Hi all! VA update

[formergrunt70]

As I had told You earlier I had submitted a claim to the VA on 5 dec 08. It has been a roller coaster for Me these past 3 months. Talked to danny, and Larry a couple of times. Still
fighting type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and hypertension. Went to My psychologist
last week because of job related stress stuff. Can't stand the non-service connected folks
I work with. They have no idea what We as Vets deal with on a daily basis. After 3 1/2 years of holding the title: Director of janitorial services in a private school they have decided it is best ran by someone else that will be hired as the operations manager that
assumes My responsibilities. So I'm being demoted to a night lead person. Don't think I can
deal with that after being in total controll for 3 1/2 years. I can really feel the health issue
stuff these days. Now back to the VA, I contacted Them, and they have stated that My claim is now with the rating board. Does not know what this means. If My claim is approved, then that is in My favor, if not life goes on. looks like another career change
3rd time in 14 years. Hope everyone else is okay. Oh, I've also attended the funeral of 2 classmates over the past 3 months. All in all I gurantee that it is thousands of Vets that is worse off than I. So I don't complain. Glad things are as well as They are. Pray for my
Son-in-law that is deploying to Afghanistan. Capt. US Army. Imbedded training team. Thanks for your service, and many sacrifices. (Happy Easter)
Topp G.

[Packo]

Good stuff with the VA...sorry about what's going on at work. Stressful. Went through some of the same kinds of things at the Naval Hospital. Was so glad to get out of there. Have not been stressed much since.

Keep me posted on your VA stuff as I have lots of experience with this. Being at the rating board is a good thing for sure. That means they have gathered all the evidence and are going to give you a percentage. If you have more than one condition, they will show what each one is rated and what the total combined is. Just know that 50 + 50 does not add up to 100. What all did you file on? The diabetes is not debatable, just the rating. It is an automatic service connected condition. Let me know, and you can PM me, when you get the rating decision. The VA has a tendancy to low ball you at the initial rating just hoping you'll take it. Are you represented by any service organizations, i.e. DAV, VFW, MOPH, etc.?

Good luck!

Pack

[MORTARDUDE]

Topp :

Good to hear from you. I did not realize you had left the Shelby County school system. My ex-wife ( we are good friends now...long story ) has worked in the city and county school systems here for about 25+ years, and listening to her everyday tell about what goes on, it is not any place I would want to work...

Anyway, let Packo know what you need. He can help. After talking with you the last time, I think you are on the right track, for sure.

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Stop by anytime.

All the best,

Larry

[frisco-kid]

Hang in there, Topp. Keep up the updates. There are several people on here that can guide you through the process.

As far as the job, it is what it is. Try not to stress over things you can't change.

[formergrunt70]

Thanks My Friends.
Packo: To answer Your questions. What I've claimed: PTSD (Diagnosed by a psychologist)
Type II diabetes (1000mg Metforbin medication) severe hearing loss left ear. Hypertension,
On medication for high blood pressure, and one other heart medicine. Don't know what is going to fly. I'm looking it at it in a positive way. I Am represented by the American Legion.
Also I'm in contact with the Shelby County director of veteran affairs. He is the one that submitted the initial claim in December 08. Thanks for all of the support that I have recieved from the Patriot files. (Veterans helping Veterans)
Take care
Topp G.

[formergrunt70]

Finally got a decision from the rating board at VA.
Hypertension- Denied ( I didn't think this would pass as it did not occur while on active duty. Only recently)
Hearing loss- Denied (After careful review of medical records the condition is not severe
enogh to warrant disability.Would have to be just about completely deaf in that ear.
PTSD- Deferred pending VA examination
Diabetes mellitus type II granted (20%)

I did the necessary preparation, and received a rating with-in 4 months. That is reasonable.
The 20% will be deducted from my retirement pay, and paid to Me as tax free.
One final question? After a lot of research, how difficult would it be for Me to draw CRSC
combat related special compensation? The only thing that seem to be favorable is exposure
to agent orange, and developing type II diabetes. Did not receive a purple heart, so that is ruled out.
One other question? As I have been diagnosed with PTSD, what is to be expected when I
go to the VA for the PTSD exam? I know You guys have all the answers.
Thanks in advance )
Topp G.

[VIETNAM 1968]

I was trying to send Formergrunt70 some experiences I have had with the VA Sustem and it's Compensation proceedings. Thought it would raise his spirits somewhat. I accidentially filed it under "James Are You Still With Us? Sorry for the error as I must be getting old and Senile sometimes. Hope everyone finds my experiences helpful and informative--Expecially the part concerning Class B Diabetes.

To all of my Vietnam Veteran Brothers and Sisters I again wish you all a MOST SINCERE and HEART FELT

WELCOME HOME:


Vietnam 1968

To the Moderator running this site--Can you move my previoius post to this post in order to make everything more simple. If you are able to do this please then delete this post. Thanks for any help that you might be able to be in this rather embarissing screw up.

