M14 Forum

Tophog · May 18th, 2011, 12:09 PM

(I just received this in an email from an old shipmate. I don't know if it's been brought up here or not. - Tophog)

"Don't know if any of you are aware of this website but it is from the VA and tells you a lot of information. You can file a claim or check the status amongst other things. It's still being developed but it is interesting. Eventually you will be able to accesss your medical record as well so that alone is worth it. Check it out and please pass around to other people, vets and guys that you know might be interested in this. It's a pain in the hind end to log into and register but when all is done it will be access to a lot of your info. Thanks."

https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefi...enefits.portal

-

"A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The 'United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'"

008 · August 14th, 2011, 11:20 PM

Useful info always needed. Thanks!

bd111 · August 15th, 2011, 02:29 AM

If you're in HI, AK, WA, OR, CA, MT, ID, NV, or AZ, the U.S. Court of Appeals out there has ordered the VA to step it up and move the claims, cut the excuses.

davecampperry · August 15th, 2011, 08:48 AM

Another reason this site is Number 1.

82nd ABN · August 15th, 2011, 08:50 AM

Singed up for that about 8 months ago. Very useful.

grndpndr · October 7th, 2011, 07:19 PM

You guys recall before electronic med records VA would lock up YOUR personal med records in a canvas bag to prevent your accessing them
when hand carried to an appointment!Gaining access to YOUR med records used to be difficult to say the least IME.Reasoning I was told, was the patient might misunderstand the meaning and IIRC it was encouraged that if you insisted on accessing med records it be done with a nurse present.

As long as the records cant be hacked its a big improvement over past policy IMHO.Were all grown up?

dprice3844444 · October 25th, 2011, 08:06 AM

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/military.htm
Special Extra Earnings for Military Service
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Retirement Planner Home
Estimate Your Retirement Benefits
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Note: Change in special military service credits.
In January 2002, Public Law 107-117, the Defense Appropriations Act, stopped the special extra earnings that have been credited to military service personnel.

Military service in calendar year 2002 and future years no longer qualifies for these special extra earnings credits.

Since 1957, if you had military service earnings for active duty (including active duty for training), you paid Social Security taxes on those earnings. Since 1988, inactive duty service in the Armed Forces reserves (such as weekend drills) has also been covered by Social Security.
Under certain circumstances, special extra earnings for your military service from 1957 through 2001 can be credited to your record for Social Security purposes. These extra earnings credits may help you qualify for Social Security or increase the amount of your Social Security benefit.

Special extra earnings credits are granted for periods of active duty or active duty for training. Special extra earnings credits are not granted for inactive duty training.

If your active military service occurred

•From 1957 through 1967, we will add the extra credits to your record when you apply for Social Security benefits.
•From 1968 through 2001, you do not need to do anything to receive these extra credits. The credits were automatically added to your record.
•After 2001, there are no special extra earnings credits for military service.

[Return to Top]

How You Get Credit For Special Extra Earnings
The information that follows applies only to active duty military service earnings from 1957 through 2001. Here's how the special extra earnings are credited on your record:

Service in 1957 Through 1977
You are credited with $300 in additional earnings for each calendar quarter in which you received active duty basic pay.

Service in 1978 through 2001
For every $300 in active duty basic pay, you are credited with an additional $100 in earnings up to a maximum of $1,200 a year. If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, and didn't complete at least 24 months of active duty or your full tour, you may not be able to receive the additional earnings. Check with Social Security for details.

CAVman · October 25th, 2011, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grndpndr

You guys recall before electronic med records VA would lock up YOUR personal med records in a canvas bag to prevent your accessing them
when hand carried to an appointment!Gaining access to YOUR med records used to be difficult to say the least IME.Reasoning I was told, was the patient might misunderstand the meaning and IIRC it was encouraged that if you insisted on accessing med records it be done with a nurse present.

As long as the records cant be hacked its a big improvement over past policy IMHO.Were all grown up?

Just recently, the V.A .denied me a copy of a letter/report the Audiologist here wrote to Them...(that I had not been mailed a copy of, or been made aware of the contents)
Until I signed a Release Allowing the V.A. To Release To ME the Medical Information About Me!
Much Better Now In The Electronic Age!

