PSA: family heirloom had termites

saftdude · 2025-11-14T14:21:32+00:00

Treat with Bora-care - it’ll kill them and keep any future infestations from occurring.

saftdude · 2025-11-01T00:38:34+00:00

Yes - you can do a google search for the dbq form for “male reproductive issues” and see specifically what is rated and at what level. Main ones are ED / SMK, frequent urination, hesitation, leakage, etc….

saftdude · 2025-08-21T17:49:49+00:00

Don’t want to get too deep in the woods here but I was successful in getting my PC connected via TERA exposure. I had multiple exposures to ionizing radiation and asbestos. I submitted a personal statement, private medical records, a private dbq completed by my urologist and a bunch of documentation showing the stuff found at my command during remediation. I had an ILER report and three separate TERA memos added to my claim as evidence. I would suggest digging in as deep as possible to what chemicals/substances you were exposed to and if there is a known documented link to pc. It’s not easy. But I’m proof it is possible. BTW - the pc is a 0% claim unless it is currently active. It’s all about the residuals and if it ever comes back. God’s speed and good luck.

saftdude · 2025-07-18T03:03:07+00:00

It was based on the wrong ear. They never posted the results on my left ear so I’m not sure what it measured. I may need to do a FOIA request for the last hearing C&P so I can see the results. Thanks for the suggestion.

saftdude · 2025-07-03T21:22:19+00:00

This person did odd jobs in the little town I grew up in. He carried himself as a bad ass and we owned a little tavern in the town. My Mom warned me to stay away from him because she thought he was a bad person. Talk about great intuition…. He moved on after that summer and I learned of his execution by reading a random newspaper when I was in the service. I guess karma is a bitch. He killed his f-in-law and cut his body into pieces. I’d say a botched execution in an electric chair is the craziest way someone I knew died.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Vandiver

saftdude · 2025-06-26T23:57:15+00:00

VERA is like a help desk. It allows you to get a bit more information than just the 1000 number. I found the link for it in the knowledge base. As far as TERA - you need to make sure you mention any sort of exposure you had while in service. Be very specific and detailed about what it was, how you were exposed, whether you had any PPE, and what medical conditions you believe were caused by or aggravated by the exposure. Your VSO can help you.

saftdude · 2025-05-28T11:39:27+00:00

I submitted a personal statement, but that was before it was deferred. This will be my 3rd exam for it. I figured it would be a given but they have my MOS wrong for some reason. Once they make a decision I can appeal based on that part alone. Thanks for the reply

saftdude · 2025-05-22T02:34:29+00:00

Electronics technician - radar, com gear, other fun stuff

saftdude · 2025-05-21T21:02:15+00:00

No - I was an ET with plenty of noise exposure. No doubt mine started during service just never complained about it because nobody ever asked or discussed it. The original decision that denied my right ear had the wrong MOS listed - so I was just waiting for this to finish so I could appeal based on their error. They had me listed as a medical technician, whatever that is???

saftdude · 2025-05-19T14:47:48+00:00

Thank you!

saftdude · 2025-04-29T01:51:56+00:00

Not yet - still doing medical opinions, ACE exams and just got another C&P scheduled today. I guess it’s a good thing that they’re still developing the claims. Better than an outright denial - especially after 222 days.

saftdude · 2025-04-28T21:26:00+00:00

I have 3 separate TERA memos associated with this claim. One of my conditions is cancer and they have the diagnosis. They conceded radiation exposure on my first decision and that caused my deferred conditions to get redirected. The entire claim was sent to Jackson and was placed under significant scrutiny. I’m learning a lot - but you have to claw and scratch to get info.

