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Conch
06-16-11, 10:42 PM
Evening Marines, <br />
<br />
I was active duty from 2003 to 2010. I was discharged medically due to developing severe breathing problems in the last year that I was in the Corps. I could not run very well...

Sgt Leprechaun
06-16-11, 11:24 PM
Have you got disability? Seen the VA? If not get started ASAP!!!!

I can't speak to the shots but I seriously hope you get better. Contact them NOW man don't wait.

Ever exposed to burn pits overseas? Thats been identified as an issue as well.

Conch
06-16-11, 11:35 PM
Have you got disability? Seen the VA? If not get started ASAP!!!!

I can't speak to the shots but I seriously hope you get better. Contact them NOW man don't wait.

Ever exposed to burn pits overseas? Thats been identified as an issue as well.

I'm in the process of fighting with the VA for disability, I don't expect a lot, but at least some. For some reason, they seem to not be a very big help and everything is a constant battle with them. As far as burn pits, yeah I have been around them when I was deployed to Afghanistan. The other thing the doc I saw in Miami suggested it could be is something called Reactive Airway Dysfunction Syndrome or RADS. I also have a lot of skin rashes and trouble sleeping sometimes. It seems like the VA just wants to dispute everything though.

Sgt Leprechaun
06-16-11, 11:39 PM
Oh yeah. Get used to THAT my brother. My initial claim is now 21 months and still counting.

They hope to out paperwork you and wait you out so you'll die before they have to pay you.

Conch
06-16-11, 11:43 PM
Oh yeah. Get used to THAT my brother. My initial claim is now 21 months and still counting.

They hope to out paperwork you and wait you out so you'll die before they have to pay you.

I was afraid of that. In the meantime, I'm not under Tricare anymore, and Blue Cross Blue Shield isn't very nice about paying my medical bills either. I served my country and I didn't even want to get out of the Corps, I had intended to be a lifer. Just my luck. Thanks for the advice Sgt.

Sgt Leprechaun
06-16-11, 11:45 PM
Did you get medically retired? Or just get out?

Get with a VSO ASAP brother and get this thing rollin. Only costing yourself money if you don't. Since you were 'in country' you qualify for all sorts of crap. Don't deny yourself trying to be some 'noble warrior' or other nonsense. THEY broke you...THEY should be fixing you. Period.

Conch
06-17-11, 12:00 AM
Medically discharged with a DD214 RE code of RE-4.

Tennessee Top
06-17-11, 12:14 AM
When it comes to VA disability claims documentation is critical (otherwise, it's just your memory and difficult to prove).

Did you keep a copy of your medical record? Are any of those shots recorded anywhere?

Good luck with this battle.

BTW: I am a respiratory therapist at a university/teaching hospital. All I do is treat patients and not diagnose. Are the civilian docs you've seen pulmonologists (lung specialists) and have you taken any tests to measure lung compliance, lung volumes, etc.? Seems to me a pulmonologist should be able to give you an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment for your symptoms.

Conch
06-17-11, 12:24 AM
When it comes to VA disability claims documentation is critical (otherwise, it's just your memory and difficult to prove).

Did you keep a copy of your medical record? Are any of those shots recorded anywhere?

Good luck with this battle.

BTW: I am a respiratory therapist at a university/teaching hospital. All I do is treat patients and not diagnose. Are the civilian docs you've seen pulmonologists (lung specialists) and have you taken any tests to measure lung compliance, lung volumes, etc.? Seems to me a pulmonologist should be able to give you an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment for your symptoms.

I have a copy of my shot records. I don't have my actual medical records. I'm sure I could get it from maybe the DoD Archives or wherever they store them. I saw a doctor who was an Asthma specialist, and he was the one who said it could be RADS. I have been trying to get approved for a pulmonary function test, but my insurance keeps not wanting to approve it. Do you know by chance if the VA can perform a Pulmonary Function Test by chance?

Luke0402
06-17-11, 01:26 PM
I've never had any problems from any shots so far. Of course, I suppose if there were any problems it would take time for them to develop anyway. I hope you get better quick. Good luck Sergeant.

TheReservist
06-17-11, 03:08 PM
I cough up some ugly looking things and I blame it on this...

http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/index.asp

Were you ever exposed to them?

