BREAKING: PACT Act Gets A NEW Condition! No Treatment Records Required

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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has just released a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) that could bring significant changes for veterans affected by constrictive bronchiolitis (CB). The VA is proposing to add a new Diagnostic Code (6605) specifically for CB, allowing veterans who suffer from this respiratory condition to be rated under its own code rather than being rated analogously to another respiratory condition. This is a major step forward, particularly for veterans exposed to toxic substances such as burn pits during their military service.
This update is closely tied to the PACT Act, which has been crucial in establishing presumptive service connections for veterans exposed to toxins. While other respiratory conditions have their own diagnostic codes, CB has lacked one until now. The creation of this dedicated code will not only streamline the VA disability claims process but also make it easier for veterans to track the outcomes of their CB-related claims.
The VA also proposes to rate CB using the General Rating Formula for Respiratory Conditions which is based on pulmonary function tests (PFTs), maximum oxygen consumption, and metabolic equivalents. This means veterans will now have a clear, standardized method of determining their VA disability rating for CB, ensuring more precise evaluations.
It’s important to note that this proposal doesn't change how other respiratory conditions are rated, but it will make a big difference for those suffering from CB due to service-related toxic exposures. Veterans are encouraged to submit their comments on this proposal through regulations.gov by October 15, 2024. You can share your thoughts and feedback on the inclusion of CB as a new diagnostic code and how this change might affect your claims process.
This is a vital update for veterans, particularly Gulf War veterans and others exposed to burn pits or similar toxic environments. By having a dedicated rating system for CB, veterans can ensure their VA disability rating is more accurately aligned with their condition.

[@vaclaimsacademy]

Hopefully they explicitly include jet fuel exposure next

[@brianfitz1604]

Yeah....so many aircraft fuels and structures troops work soaked in JP8 for hours and hours every day. We got hosed!!!

[@alanbrown2135]

Don't forget TCE cleaning solvent/ degreaser that is found in firefighting foam.If you were in a squadron you used it.

[@alanbrown2135]

Don't forget about your training jackets they will be a good source of info of what you were exposed to.They show the unit you served in.Mine proved I was next door to the Atsugi Japan incinerator plant.Its listed in the Pact Act

[@worldcitizen242]

I was in Japan, too, on the Kitty Hawk working on the flight deck. We were exposed to alot agents, from JP5, all types of cleaning solvents and firefighting agents.. ​@alanbrown2135

[@worldcitizen242]

​@@alanbrown2135You make a good point about checking my training jacket. I forgot all about that...

[@jollygreen4662]

Allergic eye conditions down sand storm and burn pit needs to be presumptive

[@seniorp9444]

I’d like to see more done on toxic exposure to JP4 and many other things like trichloroethane that people were exposed to on daily basis for many years. Are vets winning claims related to this?

[@azthundercloud]

Trich was used in pretty much everthing. I remember in the back shop we used it alot

[@wmschriver]

@seniorp9444 I personally haven't heard of anyone winning A TERA CLAIM My personal feeling is they won't open it. Just Way too many of us that were Exposed. I have personally wrote letters to the committee and Congress. Answer, just everybody else do the same.We all have to get together and fight this It's not fair for someone to get denied that have the same conditions. Has anyone on the presumption list? Because you're not on it.

[@JayA-jr6ge]

I got denied for my claims. I was in Iraq and Kuwait For months. I’m so cooked 😅

[@jimscycleandautotn8508]

Keep fighting

[@feep303]

Yes keep fighting.

[@Aaron-kj8dv]

denied for the PACT act? Keep going man, grind it away

[@timmiller745]

12 pages of military in-servce medical records. 70% and steadily climbing.

[@alanbrown2135]

TCE cleaning solvent is a component of the firefighting foam. My squadron used it daily.I also worked with JP5 daily

[@ronbliss7368]

Nice info, they'll (VA) will find a way around it

[@wmschriver]

They need do to something with TERA I have favorable findings but can't get service-connected.Mostly to a bad c.& p

[@vaclaimsacademy]

Ah yep a bad C&P exam is a PITA to overcome. Usually just takes doing a supplemental claim and rolling the dice again with a new examiner

[@wmschriver]

@@vaclaimsacademy In the process of doing that now

[@rodwinters6926]

Then TERA isn't the problem, request a new C&P with a different provider

[@ericmc5778]

I got through for rhinitis using TERA for Ammonia exposure as a chemist. Look at the long term effects of cdc or other reputable sources (not wikipidia). I came in with a copy of this to the C&P exam along with submitting it to my package. Sometimes you gotta bring in the long-term effects homework for the examiner. Best of luck. www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/emergencyresponsecard_29750013.html

[@JayJay-musik]

Try filling out a VA FORM 21-4138 and explain what went wrong in your C&p exam. I have to do the same because my examiner and her infinite wisdom said I wasn’t hurt while I was in and my claims keep getting denied no matter what I put in. I’m currently working on getting my nexus letter and working with my local VSO and he said that if you put in there that there that they made a clear mistakable error it sends up a red flag and they start actually looking for what was messed up when you resubmit

[@yesterdaystreasures797]

Still nothing for the Ft McClellan vets

[@JudiEvans-x8r]

My separate approved disability claims add up to 130 percent, but I am rated at 90 percent. I've tried, but I still don't understand VA math. Puzzled and perplexed.

