I'm being charged by my insurance provider for va services. I am a 1.5 year veteran of the Vietnam

ismetals
ismetals Member Posts: 69
edited March 2014 in Prostate Cancer #1
I was under the impression that pc was a Vietnam related dissability. Am I wrong?

Comments

  • jimbeam50
    jimbeam50 Member Posts: 47
    pc in Vietnam Vets
    You are correct, pc is a health condition recognized as service connected if you stepped foot in vietnam. You do not have to show that your illness is Service connected in order to get disability compensation. We just went all through this, it wasn't that there was a problem with the claim it just took seven months to get the VA to look at it even though my husband is an advanced case and it was supposed to be reviewed immediately. Have you filed a claim with your local VA office? My husband doesn't go to a VA facility for treatment, we have Tricare insurance so he goes to a civilian doctor.

    Sheila
  • ismetals
    ismetals Member Posts: 69
    jimbeam50 said:

    pc in Vietnam Vets
    You are correct, pc is a health condition recognized as service connected if you stepped foot in vietnam. You do not have to show that your illness is Service connected in order to get disability compensation. We just went all through this, it wasn't that there was a problem with the claim it just took seven months to get the VA to look at it even though my husband is an advanced case and it was supposed to be reviewed immediately. Have you filed a claim with your local VA office? My husband doesn't go to a VA facility for treatment, we have Tricare insurance so he goes to a civilian doctor.

    Sheila

    va sending me bills for a physical
    I was told by the va to go to them for a physical. So I did. Now I am getting bills from them dirrecly for their services? Anyone have any thoughts on this.
  • Emerson1
    Emerson1 Member Posts: 3
    jimbeam50 said:

    pc in Vietnam Vets
    You are correct, pc is a health condition recognized as service connected if you stepped foot in vietnam. You do not have to show that your illness is Service connected in order to get disability compensation. We just went all through this, it wasn't that there was a problem with the claim it just took seven months to get the VA to look at it even though my husband is an advanced case and it was supposed to be reviewed immediately. Have you filed a claim with your local VA office? My husband doesn't go to a VA facility for treatment, we have Tricare insurance so he goes to a civilian doctor.

    Sheila

    PC in Viet Nam
    I had two tours as a Combat Medic in Viet Nam. What you tell me about disability for PC as a result of sduch duty is disturbing. I'd like to know where to look at the government's response to this. Can you send links or advise @ searches? Thanks and Good Fortune.
  • jimbeam50
    jimbeam50 Member Posts: 47
    Emerson1 said:

    PC in Viet Nam
    I had two tours as a Combat Medic in Viet Nam. What you tell me about disability for PC as a result of sduch duty is disturbing. I'd like to know where to look at the government's response to this. Can you send links or advise @ searches? Thanks and Good Fortune.

    Agent Orange Review
    My husband receives material from the Dept. Of Veterans Affairs for veterans who served in Vietnam. Web site is www.VA.gov/AgentOrange. It contains most current updates. He also receives information from the Retired Marine Corp. Newsletter. Every issue of both of these publications clearly states that pc is a health condition presumptively recongnized as service connected if you set foot in Vietnam as opposed to flying over and never landing on soil.

    Sheila
  • ismetals
    ismetals Member Posts: 69
    jimbeam50 said:

    Agent Orange Review
    My husband receives material from the Dept. Of Veterans Affairs for veterans who served in Vietnam. Web site is www.VA.gov/AgentOrange. It contains most current updates. He also receives information from the Retired Marine Corp. Newsletter. Every issue of both of these publications clearly states that pc is a health condition presumptively recongnized as service connected if you set foot in Vietnam as opposed to flying over and never landing on soil.

    Sheila

    Thanks for responding guys.
    Thanks for responding guys. I don't know where this is going. I just thought that the VA would help out. I'm going to try and find somebody that knows more about the VA and it's bearocracy. In the mean time keep fighting, take your time on all decisions and base them on the best info you can get your hands on.
  • Joe_Ballard
    Joe_Ballard Member Posts: 5
    ismetals said:

    Thanks for responding guys.
    Thanks for responding guys. I don't know where this is going. I just thought that the VA would help out. I'm going to try and find somebody that knows more about the VA and it's bearocracy. In the mean time keep fighting, take your time on all decisions and base them on the best info you can get your hands on.

    Diabetes is another one that
    Diabetes is another one that came out of the Viet Nam war. I have both the cancer and diabetes. Only I was in the Navy, and worked on the flight deck of a carrier.I filed with the VA, and after 3 yrs I just got a letter from them telling me I do not qualify.Even though the planes that carried Agent Orange I was exposed to. I am going through the VA for all my treatments. Every Vet can get that.My cancer has gone outside of the prostrate so I don't think I have the time to fight with the VA over all this. It would only be a couple hundred a month.
  • John_66
    John_66 Member Posts: 10
    ismetals said:

    Thanks for responding guys.
    Thanks for responding guys. I don't know where this is going. I just thought that the VA would help out. I'm going to try and find somebody that knows more about the VA and it's bearocracy. In the mean time keep fighting, take your time on all decisions and base them on the best info you can get your hands on.

