HadIt.com VA Claims Research

Copd

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:02:41 -0500

does any one have any information on copd as related to agent orange. I was under the impression it was only lung cancer??

Special Prosecutor

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:12:09 -0500

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Special Report: REAL THANKSGIVING FOR THE TROOPS: CHRISTIAN EXTREMIST "VET HATER" , DANIEL COOPER FIRED
Posted on November 26, 2009 by gordonduff [img]http://s9.addthis.com/button1-bm.gif[/img]

[img]http://www.veteranstoday.com/images/topics/VAnews.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.veteranstoday.com/story_images2/screenhunter_03_nov._26_13.31.jpg[/img]

SPECIAL PROSECUTOR DEMANDED

By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER/Senior Editor The individual responsible for overseeing the "accidental" destruction of million of vital veterans records may be the person most responsible for the backlog in claims handling and the suffering of our veterans and their families. Cooper, famous for saying, "Bible study is more important than doing my job" definately did a job, and did it well, if that job was to cheat veterans. Bill Eckard, 34 year VA employee, highly decorated Marine and Vietnam double amputee, former Chief of Prosthetic Services for the VA said of Cooper, "he brought in a new system, as soon as a claim came in, the files were either shredded or sent from desk to desk until the veteran finally died. He invented a shell game that led from hiding files to pushing them off on others and eventually losing or destroying them. The end result was to totally destroy the claims handling system. I worked thru all of this, it was a nightmare." Cooper is accused of spending the majority of his time while employed by Veterans Affairs working as a fundraiser for religious groups. Cooper's primary accomplishments, other than to cause a massive backlog in claims was to deny a record number of veterans, already diagnosed by the military, compensation for PTSD and to have given his assistant, Ronald Aument, a $33,000 bonus during a time when office performance reached record levels of incompetence. Demands are being made for a Special Prosecutor to look into wrongdoing by Cooper, who is said to have continually violated federal ethics laws during his tenure with the VA. Key veterans leaders have gone to the FBI since the VA Inspector General cleared Cooper in a report still being kept secret. Veterans leaders claim Cooper is being shielded by other Bush appointees within the VA's oversight agencies. Paul Sullivan of Veterans for Common Sense says of Cooper, "We're very concerned about this because hundreds of thousands of veterans are waiting for their benefits while Cooper himself says that promoting his religion is more important than helping the veterans." The most significant issue isn't just Cooper's abandoning his job for continual religious prosletizing but that his extremist religious views , as seen in his management style and job performance, express a value system that characterizes veterans as undeserving and chosen by God for punishment. The issue: Should a person whose religious beliefs are at direct odds with his job responsibility have been chosen by President Bush in the first place? If Cooper sees veterans asking for compensation or medical treatment for PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injuries, amputations or other wounds as undeserving of God's favor, should such an individual be put in a position to destroy the lives of thousands of American veterans and their families?

I hesitated to post this as their are many ramifications to the story and need to check this out further-
it was emailed to me by someone to post.

I do feel that with Paul Sullivan aware of this as the article states- it gives this all credibility.

I have no comments or interest in the religious aspect of all this-regarding Cooper-
what bothers me the most is the Shell game scenario that the VA Employee and Marine Bill Echart described.
described.

Diabetes Secondary Conditions

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:09:03 -0500

Can someone help me with a list of the conditions that are secondary to AO Diabetes? I had the list, but I lost it & can't seem to search here or anywhere to locate the conditions. Could guess about half of them but need entire list to pass along to a fellow Vietnam Vet. Might have been on the Silver Rose site but last time I tried that site it is down.

Thanks,

Don Evans

How To Get Started And Get Adjucated As Quick As You Can

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:36:47 -0500

I am seeing a Psychiatrist, and he has put me on meds for the depression, wrote a letter for me stating I have stressors, and I also am a victim of military sexual trauma, due to the chemo I have Hogkins disease, COPD, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and now my lateset I have Neuropathy and loss of use of my right hand. Can some one really help me down the path I started with filing a paper claim form, with the DAV in san diego, but I live in the area of palm springs, and have not heard nothing from the dav for at least 4 months.

