Getting better, but VA still staying away from GWI
It seems that the regional offices are getting better with granting claims but they still don't want to use the words Gulf war illness. They would rather split up all of the illnesses and put them through separately, rather than just call it Gulf war illness for everything, very strange. But getting there
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AngryGulfWarVet3SWAServiceStars commented
I initiated my claims individually, but this made it very easy for the East Orange, NJ VA to deny or low ball my claims, so I went back and lumped them all under Gulf War Illness - presumptive. This really angered the VA because they now had to say Gulf War Illness with presumptive. I volunteered many times -- two with insistance from my congressman -- to be entered in the GWII study, but either never received an answer or was told only taking females at the present time. Odd, as the GWII coordinator told me that the study isn't geared toward any gender.
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Ezjay commented
No one wants to use the words "Gulf War Illness" or "Syndrome", or "Gulf War related illness". We'd all get there if VA made it clear. I'd stop using it too if it offends the people you are asking for help...Task Force? Actually my question to the task force is, why not make it simplier for us to receive some help? If you know we were there, you know we are ill, why don't you help us get disposition? Why not train the people that grant this disability to be more people friendly? I'm running out of things to "Prove" to the VA before I can get disability...
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janet commented
They wait for so many of you to die, same as WWII, so they have less to pay, the gov't bets you die before they have to pay you. name of the game. I'm sick of it. My mom was paid 14K for my dad's exposure to mustard gas, we had /have his DD214 and his orders. Shame on the USA.
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Gonzalez, Rick commented
I agree. The part I do not understand is why it is so darn difficult to get a claim approved. We put in for a claim that is text book Gulf War Syndrome, with all the medical documentation supporting. Then every so often we have to prove that we are still ill, While I am constantly in and out of my primary care providers office and occasionally the emergency room.
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Valerie Mullikin commented
Gulf War Illness is not recognized by the Medical Societies of the world therefore there is not diagnostic code, making it impossible for the VA to utilize this term at this time. In order to be able to be used the ICD9 codes must be updated to ensure proper billing to insurance companies that the VA is reimbursed. (Medicare, Tricare for Life)
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JASON BLACKWOOD commented
Phil, I would have to agree with your assesment. There are so many symptoms-why not lump it all together. We were exposed period, no debate. I also have to agree that the VA is getting better at the regional level. Rome wasn't built in one day, so it will take time to do what is right for us veterans who served honorably.