How are other OIF and OEF veterans diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma navigating this condition with the VA?

SSG Thomas Firak — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 23:10:01 -0500

Any other OIF or OEF Veterans out there diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma? I was diagnosed this past June. Multiple Myeloma is form of blood cancer and is extremely rare for a person my age (51). Just curious how other veterans are navigating this condition with the VA. Through the hard work of my VA service officer, I was granted a 100% rating. My primary symptom leading up to my diagnosis was anemia which began in 2017. Multiple Myeloma is treatable but unfortunately not curable. I underwent a stem cell transplant last month and am in the process of recovering.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jan 4 at 2024 6:22 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 06:22:02 -0500

Prayers for your recovery and continued improving health. I have not heard about others in OEF or OIF cases but that doesn't mean they are not out there or might not be in the next few years. Sometimes it takes a while for these things to show up

Response by SSG Thomas Firak made Jan 4 at 2024 8:03 PM

SSG Thomas Firak — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 20:03:43 -0500

One thing I would encourage every veteran to do RIGHT NOW is dig through their paperwork from when they were deployed and find DA Form 2173 Statement of Medical Examination and Duty Status. I was issued this form a week before departing FOB Kalsu and while I was demobing at Camp Shelby. Line 30 of this form lists any and all things you were exposed to while in country. My form lists different things I was exposed to include human waste, indigenous plants and animals, composite material fires, petrochemical waste and fumes, gases, fumes and dust of unknown origins, blood borne pathogens, airborne pathogens, leptospirosis, leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, hepatitis and malaria. This is a form you'd want to submit with almost any claim you'd file. Find the form if you have it, copy and scan it for safe keeping. Get a burn pits screening from your local VA clinic. This way, God forbid, you come down with any conditions you'll have the supporting documentation at the ready.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Jan 5 at 2024 2:33 PM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 14:33:49 -0500

I don't have anything like that. I have hypothyroidism so I have blood work done regularly. Good luck.

Response by Sgt Liz Michalski made Jan 17 at 2024 11:32 PM

Sgt Liz Michalski — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 23:32:31 -0500

I am a Pre911 veterans and have been diagnosed (around my 50s) with ET and PV--also forms of blood disorder which are not curable. I suspect this may be service connected. Good to hear from another!

Response by SGT Bill Braniff made Jan 18 at 2024 8:38 AM

SGT Bill Braniff — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:38:25 -0500

I am a Vietnam Combat Vet, and was diagnosed with anemia over fifteen years ago. I see my Oncologist every four months as he is watching in case it does turn into Multiple Myeloma. So far not a problem, and as my Oncologist told me if it rears its ugly head he is prepared to act. Not quite the same as you but I have been under the threat for over 15 years now.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2024 8:12 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 20:12:03 -0500

What is that?

Response by CH (CPT) Dave Schutter made Apr 11 at 2024 3:01 PM

CH (CPT) Dave Schutter — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 15:01:51 -0400

I am an OEF vet with a service connected dx of myelofibrosis- another rare blood cancer. Stem cell transplant may be an option for me. Following esp to learn of VA experience