Starting off with Asthma, allergic rhinitis (which I already have a 20% rating for).
Moving on to a recently diagnosed issue....and I hesitate to name it. Not because of shame, but because of the fact I know you are all going to google it and look at pictures.
Eff it. I don't care.
Recently diagnosed.....I got lucky and met a specialist at VAMC Long Beach.
My skin problems have been diagnosed as hidradenitis suppurativa.....which leaves me with large, draining areas that are interconnected by things called sinus tracts.
It's a deficiency in my immune system that was brought on by high temperatures and constant sweating while serving in the gulf back in the day.
This condition may also cause leg swelling, and coincidentally, on my last flare up, I got a bunch of blood clots in my leg, that went to my lungs.
Been hospitalized twice for blood clots, on blood thinners for the rest of my life, and have a stint in my leg now.
I'm just starting to work with American Legion, and they are very helpful.
But your experiences and help can be so much more helpful.
There's no doubt in my mind that this is all service connected. What should I push? What should I make the people helping me do?
I can't work. I'm in constant pain all day....and I'm not about to do the "de-roofing surgery" that the specialist is suggesting.
Do NOT google that.
Any suggestion will be appreciated.
I believe you need another veteran that was with you in theater to testify and vouch for you getting affected.
A buddy of mine was napping at the library and was developing sleep apnia and some former officer hearing it told him to do so.
Get the same lawyer that Jesse Jackson jr has who got him $138,400 a year while in prison.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-jesse-jackson-junior-federal-benefits-met-20170222-story.html
If you had the condition in the military and you have it now all that is needed is a medical opinion linking the in service affliction and the current one. Have all your treatment records together when you see your service representative. Also, a full 100% rating may not be necessary if you can show that your current disability rating is preventing gainful employment. Good luck with your claim.
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm
Very carefully list your conditions and WHY YOU CANNOT WORK! List them how you would describe them but the medical diagnosis must fall under one or more of these categories. My advice is to BE CONSISTENT because you are in for a LOT of form filling and SS review of your medical records and your discussions with your doctor(s).
I used AmVets. They were great. They got my 100% P & T for PTSD and helped me in other ways. I cannot say enough for them. Give them a call and see what you think. Good luck.
1_Inch_Group
First of all, thank you
for your service.
My son served three tours
in Iraq. TBI, PTSD, Shrapnel
wounds to his right foot.
(severed toes that were reattached).
His first application for disability was denied.
He neglected to attach
a copy of his DD214 to his
application.
I would suggest that you
have your DD214 updated
with all of your newly
aquired symptoms, and hire
a reputable disability
lawyer. They are paid
a percentage of your
settlement only if SSA
approves you for benefits.
Hope this helps...
I would contact local Vet groups, like AmVets, American Legion, VFW and such. I used to work for the VA for a short time and these groups did a lot of good work.
I know the fastest process is to have all your medical records and any pertinent information submitted all at once at the very beginning. That puts you on a faster track. If you have to submit stuff later it will knock you off the fast track. Again, check with the local vet groups.
https://www.dav.org/veterans/find-your-local-office/
Your Local DAV National Service Officer (NSO) will help you file a claim and stick with you all through the process, because no veteran should have to go at it alone. All services provided by DAV NSOs are free of charge.
Please talk with them right away, eh?
I've spent hundreds of hours in the VA Volunteer Service, and all my hours go to the DAV. Plus I've collected thousands of dollars standing at store entrances, and can say to any donor that less than five per cent of the money collected go to administrative expenses. All the rest goes directly to provide help for a disabled veteran. All DAV Officers are disabled veterans. You need to take advantage of this that I help pay for.
And may God strengthen you.
This is a VA disability claims blog:
http://vets.yuku.com/forums/63/VA-Disability-Claims-General#.WLKa7H-hG1v
Stay the course... DO NOT GIVE UP!
I’ve been fighting them for a little over 5 years.
Get your COMPLETE service records
and when they arrive sort through them. I’ve been waiting over 6 years now for my “corrected DD214
to be sent.
...AND the DAV group is the way to go.
Hire or Find a third party group that specializes in getting better benefits .
The Advocator Group comes to mind but there are a few of these groups .
They know the paperwork system .
AmVets or someone who specializes in this sort of work.
Thank you so much to everyone responding. I’ve made a list and I think I know which way to head.
Double, triple and quad check the paperwork. Talk to as many experts as you can and even seek out advice from those that have been through it with the VA/SSA. You will most likely be rejected on the first pass. Don’t wait or delay - get a lawyer. It is all part of the big game that is played - unfortunately. Be persistent and stick with it. A guy that used to work for me went through the same thing and it took a lawyer to get it done.