Health Issues

[bilbo37]

Well, I can tell you that your friend was right... Go to your local VA and get things going there.. You can always appeal any decision that is made at the VA... The problem is, is that you have a certain amount of time to file the appeal for it.. At least that is what I was told up here at the VA that I go to..

See if there is a local group that can help you out.. Either through the VFW or American Legion in your area. What ever you do, do not give up on this....

[smokypin]

Well, today I took the first step to re-apply for disability. I called the local VA office and I spent 30 minuted to update my records. The next step is that I will be set up with a primary care doctor ( I don't kow if that is good or bad). I will let you all know what happens after my doctor appointment.

[smokypin]

I just want the medical benefits, that's a big priority to me.

[bilbo37]

II. Eligibility
You may be entitled to VA disability compensation for any medical condition or injury that was incurred in or aggravated by your military service if you were released from active military duty with an other than dishonorable discharge. There is no time limit to apply for VA disability compensation. However, you are encouraged to apply within one year of your release from active duty as entitlement is established retroactively to the date of separation if your claim is filed within this period. The effective date of eligibility for benefits will be based upon the date of your claim if you apply beyond the one-year period.

This is for starting your first claim..... I do believe that there is a 1 year period that you have to ask to have your decision letter appealed.. I will see if I can find anything in writing and post it here..

[bilbo37]

Ok here is a link to a pdf format that states a lot of information...

Claims and Appeals


It does state that you have One calendar year from that date of decision to make an appeal...

[proudbrit]

I have always been healthy but suddenly 14 months ago I couldn't move, Couldn't get out of bed, get out of a chair, climb stairs and many other things. I was diagnosed with Polymyositis, a very rare disease. After doing a lot of research I noticed that the symptoms were so similar to what others hae been experiencing that I requested an evaluation at the VA Hosp. I finally got in 11 months later, right now my case is under review. They are saying that desert Storm illnesses have not been diagnosed and mine has. I explained that very very few Dr's know of this disease, cause unknown, and it is just possible that it could be diagnosed if they look at my case. It is still under investigation at this time.

[bilbo37]

Keep going with it though.. It may help people down the line....

[smokypin]

I want to file a claim for back pain. I went on sick call for my back, and I have a copy of the profile. When I ETSed the doctor wrote on my physical exam that my back hurts. So, even if I went on sick call for my back one time and it is stated on my physical exam, would that be proof that it is a service connected claim?

[bilbo37]

I want to file a claim for back pain. I never went on sick call for my back, but when I ETSed the doctor wrote on my physical exam that my back hurts. So, even if I never went on sick call for my back but it is stated on my physical exam, would that be proof that it is a service connected claim?

It may help you with your claim... If you had gone on sick call for it more than once would have been better... Did you see any civilian doctors at that time? If you did you could check those records and see if there was anything that was noted there...

[FA1SGret]

You can also use 'Lay Statements' to substantiate a claim ... statements from people who knew you or knew of your condition.

[smokypin]

How about if I told my co-workers that my back hurts?

[FA1SGret]

When I submitted my claim, I was asked by my service officer if I had told anyone about my condition, if I had written any letters that mentioned my condition, or if anyone else knew about it.

I'm not really sure what the rules are concerning lay evidence, but I know you use it to substantiate your claim.

Service Officer ... best thing I can tell ya.

[smokypin]

I know that I can get a letter from my co-worker, but on the other hand if I go tell everyone that my back hurts I am sure that I would not have my job much longer,right? I am sure that many people feel the same.

[FA1SGret]

Don't know what to tell you with that.

[Dagger X-Ray]

I know that I can get a letter from my co-worker, but on the other hand if I go tell everyone that my back hurts I am sure that I would not have my job much longer,right? I am sure that many people feel the same.

They will want documentation or letters from people yo uwere stationed with, not recent fellow coworkers. You most likely won't have much luck with the back thing through the VA as far as getting a claim but you should be able to get some assistance through the VA anyway, just mention it to your VA doc and it will go into your record. You might end up with some copays but they and the meds are usually cheaper than through your covilian PCP.