Increased Rating With Larynx Cancer

[Bryce]

Hello, I'm new to this site, so I hope someone can give me some insight into my situation. I have been rated 50% disabled in the 90's for back problems asociated with a service connected disability (Disc surgery performed at U.S.A.F. hospital). I now have recently had surgery for Larynx cancer and will be meeting with my local V.A R.O. in early June. I read that this cancer is commonly rated at 100% initially and then (possibly) reduced as treatment results are clearified. Is this so? If I have an initial rating of 100% for the Larynx cancer what does that do to my prior 50% rating ..and I guess I would like to know if that then equalls 150% or some adjusted % what happens when/if my cancer rating is reduced to, say 50%, as treatment progresses. or perhaps 30% as could be possible? Thank you for your' information..BD

[Pete53]

Sorry I may have been sleepy when I posted. The 1 year I mentioned applies to all no matter where they served to prove Service Connection for a claim that the VA has to accept as acquired during service.

[cjevans]

Hi Pete, Yes, I was in Nam, 67-68, and Larnyx cancer IS on the "Presumed" list..but it doesn't indicate the one year limit you mention..I think that is for a couple of other cancers on the list. Larynx cancer is eligible by itself with no time constraints. I just wanted to know if it is (in fact) rated at 100% initially and then reduced as treament success is realized. And then, if I am declared cancer free (which can take some years I think) would my disability percentage be adjusted downward accordingly?

As for VA medical treatment..I am retired A.F. and have Tri-Care, which has been wonderful..accepted at my hospital here in La Crosse, WI and is part of the Mayo system. Couldn't ask for better treatment, courtesy, compassion, professionalism, ect..they have been terrific. I guess what I'm lookin' for here is the best way to deal with the VASO and get my claim in right the first time so we don't have to fool around appealing ect, ect. Thanks again..BD

Bryce...did you have surgery for the larynx? Did you have radiation? Do you have a tracheotomy? Have you lost any of your voive? These symptoms, etc., make a difference in the percentage give for the cancer...even if the cancer was taken out and hasn't come back. Let me know...Cindy`

[Bryce]

Bryce...did you have surgery for the larynx? Did you have radiation? Do you have a tracheotomy? Have you lost any of your voive? These symptoms, etc., make a difference in the percentage give for the cancer...even if the cancer was taken out and hasn't come back. Let me know...Cindy`

Hi Cindy, yes, I had surgery, they removed the small mass and it was cancer of the Layrnx. I am currently undergoing Radiaion Treatments with 4 to go of 28 total. I have lost my voice completely for a short period of time (couple of days) and it now comes and goes with useable results, tho with some effort to speak, ie, I must force more air thru to make sound. This may improve , I'm told and if so thay's my preference..but if I can't do almost normal speach in the future, I will most likely be out of my job as an Air Traffic Controlller. Sooo, I guess it's to early to tell at this time , just what will be awarded, huh? What would you suggest on how to approach this...I have an appt with the local VASO 2 June and I'd like some idea on how to present the situation as it stands as well as the potential for job lose. Sound reasonable to you? Thanks for you interest..BD

[Bryce]

Bryce...did you have surgery for the larynx? Did you have radiation? Do you have a tracheotomy? Have you lost any of your voive? These symptoms, etc., make a difference in the percentage give for the cancer...even if the cancer was taken out and hasn't come back. Let me know...Cindy`

Opps..forgot to tell you..no tracheotomy.

[Bryce]

Opps..forgot to tell you..no tracheotomy.

[Bryce]

Cindy, did you get the info I posted last..it should give you a good idea of where I now sit..I asked if you may have any suggestions or comments as to how to approach the VA on this. I am having some voice issues and will be going in for rehab now that my Radiation treatments are complete. What concernes me most is the weakening of the voice as the day goes on. It's probl'y 1/3 normal strength right now with some days being slightly better..but as the day progresses (especially at work where I must talk a lot) I find it weakening as the day goes on. I could probably put up with this for a few months, but if it is going to be like this for a long time (year or more) or may well get only back to say 50% what it was normally..I couldn't see myself continuing in this job. This is the ground work I feel I must establish to insure proper disability ratings in the future should the events follow (as they may) to the negative side. Even a 30 or 40% loss of my voice could ,I feel, render me incapable of performing in my profession.(Air Traffic Controller).and at 63 I damn sure don't put "retraining" high on my list of things to do.. So, If you have any suggestions on how to set the pace on this I'd appreciate hearing from you. Or anyone else for that matter..Thank you all again so much for your' interest..BD