CAVman in WYoming

RAMMAC · October 25th, 2011, 09:43 AM

Where have you guys been? Signing a release of medical information form has nothing to do with the VA's having gone electronic. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) created privacy and security rules and was the result of Hillary Clinton's attempt at changing the medical system. She touted how the act would ensure that your records would be safeguarded as never before and it would ensure your privacy.

The truth is it basically makes the federal government the owner of your medical records and they have complete access at any time while you and I have to request access, even for ourselves.

CAVman · October 25th, 2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAMMAC

Where have you guys been? Signing a release of medical information form has nothing to do with the VA's having gone electronic. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) created privacy and security rules and was the result of Hillary Clinton's attempt at changing the medical system. She touted how the act would ensure that your records would be safeguarded as never before and it would ensure your privacy.

The truth is it basically makes the federal government the owner of your medical records and they have complete access at any time while you and I have to request access, even for ourselves.

Thanks, RAMMAC!

No doubt I HAVE been under a rock...when it comes to the VA System!

I think 'HIPAA' is nutty more times than not, like when you have a sign a statement at every Health Care Provider, etc...As To Your HIPAA Rights...

But They Still Have You SIGN IN On A Clipboard Telling Everybody Else In The Office Your Identity !?

CAVman in WYoming

CHARLIED308 · November 10th, 2011, 08:09 PM

I trust the VA as far as I can throw a 3 legged piano.

Oxmix · November 10th, 2011, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHARLIED308

I trust the VA as far as I can throw a 3 legged piano.

Amen brother.

Try getting compensation for exposure to Agent Orange if you were on Okinawa in the 1960's and early 1970's. Even though it, Agent Orange, was there, it was never there. Get the picture.

I could go on and on, but I will leave it at that.

Regards

Ox

82nd ABN · November 10th, 2011, 08:59 PM

Never had a hard time getting records. Just show up at the release of records office. I go from time to time and get whatever I didn't already have. I have been going to the OMT department for the last couple of years for my back. Great service but not often enough and they just made a new policy that the department is only open on fridays. I get those records every six months. I have been treated at the VA for 20 years now and have everything they have on me. Through my DAV chapter I have been told what I need to do in order to make an attempt at increasing my claim from 10 to 30 percent. I hate to say it but the guy actually used the term " you have to play the game" I have been doing it for 20 years and at the next DAV meeting I plan on submitting the paperwork to get re evaluated. Has anyone actually had there increased?? Was in a big PITA and a lot of hoops to jump through? I recently received a letter from the DAV letting me know that the MSO(Mobile Service Office) will be making stops in the local area with NSO's onboard. I stopped in to see them on the 10/28. Hope this works

RAMMAC · November 10th, 2011, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 82nd ABN

Never had a hard time getting records. Just show up at the release of records office. I go from time to time and get whatever I didn't already have. I have been going to the OMT department for the last couple of years for my back. Great service but not often enough and they just made a new policy that the department is only open on fridays. I get those records every six months. I have been treated at the VA for 20 years now and have everything they have on me. Through my DAV chapter I have been told what I need to do in order to make an attempt at increasing my claim from 10 to 30 percent. I hate to say it but the guy actually used the term " you have to play the game" I have been doing it for 20 years and at the next DAV meeting I plan on submitting the paperwork to get re evaluated. Has anyone actually had there increased?? Was in a big PITA and a lot of hoops to jump through? I recently received a letter from the DAV letting me know that the MSO(Mobile Service Office) will be making stops in the local area with NSO's onboard. I stopped in to see them on the 10/28. Hope this works

Basically you make a request for an increase in your disability and they schedule you for a standard back exam. They will ask you all those questions about how the problem effects you on a daily basis and they will do the normal range of motion tests and they might even order x-rays and such.

Just remember, think worst case scenario when they ask you about the pain or limitations on your movements. And don't be bashful, if they ask you how your back feels at that moment, even if it doesn't hurt one bit, tell them that it hurts. When they ask you to describe the pain on a scale of 1 to 10 ask them for a copy of the their pain scale. It's sort of like this;

Quote:

Comparative Pain Scale
0 - No pain. Feeling perfectly normal.

Minor - Does not interfere with most activities. Able to adapt to pain psychologically and with medication or devices such as cushions.

1 - Very Mild
Very light barely noticable pain, like a mosquito bite or a poison ivy itch. Most of the time you never think about the pain.
2 - Discomforting
Minor pain, like lightly pinching the fold of skin between the thumb and first finger with the other hand, using the fingernails. Note that people react differently to this self-test.
3 - Tolerable
Very noticable pain, like an accidental cut, a blow to the nose causing a bloody nose, or a doctor giving you an injection. The pain is not so strong that you cannot get used to it. Eventually, most of the time you don't notice the pain. You have adapted to it.

