ptsd Disability Compensation

[rwasson49]

I've just started this process and its very confusing. I am a Vietnam vet serving with 3/187/101 Airborne in the Ashau Valley and sand flats near Quang Tri from July 69 through July 70. I just completed treatment for Stage 3 cancer involving the epiglottis which is part of the larnyx and in recuperation from all the chemo and radiation. I'm currently just trying to get back to eating without my feeding tube having lost a total of 78 lbs. I attend weekly sessions for PTSD at the Vet Center. I also have substantial hearing loss for which the VA center is providing hearing aids this month. I think I am on the right track for claiming compensation by contacting my Veterans Affairs office and letting them handle the paperwork. Not being able to work, I'm curious as to what compensation I may be entitled to. I'm not greedy but they say I've earned it and I tend to agree. I currently draw a little over $1000 for my military retirement and about the same amount Social Security Disability and no other income. Will this income affect any veteran compensation I may be entitled to? Any advice or information would be appreciated.

[Commander Bob]

I've just started this process and its very confusing. I am a Vietnam vet serving with 3/187/101 Airborne in the Ashau Valley and sand flats near Quang Tri from July 69 through July 70. I just completed treatment for Stage 3 cancer involving the epiglottis which is part of the larnyx and in recuperation from all the chemo and radiation. I'm currently just trying to get back to eating without my feeding tube having lost a total of 78 lbs. I attend weekly sessions for PTSD at the Vet Center. I also have substantial hearing loss for which the VA center is providing hearing aids this month. I think I am on the right track for claiming compensation by contacting my Veterans Affairs office and letting them handle the paperwork. Not being able to work, I'm curious as to what compensation I may be entitled to. I'm not greedy but they say I've earned it and I tend to agree. I currently draw a little over $1000 for my military retirement and about the same amount Social Security Disability and no other income. Will this income affect any veteran compensation I may be entitled to? Any advice or information would be appreciated.

Welcome back to the world, 'rwasson49' I mean that as a fellow RVN I corp vet,and as an old light weapons infantryman. Also as a Stage 3 cancer survivor. My cancer treatments started in February 2008. I had chemo, radiation, and surgery. My type of cancer started in the pharyngeal space in my neck then spread to a lymph node and then to my right tonsil. So I also welcome you back to the world of the living, and AO cancer survivors. I too drank my share of Agent Orange Kool-Aid. So, you lost 78lbs. Wow!!!, that's one heck of a diet. I went down to 138lbs., and I'm 6'3''. I looked like a POW. I would guess you look about the same right about now. Good Luck. Two and a half years later, I feel great! I'm back up to my sporting weight. It feels like I beat this thing.

However, I have all kinds of side effects from the treatments, but even those seem to be improving, perhaps through adapting to a post cancer treatment life, as well. I don't know???

What kind of side effects are you experiencing?

How are you feeling? have you gained any weight? Again, what are some of the side effects are you experiencing.

You have earned the entitlements and all the service connected compensation, CRSC stipend this ungrateful Bureaucracy is mandated to pay. When dealing with the VA, you may feel the cold shoulder of this ungrateful part of our Great Country. It seems to be a fact of life. Does your spouse qualify for DIC? If so, You know, just like me ,we got to keep breathing. No pulling the plug or checking out early. As you know, this is no time for giver-uppers. Good Luck.

Hang in there brother, The sun will rise tomorrow, and we will still be here to greet it...

Cmdr Bob

[rwasson49]

Dear Cmdr Bob,

Thanks for your good wishes, sorry I'm just now responding but this is the first time I've looked at this forum in a while. Yes, I lost down to 192 lbs which actually gave me a total loss of 90 lbs. I'm back to 200 and hopefully will hold there for the rest of my days.

I'm doing well now except for a few side effects one being neuropathy in my arms and legs. Also choking caused by the scarring on my epiglottis. The rest I'm sure you're aware of. It is good to be back to the world of the living as I know you are. I'm glad you are doing well also.

Did you apply for cancer disability caused by Agent Orange? What is your status? I'm waiting to hear about my PTSD and have applied for cancer disability caused by Agent Orange and hearing disability but haven't heard as yet.

Hang in there brother. I hope you continue to do well, spring is on the horizon ... hope you're able to do some fishing.

Roger

Welcome back to the world, 'rwasson49' I mean that as a fellow RVN I corp vet,and as an old light weapons infantryman. Also as a Stage 3 cancer survivor. My cancer treatments started in February 2008. I had chemo, radiation, and surgery. My type of cancer started in the pharyngeal space in my neck then spread to a lymph node and then to my right tonsil. So I also welcome you back to the world of the living, and AO cancer survivors. I too drank my share of Agent Orange Kool-Aid. So, you lost 78lbs. Wow!!!, that's one heck of a diet. I went down to 138lbs., and I'm 6'3''. I looked like a POW. I would guess you look about the same right about now. Good Luck. Two and a half years later, I feel great! I'm back up to my sporting weight. It feels like I beat this thing.

However, I have all kinds of side effects from the treatments, but even those seem to be improving, perhaps through adapting to a post cancer treatment life, as well. I don't know???

What kind of side effects are you experiencing?

How are you feeling? have you gained any weight? Again, what are some of the side effects are you experiencing.

You have earned the entitlements and all the service connected compensation, CRSC stipend this ungrateful Bureaucracy is mandated to pay. When dealing with the VA, you may feel the cold shoulder of this ungrateful part of our Great Country. It seems to be a fact of life. Does your spouse qualify for DIC? If so, You know, just like me ,we got to keep breathing. No pulling the plug or checking out early. As you know, this is no time for giver-uppers. Good Luck.

Hang in there brother, The sun will rise tomorrow, and we will still be here to greet it...

Cmdr Bob