My husband served 3 tours in Vietnam and as every Veteran there, was exposed to agent orange. He was denied sleep apnea connection, approved for Parkinsons, and denied for lung fibrosis. He was told by VA to come back when he had lung cancer. He died 4 years ago and I'm still fighting.
Sorry for your loss. I know what he and you went thru. I spent 27 years sending claims that would be disaproved to the VA before finally, a civilian attorney got my claim approved and found out, by reading my medical records that my problem was bigger than I thought and I ended earning 100% disability.
Great conversation. You guys do great work and service putting out information. I would like to mention that it is important for any veterans that served in OIF or Afghanistan to apply and get on the Gulf war Registry.... It helps with possible service connections to medical issues as your team just mentioned.....
There is also a Burn Pit Registry now for those that served in OEF and OIF. I don't know for sure, but I've been told you have to be on it to even attempt to file a claim as an OEF/OIF Veteran for any of the respiratory issues. Again I can't confirm it. I got on it as soon as I heard about it.
I contracted a viral pneumonia while at camp lejuene in 1968 and was hospitalized for approx 30 days. My medical records shows me being hospitalized 2 more times for pneumonia over the next 4 years. I was also I'm Vietnam. I've had bronchitis multiple times since being discharged in 1971 and applied for compensation in 2000 when it seemed to get worse. I was rated for chronic bronchitis by the V.A. at 0%. I requested another compensation exam in 2018 and instead of having pulmonary test done at the V.A. they sent me to one of their new urgent care centers and tested by equipment I'd expect to see in a 3rd world country far from the state of the art equipment at the V.A. The test showed no increase in my disability and my rating is still 0%. My doctor at the V.A. said I have a mild case of COPD.that I was never diagnosed before. Can I request another comp exam at the V.A and not at these fly by night urgent care centers?
I have an Abbesses Bacteria that caused the VA to cut the center lobe of my right lung out. The doc said it was from the war and but documented it different and the quack they sent me to for my exam just kept saying I don’t have an abscess in my lung. I believe he did that on purpose. They denied me for my lung!
Had spontaneous pneumothorax 2x in service. Had one 2 years age went to local hospital. Been out of service since 1992. I have a 10% for tinnitus but am waiting on the speedy VA claims process. Made all of the evaluation appointments. Last one 4 months ago. Just waiting .
What about children of Vietnam Vets? I am the oldest daughter of my father who is a Vietnam Vet and I literally have every ailment he has/had. Hypertension, Cancer, spinal deformity, asthma, and chronic bronchitis. I was a federal employee but not a vet. I applied for benefits from Agent Orange but was told that all my ailments are not listed YET smh. Oh I was also on Camp Legeune from 95-99 my husband was a marine. I got pregnant twice in Jacksonville, my other three children were born in Massachusetts. Both of my last two were born critically ill leading to hospital stays and my fifth child dying. Yet no one can explain how I can give birth to two ill children when the first three were fine smh.
I was diagnosed with scarcoidosis in the military. The Army never gave me any information on what to do about it.They found this out by a biopsy. I had sleep apnea,rhinitis,sinusitis,difficulty breathing,shortness of breath.I have provided the V.A With x-rays.
I retired from the Air Force, and for over 10 years before retirement I complained about constantly coughing, I was not a smoker. After I retired my cough started to get worse. I started seeing a lung specialist and first found out that I had sleep apnea and now I'm rated for that, but CT scan showed that there was something else wrong with my lungs and I had an open lung biopsy and it showed I have emphysema. I served in Iraq. Do you know if anyone has been successful in receiving a rating for emphysema from the VA? I visited a VSO and he discouraged me from submitting a claim.
I am working on my declaration letter for asthma and I want to submit evidence that will help my case. I am a layman but I had prexisting condition which the asthma was aggravated by in service ccondition. I didn't serve in the Gulf War but I served in enviroments that aggravated by asthma. For example the time I spent in Ft. Bliss Tx, White Sands New Mexico Desert. I was exposed to particle matters dust, sands, organic matter, and droplets that aggravated by condition. Also, I served in the HH-2 134 Infrantry which I was surrounded by combat vechiles which give off toxic fumes through the exhuast system which trigger and aggravated my lungs. I under reported the incidents because I was afraid that I will be kicked out of the army reserve. Currently, I am prescribed allbuterol, symbicart, and spirvy. At times I take prednisone and antibotics as needed. Would you advise me with preparing a declaration letter?