Loma Linda-Bill

Sleep Apnea Requested With Claim

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:02:46 -0500

hi,
I recently filed a claim with 3 items on the claim which included 1.Depression, 2.ED and 3. Sleep apnea. The VA has given me two C+P's, one for Ed, and one for depression. Nothing for sleep apnea. This sorta confuses me. Will the VA be able to render an opinion on OSA without the C+P? I had submitted the evidence where my mental health Psyshiatrist requested the sleep study, the interpreting sleep study doctor stated he didnt feel I needed CPAP but my Psychiatrist worked with Pulminologist and got me the CPAP machine. Yes, I am obese but could you state this was part of my mental illness since the Psychiatrist ordered it and wanted me to wear it for better mental health? I guess I'm lost as to if this can be service connected and wouldn't they do a CandP for it or could I have supplied enough information the CandP wasnt needed? I would appreciate any feedback you can give me on this short blurb.

Back Pay

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:31:54 -0500

Can I file for back pay from 1992?

Combined Rating And Tbi

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:07:58 -0500

Greetings everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knew that if under the new TBI schedule of rating if this new criteria would be combined with other disabilities? I am scheduled for my TBI exam this coming Friday which ties into my appeal dated by to 1996. I requested an evaluation under the new criteria. Also, is their anyone out there that has been granted an increase?

Sailorman

Service Records

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:27:34 -0500

I am totally confused on this issue. I recently was medically retired due to DM II not being under control (Long Story). I was at 23 years, I think they just pushed me out. Anyways I started my process in Sept to get set-up for my C&P exam. Turned in my records to VA and did everything I was supposed to. I still yet to get my C&P exam and I officially retire on Nov 28. My VA rep (who is awesome and is very helpful) have been on these guys and the last word he got is that they are awaiting my Service Records. My VA rep is dumbfounded because he has never heard of that. I mean they have all of my medical records that I turned in back in Sep. My VA rep thinks I might have a individual that doesn't have a clue in handling VA claims and it is costing me time. Has anyone ever heard of the VA requesting Service Records for an individual just to get an C&P exam....my VA rep is confused as well as I am. He is working the issue so I'm not worried on his part, but the VA is leaving a bad taste so early on in the process.

The Va Is Moving Faster.....

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:03:55 -0500

I have an on going claim for an increase for my back. Well a few different doctors have said that I have sciatia and neuropathy.....I added that to my claim the end of Sept, I got the we are working on your claim and need more information from you the 25th and today I have a C&P schedualed for the 2nd......I thought it was pretty good that they are getting me in so quick.

Va Claim

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:59:35 -0500

I posted here at the very beginning of my adventure with the VA.
I wrote my claim myself and used the AL to assist at the RO for submittals, etc.
In Nov. 08, I filed a claim for Multiple Myeloma presumptive to AO exposure.
My claim had an additional 8 items that were claimed as secondary or residual
and awarded.
I recieved "official" notice today...my claim has been decided and awarded.
100% P&T, w/housebound, retro to Nov. 08.
My claim was awarded almost precisely for what I claimsed.
Only two minor denials and the evidence was clear that those two werenot secdondary
What a relief and now we(spouse and me) have a real sense of calm and repose.

Tdiu Claim Farmed Out?

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:32:25 -0500

hi folks i have posted a few times and always count on the good knowledge i receive. anyhow i filed for tdiu a while back and the exams i did have all seemed pretty positive for me. i called the va today to see about any progress and i was informed my whole claim was sent to waco texas to be rated as they are too busy here in oregon. needless to say i am troubled with this... i am currently rated at 90% does this happen much? pretty worried here thanks for any info

Stressor Help

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:03:54 -0500

I need a little help. I don't know if any of these are stressors or if the VA will consider them stressors!

Stressor 1. When I was in the Navy during Operation Desert Storm, I saw dead Iraqi soldiers floating by our ship. One of them was even decapitated. 18 years later I can still visualize those images and it makes me nervous. I don't know how I can prove that I saw this though.

Stressor 2. During the war, the USS Tripoli and the USS Princeton were both struck by mines. Our ship was operating in the same area when those ships were damaged. During that same time, our ship also located and destroyed 3 mines by attaching 10 lbs of C-4 to them. I have the mines being detonated by our ship on tape. We operated out of Mine field 5 for 12 consecutive days. It was terrifying!

Stressor 3. Don't know if my skin disorder can be considered. I'm service connected for it. Its a full body skin rash. I only wear long sleeves and long pants. I no longer go swimming with my family because of how much attention and questions the rash bring. I'm very conscious of it and it bothers me a lot when others notice it. Some people even think I'm contagious.

