VA Benefits

[cureisontheway]

First time poster here. I extend my gratitude to everyone for the helpful information.

My question…

I am aware the Veterans Administration pays extended benefits to Veterns with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

I’m curious, has anyone had experience with a claim to VA for MDS? And if so, would you mind sharing some of the details?

Thank you in advance for any response.

“The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.”

[Debster01]

This is something I would like to know too. My stepfather passed away last week of MDS/AML. He was in Vietnam in the Marine Corps, exposed to agent Orange. If anyone knows anything-please let us know. He was ill for years, and the medical bills are enormous. Thanks so much-Deb

[Jimbob]

I am going thru the process of getting rated for disability with the VA. I do have a low percentage of disability but I am appealing and trying to get it increased. It is almost impossible unless one can show a link that is accepted “as likely as not” of being the cause. Further, one has to have applied for benefits prior to the expenses and it cannot be done after a veteran has deceased.

[Debster01]

Thanks Jimbob-but I am curious-how does one apply for benefits prior to expenses? My stepfather before he died was totally disabled due to this hideous disease…

[cureisontheway]

Thank you for the responses.

I am curious to, does anyone now of any forums for discussion on the relationship between Agent Orange and MDS?

Jimbob – can you direct us to few resourceful links that will assist us in gathering the information we need?

Thanks Again.

[SLStrout]

Does Agent Orange contain Benzene? That name has popped up a number of times as a suspected possible cause of MDS.

[Jimbob]

the VA does not usually pay for the expenses incurred at a non-VA facility. Locally, if I had been rated for CMML by the VA, they would have required that my care was through the VA facility instead of the Center of Excellence at OHSU. Two of the OHSU doctors do work at the VA Med Center but not the ones that were caring for me. Also, the rooms and facilities at OHSU are MUCH, MUCH better. Because of this. I decided NOT to even apply for disability related to CMML until after the SCT. I did apply immediately after but was initially denied. I am still going through the appeal process.
If a patient was already accepted as 100% disable with CLL being a serious conected disease, then one sould contact the VA to see what benefits might be available and what hoops one has to jump through. !00% disability might still offer some benefits to the surviving spouse, depending how long the disability ws in effect or if it started immedicately after discahrge.
I do not think that Agent Orange contained benzene but you might want to google it to find out. The worst of the problem causing ingredients was dioxin (TCDD).
Jim

[cureisontheway]

Found this – thought it might be helpful.

Here is the link to the BVAs opinion on the connection between Agent Orange and Aplastic Anemia / Myelodysplastic Syndrome or AML.

http://www.va.gov/vetapp04/files4/0434293.txt

[Debster01]

This is very interesting-thank you so much for posting it. Deb

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