Re: Veterans Benefits

March 11, 2009

Thank you for sharing! Have you applied for VA disability for your IPF? Have you had an Agent Orange exam? - Perhaps there is a connection since you served in Vietnam. Thanks, Ken R. (Vietnam vet '69)

Subject: Re: Veterans BenefitsTo: Breathe-Support Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 6:27 AM

Hi Ken Yes the North Chicago, Illinois VA did the X-ray where they found a growth tumor in my right lung so they then did an HRCT to get a better look at it and found that in addition to emphysema they believed that I had IPF. They set me up with an open lung biopsy at the Milwaukee, Wisconsin VA to have the open lung biopsy and to have the tumor removed from my right lung at the same time. That's when I was diagnosed with IPF for sure. I was put on oxygen in May of 2008. I'm 10% disabled due to Tinnitus and I'm low income so I only pay $8.00 co-pay for my meds. The VA has treated me very well. Any more questions Please Ask. Tom > >> > I have been directed by other veterans to apply for medical benefits.ï¿½ I was hesitant at first for the VA Hospitals and clinics have come under attack over the years for their less than professional treatment of our veterans.ï¿½ But I went ahead and applied to see whether I would qualify.ï¿½ As it turns out, I am entitled to medical coverage (Priority Group 7c)ï¿½for my net worth (for the moment) is at a levelï¿½high enough toï¿½requires I have co-pays for my doctors visits and medications.ï¿½ I currently am covered by a Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan which would then become my secondary to the VA.ï¿½ I am quite skeptical that they would be able to deal with something like IPF but I have been told there have

specialized centers around the country that work closely with major teaching hospitalsï¿½to includeï¿½even the IPF Net.ï¿½ I am wondering if any of you on this network currently receive your care through the Veterans Administration?ï¿½ If you do, could you> relate> > your experiences?> > ï¿½> > Mikeï¿½> >>

March 11, 2009

Hi Ken, I applied for a number of things for disability and was turned down. I

have asked for a judge to hear the case and haven't heard back yet, it's been

now about a year and a half. It takes sometimes two years I'm going to ask for

some more assistance. What have you asked for? Tom

> > >

> > > I have been directed by other veterans to apply for medical benefits.ï¿½ I

was hesitant at first for the VA Hospitals and clinics have come under attack

over the years for their less than professional treatment of our veterans.ï¿½

But I went ahead and applied to see whether I would qualify.ï¿½ As it turns out,

I am entitled to medical coverage (Priority Group 7c)ï¿½for my net worth (for

the moment) is at a levelï¿½high enough toï¿½requires I have co-pays for my

doctors visits and medications.ï¿½ I currently am covered by a Blue Cross/Blue

Shield plan which would then become my secondary to the VA.ï¿½ I am quite

skeptical that they would be able to deal with something like IPF but I have

been told there have specialized centers around the country that work closely

with major teaching hospitalsï¿½to includeï¿½even the IPF Net.ï¿½ I am wondering

if any of you on this network currently receive your care through the

> Veterans Administration?ï¿½ If you do, could you

> > relate

> > > your experiences?

> > > ï¿½

> > > Mikeï¿½

> > >

> >

>

March 11, 2009

Hi Tom!

So far I haven't asked for anything but I am putting some things together in my mind. I talked with a gentleman who was head of the VA in his area and he told me that you just keep applying and about the third or fourth try you will get disability. I strongly believe there is a connection between ILD and Agent Orange. I have never smoked or, to the best of my memory, been exposed to dangerous toxins. Also, I understand that there is a veterans advocacy organization that goes to bat for us. We should stay in touch and share what we learn. I never want to take advantage of the VA, but if we are ethically qualified for assistance I would be grateful to receive it. I am waiting for all the testing to be completed before I apply. What priority group are you in? I like your handle; one of my sons calls me Pops.

Ken

Subject: Re: Veterans BenefitsTo: Breathe-Support Date: Thursday, March 12, 2009, 1:09 AM

Hi Ken, I applied for a number of things for disability and was turned down. I have asked for a judge to hear the case and haven't heard back yet, it's been now about a year and a half. It takes sometimes two years I'm going to ask for some more assistance. What have you asked for? Tom > > >> > > I have been directed by other veterans to apply for medical benefits.ï¿½ I was hesitant at first for the VA Hospitals and clinics have come under attack over the years for their less than professional treatment of our veterans.ï¿½ But I went ahead and applied to see whether I would qualify.ï¿½ As it turns out, I am entitled to medical coverage (Priority Group 7c)ï¿½for my net worth (for the moment) is at a levelï¿½high enough toï¿½requires I have co-pays for my doctors visits and medications.ï¿½ I currently am covered by a Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan which would then become my secondary to the VA.ï¿½ I am quite skeptical

that they would be able to deal with something like IPF but I have been told there have specialized centers around the country that work closely with major teaching hospitalsï¿½to includeï¿½even the IPF Net.ï¿½ I am wondering if any of you on this network currently receive your care through the> Veterans Administration?ï¿½ If you do, could you> > relate> > > your experiences?> > > ï¿½> > > Mikeï¿½> > >> >>

March 11, 2009

Hi Ken, I smoked for over 50 years although I was exposed to agent orange I

believe my pulmonary Dr has said he thinks I got this IPF from smoking. Since I

have been put on 10% disability I no longer have to fill out a means test so I

don't know what category I'm in now. I used to be I think a 7 or 8. I'm not sure

I've been in the system for 16 years and don't remember. I've always just paid

copay on my meds as I'm low income. I get treated in order when I get there in

line. I'm happy with what I do receive as the only insurance I have is Medicare

A and B. I'm a recovering alcoholic and my friends frequently call me pops so,

my name on yahoo is pops.1944 as I was born in 1944. Have a Great Thursday. I

have to go to the Cardiologist as this IPF has caused me some heart problems. I

have to get up early and have to get to bed, Good Night. Tom

> > > >

> > > > I have been directed by other veterans to apply for medical benefits.ï¿½

I was hesitant at first for the VA Hospitals and clinics have come under attack