Could either of these be considered a stressor?

Thanks

Tdiu Due To Medications

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:35:27 -0500

Hi all,
I really need advice and help. I have not worked since 3/2/09 due to workers comp for shoulder injury, just had surgery will be out until June 10. In april 09, I was placed on Morphine for neck pain, and have been on since. In early Nov. my dose was increased to 45mg three times daily. Now, my question I work as a registered nurse and to do so under the influence of a narcotic violates state regulated guidelines for RN's. I am not a good candidate for surgery and cannot function without the pain meds. Is this something that qualifies for a TDIU claim.
Thank you,
Bergie

Disability Calculator

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:39:51 -0500

Has any one ever received their ratings as far as how the VA enters them in to the calculator??

I ask this because I have carpal tunnel syndrome at 30% right and 20% left. I have tried to get the VA to write me and put it in writing how they are entering it in the calculator. Am I rated at 50% for CTS and is it entered as 50 or do they put 30 and 20 in. Also, I believe I should be getting the bilateral factor here. I am being rated under the 8515 diagnostic code for Median nerve.

I would like to receive a letter from them that thoroughly explains how they enter each of my rated disabilities in to their calculator. If you have received this from VA, can you tell me how you got it? Every time I am rated for something new or increased, they just tell me my overall rating and how much I am being rated for that particular disability.

Thanks for your help.

It Pays To Be

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:30:18 -0500

I have just been advised by VA (higher level than RO) to file Request for Administrative Review of my retroactive AO money under Nehmer Court Order -with VA Central in DC.

I was on the phone for quite some time with a VA employee who handles these types of reviews.

She was the first person in over 6 years except for OGC and the BVA who understood my situation completely.And who fully conprehended VA case law and the Nehmer Court order.

I have taken numerous steps at the VARO level to get my award letter resolved as well as my ancillary benefits and accrued SMC.

But this will be different.

I have a highly legitimate basis for this review and the woman was shocked at the 3 erroneous awards letters I received so far- and stunned that VARO Buffalo failed to even rate the veteran at all.

As soon as VACO gets my request they will call Buffalo and get the C file shipped to them overnight.

I had past experience with an Administrative review at VACO in 1996.

They can read.

Tinnitus Cause Vertigo?

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:58:57 -0500

It just occurred to me to ask the question.

Will Tinnitus cause Vertigo?

Does anyone have this problem?

Thanks for any reply

Ken

Smc Question

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:07:36 -0500

I HAVE A 100% TOTAL P AND T

ON TOP OF THAT SAME DECISION THE VA GAVE ME ADDITIONAL SEPERATE AND NEW SERVICE CONNECTION
AS FOLLOWS I DID NOT INCLUDE THE RATING NAMES

40%
20%
10%
10%
10%

MY QUESTION IS THIS BASED ON MY 100% RATING AND THE NEW SERVICE CONNECTED LEFT OVER RATINGS LISTED ABOVE WOULD THE BRADLEY V PEAK CASE LAW ON SMC (S) KICK IN AND THE RON ABRAMS SUB COMITTIE HEARINGS

ALSO I DONT KNOW MATHMATICALLY HOW MUCH THE ABOVE LEFT OVER RATINGS TALLY UP TO SINCE I AM AT 100% P AND T
NOT SURE IF I AM 100% P AND T OR STILL ON TDIU

IT APPEARS I HAVE BEEN KICKED OFF TDIU AND I GUESS IM AT 100% P AND T IT SAYS " YOUR OVERALL OR COMBINED RATING IS 100% / WHY NOT JUST SAY YOUR AT 100% SCHEDULAR AND LEAVE IT AT THAT

I DONT EVEN KNOW IF HAVE BEEN MOVED FROM TDIU TO SCHEDULAR 100% IT LOOKS LIKE I HAVE

WISH THE VA WOULD SAY YOU HAVE BEEN MOVED FROM TDIU TO 100% SCHEDULAR AND YOU HAVE LEFT RATINGS AS FOLLOWS

I JUST CANT UNDERSTAND THE WAY THEY "VA" DO THINGS AND HOW THEY WRITE IN THAT BIBBLE GOBBLE DE GOK TO US VETS ITS REDICULOUS

EVERYTIME I GET A DECISION ITS ALWAYS ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

Berta's Posts

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:43:24 -0500

Berta is a remarkable lady with a very Keen sense for research, especially with her forte of AO claims and decisions.
It is very beneficial to read her posts and get an understanding of her research.

