Posted on Aug 29, 2023
I am in desperate need of getting help with my disability claims. I'm in need of a law firm to help me. I need suggestions/reommendations?
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I had most of my injury surgies at Andrews AirForce base hospital. The VA is saying that means I get no benefits for my injuries. I find that hard, and they won't go to Andrews to get information saying I had the surgeries.
Benefits
VA Claim
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Legal Services
Medical
Posted 9 mo ago
Responses: 49
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OK, let me get a bit of additional information. I assume that if you were treated at Andrews that you were still on Active Duty, is that correct? Did those surgeries correct the damage from your injuries? Do you have documentation that the injuries were service related?
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PO3 Shauneille Peoples
Yes, I was on active duty, the injuries were corrected for the time being. After a time of altering my walk due to the foot surgeries it has caused a total knee replacement, lower back issues, ad leg nerve problems. My orthopedic surgeon has written up that fact that my toes were fused at the joint of each toe has altered my ability to balance and walk in a normal fashion.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
PO3 Shauneille Peoples - OK, that's a bit tougher and I am going through a similar issue. 1. You need to get copies of your records from Andrew as a starting point to show the initial injury. They actually should be at VA already, but Air Force treating Navy, who knows. 2. I suggest getting a VSO, although it isn't required. They know the ins and outs of the system. You can file yourself, but you need to look at all the requirements if you do. 3. You need to get your orthopedic doctor to give you a nexus letter stating that your current disabilities are directing related to your original injuries and all the medical records related to it. 4. Then you are handed off to VES, Veterans Evaluation Services, to assess your condition and give you a rating. The VA does not evaluate you anymore. That part of the process isn't exactly quick, normally 90 to 120 days.
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Sgt Lisa Lyon Coloma
CPT Lawrence Cable I just want to add here that in 2020, I submitted a new claim. The VA ordered a C&P, which was performed at the VA hospital in Southern Arizona. The doc started by saying that I was the first person to be seen since COVID restrictions lifted. She started evaluating my for the only service-connected disability I already had a 40% rating for. 1) I had the rating for 19 years. 2) I was over 55 years old, so they should automatically consider my condition static and permanent. I even asked her why she’s checking everything except what I submitted for. 3) She never addressed any of the newly claimed conditions. Every exam after that was done by a contracted doctor at either QTC or VES. SO, beware if you are ordered to a C&P exam at the VA hospital. Some people that work at the VBA are hateful, miserable people who work in a toxic workplace.
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You need to talk to a VA advocate. They can get the ball rolling for you.
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Facebook. VA claims insider. Better than an attorney. Only pay if you get a rating. Check them out.
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PO1 Shauneille Peoples
I have a phone interview tomorrow with the VA Service that is supposed to help. I will see what they say.
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Here are some links I would recommend you check out first: https://www.legion.org/
or https://www.dav.org/
or, long shot https://www.va.gov/POST911VETERANS/
or https://www.dav.org/
or, long shot https://www.va.gov/POST911VETERANS/
The American Legion a U.S. Veterans Association
The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization aimed at advocating patriotism across the U.S. through diverse programs and member benefits.
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When I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer (Agent Orange, Vietnam), I had the surgery done at City of Hope. When I later applied for VA disability benefits, I began to receive $56 a month. It seemed like a trivial amount for losing an organ that is necessary for having children. A few years later, I met a vet who was part of an organization that provides free legal service to vets with disabilities. I signed up and went for an interview. He asked all the right questions and I discovered that many of the maladies that I have were service related. They filed the paperwork with the VA and I now get $657 per month. I suggest you contact Gold Coast Veterans Foundation email: [login to see]
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I'm late to the discussion, it just popped up for me 5 months after you originally posted. Are you still in need of assistance?
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LTC George Monsson
Sorry to here that. I'm not sure what state you are in but most states have a Veterans' Assistance Office that may be able to help you. Also, reach out to the offices of your US Representative and US Senators. Sometimes a query from a member of Congress will make beaucrats snap to attention.
Also, make sure that you have your story, what documentation you have, what documetation you need and what you want at the end (for example: 50% disability rating from the VA) organized in a logical order to present to someone who is unfamiliar with the situation. Make a timeline chart and list and note which points along the timeline need documentation. For example "Item 12: 2 MAR 2015, Entered Andrews AFB Hospital for surgery on left knee. Stayed 5 days. (Need documentation of entrance, procedures performed, and release date)"
Good luck and I hope this helps.
Also, make sure that you have your story, what documentation you have, what documetation you need and what you want at the end (for example: 50% disability rating from the VA) organized in a logical order to present to someone who is unfamiliar with the situation. Make a timeline chart and list and note which points along the timeline need documentation. For example "Item 12: 2 MAR 2015, Entered Andrews AFB Hospital for surgery on left knee. Stayed 5 days. (Need documentation of entrance, procedures performed, and release date)"
Good luck and I hope this helps.
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PO1 Shauneille Peoples
Yes, I am trying to figure out how to get the medical records from Andrews Air Force Base
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Deuterman got results for my wife in two weeks flat. That's after the VA spent three years telling her to take a hike and DAVE proved themselves to be absolutely useless. Not sure if they stretch out to your area, but a private law firm that deals specifically with the VA is the way to go and totally worth their weight in gold.
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I was 30% by the VA. The service groups thought that was fine. Then contacted an enrolled agent, certified by the V.A.. He got all the paperwork in order, fought for me at a hearing, and upped it to 70%, with my also being Individually Unemployed. His fee…10% of all back pay. Better 90% pd something than 10% od nothing. all along, the service organizations; DAV, VFW, AmericanLegion, all Pooh-poohed my choice, but again, were not interested in doing more than drinking coffee in the V.A. Center.
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