Service Conection

[schauba]

I was in iraq and suffered from chest pain and shortness of breath. When i went to sick call they treated me as muscle pain i told them that i think i have asmha. I am out of the military and i have asmha but they denied my service connection because of nothing in my medical records. What else can I do?

[schauba]

Hells Bells, Aren't you working with a vets rep or service officer? If you want to appeal any decision from the RO (Regional Office), YOU need to file a NOD (Notice of Disagreement). You are not "waiting" for an NOD to come from the VA: you must file your NOD. If you do not agree with the rating award of 10% for Allergies, then file an NOD.

Did you get a copy of your last C@P Exam? Did you order copies of all your medical records (VA, SMR's, Civilian).? YOU are going to need to submit evidence to substantiate your claim. Sounds like you have several medical issues surrounding your respiratory system ... Have you filed for any secondary or related conditions? You need to get ALL of your medical records together and talk to your doctor about the condition and extent of your respiratory problems! If I were you, I would also talk with my MOM (or childhood caretakers), and ask them if you had asthma as a child or adolescent and what medical treatments you recieved. If the VA asks you if you had childhood asthma, you are going to need to answer honestly. A letter (lay statement) from your mother would help in this matter. If your asthama worsened post discharge, what do you feel is the cause? What does the doctor say is the cause of your adult asthma? Are you smoking? Were you exposed to toxins while active duty? Are your allergies seasonal or year round? What's the cuase of your allergies? Are they getting better, worse? Polyps? Sinus infections? Deviated septum? Just some things to think about! YOU need to have evidence to prove your claim. ~Wings

See Sec. 4.97 Schedule of ratings--respiratory system.

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/ge...ON=97&TYPE=TEXT

[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 38, Volume 1]

[Revised as of July 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 38CFR4.97]

[Page 417-421]

TITLE 38--PENSIONS, BONUSES, AND VETERANS' RELIEF

CHAPTER I--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

PART 4_SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES--Table of Contents

Subpart B_Disability Ratings

Sec. 4.97 Schedule of ratings--respiratory system.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rating

------------------------------------------------------------------------

DISEASES OF THE NOSE AND THROAT

------------------------------------------------------------------------

6502 Septum, nasal, deviation of:

Traumatic only,

With 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on 10

both sides or complete obstruction on one side........

6504 Nose, loss of part of, or scars:

Exposing both nasal passages............................... 30

Loss of part of one ala, or other obvious disfigurement.... 10

Note: Or evaluate as DC 7800, scars, disfiguring, head, face,

or neck.

6510 Sinusitis, pansinusitis, chronic.

6511 Sinusitis, ethmoid, chronic.

6512 Sinusitis, frontal, chronic.

6513 Sinusitis, maxillary, chronic.

6514 Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic.

General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC's 6510 through

6514):

Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, 50

or; near constant sinusitis characterized by

headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and

purulent discharge or crusting after repeated

surgeries.............................................

Three or more incapacitating episodes per year of 30

sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six

weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; more than six non-

incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis

characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent

discharge or crusting.................................

One or two incapacitating episodes per year of 10

sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six

weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; three to six non-

incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis

characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent

discharge or crusting.................................

Detected by X-ray only................................. 0

Note: An incapacitating episode of sinusitis means one that

requires bed rest and treatment by a physician.

6515 Laryngitis, tuberculous, active or inactive.

Rate under Sec. Sec. 4.88c or 4.89, whichever is

appropriate.

6516 Laryngitis, chronic:

Hoarseness, with thickening or nodules of cords, polyps, 30

submucous infiltration, or pre-malignant changes on biopsy

Hoarseness, with inflammation of cords or mucous membrane.. 10

6518 Laryngectomy, total....................................... \1\ 100

Rate the residuals of partial laryngectomy as laryngitis

(DC 6516), aphonia (DC 6519), or stenosis of larynx (DC

6520).

