ptsd Ptsd Claim Thoughts

[Cavman]

This is my first post and would really appreciate some thoughts on my situation.

I am a Vietnam vet from 69/70. My M.O.S. was recon. I received 2 purple hearts and a c.i.b. badge. I filed for PTSD on Nov. 29, 2005 along with claims for the purple hearts, 3 times malaria and agent orange. I filed for the agent orange because I was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer that had spread into the lymph nodes in Sept. of last year. My U of Michigan surgeon says he thinks it was caused by agent orange sprayed in III corp/Nam/Cambodia and I was also sprayed on the DMZ in Korea in 69.

I was denied agent orange and anything for purple hearts (going on phone call to RO). I knew I wouldn`t get anything for malaria, but wanted them to know I had it with 2 relapses. I had a c & p for PTSD and was diagnosed with chronic PTSD/Gaf 48/serious employment and social impairment/suicidal ideation etc.

I called the VARO a month ago and was told my claim was done and I was awarded 50% for PTSD. I immediately called my SO and he said he knew nothing and I then told him what I just got from calling the 800#. He says, oh, let me look it up. He then says yeah, thats what you got...50%. He sounded like I should be happy.

I immediately emailed my state senator and they wanted info on my claim. They got it asap from me. The VARO had told me I would get my letter in a week at the most. Well, today I got a call from the VA and was told my claim had gone back to rating board again and was done and I will be getting the envelope within 10 days and they would be putting an IU form in it also.

Any thoughts on this mess. This old beat up Nam vet is about crazy.

Cavman

[Patrick428]

My only question would be, "If you were in Vietnam during any period of time when Agent Orange was used, then you would fall under the presumptive criteria for Agent Orange (Respiratory Cancer (cancers of the lung, bronchus, larynx, or trachea)." Could you provide information about the rationale the VA used to deny your claim related to Agent Orange?

Patrick

[Guest terrysturgis]

Cavman, you have opened the door with the decision that you should be receiving soon. Now it is time to study this board and learn from others who have played the VA game and won. One thing you did not mention is bilaterial Tinnitus which is ringing in both ears. If you have it claim it.

In my opinion 50% PTSD is a good win for you. Lots of others have gotten 30% lately. Learn as much as you can about IU as it sounds like your Doctors are recommending that you get it.

It's a battle but do not give up and the benifits you have earned will be a blessing.

You must have been in Ann Arbor. I am from Michigan too. Michigan is number three in the nation for denying claims so as I said earlier, so far you have done pretty good.

Answer the post from Patrick 428. He is very good and helps us a lot. Good Luck! Terry Sturgis

[Berta]

Who is your POA with?

And why did they deny-the specific reason- for the AO claim-

YES- if you have a STS or any other form of cancer on the AO presumptive list and are in country, Blue Water Navy,Korea-near DMZ- etc- etc etc

they should have awarded you for AO-

Are you working? Did your vet rep tell you to file a TDIU if you are not working?

If not I will attach one-

Tell them undser Remarks # 25 (that you are attaching additional page and tell them of the side affects of all your meds, and also if you get SSA disability tell them that too and check off yes on Question # 18.

How did they word the AO denial in the Reasons and Basis?

Based on your answers here I might suggest that you file for a Reconsideration-and that might go much faster than a NOD-

I was surprised how fast the RO began to handle my recent recon request-it seemed they reacted to it immediately-(my CUE on SMC) within a few weeks-

then again I sent VA regs, M21-1 and VA established case law-and my request was strongly worded.

Let me know

Berta

TDIU_form.pdf

Edited September 12, 2006 by Berta (see edit history)

[Cavman]

My only question would be, "If you were in Vietnam during any period of time when Agent Orange was used, then you would fall under the presumptive criteria for Agent Orange (Respiratory Cancer (cancers of the lung, bronchus, larynx, or trachea)." Could you provide information about the rationale the VA used to deny your claim related to Agent Orange?

Patrick

Patrick:

My doctor at U of M states in his letter that my cancer falls under "Respiratory Cancer". It did start in the tonsils and spread to the lymph nodes. He also states he thinks I have had it for many many years. Luckily a knot popped out on my neck from my lymph nodes tumor swelling or I would probably be dead now. I also have a small nodule on a lung, but not malignent......yet. I`m 55 with a daughter that will be 13 Christmas and I breath for her. I just want to try and get her some funded college while I`m alive. Thats my goal for what time I have left.

Anyway, I only have been told on the phone about my ao denial from an 800#. My cancer isn`t on the ao list although the agent orange had to travel thru the upper respiratory and over the tonsils/throat to get to the lower respiratory, but the va will never cover it until it`s on the list. Its crazy, because I got sprayed many times until I use to think my eyes were on fire. I also have glaucoma, but I ignore that...no big deal.

[Cavman]

Cavman, you have opened the door with the decision that you should be receiving soon. Now it is time to study this board and learn from others who have played the VA game and won. One thing you did not mention is bilaterial Tinnitus which is ringing in both ears. If you have it claim it.

In my opinion 50% PTSD is a good win for you. Lots of others have gotten 30% lately. Learn as much as you can about IU as it sounds like your Doctors are recommending that you get it.

It's a battle but do not give up and the benifits you have earned will be a blessing.

You must have been in Ann Arbor. I am from Michigan too. Michigan is number three in the nation for denying claims so as I said earlier, so far you have done pretty good.

Answer the post from Patrick 428. He is very good and helps us a lot. Good Luck! Terry Sturgis

Terry:

Its funny you mentioned Tinnitus. I have just completed that claim this morning, but don`t want to send it in until I hear from my current claims hpefully this week. I`ve had ringing for over 36 years and had never heard of Tinnitus until I found Hadit. I have read on here for many weeks and have decided to not mess with A SO anymore. Hell, I know as much as they do since being on here and mine won`t even call me back.

[Berta]

Glaucoma- has the VA diagnosed you as a diabetic-

If not-what do your blood chem reports reveal as to your glucose readings?

Is the type of cancer you have a soft tissue sarcoma?

If it is- this is the AO connection.

The ROs do not understand Sarcomas at all-

I published the list of Sarcomas here many times- there are about 35 types of STS cancers that they will SC as due to AO.

How did they medically word their denial?