SERVING
Those That
SERVED
Veterans Share How They Won
Sandra Hale, Army Veteran (Continued)
On a more Personal Note: Both my parents were active duty Army. My mother was in Communications, my father was Infantry. He was wounded by a German grenade (Potato Masher) fighting in Hitlers Black Forest. He retained metal fragments in his brain but otherwise lived to be 82 years old. The VA gave him 10% disability compensation. My mother never applied for VA disability compensation, even though some of her medical conditions were service-connected. When I became disabled, I vowed to find out everything I could about my benefits and how to get them. I pass the torch to you. You earned them, go get them. It will be an uphill battle for most, but don’t give up. Never give up.
Robert Escher, Army Veteran
I am a Viet Nam Veteran that served for 14 and 1/2 years. I went for C&P's in 2011 and was awarded 50% for various physical injuries I received while in the army. I was rejected for PTSD even though I had a little from my mental Health nurse practitioner (who is now a Dr (she had 3 months to graduation when she wrote the letter for me) I had also attended a depression group and am still attending a PTSD Group. I got a lawyer and we have appealed all decisions. But the point I am making is if you are appealing and are still going to a doctor whether VA or not. Get a copy of your records every time you attend a appointment ask for your records and turn them in to your VSO, Lawyer or you do it on your own. Reviewers DO NOT SEE your current records. And those all help. You must fight and keep on doing it until you receive what you think you deserve.
Ken Olchawa, Marine Corps Veteran
I retired in 2010 and began receiving 10% disability for hypothyroidism, 0% for hypertension and 0% for shoulder surgery. I submitted a new claim this year for Sleep Apnea because it is closely related to symptoms of hypothyroidism. I had my VA doctor write my nexus (medical opinion) letter stating that my SA is caused by hypothyroidism. It was approved within 3 months of me submitting it. I was also given a retro award for my hypertension to 10% since 2010 for an over sight of the initial request. I still have a few claims out there and see the C&P doctor this month, lets hope for the best. I like that each time I have been to a C&P exam, its been the same doctor.
Stories of inspiration and education