We have thousands of members here who each may know someone who could be effected by her research and we should get the word to those folks.

Right now we have many veterans who were expoosed to Toxins. Many are already dead as a result of exposure.
There are also veterans who have been exposed to Radiation, Other chemicals like in Project Shad,and one real bad one that effects soldiers, Airmen and Sailors. Asbestos.

I thank Berta for her research. She sets an an example of persistance, Patience, and a willingness to make sure no one gets left behind.

John

Ptsd And Relaxers

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:50:21 -0500

Anyone here take a crappy paying job cause it makes you able to function? I work for Dept of Army now, on a base. Couldn't stay in cause I was a wreck physically from Iraq. When I am there I see the difference when I am at work and when I am not. Weekends suck, wish I could stay at work all week. Seems like this job is better for me than the Dr's are LOL

1st Va Comp Award For

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:44:22 -0500

http://salem-news.com/articles/october2020...ejeune_news.php

Veterans In Focus On Cnn

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:56:39 -0500

Don't know what it's about.

How To Get Shoulder Increase?

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:35:18 -0500

I'm currently rated at 20% per shoulder (40% total for bilateral factor) for Recurrent Shoulder sublaxation.

My shoulders hurt all the time and I am very weak. They keep me from lifting things most of the time. I have troulbe sleeping with them and feel as if they popout at night. I noticed in MRI notes, In which, I had 2 MRIs and 2 MRI-with Arthography. In it. Based on the notes below is there any way to get increase to higher percentage?? SHould I file for arthritis? what is in volved with that? ( I reposted this, as I posted it in the wrong section before). I appreciate all the input.

Right Shoulder-

Acromioclavicular Joint-->mild acromioclavicular arthrosis
Rotator Cuff-->mild tendinopathy of the distal supra and infraspinatus tendons is noted. subscapularis tendon is normal
Labrum and Biceps-->anteroinferior labrum is diminutive and irregular, suspcious for tear. Superior and posterior labrum appear normal.
Bones-->no bone edema, mild flattening of posterosuperior humeral head consistent with Hill-Sachs deformity. Moderate sized degenerative cysts are seen at the insertion of infraspinatus tendon. A subcortical T1 hypo and T2 hyperintensity 9mm lession along the lateral aspect of the proximal humeral shaft likely represents an enchondroma.

Conclusion--> diminutive and irregular appearance of the anteroinferior labrum suggesting chronic tear. There is a mild Hill-Sachs deformity of the humeral head , the runoff prior anterior dislocation. Mild supraspinatus tendinopathy.

Left Shoulder-(had Bankart shoulder surgery, findings are post surgery)

Acromioclavicular Joint--> Mild Arthrosis
Rotator Cuff--> thinning of distal supraspinatus tendon at insertion. No definite tear seen. Post surgical changes are seen along subcapularis tendon and anterior capsule. There is thinning of the infraspinatus tendon with articular surface fraying.
Labrum and Biceps-->osseous Bankart lesion with a corticated ossific fragment inferiorly displaced measuring 11mm x 6mm x 5mm in size. labrum is almost absent in its anterior, inferior, and superior aspects. Small amount of residual posterior labrum is present. The bicipital tendon is normal.
Bones-->Moderate Hill-Sachs deformity of posterosuperior humeral head likely engaging.
Cartilage--> There is signifigant catilage loss of the glenoid articular cartilage.
Miscellaneous-->the glenohumeral joint appears capacious with mild subluxation of posterior humeral head relative to glenoid raising the suspicion of multidirectional instability.

Conclusion-->Moderate sized Hill-sachs deformity of humeral head, likely engaging with displaced anteroinferior glenoid osseous rim fracture (osseous bankart lesion). Nearly absent anterior, inferior, and superior labrum. Post surgical changes along the subcapularis tendon and anterior capsule. Multidirectional instability with mild posterior subluxation of humeral head relative to glenoid. Secondary osteoarthritis. Diminutive supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons without any tear.

