Jim's Mailbag

I am on temporary 100% disability due to prostate cancer. I had my prostate removed. But several weeks before my first visit back to my doctor, I was given a re-evaluation by the VA. There has been no change in the rating. That was 7 months ago Prior to being diagnosed I had a 60% rating for combat realated injuries.
My question is after I am revalued again what can I expect my rating to be.

Hello Jim. I’m a disabled vet with a temporary 100% rating for PTSD, Anxiety, Major Depressive Disorder w/night terrors with an effective date of 02/13/2012. I have documentation from the VA that I will be re-examined in February of 2020. I see a psychologist monthly for therapy sessions and a Psychiatrist every other month for medication management. I’m on 5 different medications. The issue or question I have is I don’t see the VA for any of my mental health issues.

I was on board the USS TICONDEROGA CVS14 aircraft carrier from 1971 to 1973 and was on Yankee Station our aircraft flew into North Vietnam  are we Eligible for Disability?
 

Jim's Reply

Probably not but you can apply to be sure.

I am a USAF Veteran, I am 68 years old,I served as a flight line aircraft machanic from 1970-1974, 2 1/2 years at Dover AFB and 1 year 1973-1974 in CCK Tiawan/Karat RAFB Thialand/Clark P.I., I have been diagnosed by the VA as having Small Vessel Ischemic Brain disease, I have applied for the Agent Orange benefit program and have been denied any compensation, I am currently preparing an appeal with the help of the American Legion, I am looking for a connection to Agent Orange and this disease, can you help me. Thanks for all your good work.

My Dad filed for compensation for hearing loss and tinnitus in December 2009.  On April 2, 2018 the VA (finally) granted service connected hearing loss and tinnitus.  On June 22, 2018 the VA assigned 10% disability for tinnitus.  No mention of the status of assignment of disability for his hearing loss portion of his claim since April 2, 2018 grant of service connected hearing loss.  I spoke with an employee at the Regional Office handling the claim.  That person advised that the claim for hearing loss is "open" and there is "...request for current exam ..." in the record.

Thank you Jim for your continued service to our country and veterans like myself.  After 6 long years, I finally won my appeal and received a combined rating of 80%.  I'm grateful for this website because it helped me on appeal. My state VSO had a lot of turnover from retirement and I received no support. No exaggeration, after dozens of calls and emails, my case bounced around the office. There were many days of despair.  Ultimately, I mostly prevailed.  For whatever reason the VA didn't consider me for TDIU.

I need to find someone who can help get my landlord to fix my leaking front door and roof. He was told more than a year ago about both problems. Who can I call or write to?
 

Jim's Reply

I don't know. That sounds like a civil problem and not one that has to do with any VA benefits. Landlord / tenant problems as well as almost every other issue we run into after service have nothing to do with our military service and that we're veterans doesn't (and shouldn't) be treated differently. Your best bet is to speak with a local attorney who can help you.
 

I was on the USS TICONDEROGA CVS14 aircraft carrier from 1971 1973 and on Yankee Station i wanted to know if the HR BILL 299 is passed for Blue Water Sailors will we be eligible for Disability since our Aircraft presumably flew through Agent Orange on their Sorties to position in North Vietnam and back to the Carriers I thought i read it only covers up to 12 miles from shore. Thank you

The VA is treating me for hypothyroidism. I believe it is in connection to chemicals that were found in the burn pits in Iraq, and working by nuclear weapons that were dismantled on site. How likely am I to get a disability rating for this? 

I am dating a woman who has left her husband during our time together things became intimate. I've been told that this could cause me to receive an dishonorable discharge. Is this true and what can we do to remain together but prevent it if so?

Jim's Reply

You're venturing into a complex situation that will have a ton of variables. You need to consult with a JAG officer to have your circumstances thoroughly evaluated.

I am a retired veteran with a 80% disability rating.

I have atherosclerosis and have disnosed TIA,mini strokes. what can I do about the diseases? I served in Vietnam, in 1967.

Jim's Reply

Were you aware that Lowes Hardware is collecting information on Veterans. My local Lowes would not give me military discount unless I provided the following information: phone number, branch of service, dates of service, discharge date and rank. I don't know why they are collecting this info but I find it very disturbing.

Jim's Reply

This was my first email to you and Thank you for l appreciate your help. Now I still have a couple of other questions:

1.  I have a couple of secondary questions to my service connected diabetes but they happened before by rating for diabetes so VA will probably deny them but SHOULD I STILL FILE A CLAIM FOR THEM?

2.  VA already denied my claim for ED because they said I had ED before by rating for PC. I just finished 45 radiation treatments yesterday so should I file another claim claim for ED stating that ED IS REALLY BAD BECAUSE OF THE RADIATIONS TREATMENTS?