Hello James, We would like to learn more about your situation to determine if we can help you. Please contact our intake specialists at 844-567-1185. There is no charge for this call. Thank you, and we look forward to speaking with you soon.
I'm a veteran of the Korean Conflict. I recently received a decision after filing a supplemental claim for tuberculosis which was rated at 20%. The decision that was recently handed down dated 3/10/2022 continued the 20% percent rating with the following comments "Our VA examination dated January 16, 2022, the examiner stated it was unlikely that your pulmonary tuberculosis was etiology of pulmonary sarcoidosis. These are clincally separate entities. Also, you likely have undiagnosed congestive heart failure in the setting of coronary artery disease, and these are likely the cause of your shortness of breath. Abnormal PFT's are not related to your tuberculosis. You have pulmonary sarcoidosis and cardiac comorbidities which can lead to abnormal PFT's." Appreciate your thoughts, CK?
I have ptsd 50 % plus 10 % diabetes Total 60% I was the night sleep apnea even though the VA gave you the machine I got zero for my kidneys ‘ I’m asthmatic COPD asthma
I was in th Gulf during the oilfield fires on a aircraft carrier a d the black smoke and particles was blowing across the the flightdeck I feel asthough I was exposed to dangerious chemicals that has caused lung dammage and the onset of copd am I eligable for compensations
Hello Ross, thanks for tuning in with us. If you believe your exposure in service caused a disability, we suggest filing a claim. VSOs such as the Disabled American Veterans can provide free claims filing assistance
Hello thank you guys for sharing your knowledge I as a veteran appreciate you very much and I'm sure we all do. My question is about applying for Social Security disability so when Social Security disability request me to release my medical records them does the VA give them my complete medical records that includes what's at the regional office and board of veterans appeals and all that stuff related to my claim and my service connected disability issues and how I got to 100% I just want to know basically when my medical records are released for review to help determine my claim if everything is included I keep thinking that I have medical records at the VA then I have all my claim stuff medical records at the regional office or Board of veterans Appeals I want to make sure all of that goes to Social Security for review
I realize there may be a greater number of vets with respiratory problems from exposure to burn pits, but Ive seen very little on submariners who served in confined spaces for months long underwater deployments submarines in confined conditions for months at a time when smoking was permitted on board (prior to 2010). Have you had success with. COPD claims from those sailor?
Hi my name is Cornelius Bisch I served in Iraq and I was exposed to the burn pit and I was in the navy also in Afghanistan And I came in the navy November 1989 though the 2010 high blood, celestial, knee problems, back problems and served in the Gaulf was is sleep apnea
I currently receive $1100 for a non-service connected disability plus $900 for Aid and Attendance. I have sleep apnea which my military record shows I had symptoms of while in the Navy in 1970 but it went undiagnosed at the time. If I apply for a service connected disability could it affect my current payment, and would I receive more if I get a 50% rating? The other advantage to having a service connected disability is that I would be eligible for a nursing home if I have a service connected disability, whereas my current status does not give me that, and I would have to exhaust all my assets and go on Medicaid to be eligible.
andrew pallotto--Korean conflict--TB 69 years ago, two years ago Pulmonary sarcoidosis, hearing and tinitis, 70%. Have always asked where is all the info about pulmonary sarcoidosis?
Hello Mr. Ortiz, thanks for reaching out. Our office gets involved in the appeals stage of a claim. If you are looking to file an initial VA claim we suggest working with a VSO such as the Disabled American Veterans who can provide free claims assistance
Caught pneumonia Chanute AFB in 1978 VA has refused to release records for last 20 years of filing claim for this, thus keeping me from having records to show outside doctor to connect current COPD and other breathing difficulties. How can someone fight such a system?