    Agent Orange - PC - The process
    I live in Albany NY and called my Albany County Veterans' Affairs people. Within a week I had been mailed forms to fill out. I was also told to contact the New York State Veterans' Affairs people, who are located at our VA hospital here.
    There are two processes: Filing for compensation and getting on the Agent Orange Registry.

    I am going to see the NYS Vets Affairs guy this afternoon ( 4/21) to see to it that I've completed the mind-numbing form for compensation that the VA requires before I file it with them.

    Friday I am going to the VA for 'Agent Orange Registry' - whatever that is.

    I also received a letter from the VA hospital yesterday saying that I would have to have 'Means Testing' after my Agent Orange Registry examination. Maybe so they can tell me I don't need any comp because I'm so wealthy? That's cynical, I know

    I will post as the process moves along.

    Another way to do this is to contact your nearest Disabled American Veterans office. I was in an Arty unit ( 3/12 3rd Mar Div) and my hearing started to go in my late 30's. I went through DAV, calling a local representative. DAV has a web site where you can start. DAV issuper at going through the maze!!! This may be your best bet, AND WHY YOU SHOULD BUY A POPPY EACH NOVEMBER FOR AT LEAST $10.00.
  • ismetals
    ismetals Member Posts: 69
    John_66 said:

    Agent Orange - PC - The process
    I live in Albany NY and called my Albany County Veterans' Affairs people. Within a week I had been mailed forms to fill out. I was also told to contact the New York State Veterans' Affairs people, who are located at our VA hospital here.
    There are two processes: Filing for compensation and getting on the Agent Orange Registry.

    I am going to see the NYS Vets Affairs guy this afternoon ( 4/21) to see to it that I've completed the mind-numbing form for compensation that the VA requires before I file it with them.

    Friday I am going to the VA for 'Agent Orange Registry' - whatever that is.

    I also received a letter from the VA hospital yesterday saying that I would have to have 'Means Testing' after my Agent Orange Registry examination. Maybe so they can tell me I don't need any comp because I'm so wealthy? That's cynical, I know

    I will post as the process moves along.

    Another way to do this is to contact your nearest Disabled American Veterans office. I was in an Arty unit ( 3/12 3rd Mar Div) and my hearing started to go in my late 30's. I went through DAV, calling a local representative. DAV has a web site where you can start. DAV issuper at going through the maze!!! This may be your best bet, AND WHY YOU SHOULD BUY A POPPY EACH NOVEMBER FOR AT LEAST $10.00.

    thanks for the reply
    I just recieved a package in the mail from the VA. I hope to find the courage to deal with it tonight. I'm in western mass. and we have a va center nearby. Let's keep in touch. Any help fighting them is welcome.
    ismetals@verizon.net
  • ismetals
    ismetals Member Posts: 69
    Emerson1 said:

    PC in Viet Nam
    I had two tours as a Combat Medic in Viet Nam. What you tell me about disability for PC as a result of sduch duty is disturbing. I'd like to know where to look at the government's response to this. Can you send links or advise @ searches? Thanks and Good Fortune.

    late reply sorry
    Emerson1 sorry for the late reply. As soon as i figure out what's going on with the VA I'll fill you in. I did recieve a call from them the other day and was told they located my paperwork in Verginia. I guess that's good news. I just recieved a package from theM and will be checking it out tonight. I'll try to keep you all up to date.
    ismetals@verizon.net
  • jimbeam50
    jimbeam50 Member Posts: 47
    ismetals said:

    late reply sorry
    Emerson1 sorry for the late reply. As soon as i figure out what's going on with the VA I'll fill you in. I did recieve a call from them the other day and was told they located my paperwork in Verginia. I guess that's good news. I just recieved a package from theM and will be checking it out tonight. I'll try to keep you all up to date.
    ismetals@verizon.net

