in 1996 with Chronic Polyneuropathy and PTSD but like I said I didn't file a claim until 1999, I didn't know at that time to file a claim and thought it was to late. I am currently at a Combined Rating of 70% (VA's Math) but 60% for the Chronic Polyneuropathy and 30% for PTSD. For the Social Security Disability though I knew I couldn't file back then cause I was still managing to work. I have a Disability Firm assisting me with my SSD because I just couldn't deal with them and VA at the same time. My Question is SSD won't go back any further I thought then the date of my claim? Michelle

John do you have to request in advance to go look at your C-File? After you review it can you request a copy at that point or it doesn't matter? Michelle

I applied for my Social Security Disability as well and it's true my ex-husband can draw off of my SSD if he becomes disabled and if my amount is more than his. It doesn't matter that I'm remarried. But as far as I know ex's or bill collectors can't touch his diabled VA money. Maybe the IRS but that's about it. Michelle

The link below is the website to DR's Garth and Nancy Nicolson both are Professors who have done a lot of research on Gulf War Illnesses and have testified before congress on the subject. http://www.immed.org/illness/gulfwar_illness_research.html Just thought it would help someone..it did for me. Michelle

Hello again.. Berta, you may already have these hearings that were conducted before different congressional committees with testimonies from Scientists, Professors and the famous Riegle Report is also attached that lists all of the Chemical, Nerve, and Biological Agents that the U.S. sold/gave to Iraq up until 1989 right before the Gulf War started. The first one is that hearing and it's over 200 Pages in length but once you start reading it you don't want to stop. It's amazing how they done us. http://www.gulfwarvets.com/arison/banking.htm http://www.gulfwarvets.com/arison/gws.htm Michelle

Thanks for the input Berta and everyone else. Yes Berta I am SC for both conditions. The PTSD and the Chronic Polyneuropathy. The Neuropathy they think is because my unit was near where the chemical agent Sarin and other Agents were released. There are so many things that I've found out about how the DOD and VA have been covering up in reference to all of the chemical, nerve agents. If any of you have never read these reports here are the links maybe it will help someone. I didn't know I could get a copy of my C&P Results already. I applied for TDIU at the same time as asking for T&P due to unemployability. I don't think I'll have any problems now because they know that I've threatened to kill myself and if I hadn't stopped working I would have done the same thing to my boss. My last rating the examiner concurred with the PTSD, Chronic Perepheral Polyneuropathy, and then he stated the Veteran is also diagnosed with Major Depression Disorder in remission. He stated that I had mild memory loss but in my rating decision they didn't say anything about the Major Depressive Disorder and John maybe right they may just lump the Major Depression in with the PTSD. I also informed them that I am taking medication for Panic/Anxiety Attacks as well as I can't sleep only about 2-3 hours a night so I take something for that as well. The PTSD is bad but it's the Nerve Damage that is the worse thing right now and I have had MRI's, Exams, and my civilian doctor had just ordered me to go for another Nerve Conduction Study and EMG. The person that performed the NCS/EMG also had performed the one that I had in 2004 and in 1996. The Nerve Damage has gotten considerably worse since 2004. My nerves are pinched off at the elbow so blood doesn't circulate well and then I also have Carpal Tunnel (Severe) due to the Polyneuropathy. I have the same things in both legs with Ulnar Neuropathy so when I sit to long (Maybe 15 Minutes) my legs, feet swell up and go numb, If I type for any lenght of time my fingers and hands swell up, if I stand up to long 10-15 min the same things happen in my legs, arms. Basically I can't sit, stand, walk, run, stoop, hold objects in my hand, or type for any length of time. I have to take a break/rest period every hour for about 30 minutes and then I have such anger toward people that I worked with and would blow up at the least little thing. No Supervisory wants an employee who has to rest, or prop my feet up every hour. My civilian doctor has stated the same things on paper and I have given that to the VA. Plus, I did mention to them that my hair is falling out for no apparent reason, my teeth are just crumbling. I have had 3 Root Canals in the past 6 months and it just goes on and on. In my research I've found that a lot of Gulf War Veterans are having these problems. I would have had IU already when I got the increase to 70% Combined but I was still managing to drag myself in to work with killing anyone. But I had enough and continuing to loose strength in my hands, legs, feet. I will attach the other information in my next email. Michelle

I'm sorry everyone I should have put my question under another forum.. Michelle

Hello Everyone, Hello Berta: Question for any of you. Just to recap my situation. I'm already 70% SC Combined Rating, (actually 90% but you know VA's math) 60% for Chronic Inflammatory Peripheral Polyneuropathy (in all extremities-Nerve Damage) and 30% for PTSD. I reopened my claim in Oct/05 and they dilly dallied around and finally told me that I needed a new C&P the last one I had was in 2004. At any rate I reopened my claim because my PTSD had gotten so bad that I was no longer able to work and due to the Nerve Damage. The C&P went well, the Psychiatrist told me to just consider it done and to get on with life. He was really a sweet man and I cried during the whole exam and he told me I was to consumed with trying to prove to VA that these conditions are permanent. He stated that they know my conditions are permanent or they wouldn't have rated me at 70% and I've had these conditions now for 10 years or should I say been diagnosed. At any rate he told me not to worry about it anymore and to consider it over. I left his office feeling good about what ever he was going to say. I also found that in my last rating increase I was Diagnosed with "Major Depressive Disorder". I have not been getting paid separately for this disorder and didn't want to bring it up yet because they are just about done with my claim now. I have my NOD letter/facts all set and ready just in case and then I was going to bring up the "Major Depressive Disorder as well as they have not been compensating me for "Memory Loss" that the VA Examiner acknowledge. So what does this sound like to you all. The Psychiatrist comments? Thanks Guys/Ladies Michelle