Exam - Tdiu

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:22:50 -0500

JamesBrechenridge, I informed them that the 5 disabilities that I am rated for are the causes why I am unemployerable. They are: MDD-70%; Left ruptured guadriceps-30%; DDD spine-20%; DJD left knee-10%; and Bursitsis left hip-10%. No I did not apply for SSD. Thx.

babyray

Returned Rating With Many Mistakes

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:12:06 -0500

I filed a claim for TBI and residuals on 10/7/08. I have been given a rating of 10%. My first TBI (concussion) is from an auto accident that occured in 1975. I included the results of a neuropysch exam that states from the examiners point of view that I suffered a moderate TBI. I also had 2 other occurances where I received blows to the head. In my rating decision the VBA only used language to describe the 2nd or 3rd incident of head injury. They denied essential tremor as a result of head injury in 1975. So what they have done is skip the documented results of the first TBI when applying the facets of the new rating laws. They did not address the neurobehavioral aspect or my statement of claim where I asked that I be evaluated for depression as a result of the documented (and sent to them) evidence. I also asked in my statement that I be considered for exacerbation of pre service condition prior to entrance to service as I was trested for ADHD with ritalin, they also ignored that and didn't address it. I am ready to file a de novo review and feel like I should request an informal review hearing any suggestions are appreciated thanks Dave

Ssdi

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:44:17 -0500

HI GUYS,
ok, I looked and I think alot of you are getting SSDU and VA benefits.
My job I have working for Dept of Defense is decent job, pays kinna good but for what I am experienced and school trained by Civilian and Army to fo is about half of what I should be making.

Is under-employed considered unemployed?

I love my job, it is working with the Army and being around Soldiers everyday is really helpful to me. But the pay does leave something to be desired....

Bva Fax Number

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:53:30 -0500

has anyone faxed the BVA at 1-202-565-4720 and then have the actual dialed number pop up as 1-202-565-9205 on their fax machine?

My fax went through but I was surprised it is not the same number at the BVA web site.

Will It Go Back To The Rater

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:10:21 -0500

Code 5237 Degenerative Disc Desease, Osteoarthritis, spinal canal Stenosis..........50%
Code 6260 Bilateral Tinnitus............10%
Code 6513 Sinusitis........................10%
Code 5299-5259 Chondromalacia Left Knee, Status post Arthrospoic Arthrotomy.............10%
Code 5257-5003 Chondromalacia Right Knee.............................................................10%
Combined Rating is 70% (combined factor of 1.9 % for diagnostic code 5259, 5003)

Long story, but filed for a increase to the left knee due to post op report after orthoscpic, showing level 3/4 Chondromalacia. Also at same time filed for a Conv. for both left knee surgery and for Spinal Fusion surgery. VA kicked it back and Did a C/P for right knee. Now the have requesed a C/P for a EMG/Nerve Study which is scheduled for next tuesday. My question is I didn't claim any of the other things, Is this rater just doing a great job and is he watching out for my best intrest. I just never thought the VA would look at other things that was not requested on the forms. Also does my results go back through the system or does it back to the rater imediately. I only ask because I am behind on a few bills. iis there any way to get the doc to speed up the process? Next time, because I have to have another surgery on the lower lumbar because the bone fusion 3 months ago tok, but the bones colasped and the nerve is being impinged agian. Can I file the Conv. seperate and file the increase seperate if neccessary.

Ao Thailand

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:51:51 -0500

Since the C & P Bulletin came out.

I need to find it here.

16 More Ao Thailand Veteran

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:49:57 -0500

DUE to Kurt Priessman (hadit member) whose extensive and relentless research uncovered the documents they needed to prove their own AO exposure in Thailand.

Their MOS , MPs, or dog handlers for security put them into the spraying areas and they were exposed in Thailand to AO.
It CAN be done.

These might all be regional office decisions.

I posted the C & P bulletin some time back here that was inspired by Kurt's award.

It covers certain MOS in Thailand as causing exposures to Agent Orange.

All of his info has been posted on the net and shared with anyone who needs- it can be found by googling AO Thailand.

Nehmer Work In Progress

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:41:31 -0500

http://www.nvlsp.org/Information/ArticleLi...enefitrules.htm
I am building an info base here for any anticipated Nehmer questions due to the 3 new presumptives or to any AO claim.
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=ca...I82OJiAWR99KxLw

http://www4.va.gov/vetapp02/files02/0209543.txt

(widow's award with excellent BVA interpretation of Nehmer as to her claim.)

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/archive/...hp/t-14278.html