6519 Aphonia, complete organic:

Constant inability to communicate by speech................ \1\ 100

Constant inability to speak above a whisper................ 60

Note: Evaluate incomplete aphonia as laryngitis, chronic

(DC 6516).

6520 Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal

trauma (unilateral or bilateral):

Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV-1) less than 40 100

percent of predicted value, with Flow-Volume Loop

compatible with upper airway obstruction, or; permanent

tracheostomy..............................................

FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, with Flow-Volume Loop 60

compatible with upper airway obstruction..................

FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, with Flow-Volume Loop 30

compatible with upper airway obstruction..................

FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, with Flow-Volume Loop 10

compatible with upper airway obstruction..................

Note: Or evaluate as aphonia (DC 6519).

6521 Pharynx, injuries to:

[[Page 418]]

Stricture or obstruction of pharynx or nasopharynx, or; 50

absence of soft palate secondary to trauma, chemical burn,

or granulomatous disease, or; paralysis of soft palate

with swallowing difficulty (nasal regurgitation) and

speech impairment.........................................

6522 Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis:

With polyps................................................ 30

Without polyps, but with greater than 50-percent 10

obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete

obstruction on one side...................................

6523 Bacterial rhinitis:

Rhinoscleroma.............................................. 50

With permanent hypertrophy of turbinates and with greater 10

than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides

or complete obstruction on one side.......................

6524 Granulomatous rhinitis:

Wegener's granulomatosis, lethal midline granuloma......... 100

Other types of granulomatous infection..................... 20

----------------------------------------------------------------

DISEASES OF THE TRACHEA AND BRONCHI

------------------------------------------------------------------------

6600 Bronchitis, chronic:

FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the 100

ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced

Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or;

Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the

Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent

predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/

kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory

limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or;

right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension

(shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s)

of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient

oxygen therapy............................................

FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 60

to 55 percent, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent

predicted, or; maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/

kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit).....................

FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 56 30

to 70 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 56- to 65-percent predicted..

FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 10

to 80 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 66- to 80-percent predicted..

6601 Bronchiectasis:

With incapacitating episodes of infection of at least six 100

weeks total duration per year.............................

With incapacitating episodes of infection of four to six 60

weeks total duration per year, or; near constant findings

of cough with purulent sputum associated with anorexia,

weight loss, and frank hemoptysis and requiring antibiotic

usage almost continuously.................................

With incapacitating episodes of infection of two to four 30

weeks total duration per year, or; daily productive cough

with sputum that is at times purulent or blood-tinged and

that requires prolonged (lasting four to six weeks)

antibiotic usage more than twice a year...................

Intermittent productive cough with acute infection 10

requiring a course of antibiotics at least twice a year...

Or rate according to pulmonary impairment as for chronic

bronchitis (DC 6600).

Note: An incapacitating episode is one that requires

bedrest and treatment by a physician.

6602 Asthma, bronchial:

FEV-1 less than 40-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC less 100

than 40 percent, or; more than one attack per week with

episodes of respiratory failure, or; requires daily use of

systemic (oral or parenteral) high dose corticosteroids or

immuno-suppressive medications............................

FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 60

to 55 percent, or; at least monthly visits to a physician

for required care of exacerbations, or; intermittent (at

least three per year) courses of systemic (oral or

parenteral) corticosteroids...............................

FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 56 30

to 70 percent, or; daily inhalational or oral

bronchodilator therapy, or; inhalational anti-inflammatory

medication................................................

FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 10

to 80 percent, or; intermittent inhalational or oral

bronchodilator therapy....................................

Note: In the absence of clinical findings of asthma at time

of examination, a verified history of asthmatic attacks

must be of record.

6603 Emphysema, pulmonary:

FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the 100

ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced

Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or;

Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the

Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent

predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/

kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory

limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or;

right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension

(shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s)

of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient

oxygen therapy............................................

FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 60

to 55 percent, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent

predicted, or; maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/

kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit).....................

FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 56 30

to 70 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 56- to 65-percent predicted..

FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 10

to 80 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 66- to 80-percent predicted..

6604 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:

[[Page 419]]

FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the 100

ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced

Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or;

Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the

Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent

predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/

kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory

limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or;

right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension

(shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s)

of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient

oxygen therapy............................................

FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 60

to 55 percent, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent

predicted, or; maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/

kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit).....................

FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 56 30

to 70 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 56- to 65-percent predicted..

FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 10

to 80 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 66- to 80-percent predicted..

----------------------------------------------------------------

DISEASES OF THE LUNGS AND PLEURA--TUBERCULOSIS

Ratings for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Entitled on August 19, 1968

------------------------------------------------------------------------

6701 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, far advanced, active.... 100

6702 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, moderately advanced, 100

active........................................................

6703 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, minimal, active......... 100

6704 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, active, advancement 100

unspecified...................................................

6721 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, far advanced, inactive..

6722 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, moderately advanced,

inactive......................................................

6723 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, minimal, inactive.......

6724 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive, advancement

unspecified...................................................

General Rating Formula for Inactive Pulmonary Tuberculosis: 100

For two years after date of inactivity, following active

tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during

service or subsequently...................................

Thereafter for four years, or in any event, to six years 50

after date of inactivity..................................

Thereafter, for five years, or to eleven years after date 30

of inactivity.............................................

Following far advanced lesions diagnosed at any time while 30

the disease process was active, minimum...................

Following moderately advanced lesions, provided there is 20

continued disability, emphysema, dyspnea on exertion,

impairment of health, etc.................................

Otherwise.................................................. 0

Note (1): The 100-percent rating under codes 6701 through 6724

is not subject to a requirement of precedent hospital

treatment. It will be reduced to 50 percent for failure to

submit to examination or to follow prescribed treatment upon

report to that effect from the medical authorities. When a

veteran is placed on the 100-percent rating for inactive

tuberculosis, the medical authorities will be appropriately

notified of the fact, and of the necessity, as given in

footnote 1 to 38 U.S.C. 1156 (and formerly in 38 U.S.C. 356,

which has been repealed by Public Law 90-493), to notify the

Adjudication Division in the event of failure to submit to

examination or to follow treatment.

Note (2): The graduated 50-percent and 30-percent ratings and

the permanent 30 percent and 20 percent ratings for inactive

pulmonary tuberculosis are not to be combined with ratings for

other respiratory disabilities. Following thoracoplasty the

rating will be for removal of ribs combined with the rating

for collapsed lung. Resection of the ribs incident to

thoracoplasty will be rated as removal.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Ratings for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Initially Evaluated After August 19,

1968

------------------------------------------------------------------------

6730 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, active.................. 100

Note: Active pulmonary tuberculosis will be considered

permanently and totally disabling for non-service-

connected pension purposes in the following circumstances:

(a) Associated with active tuberculosis involving other

than the respiratory system.

(:P With severe associated symptoms or with extensive

cavity formation.

© Reactivated cases, generally.

(d) With advancement of lesions on successive

examinations or while under treatment.

(e) Without retrogression of lesions or other evidence

of material improvement at the end of six months

hospitalization or without change of diagnosis from

``active'' at the end of 12 months hospitalization.

Material improvement means lessening or absence of

clinical symptoms, and X-ray findings of a stationary

or retrogressive lesion.

6731 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive:

Depending on the specific findings, rate residuals as

interstitial lung disease, restrictive lung disease, or,

when obstructive lung disease is the major residual, as

chronic bronchitis (DC 6600). Rate thoracoplasty as

removal of ribs under DC 5297.

Note: A mandatory examination will be requested immediately

following notification that active tuberculosis evaluated

under DC 6730 has become inactive. Any change in

evaluation will be carried out under the provisions of

Sec. 3.105(e).

6732 Pleurisy, tuberculous, active or inactive:

Rate under Sec. Sec. 4.88c or 4.89, whichever is

appropriate.

