VA Disability

[jksmith269]

Well after 5 years of dealing with the VA it finally appears I'm getting rated 100%

It sounds easy right lol, well here's the story.

About 5 weeks ago I received a call from the VA regional office in Iowa, that surprised me considering all my claims have gone to the Atlanta regional office. Well the young lady informed me that one of my claims from last year they had misdated it, and made it effective in September when it should of been made effective in May., That's not to bad it's only 440 savings for the VA. She then tells me "it appears the Atlanta office has dismissed my unemployable claim without even having the exam's completed and she's putting it on hold while she looks into it" I was in no way shocked that it had been done like this but totally shocked that a VA claim's officer would go back and look into it, and inform me about it.

Well as I said that was 5 week's ago. On Friday I received a letter from the DAV (I'd suggest researching all possible agencies before deciding on one) stating

I'd been awarded Unemployable effective May 7th 2014. Yes 2014

I'd been awarded Special monthly compensation effective July 21, 2014. Yes 2014 again.

I've also been awarded Dependents Educational assistance effective May 7th 2014. Yep 2014 again. The good thing on this, from my understanding the VA will go back and pay for the school my wife has been doing since the effective date and repay the loans she's taken out from that date forward. that's a big chunk of change.

Now I'm not sure if they'll give me back pay, should they? yes, especially considering it was the VA's fault in the first place.

Anyway I'm very thankful and praised GOD when I read the letter. Now, it's not considered official but this is the second letter I've got like this and the first one was 100% accurate. I called today and they told me it's the information the VA has sent to the DAV so it should be accurate. I had to read it twice. You have no clue what a relief this is, a huge burden lifted.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Well after 5 years of dealing with the VA it finally appears I'm getting rated 100%

It sounds easy right lol, well here's the story.

About 5 weeks ago I received a call from the VA regional office in Iowa, that surprised me considering all my claims have gone to the Atlanta regional office. Well the young lady informed me that one of my claims from last year they had misdated it, and made it effective in September when it should of been made effective in May., That's not to bad it's only 440 savings for the VA. She then tells me "it appears the Atlanta office has dismissed my unemployable claim without even having the exam's completed and she's putting it on hold while she looks into it" I was in no way shocked that it had been done like this but totally shocked that a VA claim's officer would go back and look into it, and inform me about it.

Well as I said that was 5 week's ago. On Friday I received a letter from the DAV (I'd suggest researching all possible agencies before deciding on one) stating

I'd been awarded Unemployable effective May 7th 2014. Yes 2014

I'd been awarded Special monthly compensation effective July 21, 2014. Yes 2014 again.

I've also been awarded Dependents Educational assistance effective May 7th 2014. Yep 2014 again. The good thing on this, from my understanding the VA will go back and pay for the school my wife has been doing since the effective date and repay the loans she's taken out from that date forward. that's a big chunk of change.

Now I'm not sure if they'll give me back pay, should they? yes, especially considering it was the VA's fault in the first place.

Anyway I'm very thankful and praised GOD when I read the letter. Now, it's not considered official but this is the second letter I've got like this and the first one was 100% accurate. I called today and they told me it's the information the VA has sent to the DAV so it should be accurate. I had to read it twice. You have no clue what a relief this is, a huge burden lifted.

Yes they should give you back pay effective May 7th 2014......untaxed

Thats gonna be a nice check.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Well after 5 years of dealing with the VA it finally appears I'm getting rated 100%

It sounds easy right lol, well here's the story.

About 5 weeks ago I received a call from the VA regional office in Iowa, that surprised me considering all my claims have gone to the Atlanta regional office. Well the young lady informed me that one of my claims from last year they had misdated it, and made it effective in September when it should of been made effective in May., That's not to bad it's only 440 savings for the VA. She then tells me "it appears the Atlanta office has dismissed my unemployable claim without even having the exam's completed and she's putting it on hold while she looks into it" I was in no way shocked that it had been done like this but totally shocked that a VA claim's officer would go back and look into it, and inform me about it.

Well as I said that was 5 week's ago. On Friday I received a letter from the DAV (I'd suggest researching all possible agencies before deciding on one) stating

I'd been awarded Unemployable effective May 7th 2014. Yes 2014

I'd been awarded Special monthly compensation effective July 21, 2014. Yes 2014 again.

