Carl the Engineer

Update 5, We'll they must post in the middle of the night on MyHealthyvet. Just found my DBQ's from the C&P. heart disease a. The condition claimed is at least as likely as not (50% or greater probablility) proximately due to or the resurlt of the Veteran's service connected condition. left ankle pain a. The condition claimed is at least as likely as not (50% or greater probablility) proximately due to or the resurlt of the Veteran's service connected condition. left foot pain a. The condition claimed is at least as likely as not (50% or greater probablility) proximately due to or the resurlt of the Veteran's service connected condition. increase for right foot plantar fasciitis already at 10% rated The Veteran is service connected for right foot palntar fasciitis which is currently evaluated at 10%. Please evaluate for the current level of severity of the Veterans's sevice connnected disability. So, now wait for the RO to give me the numbers? My guesses, heart 10-30, already 0% for HBP, so not sure. DBQ says I have LVH, but dosent impact work, etc. left ankle 10 from xray left foot 10 from xray right plantar increase currently at 10. Not sure, hopefully up to 20%. Hamslice

Update 4, Anyone want to register a guess on my heart disease claim and rate? Study Details: 2D. Due to technical issues, the quality of the study was limited. 2D Diastole (cm) NL Values (cm) Systole (cm) NL Values (cm) RV 3.5 1.9 - 3.8 IVS 1.4 0.6 - 1.1 LV 4.3 3.5 - 6.0 2.7 2.1 - 4.0 LVPW 1.2 0.6 - 1.1 Ao Root 3.5 2.1 - 3.5 LA 3.9 2.3 - 3.8 LA Volumes: LA Vol A4C: 56.7 ml LA Vol A2C: 45.7 ml LA Vol BP: 52.0 ml Left Ventricle: Ventricular wall thickness is mildly increased. Quantitative LVEF and LV volume not reportable due to limited endocardial definition. Left ventricle appears normal in size with visually estimated LVEF 55%. Frequent ectopy is incidentally noted in cardiac rhythm. Right Ventricle: The right ventricular size is normal. Global RV systolic function is normal. Left Atrium: The left atrium is normal. Right Atrium: The right atrium is normal. Aorta: Aortic root is normal in size. Aortic Valve: The aortic valve is not well visualized. In limited views the aortic valve appears mildly sclerotic. Mitral Valve: The mitral valve appears structurally normal. Tricuspid Valve: The tricuspid valve is not well visualized. Pulmonic Valve: The pulmonic valve is suboptimally visualized. Pericardium: No pericardial effusion is seen. Summary: 1. Limited 2D exam was performed. 2. Frequent ectopy is incidentally noted in cardiac rhythm. 3. Left ventricle appears normal in size with visually estimated LVEF 55%. 4. Left ventricular wall thickness is mildly increased. 5. Normal RV size and systolic function. 6. No pericardial effusion is seen. Thanks, Hamslice

https://www.microhealthllc.com/bilateral-va-disability-rating-compensation-calculator/ This is the best one I have found so far. And you can print it out when done to keep in your files. Hamslice

I believe what we discovered last year was that if you have any other disability that is compensated, than no. In other words, if you have 2 or more 0%'s and only those two or more, than they can give you 10%, Now if you have 2 or more 0%'s plus a 10% for an aditional disability than you only get the 10%, I have 4 or 5 0%'s, but no additonal %'s to my total. Make sense? VA Math? Hamslice

Looks like a winner to me. Now, how much compensation, not so sure. And yes, they don't let the Reservists, to include Guardsman, in on all on the available benefits. We are what they call the "red headed step children" of the military. Hopefully someone will comment on your PTSD claim, as I have no experience in that field... Good luck, Hamslice

What he said ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Hamslice

Or, it could be because I asked a which came first "chicken or egg" question regards my SC'd HBP and my secondary claim for Heart Disease. My med records for heart disease pre-date my HBP records and claim. I didnt know I could claim heart disease seperate from HBP (hypertension) and maybe the VA should have considered it when looking at the same records for my HBP. Just a thought, Hamslice

