VA Entitlement review board comming up ..... What should I expect!

[Hockeycaper]

Hello all,

Here is the story. Over a year ago I applied for a V.A pension for bad knees( pain, aches, etc) from my military service (1 RCR) I did not have specific CF98's on injuries. I havesince been diagnosed with " Patella something or other" in both knees. My knees were perferct before joining. Due to a LACK of CF98's and LACK of complaining on my part during my service my claim was denied. Saying that most men in their early thirties have knee problems blah blah blah,
But then it was kicked over to a lawyer to assist me in my request. I have just received notice in the mail to show up in a week for an "Entitlement review board" Just wondering if anyone has had a simular experience and could shed some light on this for me.

Thanks in advance

 

[pioneer 4ever]

he benny it's dino let me know if you hear anything about that cause the wife is in the same boat cause she didn't complained enough and it's her back.

talk to you latter benny

pro pat

Cpl Leblanc
composite shop
ATESS Trenton

 

[Kat Stevens]

They (VAC) will try to convince you that your condition is just regular degenerative wear and tear.  You need to request your med docs from the Archive, and show that you were in good working order when you joined, and were N/S when you left.  CF 98s only do any good if a specific injury took place. If at any time you went to UMS and said "gee, my knees hurt", it should be in your med file.  Hope your lawyer is good. Also, contact the Royal Canadian Legion, they have people who delight in scrapping with VAC. Hope this helps, and good luck.

CHIMO,  Kat

 

[Skyrat]

CF98...????

If one is completed and signed off by the CO indicating that the injury, which then required surgery, was not out of the norm of military job activities. Should it not be a given for the VA board to grant some degree of compensation.
If the person who was your commander, through investigation and statements has related it to military duty, who is the board to overrule that?

Just curious as I have submitted 2 claims with 98's stating that each injury was related to military duties and signed by my CO..
One happened in a SOA..
Guess I was somewhat naive and did not expect to have to fight, when it would seem responsibility was excepted..


Any comments/help?


TKS

Skyrat

 

[the 48th regulator]

CF98...????

If one is completed and signed off by the CO indicating that the injury, which then required surgery, was not out of the norm of military job activities. Should it not be a given for the VA board to grant some degree of compensation.
If the person who was your commander, through investigation and statements has related it to military duty, who is the board to overrule that?

Just curious as I have submitted 2 claims with 98's stating that each injury was related to military duties and signed by my CO..
One happened in a SOA..
Guess I was somewhat naive and did not expect to have to fight, when it would seem responsibility was excepted..


Any comments/help?


TKS

Skyrat

Patience, and appeal appeal appeal.

Visit your family doctor and get all current medical documentation, showing that your injuries while serving, have contributed to you pain and suffering.   Contact your Local Legion and ask if they have a representative who helps Veterans with this kind of appeal.

Document everything,  and I mean everything.  Write down everything  that is told to you.  Whether by phone or in person.  Get names, ask for spelling, write down dates and timings.  Invest in a daytimer,t he Junior General type, and keep it with you always, when dealing with anyone with regards to your case.

It will be a long battle, but you will win, becasue you won't give up, and have everything in hand to prove it!

Good luck

dileas

tess

 

[Kat Stevens]

Also, don't assume that the CF 98 that you dutifully filled out, and your CO dutifully signed, ever got PAd to your med docs or pers file.  When I first started the VAC process, I asked to sit down with my MO (Dr Dromey, best doctor ever fired by a base surgeon    )  to review my docs. Lo, and behold, no CF 98 for my back injury.  I wrote a memo, up the chain of course, asking for an investigation by my CO.  I never saw an anthill get kicked so hard, or so far.  The situation was remedied, my claim went forward.  Friendly word of warning is all this is, not a shot at the med records folks.  Not only are you your own best career manager,  you're also your own best VAC rep.

 

[the 48th regulator]

Also, don't assume that the CF 98 that you dutifully filled out, and your CO dutifully signed, ever got PAd to your med docs or pers file.  When I first started the VAC process, I asked to sit down with my MO (Dr Dromey, best doctor ever fired by a base surgeon    )  to review my docs. Lo, and behold, no CF 98 for my back injury.  I wrote a memo, up the chain of course, asking for an investigation by my CO.  I never saw an anthill get kicked so hard, or so far.  The situation was remedied, my claim went forward.  Friendly word of warning is all this is, not a shot at the med records folks.  Not only are you your own best career manager,  you're also your own best VAC rep.

I could not said it better myself, especially he last scentence!


dileas

tess

 

[Skyrat]

Thanks Guys,

The missing 98's..One took 3 times to even get as far as the CO.
The first 2 times they just seemed to vanish.