[formergrunt70]

Thanks for that info.
I hope this works: Okay I did copy, and paste this.

Post: from VietNam 1968


Another experience with the VA compensation system:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Formergrunt70:

Thought I would send this post in the hopes that you would not feel like the only one confused by the VA System for Compensation.

After conferring with Andy before his death, he strongly urged me to file for compensation based on Class 2 Diabetes, Severe Hearing Loss in both of my ears, Posty Tramatic Stress from Vietnam and a Bad Back that I sustained while I was called back to Active Duty right after 9/11/2001, when I was still acitve in the Air Force Reserves.

Like you, the VA awarded me twenty percent for my Class 2 Diabetes and now take care of all the meds in that area. I also was denied any compensation for Hearing Loss although Audio Exams showed that I was deaf in the high range of hearing, moderately deaf in the middle range and slightly deaf in the lower range of hearing. Don't ask me what that means however, but I must have people repeat themselves several times before I get the meaning, especially in a noisy atmosphere. The VA did state that I could obtain Hearing Aids, at no cost to me, if I wanted them through the VA.

As for my Bad Back I was also awarded another twenty percent and told that any future treatments or operations would be taken care of by the VA. I have no plans to let anyone cut on my spine and will just live with the pain.

The Post Tramatic Stress was denied although I was found to have some Mental Problems that were brought on by my Vietnam Service. Because I saw little direct combat and just went through three Rocket Attacks and the loss of my Best Buddy while we both served in Nam, in their opinion that did not constitute enough Mental Problems to justify an award. Because I was able to hold down one job for twenty four years and stayed married to the same woman for almost thirty nine years, I am not showing the classic symptoms of Post Tramatic Stress, expecially where I do not think of Suicide or Homicide.

Here is something that might be of interest to you. Did anyone mention Nyopathy to you? (unsure of the correct spelling). Nyopathy is the distruction of Nerve Endings in the legs caused by the Class B Diabetes. Where most people are unaware of it they seldom menhtion the problem in the VA Compensation Report and most Va Doctors will not mention it. Well the examining Doctor that looked me over, in connection with my claim for compensation did a test and found that I had Slight Nyopathy in both of my legs, even though I did not make an initial claim for the problem. They then awarded me another ten percent, for each leg (another twenty percent total) That brought my total disability claim to sixty percent Disability total.

The point I want to make with you is that the Nyopathy is the most dangerous part of the Class 2 Diabetes as it never goes away and only gets worse as the years progress. About four months ago I found myself unable to stand upong either getting up from a chair or out of bed. I was forced to hold onto something in order to hold up my own weight. This would go on for a minute or two until the problem cleared but cramps would carry on and I now walk with a limp in both legs making my walk resemble a Penguin's walk.

I have now request a re evaluation of my condition with the hopes that the Nyopathy can be raised to twenty percent in each leg. I have an appointment with an outside testing agency later this week. The test was requested by the VA. Don't know if it will do any good or not but it is still worth the effort it will take to be examined.

Well Formergrunt70 I hope this information has been useful to you and good luck with your own appeal. I find the Va to be most helpful although they tend to prescribe too many pills in order to control specific conditions. They have me taking so many pills now that I have a hard time keepiing up with which one is for which ailment and the time that the pill must be taken during the day.

To you my Brother I want to wish you a MOST SINCERE and HEART FELT--WELCOME HOME:

To all the rest of my Vietnam Veteran Brothers and Sisters I also wish you all the same HEART FELT and SINCERE:

WELCOME HOME


VIETNAM 1968

[formergrunt70]

Not sure about the medical term, but something to look into. Lately, I've had pain in My feet, and both legs. Sometimes I get cramps in My fingers, and legs that is unbearable. I'm
taking a cross the counter drug called Legatrim that helps with the cramps. Just getting
old I guess. Have a good day.
Topp

[PHO127]

OK about the hearing, File for tinnitus (ringing in the ears). I can't hear sh!!t from my left ear but they pay for tinnitus. Neuropathy is a subset of Diabetes affects the extremeties feet and hands normally feet first. also heart are a subset of diabetes problems. See your Doctor at the VA an have him/her treat it as sub to diabetes they will pay it as a service related condition. As for diabetes 20% is standard untill you go to Insulin then they kick it to 40% here is the breakdown- 10% tinnitus each ear, neuropathy 10% each foot and or hand. PTSD they will send you to a civilian shrink for a C&P evaluation then the VA will rate you based upon the shrink diagnosis. IF YOU GET A SHRINK that is not familiar with military terms or a forigner take your time and be very specific. For instance, My bro went to a indian shrink and she asked if he had thoughts of suicide, He answered that he often felt it would be nice not to wake up and she diagnosed a sleeping problem. Best luck