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I am back again. Starting a forum about getting rated for multiple diagnoses at the VA and not being lumped. Currently I am only rated for Fibro - I am diagnosed with CFS and IBS. I am facing a re-eval already. This is good because my service rep won't mess with the VA about ALL the diagnoses. He feels I have my 100% - leave em alone. I feel I want them all accepted as service connected based on INTEGRITY - not because I mistakenly think I will get more money. I called SocSec and THEY made their decision using ALL of my diagnoses.
Lets take emotion out of this. Diagnoses have codes. To run tests, give meds they use the code. All my providers outside the VA use these codes. I feel it is only a matter of lining the VA up with the same codes. Not a game. Not a challange. Not lets make a deal. I have this, accept it and rate me 0% if they must - but how can THEY cherry pick?
Maybe me and my sick buddies have some new thing. (I doubt it I think it is the same old crap: GWI) How can they trend us, and treat us if they won't even accept the diagnoses????
My re-eval is in early June, I plan to bring more evidence and the letter of "how I feel about things" to my appt. Also hand carry a copy to benefits.
Again this goes back to integrity. I HAVE this stuff. Just service connect it! My branch of Service and SOCSEC have.
Am I naive? Do I fire my rep and get a lawyer just to get them to interupt their OWN regulations?
Posts: 484 | From: FLA | Registered: Feb 2007
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Endure, I have yet to deal with they VA and I am not looking forward to it. From what I have seen they do everything they can not to treat Vets. It is a travesty!
I am not one to promote litigation, but I think it is time that we unite and go after the VA, and Federal Government. I am not going to grandstand to much.
I would geta good VA lawyer and get to business. That is just my opinion, other may not agree. If you can afford it, I would do it.
Good luck, Dave
Posts: 45 | From: NC | Registered: Dec 2007
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I have yet to deal with they VA and I am not looking forward to it. From what I have seen they do everything they can not to treat Vets. It is a travesty!
I am not one to promote litigation, but I think it is time that we unite and go after the VA, and Federal Government. I am not going to grandstand to much.
I would geta good VA lawyer and get to business. That is just my opinion, other may not agree. If you can afford it, I would do it.
Good luck, Dave \\
Dave in my opinion for what it is worth it is easy for me to agree with you that the results our Vets have seen coming from the VA has not always been good BUT your suggesting for everyone to make a stand or do something as a group against the VA has no meaning/basis coming from someone who has no experience dealing with the VA as you have stated. Many of the members here have had first hand experience dealing with the VA and Federal Government. You have posted times before the advertising that Vets need to get Legal Assistance when dealinfg with the VA. This action may have worked for you but many Vets here have succeded submitting legitimate claims. If you have experience to share concerning the claim submiting process they are welcome here.
Mike (kidbunch)
-------------------- We all need someone to lean on! Posts: 418 | From: Nashville, Tennessee | Registered: Jul 2006
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The problem for me was really my Service Rep. I could not understand why he would not push to get my IBS and CFS rated. Then the truth came out.
See . . . I am 100% already DH - so the VA has done me right. Really. I got 100% LESS THAN ONE YEAR AFTER FILING.
***I had my ducks in a row, it was documented in my service record, and I had been seeing Doctors and specialists for 3 years, been in the ER four times in less than a year for unbelievable pain, fetal position pain. I really am sick and the VA does deserve some time to make decisions, and see that I am "chronic" - so you do have to make going to Doctors your new job even when you feel like crap.
My heart ache was really about my service rep a guy I had come to rely to heavily upon. His reluctance - his statements that I was 100% just leave the VA alone. It hurt, I even felt a bit betrayed. Why was this guy who had been my buddy now blowing me off - not even aware of presumptive illnesses for Gulf Vets?!? Why did he just want to sit on what we had. IT ISN'T ALL THAT IS WRONG. I do need the VA to rate me for all of it. As someone posted to me on another thread - we owe it to those behind us that they get it ALL down. That is why it is also important to get in the Gulf War Registry.
