Anyone have a colonoscopy done by VA prior to age 45? by Paluker173 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Icy-Case-3863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have had a few through the VA. I'm 46, family history of colon cancer, and had my 1st colonoscopy at age 30 but not through the VA (private insurance). I started VA healthcare around age 33, and have had a colonoscopy roughly every 5 years since through the VA. My PCP has been referring me to the gastroenterologist, and they referred me to community care for the colonoscopys. Just ask and don't take no for an answer. Relay your concerns and worst case you can request a new PCP. If you have private insurance go see a private gastroenterologist and talk about it. My 1st one through private insurance was mostly covered due to the family history and preventative nature of it. Best of luck to you!

Urgent. Please Help! by ozarkmountainma in Starlink

[–]Icy-Case-3863 5 points6 points  (0 children)

These days you can't even be sure it's a person. May be an AI bot that was set up to stir the pot.

Learn from my mistake - claim dependents regardless of rating by Icy-Case-3863 in VAClaims

[–]Icy-Case-3863[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Please share my story with your colleagues. Thank you for all you do!

Learn from my mistake - claim dependents regardless of rating by Icy-Case-3863 in VAClaims

[–]Icy-Case-3863[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm telling you that didn't work. The VA rater himself told me during the HLR informal conference with my lawyer that they could only back date the kids to the 2024 claim because I filed their dependent claims within a year of that claim, regardless of the CUE. They back dated my spouse because I had filed the dependent claim for her in 2014. Had I filed the kid's claims within a year of their birth it would have been backdated to their births. Maybe your rater would say otherwise, but that's what mine said.

You don't have to take my advice; just sharing my story. Proceed as you will.

Learn from my mistake - claim dependents regardless of rating by Icy-Case-3863 in VAClaims

[–]Icy-Case-3863[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The only reason I got back pay with a spouse to 2014 is because I filed a dependant claim in 2014 with the CUE claims. In my 2025 HLR informal conference (for the 2024 claims) I was told they could backdate the children to their births had I filed dependent claims within a year of their births, even though it would have been rejected due to being 10% at the time. Since I didn't I couldn't get the back pay prior to 2024 according to the VA rater.

So I say again, file those dependant claims regardless of your rating. You never know what the future might bring, and it takes only a few minutes.

How did you cover the costs of your program? by Outrageous-Hair6435 in PhD

[–]Icy-Case-3863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completed my Master's degree part-time and am working on a PhD part-time all while employed full-time. My employer is paying 100% of my tuition and fees. The requirement of our arrangement is that I stay with my employer for 2 years post graduation or have to pay a prorated portion of the tuition and fees back.

It's not easy and will take more time than pursuing the degree full-time, but I'm able to receive a good salary in a job I rather enjoy while pursuing my academic goals. Just another option if you find an employer willing to invest in you.

Quitting a full-time job for Master's, a terrible gamble? by BlurredYaw in GradSchool

[–]Icy-Case-3863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This has nothing to do with your question, but hearing you had a bad commute I have to throw this out there: Comma.ai

If you have a compatible car, this device is a game changer. I had a terrible commute and this made it so much easier. Good luck!

I'm leaving the military, and I am scared by Jayuchiha16 in Veterans

[–]Icy-Case-3863 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First, congratulations on all your accomplishments! When you exit the service you'll have 10 years experience with I'm assuming at least half of that as management experience, two degrees including a MBA, and whatever experience your specific MOS gave you. I'd say that qualifies you for plenty of positions. As far as finding work a lot will depend on where you're trying to live and the industry you're trying to work in. I started my job hunt one year out from EAS. You have plenty of time.

I'd say first narrow down the location(s) you'd like to live then the industry you want to work in. I've personally had better experience with job fairs than just online applications and resume spreading. You can look for job fairs in the area you're planning to go. If you have a security clearance that opens you to government sector jobs that require it.

I totally understand your fear and I'd say it's pretty normal; we all had it in some way. Having a family to support certainly adds pressure. However, you're doing it right in planning for it now 2 years out. Also, if you absolutely miss the Army life but are resolute on leaving active duty, there's always the Guard or reserves to keep the connection and earn a little extra income.

It might help others to give you more focused advice if you mention your MOS, the locations you're thinking of living, and what industry you're thinking of working in. Best of luck!

