Need Pointers

[deano]

Hello anyone taking the time to read this,

I was in the air force from 77-81 as a crew chief and handled jp-4 daily with no protection (who knew?)

I was initially diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma of the scalp in 93 and again in 98. In 2001 I had a grand mal seizure caused by radiation necrosis of the brain. I've been on SSD since 99. A vet friend of mine urged me to file a VA claim because of the benzene in Jp-4, which I did in 2004.No decision yet but recently the VA sent me a letter asking me if I were planning on sending any more evidence. I'm getting ready to undergo surgery for a very rare "eccrine carcinoma" of the scalp and lymph node ressection, with a skin graft and several plastic surgeries. Basically all med records are at one hospital. What else do I need to do? I have a bad feeling that I'm screwing this claim up! Any advice or reply would be appreciated.

[StarVista888]

Hello anyone taking the time to read this,

I was in the air force from 77-81 as a crew chief and handled jp-4 daily with no protection (who knew?)

I was initially diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma of the scalp in 93 and again in 98. In 2001 I had a grand mal seizure caused by radiation necrosis of the brain. I've been on SSD since 99. A vet friend of mine urged me to file a VA claim because of the benzene in Jp-4, which I did in 2004.No decision yet but recently the VA sent me a letter asking me if I were planning on sending any more evidence. I'm getting ready to undergo surgery for a very rare "eccrine carcinoma" of the scalp and lymph node ressection, with a skin graft and several plastic surgeries. Basically all med records are at one hospital. What else do I need to do? I have a bad feeling that I'm screwing this claim up! Any advice or reply would be appreciated.

Response

I used to work in Occupational Medicine and am very familiar with the Health Hazards of your work. The NHL - not surprised.I agree about the benzene exposure. Damage to liver, kidneys etc. Yes, do file. Include even the surgery that you are scheduled for. Unusual cancers derive from chemical exposures. They are rarely, rarely found otherwise in nature. File! Let Go. Then Breathe....It's great all records are in one place that helps them from losing them. I would try to get a personal copy though- for your protection.

StarVista

[Hoppy]

deano,

My recommendation is that you get a doctor to write a report specific to you type of cancer and that it is more likely than not that the condition is caused by the benzene exposure in the military. If the disabling condition is the seizure disorder you will need to get a doctor to write a letter tying all these symptoms into any medical condition cause by military service. This is called a nexus letter. In the old days we were required to submit this with the claim. The VA would not seek a medical opinion for us.

Under the new laws they should schedule a C&P exam for you before they make a decision. Sometimes they make a decdision without the exam. This just opens the door for protracted appeals. The fastest way to go is to get a letter from a doctor and submit it with the claim. Keep us posted. Also get a Service officer if you do not have one.

I am service connect for a vascular disease called angioedema. It was triggerd by airborne fumes of light hydrocarbons. The type of chemicals found it jet exaust. I worked on a flight line for over a year. Fortunately, I was diagnosed with the disease just before my discharge.

The best way to get serice connected is with strong medical evidence showing the connection to military service. Also, Figure out exactly what your disabilities equal on the rating schedule. If thye service connect the cancer but not the seizure disorder than it will be a different rating than if they service connect all of the conditions.

[Hoppy]

If you are being treated at a VA hospital, just ask the doctors to write a note inyour file with the nexus information, then get a copy and submit it to the VA as support for your claim.

[Berta]

The VA will grant disability due to JP 4

http://www.va.gov/vetapp98/files4/9833073.txt

There are other cases there too at BVA re: JP 4

We had a discussion years ago on the old hadit board- might be some help there-

Hoppy is absolutely correct-

It would help to show the doctor any BVA cases about JP-4 . This might give you some help:

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:ynaH_C...k&cd=2&ie=UTF-8

This says the association to cancer is not strong- but they do mention skin cancer-

The web might have updated info -

I would try to find a good medical report or study on the web that -as Hoppy says- shows a as likely as not, or more likely than not association.

The report could help a real doctor properly assess this and help establish the service nexus.

JP 4 could certainly cause skin conditions and that could turn into cancer-

this might help too-

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:fIZNrO...k&cd=5&ie=UTF-8

Lots of discussion on JP-4 on the net by vets and others.

Edited March 30, 2006 by Berta

[deano]

Berta, I've read the posts regarding someone trying to harass you off this site.

I hope they don't succeed,but more than that I hope you find peace of mind.

It's obvious you have the support of the members!

I'm glad you replied to this post as I am as confused as I was the first time I posted. Don't know how to do what or where. I can't remember exactly what I posted then.

Shortly after your reply on the old board, I had to drop internet service because it was a luxury. Anyhow,I do remember you saying something about two claims(?)

How do I get to the old board?

Where do I find definitions for abbreviations?

Am i doin' this right?

I apologize if my ignorance overwhelms all who dare to read this!