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Posted 10/31/2013 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
Had a wonderful phone call this morning from the VA Disability folks.  Spent a good 30 minutes or more on the call with a person called a "Disability Coach".

He gave me the complete good news.  I have been rated 100% permanently disabled just on the Prostate Cancer, and I don't have to see any doctors first, or in the future.  They are basing this on the fact that Social Security had already declared me 100% disabled.

I agreed to drop the "remand' portion concerning seeing if my 3 bouts of porocarcinoma were or could have been service connected.  Like I thought, even if I went through the process, it wouldn't add one cent to my claim, and only tie them and me up for a protracted amount of time.  I only ever included it in my original filing, because my original oncologist that dealt with the porocarcinoma said that due to its ultra rarity, it could have been caused by some toxic exposure in my past.  Since the VA is already agreeing to pay me 100%, there's no point fighting for something the VA guy said probably would never be approved anyway.

He authorized immediate payment for the money owed to me in arrears, going back to October of 2009.  Said the check should arrive in a week to 10 days.  He is also sending out the award letter, but said the check often comes before the letter.  The make up check will be in the low six-figure range.

(Sonny - if you are reading this, everything you had told me is exactly like you said it would be, thanks)

I will have full coverage VA medical care for everything, including dental, and that includes all future care, not just PC related.  This will be on top of my Medicare.

We will get military ID cards, and can use the Commissary/PX's.  However, from where we live, the nearest base is over 100 miles away, but nice to know we will have it.

He said they will pay me back for any co-pays or meds that I have had to pay for over that 4 year period, all I have to do is turn in the information, and they will cut a check.

Plus, he said the state of SC will have a long list of other benefits for totally disabled vets, including never having to pay property taxes on my house, entitled to 2 free auto tags for our cars, free hunting/fishing licenses, free or reduced rates to state parks, and the list goes on and on.

I am so thankful and excited, the fullness of this new reality hasn't fully sunken in yet, and it was one hell of an emotional fight this past 4 years making this happen, on top of all I have gone through physically the past 5 years.

The VA guy apologized profusely for the shabby way that I was treated by the VA processing center in SC, and said no vet deserves to be treated the way I was.

None of this changes the way I feel physically, nor does it slow down the progression of my cancer, but for once, I can feel relaxed financially.  I have been bearing a lot of false guilt the past five years that I have been unable to work.  I know, its stupid, but I am an old school guy, and it made me feel bad that I couldn't fully provide for my wife and family.  Now, with this in place, I will simply consider myself to be fully retired, and perhaps I can train my mind to allow myself to have fun and to be able  to enjoy things without guilt.

And I salute all my other Viet-Nam brothers here at HW.  None of us had it easy.  And we all remember how many if not most of were treated during that "war".  We weren't the darlings of the media in those days, and so many despised us for our service at the time.  And we sure weren't viewed as heroes by the public.  Like some of you, I had a low draft lottery number, and did the honorable thing and enlisted, instead of ducking out in college or running off to Canada.  I am glad that over 40 years later, my country is willing to help me in my time of need.

And thanks again, to the lovely ladies that run the Pickens County VA office.  You all kept me going the past 4 years, helped me with all the paperwork, and always believed in my case.  I thank you for your service to all the vets in my area.

David in SC

 

Posted 10/31/2013 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hey David,

I'm very happy for you...go enjoy another cruise (or anything) as soon as you can.

Mike

Posted 10/31/2013 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
Purg,

That has to be the best post ever from someone who has endured so much.
Posted 10/31/2013 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
Great to hear David!!! The other thing I like is Survivors Benefits as it will ease my mind about my wife's future should I pass away from PCa. But hopefully that is light years away.

Michael

Posted 10/31/2013 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
David,
Fantastic news, and all of the added bennies from SC, property taxes, etc. Survivors benefits later on too. After what you and many other Vietnam vets lived with during those war years and the unwelcome on returning home, it's good to know you are now getting the support you earned and need. Enjoy the moment and celebrate!
Pat
Posted 10/31/2013 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
David -

It's like you've been trudging across the wide desolate Sahara, under the blazing hot sun with no canteen, and now, finally, you have come to and entered into, maybe staggered into, the cool, green, watery oasis that after so long is finally there for you on the other side.