But its like this: my service rep really doesn't buy into GWI. (Crazy he can be on a State Payroll to help us but won't even learn the presumptive illness list because he just doesn't see it) Then I realized the thing was . . . his office is so backed up with veterans from earlier conflicts that can't put fuel in their auto or eat fresh fruits and veggies cause they can't afford them. Hurting suffering senior veterans. No wonder they didn't have time for the "new kid" already taken care of. Leave it alone he said. But we all know here why I can't.
So you see DH it will be a whole big process getting out, dealing with your illness, the DOD, the VA indoc, finding providers. You will learn A LOT. Make sure you are getting copies of your medical care now, GET A COPY OF YOUR SERVICE MEDICAL RECORD!!! Please don't already be down about the VA, you have so long to go . . .
It was very heart-rending for me to realize I had to let my service rep go. It will maybe put me in a better position to help other veterans through this site, or in other ventures like getting involved on a Governors commission.
The fight for all the nitty gritties of my circumstances - really is up to me. That is the bottom line for all of us. It is really up to us, personally. Of course it hurt my feelings, that I didn't feel like my Rep took me seriously. BUT . . . He really should use his energy helping those who can't even eat a balanced meal or heat their homes.
The VA is doing their job with me. I am going to be re-evaluated giving me an opportunity to provide more evidence and my documentation has only grown to support what is going on. This site helps me keep my focus. It will all come together . . . it just takes time.
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a lawyer is NOT allowed until after the VA denies the claim or low balls it and you decide to file a Notice of Disagreement before June 20, 2007 you were NOT allowed to hire an attorney before you were denied by the Board of veteran Appeals about 5 years from now and then the case can be appealed to the Court of Veteran Appeals, this law only took about 100 years to get changed,, sometimes the system does work sometimes it doesn't there are 3 million vets getting compensated only 800,000 appeals that tells me there are at least 2.2 million satisfied customers
Posts: 1381 | From: South Carolina | Registered: Jul 2005
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All, Like I said before, I have not dealt with the VA yet. By no means am I trying to entice a revolt. During my time in service I have made many friends that have retired or are in the process. They have shared their experiences in dealing with the VA. Some are good and some are bad, and that is to be expected. I talk to many of them on a weekly basis and hear their stories. I don't know how much embellishment is going on but I have no reason to not believe what they have to say. Therefore my perceptions are second hand, and I am by no means set in my judgment of the VA.
Mike, I agree with what your saying and I appreciate your constructive criticism. I don't have the experience the rest of you have, I completely admit that. Neither am I suggesting or promoting litigation, we have enough of that in our country. But, correct me if I am wrong, in this line of thought. The process of submitting and dealing with the VA is almost like gambling. What I mean by that reference is the odds are for the HOUSE...the VA. That is only my perspective and perception with out having dealt with them personally. So I am ignorant at best.
Testvet, thanks for that information. I didn't know about the employment of Lawyers. When it comes time for me to deal with the VA, I will definitely solicit from you all being resident experts.
Endure, I am really sorry that your having a problem with your Rep. I know that has to be challenging. On the positive side it sounds like you have had success with the VA and that is a good thing. Thereby creating hope for the rest of us. I have received a copy of all my medical records. I appreciate your insight in regard to keeping meticulous notes on all actions.
As for me, I am still on active duty after 16 years. I have not been boarded yet. I am still seeing doctors, playing the medication game to find the right combination and dosage. Now the Army has taken a different perspective on wounded and sick Soldiers. They are making an effort to take care of us. Something that is new. In my Major Command (SOCOM), they have actually created an organization called "The SOCOM Care Coalition." I have a rep that I talk with weekly, and they are making every effort to ensure Soldiers are treated fairly and respectfully.
If my previous posts have upset anyone, I do apologize. It is not my intention to inflame the issues. I am just trying to understand the ins and outs of this process and spark some intellectual thought about doing things better. Please provide any thoughts on what I have said here and I look forward to talking with you all again.
Sincerely, Dave
Posts: 45 | From: NC | Registered: Dec 2007
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