georgiapapa

Thanks for the info guys. I will definitely ask for the government rate when I make my next trip. Georgiapapa...

Thanks Carlie.

Is it permissible for 100% P&T veterans to use their DD 2765 government identification card to obtain a government rate at off base hotels? I travel to a cancer center in Little Rock, Arkansas every six months and we usually stay at the Holiday Inn Express. I currently get a patient discount but the government rate is $13.00 per night cheaper than the patient rate. I believe the hotel would give me the government rate but I do not want to use the DD 2765 improperly and risk losing my privileges. If anyone can direct me to a government web site showing where using the DD 2765 for government rates at civilian hotels is permissible or prohibited, please let me know. Thanks, Georgiapapa...

Thanks Berta. Georgiapapa...

It is my understanding that the spouse of a veteran who has been 100% P&T for less than 10 years would not be entitled to DIC if the veteran dies from a non-service connected condition. QUESTION: Would the spouse also lose their ChampaVA benefits upon the veteran's death if the veteran had been 100% P&T for less than 10 years when he died from a non-service connected condition? Georgiapapa...

Same thing happened to me. I checked one day and my AB8 showed 30% and then I checked the next day and my AB8 letter showed 100%. I also noticed I had a AB3 letter. The AB3 was my letter for commissary & exchange privileges and it showed 100% P&T - No future exams scheduled. It was three more days before I got the brown envelope and one more day before the retro pay showed up in my bank account. Good luck to you. Georgiapapa...

Many thanks to all of you who responded. The info was helpful and I will follow your advice. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Georgiapapa...

Thanks John, Georgiapapa...

John, Thanks once again. Your responses helped but I still have concerns. I am still not sure on how to reply to some of the questions on the DD 1172. There are no instructions with the form and I have not found any online. Using the online instructions for the DD 1172-2 I was able to provide some of the responses. However, certain parts of the DD 1172 and DD 1172-2 do not match so this is confusing. Also since this form is also used by active duty military personnel so they can obtain cards for their dependents, some of the questions may not apply to disabled veterans but I am not sure. Section I: (Sponsor Information): In block #4 (status) would I insert the code "DAVPRM' which is from a code list in the DD 1172-2 instructions? In block #6 (pay grade) would I insert my former military pay grade or leave it blank? In block #7 (rank) would I insert my former military rank or leave it blank? In block #8 (general category) what do I insert in this block? In block #9 (Type of card issued) what do I insert in this block? In block #10 (ID number) what do I insert in this block? In block #11 (Last update). I assume I leave this block blank but I am not sure? In block #12 (V/I) what do I insert in this block? In block #19 (UIC) what do I insert in this block? In block #27 (Medicare) do you respond yes or no or do you list your medicare number? In block #29 (Elig st/MC effective date) Is this the date I became 100% P&T? In block #30 (Card Expires/Elig END date) I would hope this would state "indefinite" but I am not sure. In block #31 (Privileges authorized) what do I check off in this block? In block #32 (End eligibility reason) I assume this would be left blank? Secttion II: (Dependents Information): Some of the same questions from above are asked so I would know how to answer these questions if I knew how to respond to the above questions in Section I. I am going to contact the RAPIDS office tomorrow and ask if they will assist me in filling out the form during my appointment. Since the appointments are scheduled every twenty minutes, I am not sure if they will be willing to do this. If not, I will complete what I can on the form and leave the rest blank and hope they will insert the info. This base is about 45 miles from my home so I would like to make only one trip. I don't know why the VA or DOD doesn't provide specific instructions for this form in which they state what responses are applicable to which group and explain exactly what they are asking. If anyone has any other suggestions, I welcome them. Georgiapapa...

I have some questions regarding applying for the DD 2765 I.D. Card to gain access to military base commissary stores & exchanges. QUESTION: Can you download and print the AB3 Commissary Letter from the Ebenefits web site and use it at the military base RAPIDS office as verification of your eligibility for commissary & exchange privileges or do you have to obtain an original letter from the VA? On the "Download VA letters" section of Ebenefits, they show a DD 1172 form application form available for downloading. It appears this is the form used to apply for the DD 2765 I.D. Card to gain base access. However, when I checked online for instructions on the DD 1172, it appears the DD 1172 may have been replaced by DD 1172-2. I found instruction for DD1172-2 but not DD1172. Since the form is used by different categories of people, it is not clear as to what responses should be given in certain parts. QUESTION: Should I use DD 1172 or DD 1172-2 to apply for the I.D. Card for base access? QUESTION: If I use DD 1172, where do I find the instructions for this form? QUESTION: Should the DD 1172 be completed at the base RAPIDS office or prior to going to the office? QUESTION: Exactly what documents should be taken to the RAPIDS office? Your responses will be appreciated. Georgiapapa...