And after you pass through this wonderful green oasis there is nothing ahead of you now but cool, green woodlands as far as the eye can see.

Okay, maybe that's a somewhat overly imaginative way of putting it, but it does seem like a good way to describe it. But anyway a person does want to describe it, it's still a wonderful outcome for you after so many years of such challenges that you have faced.

Again, very happy congratulations, and know that we your forum brothers and sisters are all very, very happy for you.
Posted 10/31/2013 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
thanks, everyone. just nice to share some of my joy with you, since we are like family here
--------------------------

81 - like the way you described this event and what led up to it. great analogy too. I am still in the shock and awe part, I knew in my heart I had "earned" this, and deserved it, etc, but what I had to go through to prove things. No wonder so many vets, or vet's widows, either give up or die along the path.

Seems like nothing has gone easy for me, but hasn't stopped me from keeping on moving forward each step, one at the time.

The peace of mind I know have, as the result of this, is too hard to describe at the moment, because in my condition, there was so little I could to improve things on my own, no matter how determined my mind and heart were. With a broken body, just too many limits in place.

And all along, all I cared about was having the peace of mind knowing that my wife will never be destitute
or in need in the future.

David
Posted 10/31/2013 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Vietnam Vet---Dave/Purg
Again, my heartfelt congratulations..I've been following Deros (Friendly Fire 11) on another forum for some time now--"Veterans Benefit Forum Network" and I don't recall anyone having the success that you have. 60Michael--there are 14 diseases that you can die of and your wife will receive a small monthly stipend; it's good to know!! Dave, now you can celebrate; this was the information that I hoped you would receive! I agree with everything that the VA guy said--another claim is ridiculous since 100% is 100%. I was wondering how the monies that was spent on your care would be recouped but your VSO ladies will surely help you with that..Supposedly, the VSO ladies are not supposed to accept gifts but a good steak dinner is another animal. I took care of my VSO who just retired but mumms the word on that!
NOW--As a favor to me and other vets I have 2 requests. I have always supported you as you have me:
1. After a year of being ignored, lied to with the obvious intent of keeping me in the dark. I finally received the current "Clinical Preventive Service Guidance Statement: Prostate Cancer Screening" from the VHA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, (919) 383-7874 ext 2430. This took congressional action and I have been informed that I can't copy or distribute it. Please have your VSO request a copy by calling them. Basically, the VA does NOT RECOMMEND prostate cancer screening with PSA or DRE for men between 45-70 years old; HOWEVER, if screening is specifically requested by the patient and discussed with his provider then screening may be done!
Another sad fact is that although men who have been exposed to Agent Orange may be at increased risk, there is insufficient evidence about the balance between benefits and harms of screening. However, if screening is specifically REQUESTED by the patient screening may be done.
Your views and mine on this subject are the same and as a knowledgeable vet I appreciate your help.
2. Sometimes our "old eyes: have a hard time reading "green" ink, I am requesting that you participate in Movember. It's simple and your donation of $20 or $25 will be matched by Casey. My donation is in the mail and I won't shave my "stach" for a month. Since I'm just coming off of lupron, I don't know what will grow--lol...Make him pay for his "green" ink..

Hey, have a beer on me at the legion..I realize that I may have asked a lot, but I would expect no less than from another vet..Coming home--I got off the plane in Washington State and went in the washroom and changed into a Hawaiian shirt, kakai pants and black shoes. No way was I going to go to some Fort to be outfitted..Have to be in uniform to fly with orders? I was willing to pay but the airline lady took one look at me--yeah, snow was on the ground and I flew 1st class!! I owe her.

Dave, you have made my day, Sir! You are the man.
Bill idea
Posted 11/1/2013 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
My brother is a disabled VET. I am very happy to hear of your good news. Congratulations and God Bless.
Posted 11/1/2013 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
You've kept the faith and you deserve every penny, every bennie. Be a good steward of your blessing and never forget the lesson of belief and patience. Patience the supreme virtue that drives all the rest. Whats neat about it ,is that it is "out " of "time" and always on time.
Posted 11/1/2013 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
David,

I'm so very happy that you've won your case. It's a huge difference when you know that they accept responsibility for your issues. I know when my husband retired he filed a claim and he like you is a disable VET. Of course he served in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He did 22 years on active duty and would have stayed a bit longer, but they wanted to send him again to Iraq.