----------------------------------------------------------------

NONTUBERCULOUS DISEASES

------------------------------------------------------------------------

6817 Pulmonary Vascular Disease:

Primary pulmonary hypertension, or; chronic pulmonary 100

thromboembolism with evidence of pulmonary hypertension,

right ventricular hypertrophy, or cor pulmonale, or;

pulmonary hypertension secondary to other obstructive

disease of pulmonary arteries or veins with evidence of

right ventricular hypertrophy or cor pulmonale............

[[Page 420]]

Chronic pulmonary thromboembolism requiring anticoagulant 60

therapy, or; following inferior vena cava surgery without

evidence of pulmonary hypertension or right ventricular

dysfunction...............................................

Symptomatic, following resolution of acute pulmonary 30

embolism..................................................

Asymptomatic, following resolution of pulmonary 0

thromboembolism...........................................

Note: Evaluate other residuals following pulmonary embolism

under the most appropriate diagnostic code, such as

chronic bronchitis (DC 6600) or chronic pleural effusion

or fibrosis (DC 6844), but do not combine that evaluation

with any of the above evaluations.

6819 Neoplasms, malignant, any specified part of 100

respiratory system exclusive of skin growths..............

Note: A rating of 100 percent shall continue beyond the

cessation of any surgical, X-ray, antineoplastic

chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedure. Six months

after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate

disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA

examination. Any change in evaluation based upon that or

any subsequent examination shall be subject to the

provisions of Sec. 3.105(e) of this chapter. If there

has been no local recurrence or metastasis, rate on

residuals.

6820 Neoplasms, benign, any specified part of respiratory

system. Evaluate using an appropriate respiratory analogy.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Bacterial Infections of the Lung

------------------------------------------------------------------------

6822 Actinomycosis.

6823 Nocardiosis.

6824 Chronic lung abscess.

General Rating Formula for Bacterial Infections of the Lung

(diagnostic codes 6822 through 6824):

Active infection with systemic symptoms such as fever, 100

night sweats, weight loss, or hemoptysis..............

Depending on the specific findings, rate residuals as

interstitial lung disease, restrictive lung disease, or,

when obstructive lung disease is the major residual, as

chronic bronchitis (DC 6600).

----------------------------------------------------------------

Interstitial Lung Disease

------------------------------------------------------------------------

6825 Diffuse interstitial fibrosis (interstitial pneumonitis,

fibrosing alveolitis).

6826 Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis.

6827 Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.

6828 Eosinophilic granuloma of lung.

6829 Drug-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis.

6830 Radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis.

6831 Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (extrinsic allergic

alveolitis).

6832 Pneumoconiosis (silicosis, anthracosis, etc.).

6833 Asbestosis.

General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease

(diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833):

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent 100

predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for

Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO

(SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum

exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen

consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor

pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires

outpatient oxygen therapy.............................

FVC of 50- to 64-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- 60

to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise

capacity of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with

cardiorespiratory limitation..........................

FVC of 65- to 74-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 56- 30

to 65-percent predicted..............................

FVC of 75- to 80-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66- 10

to 80-percent predicted..............................

----------------------------------------------------------------

Mycotic Lung Disease

------------------------------------------------------------------------

6834 Histoplasmosis of lung.

6835 Coccidioidomycosis.

6836 Blastomycosis.

6837 Cryptococcosis.

6838 Aspergillosis.

6839 Mucormycosis.

General Rating Formula for Mycotic Lung Disease (diagnostic

codes 6834 through 6839):

Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight 100

loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis.............

Chronic pulmonary mycosis requiring suppressive therapy 50

with no more than minimal symptoms such as occasional

minor hemoptysis or productive cough..................

Chronic pulmonary mycosis with minimal symptoms such as 30

occasional minor hemoptysis or productive cough.......

