tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post9000777564108429884..comments2023-05-10T04:47:11.680-07:00Comments on The Blog at Military Disability Made Easy: Proposed Changes to the Ratings of the Hemic and Lymphatic Systems are Now Open to CommentsMDMEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807695915566004972noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-65112060906229430582018-09-13T07:48:03.201-07:002018-09-13T07:48:03.201-07:00Thank you!Thank you!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07811908070626757030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-15147559543275636112018-09-05T12:24:10.075-07:002018-09-05T12:24:10.075-07:00Yes, the VA will usually only rate a single blood ...Yes, the VA will usually only rate a single blood condition, whichever provides the higher rating. Especially in this case, since both can cause similar symptoms and require similar treatments (transplants, transfusions, etc.), the VA will most likely only rate one.Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-42895207013084080662018-08-28T11:21:55.033-07:002018-08-28T11:21:55.033-07:00Can you receive a separate rating for these 2 bloo...Can you receive a separate rating for these 2 blood conditions or would that be considered pyramiding?<br /><br />I served at Camp Lejeune in 1982 and now have multiple blood disorders. I am still going through diagnostics to determine what is going on.<br /><br />I have,<br />High Platelet Count<br />High Immature Granulocyte Count<br />Very Low Lymphocyte Count<br /><br />Code 7702: Agranulocytosis<br />Proposed- Code 7718: Essential thrombocythemiaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07811908070626757030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-67147337106406053972018-08-27T11:48:57.572-07:002018-08-27T11:48:57.572-07:00These are waiting to be approved. We have no way o...These are waiting to be approved. We have no way of knowing just how long it will take, but as soon as they are made official, we'll blog about them and update our site.Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-79745754068287981122018-08-23T08:35:49.358-07:002018-08-23T08:35:49.358-07:00Have these proposed changes been approved or at le...Have these proposed changes been approved or at least on a path to approval? I'm particularly interested in 7718, essential thrombocythemia. I've been on hydroxyurea for three years with with a platelet count hovering in the 900's. As I'm about to retire and starting my claim, I'm looking for any information I can get. Thanks! Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04782208874746954741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-10202328701980263622018-08-14T09:35:21.163-07:002018-08-14T09:35:21.163-07:00As long as your leukemia is service-connected, you...As long as your leukemia is service-connected, you can submit a claim any time. <br /><br />The VA will look at your symptoms and determine whether or not it qualifies for a rating higher than 0%, but as long as it is rated 0%, as soon as it worsens in the future, the VA can easily increase your rating to cover the new symptoms. Because of this, it is definitely a good idea to go ahead and apply, even with only mild symptoms. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-82406545819189322882018-08-09T09:16:37.110-07:002018-08-09T09:16:37.110-07:00I have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, IAW Code 7703...I have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, IAW Code 7703: <br /><br />". . . after it progresses to more severe stages that a true disability appears. If detected early and properly treated, this leukemia can stay asymptomatic for many years. Thus, until it develops to a point where symptoms are manifest, the VA proposes that it should only be rated 0%. . ."<br /><br />As I have swollen lymph nodes and spleen, I could make a claim? Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14786301314575169065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-15762759572320852812017-11-17T12:12:58.098-08:002017-11-17T12:12:58.098-08:00You've brought up a really good issue. Under t...You've brought up a really good issue. Under the new proposed ratings, it would be rated 30%. <br /><br />Under the current ratings, however, it technically qualifies for a 100% rating, although the VA could argue otherwise. The current VASRD literally states that a 100% rating is give "with active disease OR during a treatment phase." The "or" means that the treatment phase would still qualify for a 100%. However, the VA could argue that TKI therapy doesn't influence overall quality of life as significantly as treatments like chemotherapy and so do not fit the 100% requirement of a treatment. It's a gray area, and that's why the VA wants to make a new code just for this condition. Based on this new code, it's clear that they feel the 30% is the appropriate rating. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-45574133611188345952017-11-09T01:43:59.962-08:002017-11-09T01:43:59.962-08:00On the current rating schedule, is CML in apparent...On the current rating schedule, is CML in apparent remission but still undergoing continuous treatment with TKIs rated at 100% because it is in a treatment phase? or would it be rated equivalent to anemia because of the "apparent remission"? Looks like the new 7719 code would put it at 30%. The ratings for CML are a little confusing. I'm not sure if the impact of the revised ratings would be an increase or decrease. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04148447879374860908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-17298451906821287022017-09-30T14:41:00.182-07:002017-09-30T14:41:00.182-07:00Thanks.Thanks.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11278499194602199527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-42105104088075913292017-09-28T14:42:07.221-07:002017-09-28T14:42:07.221-07:00Right now, they don't usually provide service-...Right now, they don't usually provide service-connection if the veteran didn't have boots on the ground unless you served on one of the contaminated C-123s. <br /><br />https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/docs/AO_C123_AFSpecialityCodesUnits.pdfMilitary Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-6255348513699611332017-09-27T09:07:00.257-07:002017-09-27T09:07:00.257-07:00I wasn't but suspect my equipment, radio vans,...I wasn't but suspect my equipment, radio vans, was.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11278499194602199527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-8718017420678931832017-09-26T17:36:52.414-07:002017-09-26T17:36:52.414-07:00If you were on the ground in Vietnam between Jan 9...If you were on the ground in Vietnam between Jan 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975, then you will automatically qualify for exposure to Agent Orange. You just have to prove that you were on the ground, so deployment records would suffice. <br /><br />CLL is a b-cell leukemia, and all b-cell leukemias qualify on the VA's Presumptive List for Agent Orange exposure. <br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vapresumptivelist.html#herbicideMilitary Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-44248160927986342922017-09-19T07:13:47.878-07:002017-09-19T07:13:47.878-07:00Dr Johnson,