He would have gone willingly, but my health had just really started declining then and he felt he needed to be home to care for me. We have only one child, and as we don't know how long I will continue to live, we didn't want to tempt fate and send him back to Iraq and leave her w/o parents in the end.

Because of his retirement we have the military ID cards. You can also shop at the BX/PX. AAFES carries all the stuff that Target or Walmart would carry and then some. You can shop online if you're interested. It's a shame that the nearest base is 100 miles away. Shopping at the commissary can be much cheaper than the regular stores.

I've got medicare and tricare as my insurance. Bill has the VA and tricare for his health coverage. It's nice that since he's disabled the VA helps us out with a monthly living allowance for our daughter while she's in college. It ended when she turned 18, and the VA messed up and stopped it not realizing that she was still in high school and then went on to college. This happened to several folks he works with too, he had to file a claim and can you believe it took them from 2/11 until recently to approve that he was entitled to the benefits.

It's a shame that the VA treated you so poorly and made you wait 4 years. It's just not right that they treat our vets this way. I say well done on winning your case. I'm glad that financially you'll not have to worry anymore about your wife. You NEVER should have felt guilty about not being able to work my friend. You couldn't and can't help it that you've got cancer. I'm certain your wife has NEVER felt that your at fault for any of it.

Make sure you treat yourself to something nice David, you deserve it. If I can help in anyway about your benefits with the commissary and BX/PX please let me know. Hope to talk with you soon, and I pray that your pain levels aren't to high tonight. Hang in there my dear friend and we'll chat soon.

Hugs,
Barbara
Posted 11/1/2013 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
David, I am ecstatic for you.  Thank God you have received the 100% disability rating, if anyone ever deserved it, it would be you!  I think the Padre helped out too.   The Old Sailor 
Posted 11/1/2013 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
Sailor, my dear friend, I do attribute this blessing to our friend Padre. about a month ago, I purchased a large portrait of our protector and hung it in my study to watch over me. Hope you are doing well.

Mikey - thanks, and its me that owes you the phone call, it will come soon, promise.

joseph - thanks too

barb - thank you, my good pain buddy. sorry I didn't get to call you today, this day got away from me and I was overburdened with more to do than I could possibly finish, perhaps tomorrow. Hope you had a better day on your end. For me, woke up with the worlds worse possible back and right hip/leg pain, and it has not left me the entire day. Despite putting on a fresh patch and taking the max. amount of other pain meds. even this late, still in pretty constant pain, which is kind of distracting me from enjoying my recent good news. I promise you, my wife never once made me feel inadequate or guilty for not working, as she knows first hand that if anything, I was a work addict. It was a self inflicted feeling of guilt, again, because I come from that old school type of thinking, where the man supports his family. Originally my wife working, was only because she wanted to, as a nurse, not because we really needed her income. But once I became disabled, it was required for her to work, and she still works way too hard and too many hours. But the good thing, is she is now planning on taking her SS at 62 instead of waiting till she is 65, so that will be in less than 4 years, which is encouraging to her.

gunfighter - I admire you and all my other fellow vets here at HW. I don't know how you feel, but for me and most every other VN vet I have known, we have a special brotherhood thicker than blood, regardless of what branch we served in. Nothing like fighting a war that wasn't really a war (lol), one that was so hated by the public, and one that ended in the manner that it did.

I will be happy to honor your requests, but not certain in your #1 what you need me to do. Can you re-phrase it in simplest of terms so I know what it is you need me to do? As far as #2, well, I already have the stache, have mostly worn one since I was 18, and currently growing my winter goatee, so I hope that counts. I have no problem in sending Casey the required funds and do my part there.

Thank you also, Michael and Pat, didn't want to forget you

David
Posted 11/1/2013 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
David,
So glad you finally got this. It's great that the VA finally came through.