What about welders that would breathing welding gases and fumes, like paint fumes from back in the 70s, where no one knew what kind of paint it was and asbestos that was on the older ships
Hey there Robert. I spray painted military vehicles with CARC paint back in 1982. Back then we didn’t use respirators, masks, or any PPE. When I began having respiratory problems after getting out, I FOIA’d the Army Research Laboratory to find out what was in that paint. They sent me the MIL SPEC document and it shows that the paint contained hexavalent chromium. I did not do any welding, but there are numerous warnings on various military manuals NOT to weld on anything painted with this paint unless you’re equipped with the proper PPE. I hope you’re doing well.
My husband has parkinson's from Agent orange, but was told his chronic lung problems were due to smoking, maybe we should try again. My sister was at Ft Mcclullen in Alabama where monstanto had a plant and many chemicals were stored at this base that were shipped to Vietnam. She shows signs of parkinson but the VA denied her without any testing.
Linda,almost everyone smoked in Vietnam they even put 4 cig packs of smokes in our C- Rations. Besides if your husband comes down with a agent orange presumptive illness his lifestyle doesn't matter.
Hello Harold, if you believe your sleep apnea to be caused by service we suggest filing a claim. VSOs such as the Disabled American Veterans can provide free claims filing assistance
We received your message with contact info, Harold. I have forwarded your information to the appropriate staff in our office who will reach out to you. Thank you!
I have severe sleep apnea GERD Insomina and the VA even put me on a CPAP when I explained to them I was having nightmares and fighting in my sleep and had constant anxiety they just said I had major depressive disorder but not PTSD I always had symtopms of Sleep Apnea while in but didn't notice it until after getting out what should I do to prove that I had this condition while in the VA did rate me at 0 percent but this was before the diagnosis of the sleep apnea
Hello Lance, thanks for the question. We suggest working with a VSO such as the Disabled American Veterans who know the process and can help you file the appropriate claims for free
I was in a fire when out in the field now I was diagnosed with sever asthma recently but this happened back in the late 80s could there be a claim now this late
Don Bouvet, it is never too late to file a claim! We suggest reaching out to a VSO such as the Disabled American Veterans who can help you file for free.
I had pneumonia during the crucible and that was back in 05, I have fluid in my lungs which is documented. I can hear myself breathe, is there any specific I should get looked at for
Same during crucible, lung collapsed, full of fluid, double pneumonia, caught rhabdo n was a heat case 104/5+ degrees, hospital 5 consecutive days..... They diagnosed me w "non contagious cough, needs time to heal, can continue care in civilian dr, complaints of recent resp infec" smh
My husband served 3 tours in Vietnam and as every Veteran there, was exposed to agent orange. He was denied sleep apnea connection, approved for Parkinsons, and denied for lung fibrosis. He was told by VA to come back when he had lung cancer. He died 4 years ago and I'm still fighting.
That really Sucks it's unreal what they put us through... Sorry for yourr loss..
Sorry for your loss. I know what he and you went thru. I spent 27 years sending claims that would be disaproved to the VA before finally, a civilian attorney got my claim approved and found out, by reading my medical records that my problem was bigger than I thought and I ended earning 100% disability.
Great conversation. You guys do great work and service putting out information. I would like to mention that it is important for any veterans that served in OIF or Afghanistan to apply and get on the Gulf war Registry.... It helps with possible service connections to medical issues as your team just mentioned.....
That is a great point, Norton. Thank you for mentioning that!
@@CCK_Law would contractors apply as well please
@@CCK_Law need help
Hello Mr. Smith. If you would like a free consultation with our office we can be reached at (844) 567-1185. Thank you!
There is also a Burn Pit Registry now for those that served in OEF and OIF. I don't know for sure, but I've been told you have to be on it to even attempt to file a claim as an OEF/OIF Veteran for any of the respiratory issues. Again I can't confirm it. I got on it as soon as I heard about it.
Great information, as a vet doesn't hurt to have recent and updated information.