    VA
    Glad to hear you are all applying for VA compensation. It is extremely frustrating to deal with them and you have to keep after them. I quess we were lucky and our State Veteran Counselor that we had here in NY did all the paper work! Fortunately I had all my husband's discharge papers going back to 1969! If you can not get an appointment with your local Division of Veteran's Afrfairs office to help with the paperwork there is usually someone at your local VFW who acts as an advocate and they usually know their way around the system. Also is you run into difficulties with your claim contact your state or local congressman for assistance. Our VA councelor said that you will get 100% disability while you are being treated for PA. My husband is at 100% because of his advanced condition with no further review neeeded. Good luck. Sheila
  • John_66
    John_66 Member Posts: 10
    Visit to counselor
    Met with NY Division of Veterans Affairs rep, who has an office in our Albany VA Hospital. As I had previously applied for hearing loss comp, I had a VA file number. Accordingly I did not have to fill out the form all over again. They had most of the data on the computer. The representative did help me fill out a supplemental form for this new comp request. Since the Pathology Report indicated the removal of the cancerous tumour ( i.e. I was 'cured', the comp claim was for 'Loss of Reproductive Organ' Also, since my prior application was in 2004, together we updated the computer data with all the address, phone number, etc. items that had changed since 2004.
    You must bring your DDA 214 to your meeting. The form might or might not have information indicating 'in-country service'. There were plenty of people who wore the yellow and orange campaign ribbon who, despite their service, were not 'in country'. You should have your in-country unit's complete description. - like mine was HQ Co; 3rd Battalion; 12th Marines; 3rd Marine Div.
    You'll also need to have your treating physician's name and address so that you can complete your for the treating physician an Authorization and Consent to Release Information.
    I brought along a copy of my Post-Op Pathology Report to serve as verification for the new claim. My pathology report had all the information on it that the Rep felt was necessary to establish a claim for comp.
    After completion of the data, my rep took responsibility for getting the form to the nearest VA processing office.
    He informed me that within 6-8 weeks I would receive a notice from the VA that they were processing the claim. If you had no previous claim, you would at that time be notified what your 'File Number' was. From that point on, you use that with any correspondence. Within a subsequent 6-8 week period, I sould receive a 'Duty to Respond' Letter. This is a request for supplemental information that they might require. YOU MUST FOLLOW UP AND SEND THEM WHAT THEY ASK FOR. This is where you work closely with your desgnated Rep to provide them with the data or documents. Respond as quickly as you can!!! You have 60 days ( actually, a year but don't stretch it if you can help it). Finally, after ANOTHER 6-8 weeks, you should get an 'Award' Letter.
    So the process is at least 24 weeks.
    WORK WITH YOUR REP. THE Rep knows all the ins and outs. You just go with the flow.

    Friday 4/24 I will get on the Agent Orange Registry after an 'examination'.

    Your being on the Agent Orange Registry and your application for compensation HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH EACH OTHER. My rep informed me that even if I was 'registered', the VA processing my claim could question whether or not I was 'in-country'. As we've come to learn, They Don't Talk To Each Other.
  • John_66
    John_66 Member Posts: 10
    Visit to counselor
    Met with NY Division of Veterans Affairs rep, who has an office in our Albany VA Hospital. As I had previously applied for hearing loss comp, I had a VA file number. Accordingly I did not have to fill out the form all over again. They had most of the data on the computer. The representative did help me fill out a supplemental form for this new comp request. Since the Pathology Report indicated the removal of the cancerous tumour ( i.e. I was 'cured', the comp claim was for 'Loss of Reproductive Organ' Also, since my prior application was in 2004, together we updated the computer data with all the address, phone number, etc. items that had changed since 2004.
    You must bring your DDA 214 to your meeting. The form might or might not have information indicating 'in-country service'. There were plenty of people who wore the yellow and orange campaign ribbon who, despite their service, were not 'in country'. You should have your in-country unit's complete description. - like mine was HQ Co; 3rd Battalion; 12th Marines; 3rd Marine Div.
    You'll also need to have your treating physician's name and address so that you can complete your for the treating physician an Authorization and Consent to Release Information.
    I brought along a copy of my Post-Op Pathology Report to serve as verification for the new claim. My pathology report had all the information on it that the Rep felt was necessary to establish a claim for comp.
    After completion of the data, my rep took responsibility for getting the form to the nearest VA processing office.
    He informed me that within 6-8 weeks I would receive a notice from the VA that they were processing the claim. If you had no previous claim, you would at that time be notified what your 'File Number' was. From that point on, you use that with any correspondence. Within a subsequent 6-8 week period, I sould receive a 'Duty to Respond' Letter. This is a request for supplemental information that they might require. YOU MUST FOLLOW UP AND SEND THEM WHAT THEY ASK FOR. This is where you work closely with your desgnated Rep to provide them with the data or documents. Respond as quickly as you can!!! You have 60 days ( actually, a year but don't stretch it if you can help it). Finally, after ANOTHER 6-8 weeks, you should get an 'Award' Letter.
    So the process is at least 24 weeks.
    WORK WITH YOUR REP. THE Rep knows all the ins and outs. You just go with the flow.

    Friday 4/24 I will get on the Agent Orange Registry after an 'examination'.