I've also been awarded Dependents Educational assistance effective May 7th 2014. Yep 2014 again. The good thing on this, from my understanding the VA will go back and pay for the school my wife has been doing since the effective date and repay the loans she's taken out from that date forward. that's a big chunk of change.

Now I'm not sure if they'll give me back pay, should they? yes, especially considering it was the VA's fault in the first place.

Anyway I'm very thankful and praised GOD when I read the letter. Now, it's not considered official but this is the second letter I've got like this and the first one was 100% accurate. I called today and they told me it's the information the VA has sent to the DAV so it should be accurate. I had to read it twice. You have no clue what a relief this is, a huge burden lifted.

I definitely feel you on the last part. To me it was as much of the vindication as it was the money. I was in a MEU Soc and Federal Law Enforcement agencies ( not all but many) consider that the be the equivalent and even preferable, to a BA in criminal justice. Due to my disabilities, im not able to pursue a career I put significant amount of time training for. Not proud to admit it, but there was alot of bitterness when some of my seniors who got out before the war got very good jobs, when most of the combat veterans have struggled. Getting that letter was a huge weight off my shoulder

 

[CyberB0b]

They need to clean house in the VA. It's disgraceful how you guys get treated.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

It's funny seeing this as just the other day I have thought about signing up to go to the VA to get a physical and start getting stuff checked.

Been over twenty years since I served and this will be the first time I have thought going.

Just getting to that age where stuff needs to be checked.

The idea of going to any doctor at my age has concerned me because I am not on any medication except for my over the counter allergy meds so I basically take an allergy pill in the evening and a allergy nasal spray in the morning. After going the last couple of years with some bad allergies it seems to be doing the trick.

But I know that when I do go and get my physical and tests done that I will wind up having them tell me that my bad cholesterol is too high and my good is too low, that I probably have diabetes even though I always drink sugar free drinks and any time I have any troubles it is what I think is Low blood sugar spells once every six months or so. Plus even though I have had text book blood pressure over the years I am sure they will put me on some kind of blood pressure medication and those are just the standards I imagine will happen so in my mind I can see from just taking one pill a day (not counting an occasional pain pill or muscle relaxer as needed) I will be taking multiple pills and that though has put me off of going for longer than it should have. Frankly if the VA can help with those in any way...I will finally start taking advantage of it. I have never asked for anything from the VA all these years and did not even for a good portion of my short military career. Heck at one time I am positive I tore my rotator cuff but never went for treatment as I was young and dumb instead of being what I thought was hard core.

So now I got to fill out some paper work and get the ball rolling. Maybe I will get a little help for my ears if need be. Have had trouble with them for years now and pretty sure I have lost some hearing over the years.

 

[Cowboy Brian]

They need to clean house in the VA. It's disgraceful how you guys get treated.

Agreed. I think it is probably the most disgraceful aspect of how our government is currently run.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Well after 5 years of dealing with the VA it finally appears I'm getting rated 100%

It sounds easy right lol, well here's the story.

About 5 weeks ago I received a call from the VA regional office in Iowa, that surprised me considering all my claims have gone to the Atlanta regional office. Well the young lady informed me that one of my claims from last year they had misdated it, and made it effective in September when it should of been made effective in May., That's not to bad it's only 440 savings for the VA. She then tells me "it appears the Atlanta office has dismissed my unemployable claim without even having the exam's completed and she's putting it on hold while she looks into it" I was in no way shocked that it had been done like this but totally shocked that a VA claim's officer would go back and look into it, and inform me about it.

Well as I said that was 5 week's ago. On Friday I received a letter from the DAV (I'd suggest researching all possible agencies before deciding on one) stating

I'd been awarded Unemployable effective May 7th 2014. Yes 2014

I'd been awarded Special monthly compensation effective July 21, 2014. Yes 2014 again.

I've also been awarded Dependents Educational assistance effective May 7th 2014. Yep 2014 again. The good thing on this, from my understanding the VA will go back and pay for the school my wife has been doing since the effective date and repay the loans she's taken out from that date forward. that's a big chunk of change.

Now I'm not sure if they'll give me back pay, should they? yes, especially considering it was the VA's fault in the first place.

