diabetes Type Ll Diabetes

[nickman]

So, I am now being treated by the VA for type ll diabetes. I am on 4 doses of insulin a day.

My question is, as an already rated 80%, Vietnam service connected, disabled vet, will my new claim, filed 11-10 kick me up tp 100%?

I have been unable to work since July of '07....I am stone deaf.

Any ideas here?

[Berta]

Is your new claim for TDIU?

Have you claimed the hearing loss as due to acoustical trauma in service?

Can you break down the 80% for us?

[Berta]

To add-

Welcome aboard here- this topic at hadit has a MOS Noise list that might help you:

And if the TDIU is awarded to you- they might consider and award the SMC K award explained in this BVA decision:

"Special monthly compensation (SMC) is a special statutory

award, in addition to awards based on the schedular

evaluations provided by the diagnostic codes in VA's rating

schedule. Claims for SMC, other than those pertaining to

one-time awards and an annual clothing allowance, are

governed by 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114 (k) through (s) and 38 C.F.R.

§§ 3.350 and 3.352.

In pertinent part, 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(k) provides for special

monthly compensation if the Veteran, as the result of

service-connected disability, has suffered deafness of both

ears, having absence of air and bone conduction. Deafness of

both ears, having absence of air and bone conduction will be

held to exist where examination in a VA authorized audiology

clinic under current testing criteria shows bilateral hearing

loss is equal to or greater than the minimum bilateral

hearing loss required for a maximum rating evaluation under

the rating schedule. 38 C.F.R. § 3.350(a)(5)."

From

http://www4.va.gov/vetapp10/files1/1002205.txt

[nickman]

I am kinda new at this and I guess I don't know the right questions. Sorry.

My rating currently is based on...

20% for a rt ankle reconstruction.

30% for a lt knee replacement.

30% for hearing loss.

Last summer I was VA diagnosed with diabetes and I filed a claim under the Agent Orange issue, for the diabetic condition.

The leg injuries are service connected from 1968 and 1970 respectfully, resulting in a medical discharge and the hearing loss was granted as service connected in 2008.

My question is, is it probable that I will be awarded the 20% that will give me 100% disability rating overall. Although my hearing has deteriorated to almost total deafness, I am seriously fed up with the claims process and probably will not bother with it......at my age.

I am simply tired of 35 years of argueing with the VA.

Thanks for the input..........Nick

[Berta]

"is it probable that I will be awarded the 20% that will give me 100% disability rating overall"

That would make sense but we deal with the VA so no one can guess what they will decide.

Have you formally filed a TDIU claim?

Have you requested a higher rating for the HL or any other SC you have in addition to the diabetes claim?

[Berta]

PS I see you are USN.

Have you established exposure to AO by being Brown Water Navy or is your Blue Water ship on the AO ships list?

Or did you have stop over in Vietnam and had boots on the ground that way?

[nickman]

No, I have not filed a formal TDIU claim.......in the first place, up until about 2 months ago, I had no clue it existed.

I have an appointment on the 1st of April to have my hearing reevaluated. I will see after that.

I was in the air Navy and actually TAD in Da Nang, for weeks at a time, to Fleet Air Support Unit.

IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING, FIGHTING WITH THE VA......it is like a game they play. "See if you can guess what we will help you with and then see if you can get it....Good luck, Sucker!"