MOS4429
06-17-11, 08:09 PM
Blake, I was in from '78-87. In 1983-84 I was stationed on Okinawa. About half way through that tour, when I would go running, I would hear this wheezing. I kept thinking I had a cold. When I got...

MOS4429
06-17-11, 08:12 PM
I have a copy of my shot records. I don't have my actual medical records. I'm sure I could get it from maybe the DoD Archives or wherever they store them. I saw a doctor who was an Asthma specialist, and he was the one who said it could be RADS. I have been trying to get approved for a pulmonary function test, but my insurance keeps not wanting to approve it. Do you know by chance if the VA can perform a Pulmonary Function Test by chance?


Yes, at most VA clinics, and if not, at VA hospitals they can do PFTs.

Insurance will disapprove these tests because they don't want to pay out. Fight them. Call them up and threaten to sue. I have gone through this many a time with insurance companies and treatment needed for my children. I never accept no. If the doctor orders it, then it is to be done, and your insurance company has no right to countermand the specialist, but oftentimes people just end it there, and insurance companies know that, so they deny.

Conch
06-17-11, 08:22 PM
I cough up some ugly looking things and I blame it on this...

http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/index.asp

Were you ever exposed to them?

Yes, definitely I was when I was in Afghanistan. Especially a lot of munitions and the discarded food. I never even thought things like burn pits would do that though. At the time it never even occurred to me.

Conch
06-17-11, 08:28 PM
Yes, at most VA clinics, and if not, at VA hospitals they can do PFTs.

Insurance will disapprove these tests because they don't want to pay out. Fight them. Call them up and threaten to sue. I have gone through this many a time with insurance companies and treatment needed for my children. I never accept no. If the doctor orders it, then it is to be done, and your insurance company has no right to countermand the specialist, but oftentimes people just end it there, and insurance companies know that, so they deny.

Wow, I can really relate to your first post in the thread. Now I have read it over it seems like I could have Asthma. I have the same symptoms when I run. Even in high school, I used to play football on my school's team, and I was on track, and I never had those problems. Even in Boot and through most of my time in the Corps I didn't either. I have never had a PFT or peak flow test, I always ask and they are hesitant to give me one. I won't be allowing that anymore, I will be demanding one. I also have been hospitalized once in the last few months for nearly passing out because I couldn't breathe. I have only had the nebulizers. I actually had to go the ER last night because I couldn't breathe. I will be calling the VA first thing Monday morning, and my insurance to get this dealt with. I also have been researching around about some of the other doctors that I can possibly see here in the Keys and South Florida. Most are in Miami or Fort Lauderdale. I just hope they figure something out soon. Sometimes when I get these attacks and breathing problems, I really feel like I'm gonna die sometimes. It gets that bad a lot of times. Thanks again for the help.

S/F
-Blake

Zulu 36
06-17-11, 10:18 PM
Once I got out, I got ahold of a packet from the VA to submit for a service-connected disability. Now, here is the important part. Look at your packet. It seems to me that they requested 12 to 15 or maybe more, different pieces of information, including SRB, medical/dental records, DD214, and a whole lot more. When I got the packet, I was told that after I submitted it, it would take up to 18 months before a decision was made.

When I put together my packet, before I submitted it, I made sure I had every single document that was requested. I was told I could submit the application, and then when I got the required information, send it, and if they needed more, they would request it. That's what takes so long.


:usmc:

The law has recently changed somewhat. Now the VA has to obtain your service and medical records and any records of VA treatment for you. They do require original DD-214s, so I suggest you go to the local County Clerk's office and ask them to put a copy into their records. That way, if VA loses your DD-214s, you can still get certified copies from the Clerk for a small fee.

You will have to either provide your civilian medical records, or provide the VA with the addresses and they will request them. If possible, I suggest getting those civilian records yourself (make extra copies) and sending them with your package. It will (very) slightly speed things up as you should be able to get those records faster than the VA will.