Anyway I'm very thankful and praised GOD when I read the letter. Now, it's not considered official but this is the second letter I've got like this and the first one was 100% accurate. I called today and they told me it's the information the VA has sent to the DAV so it should be accurate. I had to read it twice. You have no clue what a relief this is, a huge burden lifted.

Good on you Smitty!

 

[CyberB0b]

It's funny seeing this as just the other day I have thought about signing up to go to the VA to get a physical and start getting stuff checked.

Been over twenty years since I served and this will be the first time I have thought going.

Just getting to that age where stuff needs to be checked.

The idea of going to any doctor at my age has concerned me because I am not on any medication except for my over the counter allergy meds so I basically take an allergy pill in the evening and a allergy nasal spray in the morning. After going the last couple of years with some bad allergies it seems to be doing the trick.

But I know that when I do go and get my physical and tests done that I will wind up having them tell me that my bad cholesterol is too high and my good is too low, that I probably have diabetes even though I always drink sugar free drinks and any time I have any troubles it is what I think is Low blood sugar spells once every six months or so. Plus even though I have had text book blood pressure over the years I am sure they will put me on some kind of blood pressure medication and those are just the standards I imagine will happen so in my mind I can see from just taking one pill a day (not counting an occasional pain pill or muscle relaxer as needed) I will be taking multiple pills and that though has put me off of going for longer than it should have. Frankly if the VA can help with those in any way...I will finally start taking advantage of it. I have never asked for anything from the VA all these years and did not even for a good portion of my short military career. Heck at one time I am positive I tore my rotator cuff but never went for treatment as I was young and dumb instead of being what I thought was hard core.

So now I got to fill out some paper work and get the ball rolling. Maybe I will get a little help for my ears if need be. Have had trouble with them for years now and pretty sure I have lost some hearing over the years.

Do it. Most of that stuff is deadly, but completely controllable. @Doc50

 

[Doc50]

Do it. Most of that stuff is deadly, but completely controllable. @Doc50

On rounds this morning, I saw my good friend (an RN ICU nurse and fellow golfer) after his surgery yesterday. He had not seen me or anyone else for routine yearly screening tests in 4-5 years, though he certainly has easy access.
He had been feeling well until 3 weeks ago, when he started having some intermittent abdominal pain and bowel changes, without weight loss or any other symptoms. I did a complete work up, which was negative except for occult blood in the stool. Because he was a bit tender in the left lower quadrant, I got a CT scan -- there it was: a 5cm sigmoid colon mass with characteristics of cancer, and scattered metastatic lesions in the liver. An urgent scope and biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma. We immediately began chemo, and got 2 weeks in before obstructive growth required the colon resection. Findngs at surgery were more severe than first thought. The cancer had spread to the pelvic floor, eroding through the bowel wall, and this could not safely be removed. So, he awoke with a colostomy and a very poor prognosis. He'll undergo aggressive chemo after 6 weeks of post-surgical healing, but standard therapy will not be curative; he qualifies for a study at MD Anderson, and his only hope is that the cancer can be slowed a bit until a breakthrough study drug possibly emerges.

Retrospectively, he's probably been growing this for 2 years. He would have started maybe 3 years ago with a precancerous polyp, which would have also tested positive for occult blood, but which could have easily been completely removed during colonoscopy.

Early identification of almost any significant medical problem allows for its control or eradication.

There's no reason to put off routine yearly evaluations, unless you just don't care to live. Let me re-emphasize: cancer is not toxic, but rather simply space-occupying lesions. You will not feel sick until the tumor burden impinges on surrounding tissues. By then, the opportunity for successful treatment will have likely passed you by.

 

[Doc50]

The patient noted above is in his mid 50's.

 

[StarBoyz83]

Total and utter respect for anybody that serve's for this country!! Tried to get in when I was 22 but I made mistakes and wasn't allowed. They need to take care of all of these guys and girls!!!!! This country would be what it is without you!!!

They take all kinds of crap from my checks and I would have no problem with them taking money to support these kinds of things.

