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buzzard
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Posts posted by buzzard
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Almost a year to the day I initially called VA to get a claim started, I have a C & P Exam scheduled on Tuesday regarding my claim for Tinnitus and Hearing Loss.
Initially, my personal ENT told me I had tinnitus and hearing loss, but should get an in-depth hearing exam. I went to the local VAMC regarding my hearing and they sent me to a VA Hospital last December.
The VA ENT said I had hearing loss, tinnitus and ordered hearing aids for me. BTW, he did ask me if I did much shooting, I told him "not really" but that when I did, I ALWAYS wear hearing protection.
I received and started wearing the hearing aids this past March. I am assuming that my hearing loss/tinnitus disability claim should not be too difficult...?
What should I expect at the Exam?
Thanks, Dave
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My VSO added the polyps/sinus problems to my VA Disability Claim....although at present, nothing has been proven, that doesn't mean it won't down the road...
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Buzzard
I looked at your Audio numbers. Even tho you have a 60 decibel loss at 6000 mhz and 20 decibel loss at 4000, mhz, the VA uses an Average loss. If you average 5,0,0,20 and 60, I get an average of 17 decibel loss for your poorest hearing ear. Your better ear is less. (To figure it out add these up and divide by 5). The VA does not use the 250 or the 8000 numbers for averaging, unless they changed it.
My average is 55 decibel loss, (for both ears) which is much, much worse than your 17 decibel average, and I only got 0% for a long time then they increased it to 10%. (I can not even watch a movie or TV without Closed Captioning).
IMHO you should apply for benefits for hearing loss, if you havent already. To get Service connected, your audiologist will need to say something in the report similar to "Veterans hearing loss is most likely (or at least as likely as not) due to noise exposure during military service"
If you get service connection for hearing loss, it will likely be at zero percent, until/unless your hearing loss worsens. Hearing loss almost never gets better, it always gets worse over time.
If you have ringing in the ears, you may get tinnitus, usually rated at 10%.
Briefly, to explain hearing loss in decibels, it is a logarithmic progression not an arithmetic progression. This means a 50 decibel loss is ten times worse than a 40 decibel loss, a 45 decibel loss is 5 times worse than a 40 decibel loss, etc.
Your hearing definately got worse from 1968 to 1971, according to the numbers you posted.
Thanks so much for your answer. So therefore, it seems it got a little worse from the war.....Now, my hearing is much worse, and I have been waiting a month now to get an appointment for an audio test -- the local VAOC tells me I have to go to a VAMC and "they should be calling you soon to make an appointment". And yes, I definetly have the ringing in my ears, which is one of the reasons I started my VA quest last month as it has gotten to the point that sometimes I can't sleep or think straight....even my personal ENT told me that it is most likely caused by my Army/VN service, and has put same in his notes.....
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I just received my Military Personnel File from NPRC (well, not quite the entire file...) Anyways, I have three "Report of Medical Examination"s. Can someone decipher the #70. Hearing & #71 Auditometer sections...This may prove hearing loss....Here goes:
10/1968 - #5. Purpose of Exam: RA, #70. Hearing (nothing in these boxes), #71. Audiometer: Right: 250 (nothing in this box), 500 C, 1000 C , 2000 C, 3000 (nothing in this box), 4000 10, 6000 (nothing in this box), 8000 (nothing in this box). Left: 250 (nothing in this box), 500 0, 1000 C, 2000 S (or 5), 3000 (nothing in this box), 4000 0, 6 (nothing in this box),, 8 (nothing in this box
8/1971 - #5 Purpose of Exam: Class II Flight Physical, #70, Hearing ( "N/A" typed in middle of this section, #71. Audiometer: Right: 250 x, 500 5, 1000 0, 2000 0, 3000 0, 4000 10, 6000 5, 8000 x. Left: 250 x, 500 5, 1000 0, 2000 0, 3000 5, 4000 20, 6000 60, 8000 x.
10/1971. #5 Purpose of Exam: ETS. #70 Hearing: Right WV 15, Left WV 15. #71. Audiometer (nothing in any of these boxes).
On the Flight Physical. #74. Summary of Defects: 7/14 color blindness. #77. Examinee is NOT qualified for... Class III Flight Status
ALSO, On the 10/1971, there was noted an "infection in eyes" on first page #24.
On another note, on the "Enlisted Qualification Record" and "Enlistment Contract" have "my signature" that ARE NOT MY SIGNATURE. Also, the "Recor'd of Proceedings Under Article 15 UCMJ" is a pack of freakin' lies (I did, however, sign (yes, MY genuine signature) the "Acknowledgement"s of both Notification and Imposition, but have no recollection of ever reading the Proceedings, and would not have signed, if I did. There is such a difference in the signatures that a kindergartener could see it....
