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d19thdoc · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 6:46 am Post subject:

You should have no problem then in getting the compensation reinstated. Agent Orange claims are now among the easiest to sustain, provided you have one of the "presumptively service connected" conditions, and you do.

Good luck.
_________________
For The Honor of the Fifty-Eight Thousand.
"He Can Lose, But He Can Not Hide"

four-niner delta · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 6:56 am Post subject:

Thank you. I was very much surprised at how too few know of this compensation for the disease. A very large percentage of those I served with have type 2. It would be nice if there was a way to get the word out from the VA to these people, not just word-of-mouth. I just happened to find it out from a casual conversation with my bro-in-law's neighbor!
_________________
Gary Armitstead
Burbank, CA
U.S. Army Vietnam 1966-67 Mekong Delta
Mobile Riverine Force
A Co. 3/60 9th INF DIV

d19thdoc · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 7:01 am Post subject:

Slednfool wrote:

d19thdoc · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 7:13 am Post subject:

four-niner delta wrote:

four-niner delta · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 7:22 am Post subject:

d19thdoc

Is the loss of sight due to diabetic retinopathy, compensated?
_________________
Gary Armitstead
Burbank, CA
U.S. Army Vietnam 1966-67 Mekong Delta
Mobile Riverine Force
A Co. 3/60 9th INF DIV

d19thdoc · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 7:22 pm Post subject:

My understanding is that the diabetes is compensible, regardless of the complications or severity of the case; provided it is diabetes 2 and provided you served in-country in Vietnam during the war. Compensation is "rated" by degree of disability - like 10% for a monor disability, and on up for greater disabilities. Each higher percentage equals more money.

See the linked VA website above.

You should see a VSO ("Veterans Service Officer") from one of the veterans organizations like DAV or American Legion, and let him/her represent your claim (for free). They usually have offices on site with VA Regional Offices and/or Medical Centers, and are in the phone book.
_________________
For The Honor of the Fifty-Eight Thousand.
"He Can Lose, But He Can Not Hide"

four-niner delta · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 7:31 pm Post subject:

d19thdoc

Thx for the help. I appreciate that. Yes, I served in-country for 12 months in the Mekong Delta with the U. S. Army 9th DIV Riverine Force. I have found aperson who works with the VA and the DAV. He helped a friend of mine to get his 100%. I'm not looking for 100%, there are many others who rightfully deserve that. I think what brought this about was when I was told by the VA to see about an increase because of the loss of sight in my right eye. I think I opened a can of worms. Maybe I should have left it at 60%. Oh well...
_________________
Gary Armitstead
Burbank, CA
U.S. Army Vietnam 1966-67 Mekong Delta
Mobile Riverine Force
A Co. 3/60 9th INF DIV

d19thdoc · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 7:53 pm Post subject:

Actually, "compensation" is exactly that - you are entitled to it becasue you've lost something or suffered something as a result of your service.

Instead of opening a can of worms, maybe what you've really done is made an opportunity to correct the record now, rather than have this bite you later when such a reversal would cause more upheaval.

If a compensible condition becomes worse over time, you should be entitled to increased compensation - especially if you can no longer engage in "subsantially gainful employment."

You can also apply for "unemployability" compensation, which leaves your rating at less than 100%, but which pays the 100% rate because you are not able to work. Ask your VSO about this.
_________________
For The Honor of the Fifty-Eight Thousand.
"He Can Lose, But He Can Not Hide"

four-niner delta · Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 7:40 pm Post subject:

Just a follow-up on my loss of benefits related to Agent Orange. I contacted a Veterans Rights advocate and he guided me through the bureaucracy of the VA. I now have a NSO from the Disabled American Veterans taking good care of me. ALL the original benefits WILL be restored and others I had no clue about. The sad part about tis situation is that I am not the only one. The NSO on my case had sixty cases alone last week with the same problem. The VA has had orders from the administration to check old claims and if they find only a slight error in wording, they will stop the claim! The VA is blaming the problem on untrained personnel in the VA processing the claims. I believe MY problem is on its way to being solved, but if any veteran is having problems with the VA, the DAV and one of their NSO's can get you through the mess.
_________________
Gary Armitstead
Burbank, CA
U.S. Army Vietnam 1966-67 Mekong Delta
Mobile Riverine Force
A Co. 3/60 9th INF DIV