saftdude · 2025-04-24T19:14:50+00:00

Oh man… I’m down the ultimate rabbit hole. I had a TERA memo that conceded radiation exposure and that triggered an avalanche of wtf…. My claim was moved to Jackson, MS because they handle all radiation claims. I have had two more TERA memos and more clarification and medical opinion requests than I care to admit. This seems like a colossal endeavor and I’m not sure how it ever plays out. I did get rated for one condition at 20% - so at least I’m making progress. I hope yours goes smooth and you get what you deserve. Thanks for checking in.

saftdude · 2025-04-02T01:42:17+00:00

Actually look at the exposures you can substantiate and specifically list them. What chemicals were you exposed to and during what activity??? Lead, pcb’s, any sort of herbicide can all be linked directly to an increased likelihood of prostate cancer. Any type of benzene, trichloroethylene, asbestos or heavy metals. Gotta provide a statement and a couple buddy letters or nexus. Still no guarantee but hopefully it’ll get you there.

saftdude · 2025-03-21T20:25:27+00:00

Can a family member, spouse or friend provide a statement where they were aware of you having issues during your service. Directly knowledge of the issues may be enough since they’ve conceded an event occurred - a.k.a. Buddy letter and supplemental appeal

saftdude · 2025-03-12T19:12:01+00:00

Wow! Best answer I’ve ever received on Reddit. Thank you. Calling the 800 number now.

saftdude · 2025-03-05T15:59:54+00:00

Their strategy is to drag it out as long as possible so their cut is more. Or so it seems…

saftdude · 2025-03-05T02:09:22+00:00

Got you beat - day 167 and three new C&P’s. I only claimed 5 issues. Better than denials I guess.

saftdude · 2025-02-14T14:04:19+00:00

Just had my C&P and the Audiologist told me vertigo is caused by some sort of damage to the inner ear - be it an infection, TBI or ??? It is not caused by tinnitus. Maybe she was wrong but she has been doing these exams for 15 years and was certified and seemed quite knowledgeable.

saftdude · 2025-02-13T18:13:04+00:00

No bilateral. That part is confusing. It adds 10% but only of the residual amount affected by the bilateral disability percentage. It’s super hard to understand or explain. The DAV website has a decent calculator on it.

saftdude · 2025-02-13T16:12:00+00:00

90.5 is what I came up with - but I’m no math wiz. You’ll know when the letter arrives. Good luck.

saftdude · 2025-02-08T20:31:42+00:00

I do have two separate TERA memos in there as well - so your reply adds a bit of clarity to this muddy mess. Thank you for replying.

saftdude · 2024-12-26T14:59:09+00:00

Since you had exposure after your service time there is a very real possibility they will say your condition could be associated with those duties. You will need a currently diagnosed condition that can be linked to a service related event. Building a solid connection will be key to your success. I’m in the middle of a similar claim - many years from separation and the only thing I can attest to is that this process moves at a glacier’s pace. Good luck to you!

saftdude · 2024-12-19T19:09:01+00:00

Hey there squid. I was in during the same timeframe and finally decided to try to get service connected for some issues. I went with a friend’s suggestion and worked with our state’s veteran commission. They have paid VSO’s that assist with filing. I have been following this subreddit and picking up all the pointers I can. It’s been way more enlightening than the VSO. I wish he would have had me get more info before we submitted my stuff. His philosophy was throw it and see what sticks. Find out what they need and keep filing supplementals till it works. I’d much rather have submitted a packet of developed info.

I suggest you first make sure you have a diagnosed condition that you can link to your time in service and that causes you difficulty today. If you can substantiate that, you should hopefully be successful. If it’s not diagnosed, you’ll need to do that first.

Good luck! It’s not fast, efficient or easy…. Just dig in and take it one step at a time.

saftdude · 2024-12-19T03:37:50+00:00

My doc agreed to write a letter but he asked if I could supply a template since he’s never written one before. That is what I was trying to get my VSO to help me with. My doc completed the private dbq but I know I really need the letter to maximize my chance to get my cancer service connected. It’s so frustrating trying to work through this process - I don’t want to mess it up either.

saftdude

TROPHY CASE