I contracted a viral pneumonia while at camp lejuene in 1968 and was hospitalized for approx 30 days. My medical records shows me being hospitalized 2 more times for pneumonia over the next 4 years. I was also I'm Vietnam. I've had bronchitis multiple times since being discharged in 1971 and applied for compensation in 2000 when it seemed to get worse. I was rated for chronic bronchitis by the V.A. at 0%.
I requested another compensation exam in 2018 and instead of having pulmonary test done at the V.A. they sent me to one of their new urgent care centers and tested by equipment I'd expect to see in a 3rd world country far from the state of the art equipment at the V.A.
The test showed no increase in my disability and my rating is still 0%.
My doctor at the V.A. said I have a mild case of COPD.that I was never diagnosed before.
Can I request another comp exam at the V.A and not at these fly by night urgent care centers?
I have an Abbesses Bacteria that caused the VA to cut the center lobe of my right lung out. The doc said it was from the war and but documented it different and the quack they sent me to for my exam just kept saying I don’t have an abscess in my lung. I believe he did that on purpose. They denied me for my lung!
Thank you for this I’m currently awaiting my father DBQ FROM HIS pulmonary doctor
Had spontaneous pneumothorax 2x in service. Had one 2 years age went to local hospital. Been out of service since 1992. I have a 10% for tinnitus but am waiting on the speedy VA claims process. Made all of the evaluation appointments. Last one 4 months ago. Just waiting .
What about children of Vietnam Vets? I am the oldest daughter of my father who is a Vietnam Vet and I literally have every ailment he has/had. Hypertension, Cancer, spinal deformity, asthma, and chronic bronchitis. I was a federal employee but not a vet. I applied for benefits from Agent Orange but was told that all my ailments are not listed YET smh. Oh I was also on Camp Legeune from 95-99 my husband was a marine. I got pregnant twice in Jacksonville, my other three children were born in Massachusetts. Both of my last two were born critically ill leading to hospital stays and my fifth child dying. Yet no one can explain how I can give birth to two ill children when the first three were fine smh.
I was diagnosed with scarcoidosis in the military. The Army never gave me any information on what to do about it.They found this out by a biopsy. I had sleep apnea,rhinitis,sinusitis,difficulty breathing,shortness of breath.I have provided the V.A
With x-rays.
How about second hand smoke. Back in the late 70s and early 80, many military personnel smoke in the office.
I'm a Gulf War veteran and the VA has denied all of my claims.
If you would like for our office to determine whether we are able to assist, we can be reached for a free consultation at (844) 567-1185. Thank you!
I retired from the Air Force, and for over 10 years before retirement I complained about constantly coughing, I was not a smoker. After I retired my cough started to get worse. I started seeing a lung specialist and first found out that I had sleep apnea and now I'm rated for that, but CT scan showed that there was something else wrong with my lungs and I had an open lung biopsy and it showed I have emphysema. I served in Iraq. Do you know if anyone has been successful in receiving a rating for emphysema from the VA? I visited a VSO and he discouraged me from submitting a claim.
Speak to a Novs attorney. Google search Nova
Attorneys in your area.
I'm a desert Storm/desert Shield Veteran already on disability but need to file for this oil fires dust storm burn fires I use 2% oxygen
Very informative thank you.
I am working on my declaration letter for asthma and I want to submit evidence that will help my case. I am a layman but I had prexisting condition which the asthma was aggravated by in service ccondition. I didn't serve in the Gulf War but I served in enviroments that aggravated by asthma. For example the time I spent in Ft. Bliss Tx, White Sands New Mexico Desert. I was exposed to particle matters dust, sands, organic matter, and droplets that aggravated by condition. Also, I served in the HH-2 134 Infrantry which I was surrounded by combat vechiles which give off toxic fumes through the exhuast system which trigger and aggravated my lungs. I under reported the incidents because I was afraid that I will be kicked out of the army reserve. Currently, I am prescribed allbuterol, symbicart, and spirvy. At times I take prednisone and antibotics as needed. Would you advise me with preparing a declaration letter?
Hello James,
We would like to learn more about your situation to determine if we can help you. Please contact our intake specialists at 844-567-1185. There is no charge for this call. Thank you, and we look forward to speaking with you soon.