Moderate - Interferes with many activities. Requires lifestyle changes but patient remains independent. Unable to adapt to pain.

4 - Distressing
Strong, deep pain, like an average toothache, the initial pain from a bee sting, or minor trauma to part of the body, such as stubbing your toe real hard. So strong you notice the pain all the time and cannot completely adapt. This pain level can be simulated by pinching the fold of skin between the thumb and first finger with the other hand, using the fingernails, and squeezing real hard. Note how the similated pain is initially piercing but becomes dull after that.
5 - Very Distressing
Strong, deep, piercing pain, such as a sprained ankle when you stand on it wrong, or mild back pain. Not only do you notice the pain all the time, you are now so preoccupied with managing it that you normal lifestyle is curtailed. Temporary personality disorders are frequent.
6 - Intense
Strong, deep, piercing pain so strong it seems to partially dominate your senses, causing you to think somewhat unclearly. At this point you begin to have trouble holding a job or maintaining normal social relationships. Comparable to a bad non-migriane headache combined with several bee stings, or a bad back pain.

Severe - Unable to engage in normal activities. Patient is disabled and unable to function independently.

7 - Very Intense
Same as 6 except the pain completely dominates your senses, causing you to think unclearly about half the time. At this point you are effectively disabled and frequently cannot live alone. Comparable to an average migraine headache.
8 - Utterly Horrible
Pain so intense you can no longer think clearly at all, and have often undergone severe personality change if the pain has been present for a long time. Suicide is frequently contemplated and sometimes tried. Comparable to childbirth or a real bad migraine headache.
9 - Excruciating Unbearable
Pain so intense you cannot tolerate it and demand pain killers or surgery, no matter what the side effects or risk. If this doesn't work, suicide is frequent since there is no more joy in life whatsoever. Comparable to throat cancer.
10 - Unimaginable Unspeakable
Pain so intense you will go unconscious shortly. Most people have never experienced this level of pain. Those who have suffered a severe accident, such as a crushed hand, and lost consciousness as a result of the pain and not blood loss, have experienced level 10.

After the exam they forward everything to the Veteran's Service Representatives (VSR) and they compare what the doctor said against their ratings charts and decide if you get an increase or not. Your DAV service rep will keep tabs on the case for you, they can actually pull up your file and see what status it is in. Remember, they can also reduce your rating if the doctor indicated that your back has gotten better since your last rating exam. So make sure you don't downplay your pain or the impact that your back has on your day to day activities.

82nd ABN · November 10th, 2011, 10:41 PM

Wow thanks RAMMAC most helpful, excellent gouge thanks a million. I have MRI's from the time of the accident as well as xrays. A couple of years ago it was really bothering me a lot so I went in for an MRI, I insisted they MRI the entire spine. The tree reports read like a small book. I love looking at the expressions on the faces of the docs when I mention to them its in the system. There is a huge difference in the reports from 20 years ago and two years ago. I have to ask the question to a doc, I will call my brother in law tomorrow. I would like his opinion on weather or not the initial injury could be causing the problems I am having in the thoracic and cervical areas of my spine. Arthritis to be exact. I don't know how that spreads or shows up. The bulging disks, stenosis degenerative disk disease ect ect, I have not asked at the hospital because I don't want them putting that in the notes thinking I am sniffing around for an increase if you know what I mean. This year I have been lucky so far but just the other morning the fog was real thick and the temps were low and my spine felt it. I guess I should also mention I shot a match on sunday. I usually feel stiff for a couple of days after a match. The hardest part hit is my neck from holding it up while in the prone position. Its the arthritis that bothers me in that position. its not as bad but do you remember the feeling you had when you did pt wearing your steel pot? The neck muscle soreness you would get? I dont get the muscle soreness now its in the bones. Sort of like the feeling you have the next morning after falling asleep the wrong way. Man I wish I would have started competing years ago rather than last spring.

Thanks a lot for the information. I never even knew they had explanations for the pain charts. At any given time I am always sitting at 2-3 this week I have been at 4-5. Its only a couple of times a year that I am at 10 plus, I wish I could go for my eval physical that day.