In addition to my previous question, ...Dr Johnson, <br />In addition to my previous question, I am claiming CLL caused by exposure to equipment that had been used in Vietnam. My exposure occurred over five years, from the early 70's. I am at wits end with how to prove the prior use of the equipment in SEA. I have investigated on my own and the radios I operated for 5 years, AN/TSC-15, were used in Vietnam and SEA. How heavy a burden of proof would you say I have to provide? Nearly 50 years in the past. Also, my oncologist and PCP at the time, both now deceased, commented that the onset of CLL usually occurred in people much older. I was diagnosed just after turning 49. Thanks in advance. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11278499194602199527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-58320307466884376172017-09-06T10:43:32.691-07:002017-09-06T10:43:32.691-07:00Thank you, Doctor Johnson.Thank you, Doctor Johnson.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11278499194602199527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-69519209511765687812017-08-29T15:27:45.170-07:002017-08-29T15:27:45.170-07:00When any type of leukemia is no longer active, it ...When any type of leukemia is no longer active, it is rated as either anemia or aplastic anemia. You can compare your current circumstances with the ratings for those two conditions. Whichever is higher will be the rating you are given. The minimum rating if you have to be on continuous medication is 10%, however, you may qualify for higher depending on circumstances I am unaware of. <br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/theblood.html#aMilitary Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-3682951656227109792017-08-23T13:56:15.336-07:002017-08-23T13:56:15.336-07:00Dr. Johnson, I have filed for service connected CL...Dr. Johnson, I have filed for service connected CLL. Equipment had been previously used in Vietnam. My ETS was 12/1988. First detection 2001. Stage 3 and chemo in 2009-2010. Right now in remission, though I must take Danazol to avoid angioedema. In the past they had put me in hospital, as the connection to CLL had not been drawn. It was confirmed in 2003 by local allergist and Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. My energy levels have never recovered and currently I am in remission. Any opinion as to rating for this? I am at 20% for hearing loss.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11278499194602199527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-25521961160965246482016-05-11T16:05:20.704-07:002016-05-11T16:05:20.704-07:00Type II diabetes is on the VA Presumptive List for...Type II diabetes is on the VA Presumptive List for Agent Orange, so as long as there is evidence of Agent Orange exposure, diabetes will be considered service-connected.<br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vapresumptivelist.html#herbicideMilitary Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-64869071614813423262016-05-05T05:54:20.430-07:002016-05-05T05:54:20.430-07:00Dr. Johnson,
I have heard some discussion with dep...Dr. Johnson,<br />I have heard some discussion with dependents of Agent Orange who develop Diabetes. Is this Military related? What to do about this?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15001594559741624567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-31401864671710978902016-04-06T12:25:26.922-07:002016-04-06T12:25:26.922-07:00Hi James -
It's impossible for me to say wha...Hi James - <br /><br />It's impossible for me to say what they have planned for MS ratings until they published the proposed changes for the nervous system. Until that time, it would be mere speculation. Nobody knows until it's published. Keep checking back here, though. As soon as they publish it, we'll blog it and then we'd love to get your feedback on the proposed changes. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-13791226250360132352016-04-04T18:05:46.033-07:002016-04-04T18:05:46.033-07:00Dr. Johnson,
Thank you for your service and cont...Dr. Johnson, <br /><br />Thank you for your service and continue service to veterans. I'm a OIF Vet that is service connected for Multiple sclerosis which is rated at 30%. Do you know of any planned changes to the rating scale. Its hard to believe a disease with severe mental and physical ramifications is rated so low. <br /><br />Thanks again, <br /><br />Jamesjwoodsonivhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00853870682493873565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-48932159071403400052016-03-02T19:33:44.212-08:002016-03-02T19:33:44.212-08:00thank you for your help.thank you for your help.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06409977445650046357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-30245380091066844552016-03-02T10:57:49.645-08:002016-03-02T10:57:49.645-08:00You have a tough case. It is incredibly difficult ...You have a tough case. It is incredibly difficult to get a rating higher than 10% for this condition. The itching and hives are controllable by medication, so they are not ratable. To get a higher rating, you must have medically documented proof that you have had two to three episodes in the past year alone. These must be clearly documented. Each episode must have lasted at least a week and included symptoms that significantly interfere with your ability to function. <br /><br />The key to your argument is the documented proof of these episodes. You mention your symptoms and that they occur "a few times a year," but they will have to have exact specifics outlined in medical records in order to increase your rating. Unfortunately, just your testimony alone is not enough. <br /><br />Now if you have the proper documentation of these episodes, then all you need to do is file an NOD. Just make sure to include this evidence, and you should be good to go. If you do not have this evidence, then you can try to submit an NOD, but it will most likely not be successful. Always worth a shot, though. Filing an NOD is the only option you have at this stage. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07246704641900456151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-34503523811836824942016-02-29T21:40:55.680-08:002016-02-29T21:40:55.680-08:00The VA came back with a 10% rating for "syste...The VA came back with a 10% rating for "systemic lupus erythematosus". What are my options other than to file NOD? Are you aware of any medical or VA legal documents that I can reference to show them they are wrong? My main symptoms which I've struggled with which has led to the diagnosis is uncontrollable itching when I don't take antihistamines, hives if I don't take antihistamines, and episodes (a few times per year) when I get headaches, fatigue, generally feel miserable for a week or two and this occurs a few times per year. Thank you. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06409977445650046357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-55826564869557434352016-01-29T13:56:01.789-08:002016-01-29T13:56:01.789-08:00Thank you very much! Thank you very much! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03985914432351022458noreply@blogger.com