Thanks for the input. Georgiapapa...

Thank all of you for your input. You have given me a lot of food for thought. Georgiapapa...

Assume a boots on the ground Vietnam veteran had agent orange presumptive IHD but did not file a IHD disability claim prior to his death from a heart attack. Also, assume the veteran had another service connected disability rated at 100% P&T less than 10 years prior to his death. Is there anyway his surviving spouse could qualify for DIC as a result of his death due to his IHD? Your input is appreciated. Georgiapapa...

My only reason for filing for IHD is to make sure my wife would have an additional route for DIC. If I don't file for IHD and then I die from a heart attack, how difficult would it be for my wife to file a claim for DIC based on agent orange IHD after my death? Georgiapapa...

Would it make sense for me to pursue additional claims after being awarded 100% P&T-no future exams? I just received the brown envelope with my award notice today. I also just sent the VA an informal claim notice in November for new claims for IHD and adjustment disorder with anxiety & depression. QUESTION: Is there any reason I should not go ahead and pursue my new claim for agent orange presumptive IHD? I would like to be service connected for IHD in the event I die from a heart attack. This would give my wife another route for a DIC claim. QUESTION: Should I pursue my adjustment disorder claim? I see this as a potential problem because it is the type of claim where VA might require continuous exams and I would prefer keep future exams to a minimum. Please give me your thoughts. Thanks, Georgiapapa...

Hollis, Good to hear from you again. I am beginning to believe the motto. I worked for the federal government for over 25 years and I interacted with many other federal agencies. There is no doubt in my mind that the VA is the most dysfunctional agency in the federal system. However, this problem could be corrected if the politicians in Washington who are supposed to provide oversight would do their job. I really do not see any real progress in the near future. Hopefully, I am wrong. Georgiapapa...

71M10 & JVretiredvet, I provided the VARO with a lengthy statement in support of my claims in which I detailed exactly when I first learned I had multiple myeloma. Also, my oncologist medical reports, which were also submitted to the VARO, included a history of my disease from first diagnosis up until date of submission. If the VARO employee handling my claims had read these documents, they would have known that I had not been diagnosed with multiple myeloma until 2010. Also, I have never mentioned or claimed a skin condition in any communication with the VA. Perhaps the VA employee handling my claim has confused multiple myeloma with melanoma which is skin cancer. If so, this is further proof that the evidence submitted has not been reviewed by the VA. Also, I provided the Atlanta VARO with VCCA notices in May 2012 and October 2012 in which I advised the Atlanta VARO that I did not have any other evidence to submit and to go ahead and decide my claims. As I stated in my original post, I also submitted a letter to the Atlanta VARO explaining why I would not be submitting the additional evidence they requested on September 24, 2012. Wouldn't it be great if a veteran could actually talk directly to the VA employee handling their claims? I believe this would prevent a lot of problems and speed up the claims process. Georgiapapa...

John, Berta and Rdawg, Thank all of you for responding so fast. Berta, I am so glad you have returned to the hadit site. Your absence left a real void. I will let you know when I receive a final decision from the VA. In the event of a denial, I will take you up on the CUE request example. Despite starting my day on a down note, I have been re-energized by my friends at hadit. Thanks once again, Georgiapapa...

