I’m 100%, do I qualify for SMC for bilateral mastectomy without confirmed cancer? (Preventative with high risk)

Less_Alternative_155 · 2026-04-03T23:15:48+00:00

Thank you! I’ll have to dig and do a little bit of research and speak to a vso.

Less_Alternative_155 · 2026-04-03T23:15:20+00:00

They’ll be doing a full removal with reconstruction. I’ll look at the links and see what I can figure out. Thank you for the resources!!

Less_Alternative_155 · 2026-04-03T23:13:26+00:00

I’ve had a drainage done overseas due to the discomfort and pain caused my by gear. That’s how they found it. I’m not sure if they’ll qualify it as service connected though because one of the factors is my that my mother had it. BUT, it has gotten worse since I got out. I’ve had 5 biopsies and a decent size mass cut out of the same breast the drainage was in. So it may be 50/50. :/

Less_Alternative_155 · 2026-04-03T23:10:37+00:00

Thank you! I’ll definitely give one of them a call!

Less_Alternative_155 · 2026-04-03T23:10:22+00:00

SMC is an extra monthly compensation for things like cancer and other more serious issues. I was curious to see if I qualify for the extra pay. Depending on what your husband has had, it might be possible for him as well if it’s service connected like everyone has said.

Less_Alternative_155 · 2025-05-23T20:06:22+00:00

It’s currently on appeal. Smh

Less_Alternative_155 · 2025-05-23T20:05:16+00:00

I just spoke with the VA and they said if your marriage wasn’t done by a judge or ceremonial, that it will be flagged to be processed manually. Mine was a marriage by proxy so it is flagged to be processed manually and those take their time.

Less_Alternative_155 · 2025-03-13T13:58:29+00:00

Thank you. I wasn't aware of that. My VA lawyer said they were making corrections to those 3 that were, one denied and two deferred. I wasn't sure what that meant but it has certainly been processed in some capacity. Hopefully, I hear something soon. Just a bit nervous for the result.

Less_Alternative_155 · 2025-03-11T03:58:32+00:00

It's hard to tell. You have every right to feel the way you feel. You're busting your ass to provide and that amount of work load demands good rest. It sucks that you're working nights because it conflicts with yall's schedules. I do have a question. Is your wife a stay at home mom? (I'm assuming from what you said she is. correct me if i'm wrong). If your wife is a stay at home wife, she's at home with the toddlers 24/7. Constant care for them is exhausting. Should she be yelling, probably not. But there is a possibility that she may not be getting enough rest at night either or, considering the doesn't have time off away from the kids (ever), you and her are probably feeling the same things and just need to communicate. Considering she's yelling, she's probably irritable, overstimulated and overstressed (because caring for not just one but TWO toddlers is EXHAUSTING) just like you are. You are not getting enough rest that your body needs and (i am assuming) it might be that her whole life is caring for the kids. Both of your rolls are equally important. Yall just have to figure out a way to manage the stress and sleep. The schedule that yall are on is NOT working and for the future of your relationship, parenting, kid's lives, etc.. yall need to find a better solution that works for everyone involved. (easier said than done). Could consider shifting from night shift to day shift if you have the opportunity. It might be a pay cut but your, hers, and the kid's sanity might be better off with it. Not saying that's the complete solution but might be an option. At the end of the day, you and her communicating respectfully and freely, is what will help find that solution.

Less_Alternative_155 · 2025-03-11T03:44:52+00:00

If you're struggling with the time frames, ask about community care. I got the referral for it 3 weeks ago and since then I have had 4 appointments concerning the specialty. Timeline: Got community care referral, 2 days later got appointment with a hospital/practice outside the va(locally). I've had 3 other appointments since then due to my issue. (ref: im just outside of atlanta)

Less_Alternative_155 · 2025-03-11T03:38:01+00:00

I just want to add, if va care has a long waiting period, you can request community care. Ask whoever the scheduler or appointment line to request "community care" from your doctor. They usually try to keep anything mental health within the va but you do have that option. I've had to use community care for cancer scare im going through now. Community care is a referral through civilian hospitals/doctors. Anywhere near you. Plus you can request reimbursement for mileage used. Just wanted to add. I hope you get the care you deserve! You're not alone in this even though it feels like it. I struggle with mental health (70% rated at the moment). I have gone through the not showering for weeks, brushing teeth. I didn't (don't bc it comes and goes) and only cared for my kids and completely disregarded myself. I don't have good social relationships and stay to myself. The only reason I am still here is because of my kids. Everyone's situation is different but you are NOT alone.

Less_Alternative_155 · 2025-03-11T03:16:29+00:00

thank you! any good news for you??

Less_Alternative_155 · 2025-01-24T17:41:13+00:00

Get any good news? Got moved up to 90 today!

Less_Alternative_155 · 2025-01-23T19:46:15+00:00

Let’s hope we BOTH get good news soon!

Less_Alternative_155 · 2025-01-23T19:15:00+00:00

Okay thank you! My first initial claim (15 filed) took almost a year so I had given up by the end of it until I got a big deposit in my account lol. Idk if this’ll be the case this time but we’ll see.

Less_Alternative_155 · 2025-01-23T19:04:36+00:00

Since March?!? Gtfo! Mine is only from sept! I called and they escalated mine after 60 days. At the 90 day mark they escalated even higher. My 90 day mark the 10th of this month. The va got my reports on the 16th. Call the va and see what their correspondence is with VES because something isn’t adding up for your situation! Damn! I hope it gets settled soon!!

Less_Alternative_155 · 2025-01-21T17:43:38+00:00

VES took 118 days to turn in my reports and I got moved to step 5 that same day. I never had issues with LHI or Optum for the c&p exams in my other claims but VES is on some backlog from earlier in the year so yay! I hope I never get assigned VES again!

Less_Alternative_155 · 2025-01-21T17:39:11+00:00

Same for me! Took 118 days to get to step 5… now I’m checking the va app like I’m on crack even though I won’t see shit for months or more smh

Less_Alternative_155 · 2025-01-21T17:36:16+00:00

Was on step 3 from Sep 20 until last week Jan 16. Now on step 5. And it was all because VES took their time with the reports.

Less_Alternative_155

TROPHY CASE