ptsd Tonsil Cancer Granted Disability

[Cavman]

I`ve been gone a long time Berta. You and others helped me so much back in 2005 & 2006. I filed for PTSD and Agent Orange in 2005. I was awarded 50% PTSD and denied Agent Orange because my tonsil cancer wasn`t on presumptive list. I just found cases that were granted disabilities for tonsil cancer and even found a case that was won a few weeks ago at my VA regional office where a VA Oncologist stated my cancer and herbicide exposure are connected. The VA took it as credible evidence. I know the VA has been considering adding tonsil cancer to the AO list.

I am now getting 100% benefits, but it is due to being IU. I went a year getting 50% for PTSD only and am considering filing for tonsil cancer (ao) disability and 100% payment for that year. What do you think are my chances.

My cancer was Stage 4 tonsil cancer that had spread to lymphnodes. The radiation burned my saliva glands up and my tongue so that I have no saliva or taste for life. Also burned hair off the back of part of my head for life and many mental issues.

I don`t feel they can award it to others and not to others of us that got it.

I was sprayed in Korea in 1969 on the DMZ with 4/7th Cav in 2nd Infantry and 11th Cav in Vietnam/Cambodia 1970.

Edited December 31, 2008 by Cavman

[Cavman]

I`ll drop this with you buddy after saying that if you read the doctors testimony in the Detroit decision smoking wasn`t mentions when he stated herbicides caused tonsil cancer. (A VA Oncologist). The day will come soon where tonsil cancer will be on the presumed list. I hope I live long enough. I`ll challenge this with a cue...what the heck else have I got to do.

Was you a stage 4 tonsil? What did your treatment consist of?

Where were you in service?

Cavman

[Commander Bob]

I`ll drop this with you buddy after saying that if you read the doctors testimony in the Detroit decision smoking wasn`t mentions when he stated herbicides caused tonsil cancer. (A VA Oncologist). The day will come soon where tonsil cancer will be on the presumed list. I hope I live long enough. I`ll challenge this with a cue...what the heck else have I got to do.

Was you a stage 4 tonsil? What did your treatment consist of?

Where were you in service?

Cavman

I had my surgery, chemo and radiation treatments in a pvt. hosp. I had a great team of doctors and caregivers. everything went well ( even the weather ). We chose the chemo and radiation at the same time. Radiation, 5 days a week for 7 weeks, the max allowed. Every 3 weeks I had an 8 hour "Cisplatin" chemo iv drip. Every day of the radiation I had to go to the oncologist's, and get an "Amifostine injection. I did not have stage IV, however I don't really know what stage I had. The diagnosis was upper respiratory, metastatic squamos cell carcinoma , with firm right mass right neck level II and one lymph node and the right tonsil. I need to make an appoint to have my 6 month PET scan soon. I'll ask the doctor what stage was it? I lost 50 lbs, and can't seem to gain it back yet. My thyroid got fried by the radiation treatments, and I still don't have my sense of taste back yet. I think that's why I don't have an appetite. I feel stronger every day. Last PET scan came back cancer free.

I served in the Army light weapons infantry, Americal Div., I corps,Central Highlands, near Chu Lai, 67-68. How about you? How are you doing now?

Edited January 5, 2009 by Commander Bob 92-93

[Cavman]

I had Carboplatin and Taxol every week. I lost 60 lbs and have gained 40 back eating nothing but sweets. I eat 3 boxes of corn pops a week...Sweets will be the only thing you get any taste from and it won`t be much. I also eat grapefruit/oranges/pineapple. I can`t hardly touch meat...gags me after 3 years. I drink a jar of ovaltine a week with milk. I can eat eggs/oatmeal...a little pancake. You`ll find that if you do get a little taste with a food it will go away after 2 or 3 bites unless its loaded with sugar.

Cavman

Edited January 5, 2009 by Cavman

[Commander Bob]

Congratulations. here is the thread you were looking for Lawyer4Vet . How did you win the claim? When did you win it? What kind of tonsil cancer did the vet have? I have an Agent Orange claim for a metastatic squamous cell carcinoma involving the tonsil.

[john999]

I find it weird that the VA makes cancers of the respitory system SC for AO cancer, but not the organs that take in the contaminated air that lead to the lungs. How do they figure that the AO gets to the lungs? Do we breath through our skins like frogs? What the VA is doing is this bogus system of medical proofs where one organ is considered presumptive for AO cancer, and the organ next to it is not presumptive. They are just trying to limit the damage. Is cancer of the palate considered presumptive. Air flows through your palate and down your throat past your tonsils to get to the lungs. Why would these body organs not be exposed to AO? It is all just a lie and fraud on sick vets. They require these extrodinary proofs when they know that dioxins are one of the most toxic substances on earth.

[Cavman]

The longer they delay, the more of us that die, equals big savings.

I`m afraid to really challenge this with a good lawyer for fear they will take what I get now some way.

Cavman

Edited February 2, 2009 by Cavman