Sounds like that will really help fix up your medical insurance.

and a free hunting license? If you take them up on that, we want pictures... :)

Andrew
Posted 11/1/2013 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
Dave,
Regarding #1--If your VSO has the "Guidance Statement" I feel that they will be more apt to have their clientele REQUEST a PSA test. My PCP and medical facility will NOT do a PSA test unless "specifically requested"...I hope I'm making sense since I'm infuriated...Other VA medical facilities may ignore the guidelines of no PSA test unless specifically requested but mine will not.
I guess that I want the "word" out.
I'm sorry that you are having a rotten day but you are now officially one of the "elite"
Bill
Posted 11/1/2013 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Andrew. It was long in coming, but so glad its behind me and I can look forward now, and not having this hanging over my head. It's been nerve and emotional wrecking for me the past nearly 4 years. Especially when I knew I had the truth and the facts on my side. Proving it from defective records over 4 decades over was not easy.

It's a nice bonus to get free hunting and/or fishing license, but I do neither. Have never hunted a day in my life or ever been hunting. I did fly fish for years, but gave it up perhaps 10 years ago, or more. Since I only did catch-release, I finally decided it was pointless to put the poor fish through all that torment. I looked like the cover boy for Orvis in those days, lol, as I had every possible thing a fly fisherman could have. When I have hobbies, I tend to go overboard and first class all the way, just ask my wife that. So I probably won't take advantage of this benefit. My joints could never take the pounding of walking/wading fast moving trout rivers and trying not to fall down on slippery rocks.

David
Posted 11/1/2013 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
David - Congratulations! Viet Nam was a long time ago but, THANK YOU for your service.
Posted 11/1/2013 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
This is great news! I am so glad for you and your family. Thats gonna be a pretty fat check.
Posted 11/2/2013 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
thank you both!!! still in amazement after such a long and protracted fight. pays to be persistent
Posted 11/2/2013 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
David,

Very happy to hear of your good news. Congratulations and God Bless.

Dave in Bartlett, TN
Posted 11/2/2013 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Dave. Simply waiting for the big check to arrive, may be as early as the middle of this coming week. Excited about becoming totally debt free and being able to help out each of my kids and grand kids. I would feel selfish if I didn't share this windfall with my entire family.

Next I am gathering 4 years worth of medical bills and prescription drug receipts. Got my CVS to print a dump of all my meds. The VA said they would reimburse me for anything that I paid out of pocket during this time.

Soon as I get the official letter in my hand, off to the county tax office to stop my property taxes and apply for a full refund of the past 4 year's taxes. When I was approved for SSD, 2 1/2 years, my taxes were cut to 50%, but now it will be 100%, as my primary home and up to one acre in land will be exempt from any.

Another task will be going to the DMV and having my regular handicap tag replaced with the Disabled Handicap Veteran tags, also free for life.

Lot a lot of work cut out for in the weeks ahead, but it will be fun work, won't mind a bit.

And as far as fun, have budget a nice amount for next year's cruise.

Sonny - if you are reading, told my wife tonight, that health willing, I will be coming to your GFMPH meet in Orlando. Please e-mail me details when you have them. She wants to come, but my prove difficult for her to get the time off. I can easily fly non-stop from GSP to Orlando very inexpensive.

David
Posted 11/2/2013 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Today, I got a nice personal letter from Sen. Lindsay Graham. He was telling me of my VA approval, sent a copy of the approval I already had, plus showed me a copy of the letter the VA sent to him, proving to him that I had been taken care of properly.

This is on top of the phone called I had received earlier in the week. I give him high marks for his follow up in my case, and his concern. Gee, I have never even voted for him before.

I will be sending him a real letter of thanks for his help and participation. Sincerely appreciated.

David
Posted 11/3/2013 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi David It's so cool that Sen. Graham is even on your side. Again. I'm so happy for you that you finally got what you deserved long ago. Congratulations.

love and hugs
Loretta

ps I hope your pain calms down, so you can enjoy this.
Posted 11/3/2013 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Loretta. That makes like the 4th letter I got from him during the course of the battle with the VA. I am impressed that he takes care down to such a personal level.

Today was the first "regular' CP day I have had in the past 4 days, just that made it a little more bearable. The previous 3 days were horrid, and left me all edgy and near panic at time, because nothing would shake the pain in my body. Three days of that level would make even the strongest person break down.

David
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