I asked and she is going to the VARO next Wednesday and going to ask. She said that some of her complicated claims get sent to different RO's, but the simpler ones go to Milwaukee. She also said, that it could be because I am in law enforcement, however, I have been since all of my claims, so not sure on that. Anyway, will update, Hamslice

I do have my c-file, but it was about 4 years ago, so time to get a new one. I will wait until these new claims come back, so I don't throw a rock in the gears. I will shoot my CVSO a message to see if she knows what/why is up with Little Rock. Thanks, Hamslice

C&P examiner said my claim was being handled by the Little Rock office. First time for that?, all my prior went to Milwaukee, WI. Must be shipping out the overflow. Anyone have experiece with Little Rock VA Regional Office?? Good or Bad, Hamslice

Could not find any reference on Google, so it must be something new. At my C&P today, the examiner mentioned "Agent any Color" referencing how the VA is being more proactive with new Vets considering what happened with Vietnam Vets and Agent Orange. Not sure if this is a buzz word or just VA behind the scenes lingo... She scheduled me for a Gulf Registry interview in August. I though I had done that already, but all we could find were my screenings for TBI and PTSD. And I am in the Burn Pit registry. The way she was talking, I think this was about Gulf War Syndrome and undifined illnesses, etc. Not positive. So, there you go, Agent any Color, Hamslice

Update number 3, We'll, went to the VA today; First, had a ultrasound of my heart, Second, saw the C&P examiner. We went over my heart disease (secondary to HBP) claim. This is the first C&P where the examiner had the VA questionaire on the computer screen and my medical records on another screen at the same time and she filled out the VA form while I was there. Or at least most of it. She was trying to make the link and we went (I showed her in the records) were stuff was, etc. Not sure, but I think I will be SC'd for heart disease. Maybe 0, hoping for more. Third, we went over my feet and ankle claims. We looked over my foot doctors notes and she asked me questions from the VA form. I think that went well. Next, she took my BP, pulse, listened to my heart and lungs and examined my feet and ankles. Then she sent me for x-rays of my feet and ankles, both left and right. Lastly, I went to the travel window and signed my chit. Keeping my fingers crossed for a good outcome, Hamslice

They must be using a computer algorithm of sorts. Not sure how anyone could be picking dates out of the air for these things we call claims. Mine went from 11/7 to 10/21 the other day for no appearent reason. As if, someone at the VA said, "hey, lets knock of 10 days on Hamslice's claim" because they got an x-ray report back from the lab. I think they are just trying to be cute, when all we want is efficiency. Or, more likely, they throw a date way out in the future and then when they cut 10 days off, they can add that to the reduction of the backlog for their report to Congress. I bet thats it. As always, Hamslice "flagged" WTF...........

Victor Ray, I would have a hard time believing this site is corrupted. So "no" on that. You are probably having computer issues and issues with getting and keeping a signal. I am not an Apple fan. We were just talking about it at work, and no apple fans there. And, yes, the VA is waiting for you to die. There ability to "assist' the veteran in claims is criminal, especially when the VA docs can not opine for claims. That is just ass backwards if you ask me. Also, I follow most all on here to include you. I parse what I need to know to help me do my claims. Everybody has something to add, however, you may not be able to get a specific answer for a situation you may have, etc. I try to respond to posts when I can add and help out. Very rare, if at all am I critical of another post(er). But I might shoot a humorous anicdote from time to time. Life (especially VA life) is too short to be negative when up against a wall. Just turn and try a different route. You may find a map on here doing some research. Anyway, I cant help you on the AO stuff, too ancient for me. I'm waiting for the Iraq "Agent Orange" shoe to drop...... Good luck, Hamslice

Looks like you will be service connected to me. Now if you were SC'd for it already and were looking for an increase, well would have to know where you are starting from. If this is a initial claim for this ailment, you may have been lowballed, but that just goes with the territory. You'll have to wait for the rating and see what they say, but, looks good to me, Hamslice.