There are so many discrepancies and typos in my file...somethings are crossed out, or blacked out, as well....UUGHHHHHHH
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Thanks John...will do. BTW, that family member is not a blood-related one (ex sister in law), but I hear ya loud and clear.
It is a good thing, though, that both the psychologist and psychiatrist feel I have PTSD, right? I would think they have written this in my file/chart....I am interested to see what is in my past VAMC & VAOC records...hopefully I'll be getting those records in a few weeks (I received an email from National Personnel Record Center stating I should get them about the second week of October...does this mean personnel AND medical records, or just personnel records?...I may have sent to the wrong place for my VAMC & VAOC records)
And I assume that the blood test I have to take in two weeks at VAOC would be so they can check to make sure I'm taking both the celexa and vistaril?
Thanks again.
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I will keep all informed on my VSO's progress....she is with the local county Veterans Services...said the tinnitus/hearing loss would be no problem, and that she is pretty good with PTSD claims...and she said she only needs copies of everything....what is a reasonable amount of time for her to get the disability filed?
As for "cycling PTSD"....you're right in saying "bipolar", as there IS a such thing as "cycling bipolar"...I have a family member who suffers from that BUT I DO NOT.....he definetely used the words "cycling PTSD"..this is the VA Psych who said it....maybe he was trying to use a layman's way of explaining that my PTSD cycles.....I don't know, but I did tell him my history, and it seems the PTSD comes and goes; sometimes with years between episodes, although it has started some time ago and not getting better at present....I think if he meant I was "bipolar" he would of prescribed bipolar medication(s); though he did prescribe antidepressant...I can't for the life of me remember the name of it but it should be coming in the mail next week (and he also prescribed "hydroxyzine pamoate 25mg 1 or 2 a day" which I only know because they gave me a bottle of it when I was there)...is the hydroxyzine for insomnia? anxiety? I wish I could remember more of my appointment with him, but I can't....I do have an appointment in 2 weeks for blood work (not fasting) because he said he wants to "make sure nothing physical is causing my problems"....so why did he already prescribe then? However, I had fasting blood work last week, all of which was good except very slightly elevated "bad cholesterol".....
CELEXA is the other drug he prescribed....got it today
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I will keep all informed on my VSO's progress....she is with the local county Veterans Services...said the tinnitus/hearing loss would be no problem, and that she is pretty good with PTSD claims...and she said she only needs copies of everything....what is a reasonable amount of time for her to get the disability filed?
As for "cycling PTSD"....you're right in saying "bipolar", as there IS a such thing as "cycling bipolar"...I have a family member who suffers from that BUT I DO NOT.....he definetely used the words "cycling PTSD"..this is the VA Psych who said it....maybe he was trying to use a layman's way of explaining that my PTSD cycles.....I don't know, but I did tell him my history, and it seems the PTSD comes and goes; sometimes with years between episodes, although it has started some time ago and not getting better at present....I think if he meant I was "bipolar" he would of prescribed bipolar medication(s); though he did prescribe antidepressant...I can't for the life of me remember the name of it but it should be coming in the mail next week (and he also prescribed "hydroxyzine pamoate 25mg 1 or 2 a day" which I only know because they gave me a bottle of it when I was there)...is the hydroxyzine for insomnia? anxiety? I wish I could remember more of my appointment with him, but I can't....I do have an appointment in 2 weeks for blood work (not fasting) because he said he wants to "make sure nothing physical is causing my problems"....so why did he already prescribe then? However, I had fasting blood work last week, all of which was good except very slightly elevated "bad cholesterol".....
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I hope I am now on the right path to help and claim:
First and foremost, I joined this awesome webiste...then I called the VA to file an "informal claim" a few weeks back.
Got my physical, blood work, urine test, first psychologist and first physicatrist appointments done. Got confirmation from VA that I am "Priority Five" re: medical coverage.
Located a VSO who is recommended by VVA.
When I went to see the psychologist, she talked with me for a while, then gave me a written test (I think it was about 15 questions); once she looked the completed test over, she said "I think you probably are suffering from PTSD". The following week, I had an appointment with the Psychiatrist, and he said "you have cycling PTSD"; I was prescribed both an anti-depressant and sleeping pills.
Also, I am awaiting a call from a VAMC to schedule a hearing test and AO exam/registry.
I got all my private medical records now.
I do not have any of the VA medical records yet (I was inpatient/outpatient, mental, years back).
I do not have my military file yet.