If you are prescribed prednisone at least 3
times annually that would a good point
in your claim. Contact these folks.
I'm a veteran of the Korean Conflict. I recently received a decision after filing a supplemental claim for tuberculosis which was rated at 20%. The decision that was recently handed down dated 3/10/2022 continued the 20% percent rating with the following comments "Our VA examination dated January 16, 2022, the examiner stated it was unlikely that your pulmonary tuberculosis was etiology of pulmonary sarcoidosis. These are clincally separate entities. Also, you likely have undiagnosed congestive heart failure in the setting of coronary artery disease, and these are likely the cause of your shortness of breath. Abnormal PFT's are not related to your tuberculosis. You have pulmonary sarcoidosis and cardiac comorbidities which can lead to abnormal PFT's." Appreciate your thoughts, CK?
I have ptsd 50 % plus 10 % diabetes
Total 60% I was the night sleep apnea even though the VA gave you the machine I got zero for my kidneys ‘
I’m asthmatic COPD asthma
Could you ladies do a session on diabetes
I was in th Gulf during the oilfield fires on a aircraft carrier a d the black smoke and particles was blowing across the the flightdeck I feel asthough I was exposed to dangerious chemicals that has caused lung dammage and the onset of copd am I eligable for compensations
Hello Ross, thanks for tuning in with us. If you believe your exposure in service caused a disability, we suggest filing a claim. VSOs such as the Disabled American Veterans can provide free claims filing assistance
Hello thank you guys for sharing your knowledge I as a veteran appreciate you very much and I'm sure we all do. My question is about applying for Social Security disability so when Social Security disability request me to release my medical records them does the VA give them my complete medical records that includes what's at the regional office and board of veterans appeals and all that stuff related to my claim and my service connected disability issues and how I got to 100% I just want to know basically when my medical records are released for review to help determine my claim if everything is included I keep thinking that I have medical records at the VA then I have all my claim stuff medical records at the regional office or Board of veterans Appeals I want to make sure all of that goes to Social Security for review
I realize there may be a greater number of vets with respiratory problems from exposure to burn pits, but Ive seen very little on submariners who served in confined spaces for months long underwater deployments submarines in confined conditions for months at a time when smoking was permitted on board (prior to 2010). Have you had success with. COPD claims from those sailor?
I have a C&p exam for shortness of breath
Hi my name is Cornelius Bisch I served in Iraq and I was exposed to the burn pit and I was in the navy also in Afghanistan
And I came in the navy November 1989 though the 2010 high blood, celestial, knee problems, back problems and served in the Gaulf was is sleep apnea
I currently receive $1100 for a non-service connected disability plus $900 for Aid and Attendance. I have sleep apnea which my military record shows I had symptoms of while in the Navy in 1970 but it went undiagnosed at the time. If I apply for a service connected disability could it affect my current payment, and would I receive more if I get a 50% rating? The other advantage to having a service connected disability is that I would be eligible for a nursing home if I have a service connected disability, whereas my current status does not give me that, and I would have to exhaust all my assets and go on Medicaid to be eligible.
andrew pallotto--Korean conflict--TB 69 years ago, two years ago Pulmonary sarcoidosis, hearing and tinitis, 70%. Have always asked where is all the info about pulmonary sarcoidosis?
Is respiratory conditions due exposure to Nicad battery fumes while servicing those batteries considered by VA ?
You didn't break down the ratings for Bronchiolitis, Asthma, Emphysema, and COPD. For the other areas you did.
111111 dee
How do I get representative from your firm I'm in SD served 1991 - 2000
Hello Mr. Ortiz, thanks for reaching out. Our office gets involved in the appeals stage of a claim. If you are looking to file an initial VA claim we suggest working with a VSO such as the Disabled American Veterans who can provide free claims assistance
Caught pneumonia Chanute AFB in 1978 VA has refused to release records for last 20 years of filing claim for this, thus keeping me from having records to show outside doctor to connect current COPD and other breathing difficulties. How can someone fight such a system?
