Medical Treatment by the VA for Hepatitis C

[TMM54]

The VA diagnosed me with Hepatitis C over one year ago, but
they unfortunately did not bother to tell me about until now,
when I am acutely ill. Suprisingly enough, after two trips to
the Va hospital, I am still at home very sick. I wrote the new
VA Secretary, Mr. Anthony Principi, who is a Navy Vietnam
combat (Mekong Delta River Force4) veteran, to ask him for his
help just to see if I could get some kind of assistance. Tonight
at 630PM (Central Time) I finally got a call from the VA Doctor
who will actually (he says) do something to help me. Please pass
along the word that if you are sick, and a veteran, and you are
not getting help, then start writing letters to your Senators,
Congressmen, and Secretary Principi. The addresses are all
available over the internet. And for those of you that have not
been tested for Hepatitis C, go today to the VA. Supposedly,
I got infected from the inoculations they gave me (and all of
us) in boot camp with the "jet guns" used instead of needles.
If any of you have symptoms of aching joints, nausea, vomiting
constant fatigue, run to the VA. Don't wait, because it gets
realy ugly. And one last thing, I could use your prayers. Thank
God for you all and the United States Marine Corps. Semper
Fidelis, Tom

[thedrifter]

You Are In Our Thoughts and Prayers


God Bless


Sempers,

Roger

[JP YH08]

Prayers outbond !!!

Semper Fi !!! Jimmy

[CAS3]

Tom..

Please get a veteran service organization to assist you. There are new VA regs on hep c. Tony Principi, a congressman, a senator, etc. will not be able to help you file for benefits or give you the truth about what you are entitled to.
Many servicemembers from WWI to present day have been diagnosed with hep c. For the VA to award benefits you need to not been exposed to other risk factors before or after service.
Best Wishes and prayers to you,
Colleen

[TMM54]

Colleen, I am a committed DAV member, and these guys (the
service officer that is helping me is a retired 3rd MarDiv Corpsman)
are great. I wrote Secretary Principi to tell him of the VA's
inaction, and today, the Head of VA's Primary Care Section
was at the VA Hospital to supervise. They are finally giving
me some assistance. I thank you all for the prayers.Thanks,
everyone. I will keep you posted. Anyone know how long the
process takes before VA "awards" us compensation. Thanks
again. Semper Fidelis, Tom

[CAS3]

It depends on how much information you give them. If they have to hunt down records it could take years. It is best to provide them with everything. Including:marriage certificates, divorce decrees, birth certificates of your children with soc. sec. numbers, all private med recs, DD214, all service medical records.
If you give them all of this it takes 3-12 months depending on whee you are located.

[TMM54]

Thanks, I.m single, and I had copies of all of my records (I think).
Appreciate the insight. Semper Fidelis, Tom

[docrnelson]

TMM54, CAS3 is giving you the best advise available. Do not try to take on the VA by yourself. They will chew you up and spit you out. You must associate yourself with a service organization to be your advocate. You are probably going to the Veterans Center in Claremore, Ok. The Oklahoma Veterans Commission should have an office there. The DAV, VFW, PVA, AL, and other Vet Organizations should also be represented there. These Veteran Advocates will guide you through the maze of crap you are getting ready to go through if you are going to try to be service connected for Hep"C". I am the Veterans County Service Officer (VCSO) for Williamson County Texas, Just north of Austin, and will tell you from experience that the service connection will not be easy, even if the evidence is overwhelming in your favor.
Contact info:
Claremore Vet Center
P.O.Box 988/ 3001 W. Bluestar Drive
Claremore, Ok. 74018-0988
918-342-5432
www.odva.state.ok.usa
It is important not to get discouraged, stay in thouch with your advocate, they will make a difference. If I can be of service, drop me a note on this website.
Ray"Doc" Nelson
I/3/9/3 RVN 65-66

[TMM54]

Doc Nelson and all of you, thanks for the prayers and info. I just
got out of the VA Hospital Muskogee OK after surgery to fix
stomach injuries from 1980. Treatment supposedly will start this
month some time for Hep C. I am a DAV member of the Tulsa
Post, and the Post Commander, Vernon Lytle is helping me with
the paperwork. Thank God that I work for a Veteran, and he is
still paying my full salary while I get better. Vets helping Vets,
that is what keeps us all going. Semper Fidelis, Tom Murray.

[CAS3]

FYI...POsts have nothing to do with National Service Officers. More than likely a state service officer will be available but they have less training then national service officers. Trust this as the God's honest truth...I work at the Board of Veteran Appeals.
I have to take claims from state service officers and fix them. There are national officers in every VA benefits administration building.

TMM54
I am so glad to see you are satisfied with the treatment you are recieving. It is very rare to hear that. I am surrounded by veterans. I have many working under me and a few above me as supervisors. I can understand what you mean. I wish every vet could have someone who understands what we go thru with our health.
As always, you are in my prayers for a healthy and happy recovery.