When I submitted my paper work to the VA. I sent a copy of the 98's and as well  a copy of my MRI and the date of my surgery.
I'm coming up to 24 years and trying to get the "ducks in a row" before the golden handshake. I understand that as we age we slow down but I look at my brothers...older and younger...never in the military and I must say they don't have the aches, pains and scars.

Cheers

Skyrat

 

[George Wallace]

I understand that as we age we slow down but I look at my brothers...older and younger...never in the military and I must say they don't have the aches, pains and scars.

Have you looked at anyone from your HS Graduation Class and noticed what sad shape many of them are in?

Anyway, back on topic.  Have you gone to the Legion and seen/spoken with one of their Advisors.  I know some Legions have some very good Advisors and Advocates for CF members who have suffered injuries and have to deal/fight with VAC.

 

[riggermade]

Thanks Guys,

The missing 98's..One took 3 times to even get as far as the CO.
The first 2 times they just seemed to vanish.

When I submitted my paper work to the VA. I sent a copy of the 98's and as well  a copy of my MRI and the date of my surgery.
I'm coming up to 24 years and trying to get the "ducks in a row" before the golden handshake. I understand that as we age we slow down but I look at my brothers...older and younger...never in the military and I must say they don't have the aches, pains and scars.

Cheers

Skyrat

I feel your pain....22 years wearing a maroon beret and my back and knees are from aging....considering I am 45 and my Doc figures I have the back of a 65 yearold....been waiting over a year on the appeal side

 

[Skyrat]

Update.......

"Disability award...is granted under section 45..."
Entitlement is effective...Oct 2008

"Have to be assessed for ...but entitlement has been granted for disability and it arose out of your Regular Force Service"

Okay I'm still serving and this one is for a knee.

Do I go and have it assessed at the Base UMS? Or do I wait for the District Office to make these arrangements?
Does anybody know the next step...should I contact the Legion or any other representatives..
With the change in Charter I believe I'm looking at a lump sum. Any idea in the worst (their best) case senario ..1/5 I guess? what the knee would be valued at on the broken body chart?..hehe

Any help would be appreciated...thanks Skyrat...

Also...I'm scheduled to do my BFT tomorrow and I'm really not sure if the old knee will make it...(I hope I do)..would that be a good time for the UMS to evaluate the knee...

 

[the 48th regulator]

Update.......

"Disability award...is granted under section 45..."
Entitlement is effective...Oct 2008

"Have to be assessed for ...but entitlement has been granted for disability and it arose out of your Regular Force Service"

Okay I'm still serving and this one is for a knee.

Do I go and have it assessed at the Base UMS? Or do I wait for the District Office to make these arrangements?
Does anybody know the next step...should I contact the Legion or any other representatives..
With the change in Charter I believe I'm looking at a lump sum. Any idea in the worst (their best) case senario ..1/5 I guess? what the knee would be valued at on the broken body chart?..hehe

Any help would be appreciated...thanks Skyrat...

Also...I'm scheduled to do my BFT tomorrow and I'm really not sure if the old knee will make it...(I hope I do)..would that be a good time for the UMS to evaluate the knee...

Veteran affairs should arrange the assessment.

Contact your VAC representative, and see if that person can give the date for the schedule, or whether the information has been sent via mail.

No sense in contacting the legion, they will just do what I told you to do above, causing you wait longer.

Write everything down, when speaking with your VAC rep.

As for your BFT, since you made a claim with VAC, your Local UMS should have already put you on a medical category, or issued you a chit with regards to your injury.

That would also be wise to look into.

dileas

tess

 

[Skyrat]

Thanks

I'll contact my REP tomorrow.

I have never been in contact with my REP before...whose team are they reallyon? Mine or the VA's?

As for Category.
The DR that did my operation took me off my 2nd T-Cat.
I have been back 3 times in the last year and each time I have been excused PT for x number of days.
I actually thought this would go against my decision when I applied for the benefits.
But from what I read they seem to agree that "service related event is deemed to have caused or contributed to the development......arose out of your Regular Forces service"

I am at the point of being unable to take the pain much longer. Quality of life has declined and my ability to do what I love most, hunting & fishing & outdoor family activities, has all but vanished. Being old school I will most likely grit my teeth and complete the BFT one more time then walk into the UMS and claim thats enough....

What I understand is that the assessment will be to determine the "loss of mobility-extent of damage" which will be used in the equation to determine benefits. The higher the assessment (%) and the greater the 5ths, the more the benefit.  Correct?


Again thanks for the advice.
Skyrat