Guest guest Posted July 26, 2007 Report Share Posted July 26, 2007 How did you get a benefit check so quickly??? I spent 6 years in the Navy. My job was operating, maintaining and instructing on land based and submarine nuclear power plants. My responsibilities included proper operation and repair of all the equipment from the reactor compartment machinery, piping and mechanical systems to the sub's propeller. Just last year, when I got out of the hospital from prostate cancer surgery, I applied with the VA to see if they would find a connection for me or to see if they could assist financially or make a " service " connection. It has been 14 months now. They acknowledged my request, but nothing further. I hope to hear from them and further hope it is favorable in my case. Not meaning to sound negative, but I am not holding my breath. I did not have insurance. All care was fully funded by me. Reminds me of an old joke. Question: " Do you know where they go through when you have cancer surgery " ? Answer: " Your wallet! " . I like hearing success stories. I would enjoy knowing your situation, history and outcome... I would also enjoy hearing from others in the same boat (...so to speak). Mick -- Abilene, TX > > Helen, good for you on setting up the appointment so quickly. Hopefully > it won't take 5 or 6 six months. I am pretty sure that Gregg applied in > Feb. I just checked and he had his first check for 2 months worth of > benefits via direct deposit on April 20. Let me know what you find out > at the appointment about any other benefits your husband may have > coming with regard to hearing loss etc. It could be helpful to us. > > Laurel > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 26, 2007 Report Share Posted July 26, 2007 Mick, I went back and read most of the messages you have posted a couple of weeks ago, so I was aware of the fact that you paid out of pocket for your treatment. One of your messages intrigued and you seem to be a voice of reason, very articulate. You don't say that you were in Vietnam. Gregg was easily able to document his time in Viet Nam as his record keeping is pretty good. The VA contacted him while he was being treated in Loma . We sent the VA his records from Loma so he did not have to see a VA doctor. It seems that his claim was processed pretty quickly and maybe he just got lucky. Maybe you need to nudge the VA a little harder. Gregg spent most of his time on a PBR boat, the type that was used in the movie, " Apocolypse Now " This was an army division. He started out in the MPs but jumped at the chance to be on a boat...I don't know if we can be of any help but if we can just send a message. Laurel > > > > Helen, good for you on setting up the appointment so quickly. > Hopefully > > it won't take 5 or 6 six months. I am pretty sure that Gregg applied > in > > Feb. I just checked and he had his first check for 2 months worth of > > benefits via direct deposit on April 20. Let me know what you find > out > > at the appointment about any other benefits your husband may have > > coming with regard to hearing loss etc. It could be helpful to us. > > > > Laurel > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 Mick, You have to have been in Viet Nam for the Viet Nam PCa benefits. It is related to exposure to Agent Orange. Navy and Coast Guard men have hurdles that other branches may not have. It is easier if you can prove you have boots on the ground. If your service was in grey waters it gets more difficult. If you were in blue water then the PCa Viet Nam benefit may not be available. There is a review going on right now at the VA. I am not an expert here but I think it is in the courts still. If you are retired there is also the possibility that you can get additional retirement benefits so check that out also. Talk to your service organization, Am Vets. VFW, etc. They all have individuals who can help with disability claims. Kathy From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of yellow_laurel Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 11:40 PM To: ProstateCancerSupport Subject: Re: The VA Mick, I went back and read most of the messages you have posted a couple of weeks ago, so I was aware of the fact that you paid out of pocket for your treatment. One of your messages intrigued and you seem to be a voice of reason, very articulate. You don't say that you were in Vietnam. Gregg was easily able to document his time in Viet Nam as his record keeping is pretty good. The VA contacted him while he was being treated in Loma . We sent the VA his records from Loma so he did not have to see a VA doctor. It seems that his claim was processed pretty quickly and maybe he just got lucky. Maybe you need to nudge the VA a little harder. Gregg spent most of his time on a PBR boat, the type that was used in the movie, " Apocolypse Now " This was an army division. He started out in the MPs but jumped at the chance to be on a boat...I don't know if we can be of any help but if we can just send a message. Laurel > > How did you