Hello Payback: I am with you 200%. I too am sick and tired of being sick and tired of the system. I've been fighting with VA for 8 years now. I'm currently at 70% and have a claim that's been in almost a year for T&P due to Unemployability. You can call me personally or email me and we will go from their. My SC is for Chronic Distal Symmetrical Peripheral Polyneuropathy (Complete Nerve Damage in all of my limbs) due to the Gulf War and PTSD. Now my Depression, Anxiety has increased and I've seen two different Psychiatrists and been diagnosed as Bi-polar as well. We can talk all day but if we don't put action with it, it does no one any good. It's only going to get worse I think if we don't do something. Look at all of the disabled vets that are returning home. Anyway, I'm with you....personal email address mvalrie42@aol.com...and we'll exchange phone numbers etc. anyone else is welcome to help. I know that real soon the Vets Benefit Commission is having a meeting open to the public in Atlanta; this would be a great start. Let me know what you want to do and we will go for it. Michelle

Yep TestVet you are correct. I also served in SWA During Persian Gulf War and I have Chronic Polyneuropathy in all of my limbs and PTSD and both are Presumption of Service. Persian Gulf War Veterans don't have to prove that it began in service and as a matter of fact those veterans still have I believe until December of 2006 to come forward with any illnesses if they haven't already. The good thing is once you've been diagnosed as Service Connected as Presumption of Service they are not supposed to be able to change that from what I read in CFR 38. I try to stay up on the changes in the law. I'm currently at a combined rating of 70% and have a claim pending for IU. I'm tired of dealing with VA but my condition just continues to get worst. I have now been diagnosed as being Bi-polar and I haven't even filed a claim for that. It's a long slow, frustrating process but for a lifetime of compensation it is worth it...hang in there, we all are either going thru it or have been there already. Michelle

Thanks John and after how I feel today I think that's what I'm going to do. I have to wait for my sister to come from Michigan to stay for a couple of months with my daughter. But thanks for responding. Michelle

Hello Everyone: Berta this is to you or anyone with knowledge of what I'm going thru with VA. Today was a very bad day for me mentally. I'm sick of getting the run around with VA. Just to catch you up; I'm 70% Combined SC for PTSD and Chronic Periphal Polyneuropathy. When I got the increase to 70% I had asked for IU and Total but they said I met the Schedular Requirements but was still full time employed but when my situation changed then to reapply. Well in Oct/05 I blew up at my supervisor and walked out. Anyway since then which is over 8 Months Ago since I put in to reopen my claim the Atlanta Reg Office worked on it and then when they finally told me it was at the Rating Board the next month they moved my file to the Montgomery, Al office. I'm so frustrated and have put in complaints with my Senator, Filed a Complaint online from the VA Website and now the Service Manager at Montgomery has personally got my file to see what is the hold up. I wrote them a certified letter trying to clear up everything and told them if they take a complete review of my file they will see that all of my medical documentation is their and I'm unemployed as well. Plus since this time, last week as a matter of fact, my psychiatrist has now diagnosed me as Bi-polar. I was already taking meds for Depression, Inflammation, Anxiety, Chronic Pain and now they tell me this. I'm trying to keep my sanity but I cried all day today. Since I have been out of work for 8 Months, I talked to my doctor and told her I was applying for my SSA Disability. I hired an agency though to deal with SSA, I can't handle that battle as well as VA right now. Anyway; I called Montgomery today to see what the status was and before I could really ask a question the tears just came and the lady felt so bad for me that she said she is going to have the Service Manager call me. I told her that I'm just at the end of my rope, I'm so tired of fighting and being in limbo waiting all this time for them to decided one way or the other what they are going to do, I need to know so I can Appeal, Get admitted to get me some psychiatric rest because my mind is exhausted. Any advice from anyone is appreciated...Thanks for listening guys/girls.

Cowgirl; I had applied for IU/T&P and I was employed Full Time but I was on Medical Leave due to Depression, Stress and I hardly ever worked just some here and there. The VA gave me an increase for my PTSD to 30% and for my Chronic Polyneuropathy 40% for combined rating to 70%. However, individually I add up to 90%. They told me that since I was considered Full Time Employed that I met the schedular requirements but because of my status I was denied IU because considered Fully employed even though I didn't actually work 40hrs a week. They did state that if and when I was no longer employed that I should reapply at that time and I'm waiting on that decision now, because in Oct/05 I exploded at work and have been unemployed every since. They really feel like if your 100% or T&P, IU then how can you manage to hold a full time job even if you don't go in every day. But I'll let you know when I get my decision, hopefully it won't be to much longer...good luck. Michelle

It's great that it went that way for you, the only reason though is because of the new process that they are doing now when you retire they are automatically rating your disability so you don't have to go through years of hell with VA. But trust me when I say that they can be your worst enemy at times, it takes some years of experience to know this though. It really hardly ever happens for veterans that way; again congrats!

Berta; Do you have any idea what the correct letter will state, because the VA Person that the VA Service Officer was talking to on my behalf said that she was printing the correct information and taking it to her Supervisory for her signature and I will be receiving it in the mail. I'm hoping that this is the Award Letter, but what do you think?