Healed and inactive mycotic lesions, asymptomatic...... 0

Note: Coccidioidomycosis has an incubation period up to 21

days, and the disseminated phase is ordinarily manifest

within six months of the primary phase. However, there are

instances of dissemination delayed up to many years after

the initial infection which may have been unrecognized.

Accordingly, when service connection is under

consideration in the absence of record or other evidence

of the disease in service, service in southwestern United

States where the disease is endemic and absence of

prolonged residence in this locality before or after

service will be the deciding factor.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Restrictive Lung Disease

------------------------------------------------------------------------

6840 Diaphragm paralysis or paresis.

6841 Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency.

6842 Kyphoscoliosis, pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum.

[[Page 421]]

6843 Traumatic chest wall defect, pneumothorax, hernia, etc.

6844 Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.).

6845 Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis.

General Rating Formula for Restrictive Lung Disease

(diagnostic codes 6840 through 6845):

FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the 100

ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to

Forced Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40

percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon

Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less

than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise

capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption

(with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor

pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular

hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo

or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute

respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen

therapy...............................................

FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 60

40 to 55 percent, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent

predicted, or; maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20

ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit)..............

FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 30

56 to 70 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 56- to 65-percent

predicted.............................................

FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 10

71 to 80 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 66- to 80-percent

predicted.............................................

Or rate primary disorder.

Note (1): A 100-percent rating shall be assigned for

pleurisy with empyema, with or without pleurocutaneous

fistula, until resolved.

Note (2): Following episodes of total spontaneous

pneumothorax, a rating of 100 percent shall be assigned as

of the date of hospital admission and shall continue for

three months from the first day of the month after

hospital discharge.

Note (3): Gunshot wounds of the pleural cavity with bullet

or missile retained in lung, pain or discomfort on

exertion, or with scattered rales or some limitation of

excursion of diaphragm or of lower chest expansion shall

be rated at least 20-percent disabling. Disabling injuries

of shoulder girdle muscles (Groups I to IV) shall be

separately rated and combined with ratings for respiratory

involvement. Involvement of Muscle Group XXI (DC 5321),

however, will not be separately rated.

6846 Sarcoidosis:

Cor pulmonale, or; cardiac involvement with congestive 100

heart failure, or; progressive pulmonary disease with

fever, night sweats, and weight loss despite treatment....

Pulmonary involvement requiring systemic high dose 60

(therapeutic) corticosteroids for control.................

Pulmonary involvement with persistent symptoms requiring 30

chronic low dose (maintenance) or intermittent

corticosteroids...........................................

Chronic hilar adenopathy or stable lung infiltrates without 0

symptoms or physiologic impairment........................

Or rate active disease or residuals as chronic bronchitis

(DC 6600) and extra-pulmonary involvement under specific

body system involved......................................

6847 Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed):

Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention 100

or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy...............

Requires use of breathing assistance device such as 50

continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine.................

Persistent day-time hypersomnolence........................ 30

Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing.. 0

------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under Sec.

3.350 of this chapter.

[61 FR 46728, Sept. 5, 1996]

ok i filed an nod with the dav yesterday for the astma. I don't smoke but when i was in iraq we pulled alot of guard duty and the area were we pulled guard duty was next to a big trash pit were they burned anything and everything so i would pull 4 hour shifts there everyday. C@P Exam? not sure what that is? OH how do i get a copy of all my medical records from the va? VA, SMR's, Civilian).? what is smr's? I have all my medical documents from the civilian doctors. I Have filed for secondary or related conditions for asthma but that is the only one. Oh thanks for the help wings.

[Wings]

ok i filed an nod with the dav yesterday for the astma. I don't smoke but when i was in iraq we pulled alot of guard duty and the area were we pulled guard duty was next to a big trash pit were they burned anything and everything so i would pull 4 hour shifts there everyday. C@P Exam? not sure what that is? OH how do i get a copy of all my medical records from the va? VA, SMR's, Civilian).? what is smr's? I have all my medical documents from the civilian doctors. I Have filed for secondary or related conditions for asthma but that is the only one. Oh thanks for the help wings.

