Cancer

[rthomass]

I have been reading many posts since I joined HadIt; I have been tying to get direct service connection for NHL for four years . It were to be awarded my claim with say 100% diability today; and one year down the road I find the cancer has reocurred I assume that I will have to file another claim for the same condition. The system operates so slowly I dont't think that many cancer patients would survice any kind of claim time.

Keep seeing on this board if cancer is in remission the Vet should not receive compensation. I beg to differ. The hell that expoxure to Agent Orange and the many cancers caused by it should be compensated at some rate other than 0% even if it were in remission. Perhaps the VA has a graduated system that now allows the rate to fluctuate as to in remission or not in remission.. Anyone have any input?

[sharon]

Should you have to refile your claim, at he top of the page, in large letters, write CANCER CASE. This will expedite you claim.

[rthomass]

Thank you Sharon but frankly the VA does not know the meaning of the word expedite.

[jbasser]

I have seen cancer cases get priority in claims adjudication as a hardship. But I have also seen the other end of the spectrum where a cancer vet's claim turns into a DIC claim.

j

[vmo]

Too many cancer patients suffer financial hardship way way too long because of the VA's long lengthy claim system. The peak's and valleys, doing better-doing terrible, the VA Regional Offices just can not keep up. Once service connection is granted (especially) they need to expedite payment of benefits. Possibly--the solution partially may be to centralize cancer claims within two or more regional offices?? Regardless, doing better or worse in level of disability--I would much rather see the VARO error on behalf of the veteran, such as paying them 100% until they have been in remission at least 5 years (example), then pay permanent rating of a fair percentage(?)

[Pete53]

Randy:

Sorry that it came back and my prayers are for your recovery and damn the VA for taking so long

[tssnave]

Randy -

So do you and Pete have the same dog or do you just have the same picture for your profile? It is confusing to me cause I see that dog and think it's Pete making a reply, especially when you are both in the same thread!

Something to consider if it applies to your situation that struck me when I read your post - if I had AO cancer yes/no/yes/no/yes/maybe/yes...... I would be a basket case. Now I'm a psych vet anyway so perhaps this doesn't apply here, but I would think a person could get anxiety over their health situation if they were inclined in that direction (some folks can go through major trauma and be ok while others, like me, get a splinter and can barely cope).

If so, I think you could claim anxiety secondary to the cancer. I am not at all certain how a secondary claim works but if this applies to you then you may want to consider researching it.

Good luck with your claim,

TS Snave