get a benefit check so quickly??? > > I spent 6 years in the Navy. My job was operating, maintaining and > instructing on land based and submarine nuclear power plants. My > responsibilities included proper operation and repair of all the > equipment from the reactor compartment machinery, piping and > mechanical systems to the sub's propeller. > > Just last year, when I got out of the hospital from prostate cancer > surgery, I applied with the VA to see if they would find a connection > for me or to see if they could assist financially or make a " service " > connection. > > It has been 14 months now. They acknowledged my request, but nothing > further. I hope to hear from them and further hope it is favorable in > my case. Not meaning to sound negative, but I am not holding my > breath. I did not have insurance. All care was fully funded by me. > > Reminds me of an old joke. Question: " Do you know where they go > through when you have cancer surgery " ? Answer: " Your wallet! " . > > I like hearing success stories. I would enjoy knowing your situation, > history and outcome... I would also enjoy hearing from others in the > same boat (...so to speak). > > Mick -- Abilene, TX > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 Mick, When I spoke to the Brown County VA representative, her last comment on the phone was: "...and if they question this, we'll fight for you." I thought, 'OK!" Have you been in contact with your local VA? I'd lend you ours if I could! I would try that if you haven't. Helen [ProstateCancerSupp ort] Re: The VA Mick, I went back and read most of the messages you have posted a couple of weeks ago, so I was aware of the fact that you paid out of pocket for your treatment. One of your messages intrigued and you seem to be a voice of reason, very articulate. You don't say that you were in Vietnam . Gregg was easily able to document his time in Viet Nam as his record keeping is pretty good. The VA contacted him while he was being treated in Loma . We sent the VA his records from Loma so he did not have to see a VA doctor. It seems that his claim was processed pretty quickly and maybe he just got lucky. Maybe you need to nudge the VA a little harder. Gregg spent most of his time on a PBR boat, the type that was used in the movie, "Apocolypse Now" This was an army division. He started out in the MPs but jumped at the chance to be on a boat...I don't know if we can be of any help but if we can just send a message.Laurel>> How did you get a benefit check so quickly???> > I spent 6 years in the Navy. My job was operating, maintaining and > instructing on land based and submarine nuclear power plants. My > responsibilities included proper operation and repair of all the > equipment from the reactor compartment machinery, piping and > mechanical systems to the sub's propeller. > > Just last year, when I got out of the hospital from prostate cancer > surgery, I applied with the VA to see if they would find a connection > for me or to see if they could assist financially or make a "service" > connection.> > It has been 14 months now. They acknowledged my request, but nothing > further. I hope to hear from them and further hope it is favorable in > my case. Not meaning to sound negative, but I am not holding my > breath. I did not have insurance. All care was fully funded by me. > > Reminds me of an old joke. Question: "Do you know where they go > through when you have cancer surgery"? Answer: "Your wallet!".> > I like hearing success stories. I would enjoy knowing your situation, > history and outcome... I would also enjoy hearing from others in the > same boat (...so to speak).> > Mick -- Abilene , TX> Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 Ahem (cough), I admit I get long winded at times. The " in country " veterans were potentially exposed to " agent orange " , a known carcinogen. The VA will not balk or drag their feet for any of those guys. I was never in Vietnam; I am just an " era " veteran and submarine or surface nukes, haven't a case like those who fought on soil (yet?). I doubt the VA will find in my favor, but will be happy if they do. At least they now see me for regular medical check ups and fill (on a limited basis) my perscriptions. I am happy. I go in for my 15 month check up in a few days. They will do blood work the week before and want to know my current status of health and spirit. I am 15 lbs lighter than I was when I started seeing them. My running distance and time has improved. Traditional prostatectomy post surgery issues have continued in their improvment and I eat very healthy. I don't know what else to do. I never did find anyone with that " interactive oncology " computer program which I was seeking. Many thanks to you and Gregg both. Mick -- Abilene, TX > > > > > > Helen, good for you on setting up the appointment so quickly. > > Hopefully > > > it won't take 5 or 6 six months. I am pretty sure that Gregg > applied > > in > > > Feb. I just checked and he had his first check for 2 months worth > of > > > benefits