SMR's (service medical records) can be had from NARA http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html

FOIA (freedom of information act) - Use for any request for medical records, even the VA.

You just gotta write a note stateing, "Under the Freedom of Infomation Act, I am requesting copies of my bla, bla, bla." Sign and Date your request. Keep a copy of EVERYTHING you send to the VA.

Send your FOIA request for a copy of all VA Medical Records to the Release of Information Office at your treating VA Medical Center, same-same with a request for your recent C&P Exam (compensation annd pension examination) . . .

You are Welcome ;-)

[schauba]

SMR's (service medical records) can be had from NARA http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html

FOIA (freedom of information act) - Use for any request for medical records, even the VA.

You just gotta write a note stateing, "Under the Freedom of Infomation Act, I am requesting copies of my bla, bla, bla." Sign and Date your request. Keep a copy of EVERYTHING you send to the VA.

Send your FOIA request for a copy of all VA Medical Records to the Release of Information Office at your treating VA Medical Center, same-same with a request for your recent C&P Exam (compensation annd pension examination) . . .

You are Welcome ;-)

How long after the army can you claim something. For example my wife says that i am crazy so she recomended i go to a doctor. Of course he gave me some prozac but i had to stop taking it because made me nervous so they gave me another pill. I got out of the army in june 2004 and i have been having all these problems but never when i was in the military. Also suffer from acid reflux real bad. Question is could this be caused from military service.

[Wings]

How long after the army can you claim something. For example my wife says that i am crazy so she recomended i go to a doctor. Of course he gave me some prozac but i had to stop taking it because made me nervous so they gave me another pill. I got out of the army in june 2004 and i have been having all these problems but never when i was in the military. Also suffer from acid reflux real bad. Question is could this be caused from military service.

You can file a claim any time, there is NO time limit. The Claim must be in writing. Current medical conditions must be related to injury or disease incurred or aggravted by active duty service. You have to substantiate (prove) your claim with evidence that your current conditions are related to service.

Health Care Benefits

http://www1.va.gov/opa/is1/health.htm

Combat Veterans: Veterans who served in combat locations during active military service after Nov. 11, 1998, are eligible for free health care services for conditions potentially related to combat service for two years following separation from active duty. For additional information call 1-877-222-8387.

Readjustment Counseling Service - - Readjustment counseling is community-based Vet Centers. Readjustment difficulties can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or any other problems that affect functioning within the family, work, school or other areas of everyday life. For additional information, contact the nearest Vet Center, listed in the federal government section of telephone directories, or visit the Internet: http://www.va.gov/rcs/

Veteran Health Registries - - VA maintains veteran health registries to provide special health examinations and health-related information to certain groups of veterans. Gulf War Registry: For veterans who served in the Gulf War (Aug. 2, 1990, to a date not yet established) and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Edited January 22, 2006 by Wings

[schauba]

I'm assuming you are currently ENROLLED in the VA Medical System. Did you get an I.D. Card yet?!

GULF WAR RISK FACTORS

http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/

Deplete Uranium

Pesticides

Pyridostigmine Bromide

Infectious Diseases

Chemical & Biological Warfare Agents

Vaccinations including Anthrax & Botulinum

Oil Well Fire Smoke and Petroleum

*Get in the GW Resgistry!

*Get some Re-adjustment Counseling at a Vet Center!

yes i have an id card. When i returned from iraq i was suffering from chest pain and i was going to the va and well you know the story they wasn't doing anything to help me other than give me meds. I finally got frustrated and went to a civilian doctor and just after one visit he was able to figure out what i had.

[schauba]

yes i have an id card. When i returned from iraq i was suffering from chest pain and i was going to the va and well you know the story they wasn't doing anything to help me other than give me meds. I finally got frustrated and went to a civilian doctor and just after one visit he was able to figure out what i had.

i went to that web site to register but it must be down. I will try later.