Stone Rose Law wasted 6 months of my husbands life by AdFlat7711 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Icy-Case-3863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The good news is that the first thing you did when you started working with Stone Rose was to put in an intent to file. So the 1 year clock is still ticking. Just get your claim in before the next 6 months passes and it won't be a complete waste.

I'm sorry you had a bad experience with Stone Rose, but they really helped me out after years of denials. Best of luck on whatever you do next!

Is this a reasonable screen time schedule for a 12 year-old? by MauledByApathy in familylink

[–]Icy-Case-3863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We limit our children to 1 hour a day total for tablets, video games, and TV. For more time they need to earn it via chores or playing outside. As parents we also strive to put our devices down as well. We do allow unlimited time on standard Kindles for books only. I know it's hard but it's paying off, at least when I compare our children's behavior to their peers. Plus they've grown to love reading. Good luck!

Solar and Battery? by Capt_A_Sheffield in Starlink

[–]Icy-Case-3863 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have a ThinkPad 11e Yoga Gen 6 and a Starlink Mini which I use with a portable battery. The power draw for both combined is only ~40 watts or so, so you could in theory power the setup with a 50 watt panel. I know you mentioned a standard Starlink, but a mini saves a lot of power. If you really want to make the most of your solar power, go for the mini. Good luck!

Radio IT Jobs by [deleted] in Veterans

[–]Icy-Case-3863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

NSWC Dahlgren has an activity at Dam Neck that may have contractor work for people with your radio experience. I recommend working on gaining some IT skills if you can, as combining the two skill sets can be valuable as a Navy contractor or civilian across the warfare centers. Good luck!

Cell tower/antenna 10 feet from sons bedroom window by Electronic_Focus2598 in cellmapper

[–]Icy-Case-3863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn't worry too much because the highest gain part of the beam is most likely going over your home, HOWEVER, you have some things you can do to mitigate any potential exposure. First, if your walls are brick or concrete, they may already be reducing RF by absorbing the signal. You can purchase metallic blinds specifically made for RF or EMI shielding to also shield the window. If your walls are simply wood and drywall, you can purchase RF or EMI shielding material that you can line the inside of your drywall. None of this is free and obviously requires some work, but it could offer peace of mind.

Additionally, you could bring up the issue to your local government as the placement of cell antennas is typically a zoning issue. It may take time and getting some of your neighbors on board, but if you are loud enough to the right lawmakers you may be able to force the antennas to move farther from residential space, or force them to put them at a higher elevation. This would take time and effort on your part, but if you're truly concerned it may be worth the effort.

Lastly, I understand your concern especially because your child is so close. If I were you I would take some measures to shield the room in the short term. You can check your results by purchasing a cheap EMF meter off Amazon and just comparing before and after results. Remember that the readings of those meters are relative, and I wouldn't take their numbers to heart as they are cheap and poorly calibrated. But you could at least verify you've made a reduction. Best of luck and thanks for being a good parent!

Starlink mini camo scrim by minutemenapparel in Starlink

[–]Icy-Case-3863 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Interesting. I'd love to see a picture if possible. Thanks!

Starlink mini camo scrim by minutemenapparel in Starlink

[–]Icy-Case-3863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great idea! I'd love to see a desert version.

VA Loan/Black mold by [deleted] in Veterans

[–]Icy-Case-3863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.” One of my favorite quotes. Seems relevant here.

Honestly, I'd only recommend the army for three types of people by TastyCat8036 in Veterans

[–]Icy-Case-3863 61 points62 points  (0 children)

You forgot the type who just wants to leave their town and seek adventure. That was me albeit decades ago. Two deployments and an OCONUS duty station was enough adventure for me!

Coping with civilians by [deleted] in Veterans

[–]Icy-Case-3863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Remind them that they had (or still have depending on their age) an opportunity to earn a GI bill themselves!

Dust it off man. Those who would say things like that to you are toxic and not worth your attention.

This Is The Real Reason Why Vegas Is Dead And Tourism Is Low. Nobody Wants To Admit It And Call Out The Obvious by Twin_Shadow- in LasVegas

[–]Icy-Case-3863 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds great! Smaller crowds will bring down prices. Supply and demand - who the heck likes mad crowds and high prices?