via direct deposit on April 20. Let me know what you > find > > out > > > at the appointment about any other benefits your husband may have > > > coming with regard to hearing loss etc. It could be helpful to us. > > > > > > Laurel > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2007 Report Share Posted July 27, 2007 PS: I have posted a couple photos in the photo link along with some self image stuff I have found here and there... Warmly, Mick -- Abilene, TX > Ahem (cough), I admit I get long winded at times. > > The " in country " veterans were potentially exposed to " agent > orange " , a known carcinogen. The VA will not balk or drag their > feet for any of those guys. > > I was never in Vietnam; I am just an " era " veteran and submarine or > surface nukes, haven't a case like those who fought on soil (yet?). > > I doubt the VA will find in my favor, but will be happy if they do. > At least they now see me for regular medical check ups and fill (on > a limited basis) my perscriptions. > > I am happy. I go in for my 15 month check up in a few days. They > will do blood work the week before and want to know my current > status of health and spirit. > > I am 15 lbs lighter than I was when I started seeing them. My > running distance and time has improved. Traditional prostatectomy > post surgery issues have continued in their improvment and I eat > very healthy. I don't know what else to do. > > I never did find anyone with that " interactive oncology " computer > program which I was seeking. > > Many thanks to you and Gregg both. > > Mick -- Abilene, TX > > > > > > > > > > > > Helen, good for you on setting up the appointment so quickly. > > > Hopefully > > > > it won't take 5 or 6 six months. I am pretty sure that Gregg > > applied > > > in > > > > Feb. I just checked and he had his first check for 2 months > worth > > of > > > > benefits via direct deposit on April 20. Let me know what you > > find > > > out > > > > at the appointment about any other benefits your husband may > have > > > > coming with regard to hearing loss etc. It could be helpful to > us. > > > > > > > > Laurel > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 Laurel, We had our appointment at the County VA office. We have filed for compensation for prostate cancer, hearing loss and PTSD. I was interested in her questions about Post Tramatic Stress Syndrom. My husband has several traits that relate to his Vietnam experience: He always wants to face the door when we eat at a restaurant; he hates large crowds (like the state fair or 6-Flags type theme parks), I had never considered these PTSD, but her questions were very interesting as they brought memories back for Dick. Another one was the noon siren; when he returned to Green Bay, he was getting out of his corvette and getting ready to cross the street (his mother was watching out the window of her office) and the noon siren went off. He dove under the car searching for his weapon, then realized he was home. His mother was shocked. He doesn't dive under the car now but said he always remembers when he hears a warning siren (this was the signal for incoming in Vietnam.) She also suggested he list his glomerulonephritis, which was discovered in 1980. He has been in remission for 20 years, but she wanted him to list it in case they recognize this condition in the future, he can reapply. We gave her copies of his DD214 and will have all of his medical records sent too. She filled out several pages of forms and the process begins! She said it will take 5-6 months, but any compensation will be retroactive to August 1, 2007. She is quite the advocate and very passionate about her job. We are lucky to have her! Will let you know how this turns out! Helen Green Bay, WI The VA Helen, good for you on setting up the appointment so quickly. Hopefully it won't take 5 or 6 six months. I am pretty sure that Gregg applied in Feb. I just checked and he had his first check for 2 months worth of benefits via direct deposit on April 20. Let me know what you find out at the appointment about any other benefits your husband may have coming with regard to hearing loss etc. It could be helpful to us.Laurel Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2007 Report Share Posted July 31, 2007 Helen, thanks for the update. It does sound as though you have a very good advocate. I just cracked up at the line your wrote, " He always wants to face the door when we eat at a restaurant. " Gregg is the same way, but I always thought it had to do with being a policeman. Our newly diagnosed friend, who has a conslutation appointment in Loma next month, made use of our local VA office and had a similar experience to the one you and your husband had. Very helpful. I just had Gregg read your message. Hopefully he will take the time to see an advocate. I suspect that his hearing loss is more due to the police work than to Viet Nam but....it is pretty severe. Laurel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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