I was there in 1984 and caught pneumonia, also in Clear Alaska, and in Kadena. I don't know how to claim this condition. How did you fare?
I am asthmatic and I was denied three times with the VA
why
If you are a former smoker, its not impossible but unlikely to get service - connection. It's the Va's great escape.
If your claim was denied because of smoking history, did you appeal? I’ll be applying soon and now I’m concerned about the smoking thing.
82 years old 70% disabled Veteran in unable to work
Need some help
Are you saying that no respiratory illness occurred in Vietnam from agent orange
What about welders that would breathing welding gases and fumes, like paint fumes from back in the 70s, where no one knew what kind of paint it was and asbestos that was on the older ships
Hey there Robert. I spray painted military vehicles with CARC paint back in 1982. Back then we didn’t use respirators, masks, or any PPE. When I began having respiratory problems after getting out, I FOIA’d the Army Research Laboratory to find out what was in that paint. They sent me the MIL SPEC document and it shows that the paint contained hexavalent chromium. I did not do any welding, but there are numerous warnings on various military manuals NOT to weld on anything painted with this paint unless you’re equipped with the proper PPE. I hope you’re doing well.
Most of the Vietnam veterans are already dead from Agent Orange
My husband has parkinson's from Agent orange, but was told his chronic lung problems were due to smoking, maybe we should try again. My sister was at Ft Mcclullen in Alabama where monstanto had a plant and many chemicals were stored at this base that were shipped to Vietnam. She shows signs of parkinson but the VA denied her without any testing.
No some of us are still around.
Linda,almost everyone smoked in Vietnam they even put 4 cig packs of smokes in our C- Rations. Besides if your husband comes down with a agent orange presumptive illness his lifestyle doesn't matter.
We had burn pits on my compound.were can i get this added
burn pit registry.
I’m on a CPAC machine also and not getting no benefits
Hello Harold, if you believe your sleep apnea to be caused by service we suggest filing a claim. VSOs such as the Disabled American Veterans can provide free claims filing assistance
We received your message with contact info, Harold. I have forwarded your information to the appropriate staff in our office who will reach out to you. Thank you!
I have severe sleep apnea GERD Insomina and the VA even put me on a CPAP when I explained to them I was having nightmares and fighting in my sleep and had constant anxiety they just said I had major depressive disorder but not PTSD I always had symtopms of Sleep Apnea while in but didn't notice it until after getting out what should I do to prove that I had this condition while in the VA did rate me at 0 percent but this was before the diagnosis of the sleep apnea
Hello Lance, thanks for the question. We suggest working with a VSO such as the Disabled American Veterans who know the process and can help you file the appropriate claims for free
@@CCK_Law question can Sleep Apena be a offset from another medical condition that is already accounted for.
@ holla, Job well done my Fellow Veteran . 🙌🙌🙌
I was in a fire when out in the field now I was diagnosed with sever asthma recently but this happened back in the late 80s could there be a claim now this late
Don Bouvet, it is never too late to file a claim! We suggest reaching out to a VSO such as the Disabled American Veterans who can help you file for free.
Can these respiratory conditions developed later in life like I am now experiencing gastrointestinal symdrome at old age ?
I have the same question. My injuries from direct exposure to toxins did not manifest until after I discharged.
Served 2021-2022 😔
I had pneumonia during the crucible and that was back in 05, I have fluid in my lungs which is documented.
I can hear myself breathe, is there any specific I should get looked at for
I had the same thing happen to me in the crucible 96. I was coughing up blood and was hospitalized for 3 days
Same during crucible, lung collapsed, full of fluid, double pneumonia, caught rhabdo n was a heat case 104/5+ degrees, hospital 5 consecutive days..... They diagnosed me w "non contagious cough, needs time to heal, can continue care in civilian dr, complaints of recent resp infec" smh
is bronchospasm
va eligible for compensation?
what about the family?
Can snoring cause sleep apnea?
How do i get this service concted.
Darn near dying need help
During my year in Vietnam I was forced to breath in carbon monoxide hold gasoline burners within 12 inches of my face to light off burners
Hola