 

[jksmith269]

On rounds this morning, I saw my good friend (an RN ICU nurse and fellow golfer) after his surgery yesterday. He had not seen me or anyone else for routine yearly screening tests in 4-5 years, though he certainly has easy access.
He had been feeling well until 3 weeks ago, when he started having some intermittent abdominal pain and bowel changes, without weight loss or any other symptoms. I did a complete work up, which was negative except for occult blood in the stool. Because he was a bit tender in the left lower quadrant, I got a CT scan -- there it was: a 5cm sigmoid colon mass with characteristics of cancer, and scattered metastatic lesions in the liver. An urgent scope and biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma. We immediately began chemo, and got 2 weeks in before obstructive growth required the colon resection. Findngs at surgery were more severe than first thought. The cancer had spread to the pelvic floor, eroding through the bowel wall, and this could not safely be removed. So, he awoke with a colostomy and a very poor prognosis. He'll undergo aggressive chemo after 6 weeks of post-surgical healing, but standard therapy will not be curative; he qualifies for a study at MD Anderson, and his only hope is that the cancer can be slowed a bit until a breakthrough study drug possibly emerges.

Retrospectively, he's probably been growing this for 2 years. He would have started maybe 3 years ago with a precancerous polyp, which would have also tested positive for occult blood, but which could have easily been completely removed during colonoscopy.

Early identification of almost any significant medical problem allows for its control or eradication.

There's no reason to put off routine yearly evaluations, unless you just don't care to live. Let me re-emphasize: cancer is not toxic, but rather simply space-occupying lesions. You will not feel sick until the tumor burden impinges on surrounding tissues. By then, the opportunity for successful treatment will have likely passed you by.

I have bad stomach issues because the Navy had me taking 1600-2400 mg of Naproxen every day for 3 years plus Vicodin. I'm 45 and two years ago I had my first Colonoscopy and they found 5 polyps, I had another one last year and no polyp's where found. I had a upper GI done also last year and the Dr (outside Dr the VA was to backed up no pun intended) found what he described as where the intestine, and stomach acids have backed up into the esophagus and the esophagus is building up cells that are supposed to be in the intestine. according to him it's a precursor to cancer, he took a biopsy and sent it to the va, the va didn't give me the results I harassed them for 6 weeks and finally they said "nothing was found" now, I'm not to thrilled with how they phrased it, but I'll have another upper done this year and if it's still present I'll push for more tests. I routinely have intestinal bleeding, it's horrible. I'm not supposed to take any NSAIDS but they actually help the pain more than the narcotics. So I'm screwed either way I go...

 

[Doc50]

I have bad stomach issues because the Navy had me taking 1600-2400 mg of Naproxen every day for 3 years plus Vicodin. I'm 45 and two years ago I had my first Colonoscopy and they found 5 polyps, I had another one last year and no polyp's where found. I had a upper GI done also last year and the Dr (outside Dr the VA was to backed up no pun intended) found what he described as where the intestine, and stomach acids have backed up into the esophagus and the esophagus is building up cells that are supposed to be in the intestine. according to him it's a precursor to cancer, he took a biopsy and sent it to the va, the va didn't give me the results I harassed them for 6 weeks and finally they said "nothing was found" now, I'm not to thrilled with how they phrased it, but I'll have another upper done this year and if it's still present I'll push for more tests. I routinely have intestinal bleeding, it's horrible. I'm not supposed to take any NSAIDS but they actually help the pain more than the narcotics. So I'm screwed either way I go...

Do you see red blood in the stool, or is it occult blood (that you can't see)?

 

[jksmith269]

Do you see red blood in the stool, or is it occult blood (that you can't see)?

when it happens it's all blood and very little else, it'll last a couple days then stop for a couple months with just small amounts here and there. the GI doctors said they're clueless where the blood is coming from. No Roids or fissures.

 

[jksmith269]

Do you see red blood in the stool, or is it occult blood (that you can't see)?

btw it's very bright red not tarry or smelly. So I know it's near the exit where it's happening and not in the upper intestines. But that's all we know. I'm rated 60% for this issue from the VA, and only 40% for my screwed up back. lol kind of backwards but maybe they know something I don't.

 

[Doc50]

btw it's very bright red not tarry or smelly. So I know it's near the exit where it's happening and not in the upper intestines. But that's all we know. I'm rated 60% for this issue from the VA, and only 40% for my screwed up back. lol kind of backwards but maybe they know something I don't.

Ok, I presume the pain meds are for your back.