BACKGROUND: Filed AO presumptive claim for multiple myeloma and peripheral neuropathy secondary to multiple myeloma in October 2011. Provided complete evidence package to Atlanta VARO via certified mail with return receipt signed by VA employee. On April 5, 2012, Atlanta VARO indicated they had not received any evidence and demanded evidence by May 6, 2012. Another complete evidence package hand delivered to Atlanta VARO on May 1, 2012. In August 2012 Ebenefits finally acknowledged receipt of some of the evidence I provided. The list of evidence they acknowledged receiving included multiple myeloma diagnosis letter from my oncologist (including supporting lab work), IMO letter from neurologist stating my peripheral neuropathy is "more likely than not" secondary to multiple myeloma, military records showing combat service on the ground in Vietnam. On September 12, 2012 I had C&P exam and VA examiner acknowledged that I have multiple myeloma and peripheral neuropathy and she concluded that my peripheral neuropathy is "as likely as not" secondary to multiple myeloma. On September 24, 2012 I received letter from Atlanta VARO stating they needed some additional evidence from me no later than October 24, 2012. They requested the following: (1) Evidence showiing continuity of disease (multiple myeloma) since I was discharged from USMC in 1970, (2) Evidence of continuity of disease (peripheral neuropathy) since my discharge, (3) Evidence showing that I have a skin disease contracted within one year of my last exposure to agent orange in 1968. (NOTE: Apparently the Atlanta VARO thinks multiple myeloma is a skin disease instead of a blood cancer). (4) Evidence showing my disease (multiple myeloma) was caused by exposure to herbicides in the military. All evidence required was provided to the Atlanta VARO twice. I typed up a letter explaining this to the Atlanta VARO and hand delivered it to them on October 1, 2012. In the letter I advised that this was an agent orange presumptive claim which did not require the evidence they were requesting and I explained that multiple myeloma was a blood cancer in the bone marrow and not a skin disease but was on the agent orange presumptive list and I was exposed to agent orange in Vietnam. I also hand delivered a VCCA notice to them on October 1, 2012 stating I had no more evidence to submit and to go ahead and decide my case. This morning I checked my Ebenefits page and the status has changed from gathering evidence to preparation for decision. However, other new entries I read have me totally confused. Perhaps someone on the hadit forum can make sense of it and clue me in. Estimation date of completion changed from 12/12/2012-03/11/2013 to 02/22/2013-06/21/2013. NOTE: This doesn't make sense if they are preparing to make a decision. There was also a new section which appeared titled "Evidence we have not received." It listed the evidence they requested on September 24, 2012 which I did not provide and explained why in my letter I hand delivered to them on October 1, 2012. It also stated my claims were closed as of December 12, 2012. I am not sure of what to expect since I didn't provide the additional evidence. Does anyone have an idea as to what is going on and what, if anything, I need to do at this point? NOTE: I recently submitted an informal claim to the Atlanta VARO for agent orange presumptive IHD and chronic adjustment disorder with anxiety & depression secondary to medical conditions (multiple myeloma & IHD). I plan to submit all of my evidence for the new claims before the end of the month. All suggestions are appreciated. Georgiapapa...

Thanks stillhere. I will check in to it. Georgia Papa

Hollis, As I told you in an earlier message, my cardiologist said she would send me straight to the hospital cath lab if I experienced any severe chest pains in the future. She was true to her word. Tuesday of this week, after experiencing more chest pains, my cardiologist performed another heart cath, found a 80% blockage in my PDA and installed another stent. Now I have three stents, two in my LAD and one in my PDA. By the way, my PDA had a blockage of between 40% and 50% when I had my heart cath in mid September. It increased to 80% in a little over two months. This really concerns me that my artery blockages are building up so quick. I have a feeling I will become a regular at the cath lab. I have filed an informal claim on my IHD but I am still waiting on some medical records before I submit my evidence package. If you don't mind, keep me posted on your status since we both have IHD and similarities in our conditions. Good luck, Georgia Papa.

John, Thanks for your input. I have started gathering info on TDIU for a possible claim. After I look at the info, I will file if it looks like I have a legitimate claim. Thanks again... Georgia Papa