Hard telling, but, here is an idea... You need to get your service medical records (you were in for 4 years) and see what is there. See if you have any current ailments that can be attributed to your service time that you sought medical help for either gov or private docs. Then make a claim on one or all of them and get SC'd for something. Then build a case for your Depression and Anxiety and how it connects. However, you may become SC'd with what you have allready started, and you need to wait for that desision first. Good luck, Hamslice

Gastone, My abnormal ecg's predate my HBP. At the time I left service (2008), I had been treated in service for HBP, and filed for it and got SC'd for it. I was unaware that heard disease was a seperate consideration from HBP (hypertension) and I did not claim it. I only learned recently that I could/should have claimed heart disease. I already have had (last year) a Nuclear Stress Test and a Heart Echo, and I submitted those records with my latest claim(s). I am scheduled for a echocardiogram C&P June 22. I did note in my claim that the LVH could have predated or I guess, caused the HBP, or vice versa. I did not note, but I do wonder, if the VA should have looked into heart disease when they looked at my ecg's while "gathering evidence" for my claim for HBP. The ecg's are all (6) from while I was on active duty, dated 1999-2008. We'll see where it goes. Hamslice

I too get 0% for my SC'd HBP. Controlled with medicine. I'm currently trying to get secondary for heart disease because of a couple abnormal ecgs, etc.. Hamslice

We'll, I have been lucky so far, but we will see. I have a C&P coming up for my secondary for heart disease from HBP. I am scheduled for a echocardiogram. Just went throught all the tests with my cardialogist., to enclude an echocardiogram, and those records went in with my claim. I will compare the two. Maybe my C&P doc (or RN) will be a podiatrist. You never know.. Hamslice

Update number 2 (cont) I see on My HealthyVet, I have 2 C&P's coming up in June, IM COMP & PEN IM RAD ULTRASOUND Oh, boy, Hamslice

Update number 2, Went to "Gathering Evidence" today, and they moved up my completion dates to 8/28/16-11/07/2016. Was in 2017 before. Heres my favorite; Needed from others (1) "These are requests for documents that VA has asked others to provide. Here are two actions you can take to speed up the processing of your claim: If you have access to these documents, you can upload them here on this page. Ask the person or organization in possession of your documents to immediately provide them to VA. To mail documents to your nearest VA Regional Office (VARO), search VA's online VARO directory." It would be nice to know what they are looking for. I might be able to help! Fun with claims, Hamslice

You have to let us know what you are claiming for us to help. Example, PTSD, I don't have and have not been examined for it, so I could not help you there, others would. Also, no drug test that I know of. Hamslice Might want to take a break from the pipe the night before, just saying...

NICE!!! Hamslice

Oh, oh, I dont see this ending well......... Anyway, retirement and disability are two seperate things. However, In the military and VA, they coexist. Not the same entity. To get a normal military retirement, you need 20 years active duty, or an non-regular retirement from the reserves, 20 good years and wait til age 60. Both are based on points or days. To get a disabllity (from the VA) your need to show that you are less than what you were when you joined, i.e., they (the military) bought you whole and they (the VA) will compensate you for not being whole after your service has ended. A lot of Soldiers end thier careers early, and some stick it out. Both, with or without pain. I got rifted(?) out after 27 years on my way to 41 years, which was my goal. Now, late (or anytime) during your military carreer, if you should have a problem the military doesnt compensate you for it, they try to fix it (motrin, 800mg x3) and you drive on. Only when you become too problematic do they seperate you, medically. You can be in the reserves, and be 70% VA disabled and still be an active Soldier, etc. Again, two seperate issues. Anyway, always lean forward in the foxhole and watch out for your buddies, Hamslice

Never miss a C&P exam. Ever. Who cares what its for, youre going to get 90%. Thats a win!!! Hamslice