[@raymondjoseph7177]

The va calculates your additional conditions based off your remaining healthy body. If you get 70% and submit for a 2nd condition the va will calculate the 2nd condition based off of 30% of your healthy body with 100%. So if your 2nd condition is rated at 10%, 10% of 30% healthy body is 3%. The 3% is added to the 70% and your ratings stay at 70% because they have to be at 5% additional to round up to 80%. Va rates at 5% to give the increase. This is why i tell joes and janes that your 1st c&p is the most important to try and get 100% if you get 90% you'll need to have 5 additional conditions rated at 10% each to get to 100 from 90. Super hard for most. Even then it gets very hard. If you get 5 conditions rated at 10%, 1 of those conditions will rate you at 91% no increase. 2nd condition rated 10% calculated against 9% remaining healthy body. Gives 92%, so on an so on. This is why its very hard to get to 100 from 70 or over.

[@HighL0W]

Only during certain timeframes though right? For instance I did freighter escorts in the straits of Hormuz and the Stark was almost sunk by Exocets but it doesn’t mean a thing for VA connections because Earnest Will ends Aug 1st and for PACT Iraq War starts Aug 2nd…

[@MikeS-vb1bs]

When u going to update your website with the new PTSD forms or do a videer on how to complete the new forms?

[@JamesNSettlesJr]

I need help with my tinnitus claim. Keep being denied, need help,

[@vaclaimsacademy]

Did you try a submitting nexus letter? If not, a supplemental claim with a nexus letter is the way to go

[@armytruth6860]

You need to write a personal statement explaining how you got tinnitus as well in the military. It's just written a book on your own

[@OrbitStephanie]

On the same day that the VA gave me the tinnitus diagnosis, I went home and filed my e-claim. I didn’t submit a nexus for my tinnitus claim at all. I just put it all in my personal statement, typed in Word document, printed it then wet signed it. I handed it to my C & P examiner. She was happy for my details and told me she will use my input. The very next day my 10% tinnitus claim was approved by the VA. From filing to decision, was 21 AUG 2024 to 8 SEP 2024. God kept it sweet and simple for me!! This channel, and a few others have posted some amazing info for us vets. Thank YOU!!

[@GilBrown333]

Just got my tinnitus approved this week!

[@T-Sim]

I have multiple respiratory connections, one being Emphysema. My last CT on my lungs documented this condition in both my lower lobes. If I filed for that, the count would be up to 6 (3 current SC) Yet, I still have to fight for my OSA condition…..

[@gonoles69]

Smoker?

[@T-Sim]

@@gonoles69 never smoker

[@chungdokwan902]

Keep trying, my friend. I have emphysema and VA gave 0%. I claim for sleep apnea, after they denied it and got 50%. Good luck.

[@T-Sim]

@@chungdokwan902 Thanks. I have ITF set and prepared to file again for that. I currently have 4 claims in now which should put me to 100, so I’ll wait and see. I have some others also prepared if need be.

[@Hhopiuygv]

What about the deceased Koren War

[@alanbrown2135]

Dont forget about your training jackets they will show what you were exposed to and what unit you were asigned to.I worked next door to the Atsugi Japan incinerator plant listed in the pact act

[@mojojojo114]

How about TERA regarding headaches? Have you heard anything? BTW, your wardrobe is always on point. I'm taking tips from you bro. Stay fly.

[@vaclaimsacademy]

Much love Mojo! I would definitely recommend the use of a nexus letter to reinforce TERA headache claims as they’re unreliable without it. It’s winnable, just not what I would call a slam dunk either

[@mojojojo114]

@@vaclaimsacademy Copy that, good looking out.

[@scottdunkirk8198]

I’m at 90% but getting paid for 70% and the 20% is my chronic sinusitis from burn pits

[@LeaveChildrenAlone]

70 plus 20 does not equal 90 on their scale...I call bs on that

[@hodgepodgefinds]

It’s not 70% either. Should be 76 rounded to 80% assuming no bilateral factor.

[@scottdunkirk8198]

@@hodgepodgefinds well all my paperwork says 70%,

[@barbiejean1179]

Danke

[@vaclaimsacademy]

Keine Ursache!

[@NIGHTSTALKER0069]

They can’t afford to do this.

[@Maggdusa]

What about pharmacy technicians who manufactured chemotherapy IVs & meds? Those are toxic in themselves and can cause cancers. That hasn't become PACTACT-worthy yet.

[@RyuLamperouge1]

I have a question? Do I need to be diagnosed with PTSD from my primary care or my VA care doctor before I submit a VA claim?

[@rodwinters6926]

has VA Mental Health treated you for PTSD? Have you been through one of their programs? that is the key

[@itubemember]

The VA had me do a telemed appt and then I was award 50%

[@DavidI-t6y]

​@@itubememberso you submitted without a diagnosis, and then VA gave you a telemed appointment where they found you to have PTSD and gave you a rating?

[@itubemember]

@@DavidI-t6y just so

[@Evan_Horvath]

Not necessary, but it would help.

[@SmokieTRW]

Yessir

[@vaclaimsacademy]

Cheers Smokie!

[@DavidI-t6y]

I accidentally submitted my personal statements unsigned..i typed it all up and forgot to sign because i only used the first page..my full name is at the end of the personal statement in the body though, will that cause an issue in processing?

[@LuigiZard22]

I had the same issue with my spousal support statement. My wife introduced herself at the beginning of the letter, but never signed it. On the phone with a VA rep, he said the VA doesn’t even consider personal statements unless they’re signed

[@DavidI-t6y]

@LuigiZard22 damn, okay thank you for that. I will see if I can re-submit signed ones.

[@LuigiZard22]

@@DavidI-t6y there’s some “quick submit” thing the VA does, but that’s poorly worked and in desperate need of a facelift. That’s where they want you to submit that kind of paperwork

[@LeaveChildrenAlone]

I got 70 for ptsd first try but they rejected my toxic exposeure lol...