LHI and covid

[john999]

I was recently sent a letter by LHI for an exam .  This was for a disability I did not actually claim.  I know this is nuts.  On the letter from LHI it stated that if I was over 65 years old I did not have to attend the exam if I feared possible infection by covid-19.  I told them I was afraid of covid and that since I did not actually claim this new disability I did not want to attend the pension exam.  Today I got a letter telling me I was eligible for Disabled Vet Life Insurance.  I interpret this as the VA having ignored my letters and made a decision on a new disability I did not claim.  Wow.....this is goofy especially since I think they granted a rating on this unclaimed disability.  I had written them twice telling them I did not claim the new disability and that it was a mistake.  Never the less, it looks like they may have granted it anyway.  I did go for a DMII exam for an increase.  I was told a decision was made on all my claims and that I would be getting a letter in the next ten days.  This is a bit nerve wracking wondering what the hell the VA is up to now.  The so-called new disability claim I did not make has nothing to do with DMII.   Once the VA wheels get rolling they are hard to stop even if they are wrong.

[Buck52]

John999  I understand Buddy.

[Buck52]

I need to see a Dr  but with this covid  its hard to if it's not an emergency.

VA is all I have although I have Medicare. but use the VA for healthcare.

I am obease  like 60lbs over my healthyweight limit  its all in my midsection  my arms /legs are normal   my BMI is 34

I may have heart problems?  I can't do anything without getting exhausted. Walking Is out for me too  as for as exercising... ..I run out of breath to soon and not doing much physical activity.

  I can get up out my chair in the living room and walk to the bathroom and back and I am out of breath.  or at the grocery store  just walking in the store I run out of breath.

I also have prostate problems  I have a cyst or something growing  down there and hydrocele or something like that? its not painful  but sure is hard on my inner thigh keeps rubbing it raw and that is painful...if I do a lot of walking or getting up and down  but not any  physical activity .

   I hope like heck its not cancer  I ask my VA PCP (Female) about that if I can come in and get it check out  she said only if its an emergency  then go to the E.R.

I've had this for a long time  like 2 years now  its not growing or getting any bigger  but sometimes I have a dulling pain   but most days no pain.

Makes me feel useless  and depressed.

Its hell getting old and being a disabled Veteran.

getting closer to the old dirt nap I guess.

[pacmanx1]

10 hours ago, Buck52 said:

I need to see a Dr  but with this covid  its hard to if it's not an emergency.

Buck,

Most health professionals are still encouraging their patients to seek health care, especially any potential life-threatening condition.  If you have not had a recent blood test taken recently you may want to contact VA or Medicare for taking a new PSA blood test to see if you are considered at risk for prostate cancer.

[john999]

Buck

                   Keep an eye on your blood sugar and blood pressure . VA really dropped the ball in my case.   I am not in so good shape myself.  Your blood sugar can explode and land you in the ICU. High blood works to cause strokes and enlarged heart.    I had DMII but it was basically under control.  I had not seen a doctor in almost a year because I had not been to the VA in person for bloodwork.  I am overweight myself.  Sometimes I get out of breath from just going to the grocery store and hauling bags and bags of stuff from the car to the house.  At our age things can go wrong in a hurry.  Now I am seeing a DMII specialist outside the VA.  I am seeing a cardiologist as well due to high blood.  I think most of us should have a private doctor besides VA PCP.  My impression is that VA doctors just don't want in person contact with patients because they are scared.  

                    

[Buck52]

Roger that Pacmanx1 & John999

[john999]

I just got a call from my VA PCP.  She wants me to do appointments via skype or via smart phone.  The VA just does not want us in the building.  I will have had both Vaccine shots soon.  Why can't I see my doctor in person?  I see my private doctors in person. I have appointments with a DMII specialist and a cardiologist in person.  I have had high blood and DMII for years and I have never been able to see a specialist. I have suffered from chronic back and neck pain for years and no pain management.  The VA is either grossly understaffed or they just want to save money.  Any MD outside the VA would refer me to specialist for these conditions.