Hi guys, Sorry for taking so long getting back to you but I got side tracked by another trip to the hospital. The day after posting my message, I experienced more chest pains and my cardiologist immediately put me in the hospital, performed another heart cath and put one more stent in my heart for an 80% blockage in my PDA. I now have a total of three stents, two in my LAD and one in my PDA. Stillhere: I was with the U.S. Marshals Service from 1978 until 2004. There are a lot of military veterans in federal and local law enforcement. I have not filed a claim for SSDI and I am not sure if I would qualify because of my income and my age. I am 64 years old. I really haven't checked into it that much. Is there an income cap? Commander Bob: I do not think I have PTSD but I experienced PTSD stressors in Vietnam. I was in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968 and saw my share of fellow marines who were KIA or WIA, including close friends. Up until my diagnosis of multiple myeloma, I always managed to handle my stress on my own. I never discussed my Vietnam experiences too much because I did not want to do anything to make supervisors or co-workers uncomfortable with me because I do tend to become emotional at times when discussing Vietnam. I did not want to to do anything to jeopardize my career in law enforcement because I had a wife and three kids to support. Law enforcement and the military have many similarities, especially the sense of comradery and belonging to a unit that looked out for each other. When I first met with my psychologist, she asked me a few questions regarding my experiences in Vietnam and then she said I don't believe you have any PTSD problems. When I went to see her, I was trying to get help coping with my cancer diagnosis and I did not really have any interest in a PTSD claim. She said I had an adjustment disorder due to my multiple myeloma diagnosis and I didn't question her. My primary stress from my health problems is the impact my problems are having on my family. I am coming up on my 43rd wedding aniversary and my goal is to make it to my 50th. I am not sure I understand your question "are you agreeable with the VA diagnostic code 9440?" Is there a problem with filing a claim under diagnostic code 9440? I am open to suggestions. John999: I really wasn't thinking about filing a TDIU claim at this time. My claim for the adjustment disorder was as secondary to my multiple myeloma and IHD conditions. Don't get me wrong, if I am eligible for TDIU I will defiinitely file a claim. However at the present time, I am only 30% service connected for other conditions and I have no idea what kind of rating I will get for my multiple myeloma, IHD and adjustment disorder. Please give me your thoughts because I am open to suggestions as to when would be the appropriate time to file a TDIU claim. I have only been treated by a VA psychologist and VA NP. I have never been to a private mental health professional. I am thinking about it now though because my VA psychologist just transferred to the Department of Defense and she told me the VA is not going to replace her so I will have to drive about 120 miles round trip to see another VA psychologist. My private insurance would pay for the private doctor but I would have to pay a small co-pay. I am just trying to get a rough idea on what kind of rating to expect on the adjustment disorder so I will have an idea if I am being low balled or if the rating is in line with the rating formula. I appreciate any thoughts or suggestions offered. Thanks...Georgiapapa

I am in the process of filing a formal claim for "Chronic adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression", diagnostic code 9440. I have been in psychotherapy since summer of 2011 with a VA psychologist and a VA psychiatric nurse practitioner. I currently have claims pending for multiple myeloma (agent orange presumptive) and IHD (agent orange presumptive). Both my psychologist and NP have stated in my progress reports that my adjustment disorder is "secondary to my medical conditions-multiple myeloma." They also both agree my adjustment disorder is aggravated even more by my recent diagnosis of IHD. My psychologist completed a DBQ for me to submit with my claim. Some of the responses she provided in the DBQ are some of the same symptoms shown in the general rating formula for mental disorders in the 70%, 50%, 30% and 10% criteria so I really have no idea as to the rating I should receive. For example, she responded that I have "obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities" and "difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances including work or work like setting" both of which fall in the 70% criteria. She also responded that I have "occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to such symptoms as: flattened affect", "panic attacks more than once a week", "impairment of short and long term memory" which all fall in the 50% criteria. She also responded that I have "depressed mood", "anxiety" and "chronic sleep impairment" which all fall in the 30% criteria. She responded that I have "symptoms controlled by continuous medication" which falls in the 10% criteria. On the DBQ she indicated my diagnosis was "adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression" ICD code: 309.28 in axis category I. Under Axis III, she listed "multiple myeloma" ICD code 203.00 and under Axis IV she listed "health". Under Axis V, she listed my GAF score as "45". I am sending the VA copies of all my progress reports from my psychologist and NP. The reports support the responses provided in the DBQ. One difference between the reports of my psychologist and my NP is the GAF scores. My psychologist consistently gave me GAFs of 45 while my NP gave me GAFs in the mid 50s. Other symptoms constantly mentioned in my mental disorder progress reports include: Hopelessness & helplessness, low frustration tolerance, withdrawn, anticipatory anxiety, sleep disorder (restless & broken), nightmares, insomnia, diminished ability to concentrate, recurrent thoughts of death, memory deficiencies, depressed, irritable, blunted and labile. I am trying to get an idea as to what rating I should receive for my adjustment disorder so any input from other hadit members would be appreciated, especially input from veterans who have been service connected for mental health disorders.. Thanks...Georgiapapa

Deanbrt, If I decide to talk with a VSO, I will try one at the VAMC in Dublin, Georgia. If anyone has had any experience with them please let me know. Georgiapapa...