I have an appointment with my VSO next week, and she said she will be happy to file a disability claim for me, and that it would really be too much for me to do by myself. She asked me to bring ID, DD214, Marriage License, SS Cards, Private physicians names, addresses, phone numbers, any photos I have that will prove where I was, and what I did (I have two full photo albums from VN including pics of my ship.....)along with miscellaneous paraphanelia (sp?)....
Is there anything else I need to do? Thanks for all your help.
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"It is good to hear that you are seeing a VA Psychologist and should continue thou it may be a hardship with the distance you have to drive each way. Your other option is to see a local out of VA Psychologist if you can afford it and till maintain the VA Psychologist say once a quarter. "
The VA Psychologist is only about a 30 minute trip. I meant that the VAMC (where I was told they will send me for hearing test and AO exam, which now I see is merely a VAOC physical) is the three-hour drive from me...
Thanks kindly for your input and help....Please be sure to take a look at my most present posting "Healthwise for Life: INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND CONFIDENTIALITY"
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I was given the "Healthwise For Life" 466-pagen book last week at the local VA Outpatient Clinic.
On page xiii, II, INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND CONFIDENTIALITY, reads as follows at third bullet:
"...You have the right to information in your medical record and may request a copy of your medical records.
This will be provided, EXCEPT IN RARE SITUATIONS WHERE YOUR VA PHYSICIAN FEELS THE INFORMATION WILL BE HARMFUL TO YOU."
What the heck is this supposed to mean....am I not privy to my COMPLETE medical record? Why would MY information be withheld from me? This sounds totally illegal.
Can someone please chirp in about this...
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I'm assuming they didn't do blood work because I have to be on a 12 hour fast to have it done and I was not told, prior to my first appointment, to fast before I got there And there was no mention of a pee test; maybe they are going to do that, when I get the blood test next week....So then an AO test is just more like a physical? I will have a three-hour drive when I go get that done. As for the tinnitus and hearing loss, yes I realize they are different, my personal ENT suggested I get a hearing test, and did tell my VA PCP about both. My wife called there yesterday, to get the AO and hearing test scheduled, but was told it was not ordered by my PCP and I don't have another appointment with her for a year, so they will get a hold of her to authorize same, then either my local VAOC will call me, or the VAMC will call me to schedule both the AO and hearing test...I'm holding my breath....If nothing is done by the time I get my bloodwork next week, I plan on getting these people moving on it, then. I'm seeing the shrink because the PCP felt I needed to see someone, so sent me to the Psychologist, who said "I think you probably do have PTSD", so I'm seeing the Psychiatrist next week....I assume he will push meds on me....I've been depressed on and off for years now, but this past year it has gotten to where it is disrupting my life and my family and work.....this crap at the VAOC is just heaping more on me...I have been inpatient/outpatient at VAMC, VAOC....in the past....The Psychologist seemed caring, and gave me a 15-question test....I have another appointment with her in a few weeks...Also, when my wife called there yesterday, she mentioned to the manager (not the barking receptionist) that I had brought in the In-Person Authentication, that the receptionist had no idea what to do with, and the Manager said for me to bring it in next week, and she would take care of it.....
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Went to my first VA Outpatient Center exam Monday....No blood or pee tests, but vitals, EKG, met with PCP (given sinus med RX, which will be mailed to me) and was given a test to bring back with crap sample in two weeks....was referred to the Psychologist there; in fact, I had my first appointment with her yesterday and she seems okay.... I have another appointment next week for blood work (have to fast), plus a visit with the Psychiatrict there next week, too. I told the PCP there about my tinnitus and hearing loss, and about AO exposure. They didn't make me appointments for a hearing test or the AO exam yesterday. When I was there yesterday, I handed the receptionist the Form 10-5345a for In-Person Authentication (myhealthevet) but she had no idea what it was, or what to do with it...I checked that website when I got home, and it still shows that I have to be I-PA'd. Also, I mentioned the AO exam and hearing exam tests, and she barked that the doctor has to authorize it....and besides, they don't do that there....but in Chillicothe VAMC. They didn't ask me to sign any releases for private medical records, however, I requested same on my own, and have already received 2 of the 4 records from private physicians. I received a response email today from NPCS stating they are working on MPR request, and same should be done by early October....
I'm wondering if I should just call Chillicothe myself? Is "MPR" request meaning "military personnel records", no medical records? Everyone seems ok there (so far), except for one of the receptionists...but my wife told me to be nice because I'm at her mercy....
