I served in OEF(2005-2006) in Haditha, Iraq. I developed PTSD, Sleep Apnea, Tinnitus, etc. Ive been denied Sleep Apnea and Tinnitus. Why?

LCpl Marvin Dames — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 09:54:32 -0400

Between burn-pits, sand-storms, 7-Tons, and Humvees I've also developed Asthma, and unknown skin rashes. And once again I'm being denied around every corner. Why?

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Sep 15 at 2022 10:04 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 10:04:42 -0400

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member maybe some suggestions?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Sep 15 at 2022 10:22 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 10:22:40 -0400

Considering your MOS a percentage for hearing issues should be a slam dunk. At the end of the day making any claim requires proof connecting you to a place and connecting your injury to that. I would check what documentation and medical evaluations you have in the system and validate everything is connecting. I would also recommend getting a sit down with a Veteran Advocate that can help punch up your request before re-submitting.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Sep 15 at 2022 10:30 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 10:30:51 -0400

Jan 2003 - Feb 2004, Kuwait/Iraq. I came back with a constant cough, VA says nothing to do with the environment I was in, which included burn pits, burning sh!t, almost constant blowing sand in Kuwait, denied. Oh being 11B had nothing to do with my bad knees, which the left on has been replaced and the right one needs done also, denied. I read an article where guys came back who had the same thing I did. They did all the test they have done on me, found nothing. The last test they did on them, not done on me is a lung biopsy. I showed they had sucked in very find dust from heavy metals, depleted uranium. I was a Camp Virginia, which was not far from the "Highway of Death" from the first Golf war. Lots of depleted uranium was used. We had lots of dust storms, sometimes 2,3,4 times a week. I have requested a lung biopsy, but nothing has been done. I'll probably be dead when they approve one.

I am guessing the VA wants us dead so they don't have to pay, much easier that way. I filed an appeal. Last time I checked there was over 68,000 cases ahead of my appeal.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2022 12:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 12:25:35 -0400

Because the first step to establishing a VA claim is establishing service connection. It's not enough to show that you have these conditions, you have to show the service connection. Unless the issue is considered a presumptive condition, like lung cancer, you have to show that you developed this condition while serving. It's a whole lot harder to do once you are out of the service.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 15 at 2022 12:28 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 12:28:37 -0400

Get an Advocate to help/fight for you. DAV, AM Legion, VFW, etc.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 15 at 2022 3:17 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 15:17:42 -0400

What is your percentage now?