Problems from shots while Active

[Zulu 36]

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.

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.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

S/F
-Blake

Same here.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

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.