Expedited Benefits For A Dying Verteran

[megan]

Hi-

My Father who served in the Air Force as a mechanic at Walker Air Force Base from 1955-1960 was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in September 2010. After the inital shock we filed a disability claim since he would no longer be able to work or farm (as he did since his time in service). He as undergone all the necessary medical exams, etc. He is under the treatment of the VA and receives Hospice care. The hospice nurse believes from her experience his time is limited to a few weeks at this point.

My question is- is there a way we can expidite his disability claim? His VSO is relatively useless and just tells us to wait, be we are afraid of 'red tape' that may occur if he passes with the claim being granted. Plus, it would be useful in assisting with funeral costs, etc.

Thanks,

Megan

[carlie]

Megan,

Welcome to Hadit.com

Hopefully other's will chime in with some suggestions

and guidance.

[stillhere]

Hi-

My Father who served in the Air Force as a mechanic at Walker Air Force Base from 1955-1960 was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in September 2010. After the inital shock we filed a disability claim since he would no longer be able to work or farm (as he did since his time in service). He as undergone all the necessary medical exams, etc. He is under the treatment of the VA and receives Hospice care. The hospice nurse believes from her experience his time is limited to a few weeks at this point.

My question is- is there a way we can expidite his disability claim? His VSO is relatively useless and just tells us to wait, be we are afraid of 'red tape' that may occur if he passes with the claim being granted. Plus, it would be useful in assisting with funeral costs, etc.

Thanks,

Megan

I am sorry to hear about your dad! But I would suggest you contact the RO where his claim is by either a Fax or an Iris explaining to them what you have told us here!

They will and should pull his claim and put it at the front of the line. Also your mom will be able to get funeral benefits at the time of his passing.

Good Luck to you and your dad!

[jbasser]

I dont want this to sound bad, but he is still going to have to prove exposure to asbestos int he Air Force.

These folks have a rule book to play by and they likely will not expedite it. If I were you, I would contact an asbestos attorney and also seek benefits from folks who made the asbestos.

Get me a list of whwere he was stationed and what his Airforce Occupation was.

Is your mother still alive?

J

[Philip Rogers]

Either he or you should contact an attorney specializing in mesothelioma lawsuits, now. If he ever was a cigarette smoker, you should check with him to see if he ever smoked "Kent" cigarettes and if so, be sure to get a signed, sworn, notorized affidavit from him regarding that use. Between around 1954-1956 Kent "Micronite" cigarette filters had the specific type of asbestos in them that causes mesothelioma. Kent cigarettes were also supplied in some C-rations we used then and he could have smoked them then, also.

If he hasn't had a biopsy, specific to mesothelioma, he should have an autopsy, when he passes. I'm sorry he has to go thru this but the manufacturers knew what asbestos does and didn't care, so they should all be sued and made to pay and pay and pay!!!!! jmo

pr

Hi-

My Father who served in the Air Force as a mechanic at Walker Air Force Base from 1955-1960 was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in September 2010. After the inital shock we filed a disability claim since he would no longer be able to work or farm (as he did since his time in service). He as undergone all the necessary medical exams, etc. He is under the treatment of the VA and receives Hospice care. The hospice nurse believes from her experience his time is limited to a few weeks at this point.

My question is- is there a way we can expidite his disability claim? His VSO is relatively useless and just tells us to wait, be we are afraid of 'red tape' that may occur if he passes with the claim being granted. Plus, it would be useful in assisting with funeral costs, etc.

Thanks,

Megan

[carlie]

Hi-

My Father who served in the Air Force as a mechanic at Walker Air Force Base from 1955-1960 was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in September 2010. After the inital shock we filed a disability claim since he would no longer be able to work or farm (as he did since his time in service). He as undergone all the necessary medical exams, etc. He is under the treatment of the VA and receives Hospice care. The hospice nurse believes from her experience his time is limited to a few weeks at this point.

My question is- is there a way we can expidite his disability claim? His VSO is relatively useless and just tells us to wait, be we are afraid of 'red tape' that may occur if he passes with the claim being granted. Plus, it would be useful in assisting with funeral costs, etc.

Thanks,

Megan

Megan,

I'm very sorry your father is so ill.

Is there a doctor of his you can talk to and request they write

a brief letter stating your father is terminal. If yes,

make copies of it and give the VSO a copy.

It wouldn't hurt anything to also see if this doctor would be willing to review some military

information of your father's, such as where and when he was "a mechanic at Walker Air Force Base from 1955-1960 "

and write an opinion as to if they feel this is "as likely as not" where your father's Mesothelioma originated.

Good luck to your family. Keep posting here.

[sharon]

You need to send in a statement that your father is TERMINAL and that it is a CANCER CASE. They are flagged as expidited cases. Also waive the Duty to Assist.