diabetes Vonapp

[Stilt]

I am new to the forum. I served in the Army in Vietnam (In-Country) 1968-1969. I was discharged in 1970. Back in 1998 or thereabouts I began experiencing episodes where I was falling down. After a trip to my doctor I learned I had diabetes. I currently take three meds to control it. In March of this year at my yearly physical my doctor became concern with the rapid rise in my PSA score. He referred me to a urologist who diagnosed that I had prostate cancer. I was shell shocked by this news. The doctor gave me two weeks to digest the news and make a decision on the course of treatment. The urologist advised me of the Agent Orange link to prostate cancer and I should look into the VA program. I was aware of the Agent Orange debate but since at the time it did not affect me, it was all background noise. Little did I know I was affected. Anyway, I applied for compensation using the VA's VONAPP process. After conducting more research, I think I might have been better to apply through my county VA representative. From what I have read it appears the VA might not be as accommodating without representation. Has this been the experience of others?

Edited June 4, 2011 by Stilt

[broncovet]

I agree with Carlie...you can represent yourself. If you have questions, ask them here...you get better answers here than with a VSO.

You see, if someone gives an answer here that is not right the others tend to Pounce on them, while your VSO can just keep on giving out bad information and no one will know.

[cooter]

I agree with Carlie...you can represent yourself. If you have questions, ask them here...you get better answers here than with a VSO.

You see, if someone gives an answer here that is not right the others tend to Pounce on them, while your VSO can just keep on giving out bad information and no one will know.

Very Very True

[Chuck75]

It looks like you will be submitting a new original A.O. presumptive claim. Things "should" go fairly smoothly if your military records show in country Vietnam service.

Time wise, you may have a longer wait than normal (If the VA has such a thing as normal!), due to the efforts to get the Nehmer case backlogs out the door.

So, It's best to gather your wits, and your records, military DD214, etc. Next, if there is a VA clinic nearby, sign up so that you are in the system. Give them copies of your medical records

showing that you have been diagnosed with DMII and prostate cancer, along with the treatment.

That way, your VA medical file gets started. Use VonApp or if appropriate in your area, one of the pilot fast track programs.

The more complete your claim is up front, the faster it can go through the VA's system.

Besides the records, the VA will ask for releases on VA forms to get medical information from your doctors and so forth.

Edited June 5, 2011 by Chuck75

[Stilt]

I thank all of you for your help.

@ John999 - it has been a very long time, some details have long since faded. The 199th was headquartered in Long Binh. Whatever Corp that was in. My unit didn't spend much time there though. I remember being in the An Loc area for a time and R&Red on Cam Ranh Bay (the most beautiful beach I've ever been on). My unit moved about responding to hot spots on Hueys. I've seen the patch on the web but I can't describe it. I know it when I see it. When I left Vietnam I tried to forget everything. The war was poorly executed and we lost far to many men than was necessary. Nice to have conversed with all of you.