free_spirit_etc Posted January 6, 2012 Share Posted January 6, 2012 Congrats!!! ..... I need some of those patience pills. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorraine Posted January 6, 2012 Share Posted January 6, 2012 CONGRATULATIONS !!!! We're always happy to hear about successful claims here at Hadit! Lorraine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halos2 Posted January 6, 2012 Share Posted January 6, 2012 Congrats and I too wish to find out how you proved exposure as I have a Vietnam vet brother-in-law who was also dx with this condition. His file was put in over 1 1/2 years ago and he has yet to have a C&P exam appointment. Are you on oxygen therapy? He is and has to pay for own care thus far.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greatescape Posted January 8, 2012 Author Share Posted January 8, 2012 I was a BT from 1964/1968 on an old liberty ship built in 1945. As part of our normal work day we were exposed to asbestos dust any where from 4 to 24 hours a day depending on what need tearing down & repaired. Everything was insulated with asbestos, & any of it removed had to be replaced by us. The equipment, piping, boilers etc would have a halo of dust around them from the vibrations. I first filed claims for hearing & asbestos in 2007. Hearing was approved last spring. My asbestos claim was denied the first time with the following reason, you smoked all those years & you were healthy in 1968 when you got out therefore there is nothing wrong with you. I got a little upset, got 2 gallons of flesh colored paint for my red "cheeks" , filed an appeal. In February of 2008 I had complete resperatory failure, wound up in local hospital (civilian) & put on oxygen therapy. When I got out & able had oxygen switched to VA with no problems. I get all my oxygen & supplies form the VA. I let a deadline get away from me last year for an appeal on asbestos claim. I know, I know, for your info one can kick ones own behind. As soon as I could I made a follow up appointment with my pulmonary doctor, who wrote up a diagnosis of asbestosis due to working in enclosed engine room with asbestos dust. Refiled claim in late July last year. Got my senator involved to, I figured I needed all the help I could get. Then lo & behold I got my letter on January 3, money in the bank on the 5th. Now comes the interesting part, the 2 main reasons it was approved was being on oxygen therapy & my breathing tests. All of this info was available to them, but no one took the time to look. I know that there are a lot of other guys out there that served under the same conditions, mabye this will help them or get them off their butts ! Enough typing for awhile ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#1Cavtrooper Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Glad to hear of your victory but sorry about your health. I have a sc issue also w/ absestos. I was a Wac in old WW11 barrack @ ft.mcclellan, al. There is HR 2052 before congress now. The lining (pleura)of my lungs are beginning to thicken. Never smoked. My pulmonologist noted in va records. And he scheduled an appt 1 yr in advance. I have a 242 epa report on ft mc. Like yours mine has 37 yrs later and affecting 1000's of vets mostly women. Also pcb exposure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greatescape Posted January 8, 2012 Author Share Posted January 8, 2012 I had my last C & P hearing in November 2011. The lady who gave it just shook her head after reading my file & said you should have had it the first time, She could'nt believe it. She told me you will get a better rating after this, by golly she was right. So from September till January, 3 not bad for speed on VA's part. I owe her a big hug next time I see her ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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