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Went to my first VA Outpatient Center exam yesterday....No blood or pee tests, but vitals, EKG, met with PCP (given sinus med RX, which will be mailed to me) and was given a test to bring back with crap sample in two weeks....was referred to the Psychologist there; in fact, I had my first appointment with her today and she seems okay.... I have another appointment next week for blood work (have to fast), plus a visit with the Psychiatrict there next week, too. I told the PCP there about my tinnitus and hearing loss, and about AO exposure. They didn't make me appointments for a hearing test or the AO exam yesterday. When I was there today, I handed the receptionist the Form 10-5345a for In-Person Authentication (myhealthevet) but she had no idea what it was, or what to do with it...I checked that website when I got home, and it still shows that I have to be I-PA. Also, I mentioned the AO exam and hearing exam tests, and she barked that the doctor has to authorize it....and besides, they don't do that there....but in Chillicothe VAMC. They didn't ask me to sign any releases for private medical records, however, I requested same on my own, and have already received 2 of the 4 records from private physicians. I received a response email today from NPCS stating they are working on MPR request, and same should be done by early October....
I'm wondering if I should just call Chillicothe myself? Is "MPR" request meaning "military personnel records", no medical records? Everyone seems ok there (so far), except for one of the receptionists....
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Thank you, Larry and John....
I didn't think it would be so thorough.
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Anyone know of a good Vet Rep? I'm in the NE/SE Ohio area....?
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What should I expect at my initial va physical exam at the local VAMC?
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F...I should of filed like 39 years ago...I put this away for so long....I am EXHAUSTED AND DRAINED just from dipping into this PTSD forum....I see I got a long, hard journey ahead of me...who the heck do these VA psychs think they are...BTW, I have a VAMC (initial physical) appointment Tuesday (but been inpatient/outpatient, mental, some years ago) and am pushing myself to open up a horrible can of squirming worms....
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Thanks Sarg!
Will complete today and call the number you gave me (I believe my regional office is Cleveland, OH, but they would know for sure....) so I can fax it over to them.....I read over the "VA Claims" section of hadit.com, and find that once received, I'll receive a letter from VA letting me know it was received and what they need from me, correct? This should give me ample time to gather my medical records, evidence, to research, etc...
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Just curious: I've had chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps for over 25 years now...(several removal surgeries)...I was exposed to AO in VN in many areas....I know it hasn't been documented/recognized by VA, but wondering if anyone else out there who was in VN has this problem as well?
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Starting filling out the VA Form 21-526....Plan on completing it on paper, and doing it VONAPP tomorrow (don't see a fax number anywhere on the form, or I would just fax it); can I print out what I enter, before I submit it online? If I get stuck while completing it VONAPP, I am able to save the information I had previously entered?
And as for that medical treatments/dates; I will wing it to the best of my recollection (I have some of my medical records from private physicians being sent out to me next week, and have already requested VAMC records, and as you stated Larry, they should already have them!). I note there is a Release the VA wants me to sign, to release private medical records....should I give them permission to obtain my medical records from private (NON VA) doctors, hospitals, clinics?
I plan on filing for disability for hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD...all of which is and has been documented ....I don't know if I should include my chronic sinusitis and all the nasal polyp removal surgeries I have been battling for decades as a disability (possibly due to AO? Though I know it isn't yet a recognized AO illness by the VA, but who's to say how many of us exposed to AO has them???). I do know that the sinusitis/polyps CAN CAUSE TINNITIS, however, I had the tinnitis before the sinus/polyps began.....
I note in the instructions on the first page, that if I am applying for compensation ONLY, to "skip parts VII, VIII, IX, X" (Non-Service Connected Pension, Income Information, Net Worth, Medical, Legal, Or Other Expenses, respectively...
I note also in the instructions that I should "attach any materials that support and explain my claim"; if I file it VONAPP that's not possible...
Any words of caution and/or advice?
Thanks to All for making me get my arse in gear....
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Hi Larry,
Thanks for your input and serving my Countryy!
I downloaded and printed the 12 page Application; I still can't come up with dates regarding the VAMC inpatient/outpatient... (seen psychs after I did my Tours, then years later....); I've racked my brain for at least the months and dates, and the only one I come up with is one of the VAMC inpatient date in 1971...I sent to the Archives for my records last week, but don't expect them anytime soon....hopefully, the local VAMC can get them asap when I go there on Tuesday....
Ugh!!!
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I reviewed the IRIS info, but I am still confused here...should I go ahead and just do the VONAPP...guesstimate medical treatment dates?
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"If yes, you might want to go ahead and send an IRIS stating at this time you are filing an informal claim"
What does IRIS stand for?
Thanks
Audio C & P Exam On Tuesday
in Veterans Compensation & Pension Exams
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