First, daily mod to high doses of all the typical arthritic meds (except Tylenol) will degrade the lining of your stomach, causing erosions or ulcers. This can disrupt the architecture of the lower esophageal sphincter, causing it to leak acid above it; there is no protective barrier or lining in the esophagus. The GI specialist will look very closely for Barrett's, the precancerous condition of the esophagus caused by chronic reflux. Anything suspicious will be biopsies, but if that test is beg, then stopping the NSAID's and taking daily Prilosec should heal that.

That process and meds will have no significance regarding the bleeding. This is likely at the anus or distal rectum due to its color. I'd go ahead and treat with anusol HC suppositories twice daily, and see if a tiny lesion not visible with the scope will heal up.

For the pain, you should ask for Ultram and Neurontin -- they should be better tolerated.

Finally, daily use of NSAID's for several years is also very burdensome and potentially damaging to the kidneys; same thing for the faddish high protein diet.

 

[jksmith269]

Ok, I presume the pain meds are for your back.

First, daily mod to high doses of all the typical arthritic meds (except Tylenol) will degrade the lining of your stomach, causing erosions or ulcers. This can disrupt the architecture of the lower esophageal sphincter, causing it to leak acid above it; there is no protective barrier or lining in the esophagus. The GI specialist will look very closely for Barrett's, the precancerous condition of the esophagus caused by chronic reflux. Anything suspicious will be biopsies, but if that test is beg, then stopping the NSAID's and taking daily Prilosec should heal that.

That process and meds will have no significance regarding the bleeding. This is likely at the anus or distal rectum due to its color. I'd go ahead and treat with anusol HC suppositories twice daily, and see if a tiny lesion not visible with the scope will heal up.

For the pain, you should ask for Ultram and Neurontin -- they should be better tolerated.

Finally, daily use of NSAID's for several years is also very burdensome and potentially damaging to the kidneys; same thing for the faddish high protein diet.

The Dr who did my upper GI said what I had on the esophagus was Barrett's, and did multiple biopsy's of it. The VA wouldn't give me the results, I had to pressure them for over 6 weeks and threaten a lawyer to get anything from them which as I said was a "nothing was found" that's it. Doesn't sound like the results of any biopsy I've ever heard. The Specialist was an outside Dr with Atlanta South Endoscopy Center and he said if it was him as my Dr he'd recommend surgery, but this was before the biopsy "results". So he sounded pretty sure of what he "thought" he saw, not saying he was 100% correct but again he seemed very sure, and he knew he wouldn't be the Dr doing the surgery so I don't see a motive for him to lie. I take 80 MG of Pantoprazole and 20 MG of Omeprazole for my Acid Reflux and it barely keeps it in check.

I have Neurontin just started it, and the pain meds are for my back and SI joint. I've had two RFA the first was 3 on the left S1-S3 the last one was 8, 4 on each side from L5-S3. They wanted to sedate me for it but I didn't need it, I've a very high tolerance for pain.

 

[Doc50]

The Dr who did my upper GI said what I had on the esophagus was Barrett's, and did multiple biopsy's of it. The VA wouldn't give me the results, I had to pressure them for over 6 weeks and threaten a lawyer to get anything from them which as I said was a "nothing was found" that's it. Doesn't sound like the results of any biopsy I've ever heard. The Specialist was an outside Dr with Atlanta South Endoscopy Center and he said if it was him as my Dr he'd recommend surgery, but this was before the biopsy "results". So he sounded pretty sure of what he "thought" he saw, not saying he was 100% correct but again he seemed very sure, and he knew he wouldn't be the Dr doing the surgery so I don't see a motive for him to lie. I take 80 MG of Pantoprazole and 20 MG of Omeprazole for my Acid Reflux and it barely keeps it in check.

I have Neurontin just started it, and the pain meds are for my back and SI joint. I've had two RFA the first was 3 on the left S1-S3 the last one was 8, 4 on each side from L5-S3. They wanted to sedate me for it but I didn't need it, I've a very high tolerance for pain.

As I mentioned, any perceived irregularity of the distal esophageal tissue will be biopsied and presumed to be Barrett's until proven otherwise. The pathologist reading the biopsy has tremendous liability, so you can rely on his negative result. So, you don't need surgery; just need to stop NSAID's and control reflux. You should probably eliminate caffeine, citrus, and tomato concentrates.