You should request a copy of your SRB and Medical Record from the Archives anyway, just to have if nothing else. My kids loved going over my SRB with me - it proves some of Dad's sea stories. :D

Make extra copies of EVERYTHING. I have scanned all of mine into my computer, put it on a thumb drive too, plus have hard copies. I also sent my package in Certified Mail, RRR.

rufus1
06-18-11, 12:27 AM
Good luck BROTHERS I am getting ready to have Cat scan of lungs and pulmonary testing. Asbestos at PI in the old barracks, aircraft brakes and heat shields in A/C engine areas,agent orange and ****ter buring in NAM and exposure to JP-4 raw and fumes with the black dust off the engine and parts. Had to stay in concrete enclosures in Nam with A/C running and breath fumes for an extended period of time. You may want to look at chemical exposure and be sure that when you see a specialist that he states in his report that it is just as likely as not that your condition is related to chemical exposure during military service. Look a the MSDS and look up any and all chemicals you may have been exposed to. Don't forget about the water contanination in Lejeune if you were in during the time frames. I know we trained there and were brought water out in the water buffalo containers and it could have been contaminated. Look at every aspect and get your ducks in a row because you will need it going up against the VA. Again good luck to you all you BROTHERS in you quest for the truth.

Conch
06-18-11, 01:25 AM
Good luck BROTHERS I am getting ready to have Cat scan of lungs and pulmonary testing. Asbestos at PI in the old barracks, aircraft brakes and heat shields in A/C engine areas,agent orange and ****ter buring in NAM and exposure to JP-4 raw and fumes with the black dust off the engine and parts. Had to stay in concrete enclosures in Nam with A/C running and breath fumes for an extended period of time. You may want to look at chemical exposure and be sure that when you see a specialist that he states in his report that it is just as likely as not that your condition is related to chemical exposure during military service. Look a the MSDS and look up any and all chemicals you may have been exposed to. Don't forget about the water contanination in Lejeune if you were in during the time frames. I know we trained there and were brought water out in the water buffalo containers and it could have been contaminated. Look at every aspect and get your ducks in a row because you will need it going up against the VA. Again good luck to you all you BROTHERS in you quest for the truth.

Good luck brother.

MontanaDevilDog
06-18-11, 08:27 AM
I've never had any problems from any shots so far. Of course, I suppose if there were any problems it would take time for them to develop anyway. I hope you get better quick. Good luck Sergeant.

Yeah, me either. I've never had problems from actual shots either. Well so far anyway. My problems have been more combat related and PTSD. I guess it depends on each individual's body and immune systems. Everyone reacts differently. I have been near burn pits too though. No major problems that I have noticed. Get ready for one Hell of a fight with the VA though. Everything to them is either an argument or a mountain of red tape. Good luck Sgt. Conch. I hope you get better. I wish you the best my Brother.
Semper Fidelis.

Conch
06-18-11, 04:53 PM
Yeah, me either. I've never had problems from actual shots either. Well so far anyway. My problems have been more combat related and PTSD. I guess it depends on each individual's body and immune systems. Everyone reacts differently. I have been near burn pits too though. No major problems that I have noticed. Get ready for one Hell of a fight with the VA though. Everything to them is either an argument or a mountain of red tape. Good luck Sgt. Conch. I hope you get better. I wish you the best my Brother.
Semper Fidelis.

Thanks brother. Hopefully you don't get sick from them ever.

S/F
-Blake

MontanaDevilDog
06-19-11, 11:28 PM
Thanks brother. Hopefully you don't get sick from them ever.

S/F
-Blake

Same here.

Sgt Leprechaun
06-20-11, 05:26 PM
To all:

Get that burn pit information DOCUMENTED as soon as you possibly can, in some sort of official records SOMEplace. Then keep a copy of that for yourself in a safe place. Years from now when it comes out that various and sundry diseases/issues/health problems are a result of those pits, AND the DoD knew about it or 'should have known' about it....you'll be eligible for claims (if you aren't already). Having that documentation (including letters from your fellow Platoon/Company members and officers, and photos if you have them) will considerably smooth and streamline your process. Don't WAIT, do it NOW.

Once you have documentation, you'll be good to go. Without it, you'll be like the poor souls who write in to the VFW/American Legion Mags, in the back pages, looking for buddies who served with them who can document such and such an incident or issue that occurred 50 years ago, because the VA denied their claim due to it never being in the records or mentioned anywhere else.