    Your being on the Agent Orange Registry and your application for compensation HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH EACH OTHER. My rep informed me that even if I was 'registered', the VA processing my claim could question whether or not I was 'in-country'. As we've come to learn, They Don't Talk To Each Other.
  • John_66
    John_66 Member Posts: 10
    Visit to counselor
    Met with NY Division of Veterans Affairs rep, who has an office in our Albany VA Hospital. As I had previously applied for hearing loss comp, I had a VA file number. Accordingly I did not have to fill out the form all over again. They had most of the data on the computer. The representative did help me fill out a supplemental form for this new comp request. Since the Pathology Report indicated the removal of the cancerous tumour ( i.e. I was 'cured', the comp claim was for 'Loss of Reproductive Organ' Also, since my prior application was in 2004, together we updated the computer data with all the address, phone number, etc. items that had changed since 2004.
    You must bring your DDA 214 to your meeting. The form might or might not have information indicating 'in-country service'. There were plenty of people who wore the yellow and orange campaign ribbon who, despite their service, were not 'in country'. You should have your in-country unit's complete description. - like mine was HQ Co; 3rd Battalion; 12th Marines; 3rd Marine Div.
    You'll also need to have your treating physician's name and address so that you can complete your for the treating physician an Authorization and Consent to Release Information.
    I brought along a copy of my Post-Op Pathology Report to serve as verification for the new claim. My pathology report had all the information on it that the Rep felt was necessary to establish a claim for comp.
    After completion of the data, my rep took responsibility for getting the form to the nearest VA processing office.
    He informed me that within 6-8 weeks I would receive a notice from the VA that they were processing the claim. If you had no previous claim, you would at that time be notified what your 'File Number' was. From that point on, you use that with any correspondence. Within a subsequent 6-8 week period, I sould receive a 'Duty to Respond' Letter. This is a request for supplemental information that they might require. YOU MUST FOLLOW UP AND SEND THEM WHAT THEY ASK FOR. This is where you work closely with your desgnated Rep to provide them with the data or documents. Respond as quickly as you can!!! You have 60 days ( actually, a year but don't stretch it if you can help it). Finally, after ANOTHER 6-8 weeks, you should get an 'Award' Letter.
    So the process is at least 24 weeks.
    WORK WITH YOUR REP. THE Rep knows all the ins and outs. You just go with the flow.

    Friday 4/24 I will get on the Agent Orange Registry after an 'examination'.

    Your being on the Agent Orange Registry and your application for compensation HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH EACH OTHER. My rep informed me that even if I was 'registered', the VA processing my claim could question whether or not I was 'in-country'. As we've come to learn, They Don't Talk To Each Other.
  • John_66
    John_66 Member Posts: 10
    Visit to counselor
    Met with NY Division of Veterans Affairs rep, who has an office in our Albany VA Hospital. As I had previously applied for hearing loss comp, I had a VA file number. Accordingly I did not have to fill out the form all over again. They had most of the data on the computer. The representative did help me fill out a supplemental form for this new comp request. Since the Pathology Report indicated the removal of the cancerous tumour ( i.e. I was 'cured', the comp claim was for 'Loss of Reproductive Organ' Also, since my prior application was in 2004, together we updated the computer data with all the address, phone number, etc. items that had changed since 2004.
    You must bring your DDA 214 to your meeting. The form might or might not have information indicating 'in-country service'. There were plenty of people who wore the yellow and orange campaign ribbon who, despite their service, were not 'in country'. You should have your in-country unit's complete description. - like mine was HQ Co; 3rd Battalion; 12th Marines; 3rd Marine Div.
    You'll also need to have your treating physician's name and address so that you can complete your for the treating physician an Authorization and Consent to Release Information.
    I brought along a copy of my Post-Op Pathology Report to serve as verification for the new claim. My pathology report had all the information on it that the Rep felt was necessary to establish a claim for comp.
    After completion of the data, my rep took responsibility for getting the form to the nearest VA processing office.
    He informed me that within 6-8 weeks I would receive a notice from the VA that they were processing the claim. If you had no previous claim, you would at that time be notified what your 'File Number' was. From that point on, you use that with any correspondence. Within a subsequent 6-8 week period, I sould receive a 'Duty to Respond' Letter. This is a request for supplemental information that they might require. YOU MUST FOLLOW UP AND SEND THEM WHAT THEY ASK FOR. This is where you work closely with your desgnated Rep to provide them with the data or documents. Respond as quickly as you can!!! You have 60 days ( actually, a year but don't stretch it if you can help it). Finally, after ANOTHER 6-8 weeks, you should get an 'Award' Letter.
    So the process is at least 24 weeks.
    WORK WITH YOUR REP. THE Rep knows all the ins and outs. You just go with the flow.

    Friday 4/24 I will get on the Agent Orange Registry after an 'examination'.

    Your being on the Agent Orange Registry and your application for compensation HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH EACH OTHER. My rep informed me that even if I was 'registered', the VA processing my claim could question whether or not I was 'in-country'. As we've come to learn, They Don't Talk To Each Other.
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