How Vets With Lung Conditions get Permanent Total Disability Ratings From the VA

[@stonecold5373]

I was awarded SMC-S for asthma with sarcoid + PTSD.

[@brandonbadua]

Thank you for your no-nonsense explanations. I've learned more in this video than years and years of seeing doctors!

[@woodslawyers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vernonl134]

Exposed to CARC paint in 1982. CT sinus shows nasal polyps vs cysts and a deviated septum. CT chest shows 3 & 8 mm lung nodules and bibasilar actelesis. Shortness of breath among a myriad of related symptoms. I believe I have asthma and/or bronchial sensitivity to isocyantes from exposure. Waiting for my pulmonary function test next month and then I’ll be filing my first claim ever. It wasn’t until I was 61 that I learned VA disability isn’t just for vets injured in combat.

[@woodslawyers]

Unfortunately, many veterans think they can't get VA disability compensation unless they were injured in combat. That's not true, and we hope to change how veterans think about VA disability!

[@mckenzie3129]

I had a lobectomy upper right lung removed for lung cancer stage one adenocarcinoma with sleep apnea and severe body pains and severe neck pain that leads to migraines and I received 90% VA rating and a 60% medical retirement rating from the Army.

[@woodslawyers]

If you need assistance with anything, please let us know.

[@stonecold5373]

wow that sucks ass.

[@tommarinevet]

Another condition is Pulmonary Sarcoidosis....how does this fit in the VA rating?

[@janellcollins6604]

I tried to file disability claim for asthma,sinuses, and nasal polyps.I didn't have any problems before,and the man at DAV said I was in army reserves,and not in regular army I won't get anything!

[@woodslawyers]

There are certain criteria that a reservist must meet to qualify for VA disability benefits. Here is some additional information about that: bit.ly/3I1uxrn

[@usa5046]

Reserves do not qualify for any va claims. You need active duty time and the disability you are trying to claim would need to be diagnosed and or treated during active duty time.

[@walterhg67]

What about emphysema? When I was in the service I complained about coughing all the time and was treated for allergies and acid reflux, but never got an actual diagnose for what I had. After I retired the cough got worst and I started seeing a lung specialist. He found that I had sleep apnea (I got rated for this as a secondary) and that my lungs had nodules all over my lungs and after a open lung biopsy discovered that I have emphysema. I have never been a smoker. I was an aircraft mechanic exposed to fumes from aircraft engines and powered equipment and different chemicals. I constantly cough, sometimes it makes me vomit and it annoys the hell out of me and now get the looks from people due to the covid situation. I want to file for this but don't know how to get started.

[@woodslawyers]

Hi Walter. I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties. Depending on when and where you served, your emphysema could very well be connected to your military service and/or some sort of toxic exposure. We'd be happy to do a free consultation with you to discuss the best way to get started with your claim. You can reach us at 800-544-2108.

[@Jimfromearthoo7]

Google search NOVA attorney. They are authorized to help vets with claims.

[@DentFreeImagePeterVega]

Would this emphysema be related to his military occupation? Many veterans had jobs that put them in direct contact with chemicals in the air as well as physically handling them on a daily basis. How hard would it be for someone to prove this, other than your job description? I ask because many veterans with these types of jobs did not serve on the areas covered by the new PACT ACT and are now suffering from these chronic lung conditions and sinus problems, to include myself. I am service connected for Bronchitis and I’m now dealing with Asthma, Emphysema and something called Giant Bullae on one of my lungs. I was a tank mechanic and handled hazardous materials as an additional duty for many years.

[@MS-fc3mz]

I was looking through my c-file and noticed several visits in service for allergy/ sinus infection throat issues it definitely shows a pattern that continues to this day. Anything rateable for sinus as a direct a direct connection? Random Example VBA decision in 2015 this veteran got a large backpay "ORDER A 30 percent disability rating for sinusitis with allergic rhinitis from June 11, 2002, is granted, subject to the law and regulations governing the payment of monetary VA benefits."

[@kabbey30]

I have VA diagnosed service connected severe Mixed Sleep Apnea @ 50% in 2012. I am a never smoker' but now VA diagnosed me with CRF. Since central sleep apnea has known problems with the central nervous system (brain) firing signals to the lung muscles, do you believe I can make it a successful likely as not, 'secondary' medical condition claim for Chronic Respiratory Failure with Co2 retention (81% blood/ Co2 reading)? 4 OEF/OIF combat support veteran of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar 2001-2002

[@woodslawyers]

Hello! That's an excellent question. Based on your description of your symptoms, it is possible that you could be granted secondary service connection for CRF. If you'd like to schedule a free consultation with us on this, you can call us or provide your contact information here: www.woodslawyers.com/contact/

[@mariodmoses32]

What about being diagnosed with Sarcoidosis?

[@woodslawyers]

Sarcoidosis of the lungs is rated under diagnostic code 6846 and can be rated as 100, 60, 30, or 0 percent. The rating for sarcoidosis includes a note that states the VA may also "rate active disease or residuals as chronic bronchitis and extra-pulmonary involvement under specific body system involved."

[@mariodmoses32]

@@woodslawyers Thank You!

[@Bowdoins]

Glad to know your out there if I need you ! Thank you !! I have a service related lung condition COPD/Asthma they are combined in 1 but I am not permanent. Just diagnosed with sleep apnea by 2 sleep studies have a cpap will they combined it too ?

[@toxicbigot]

CPAP sleep apnea 50% will be secondary to your COPD. File it as secondary. That’s what I’m doing. I am 30% COPD but it worsened since and I just applied for increase. They sent me to another C&P exam and the exam proved the worsening condition so we will see what they come back with. Then I’ll do my sleep apnea secondary claim.

[@lorenzogutierrez7627]

Can you get benefits for cardio vascular disease and diabetes? After 40 years of being out of the army ?

[@kennethhumphrey981]

If you have any medical recorded documents and or recorded complaints during your service time,which may have worsened after your military time out.You must prove that your current condition is related to the time you were in the service.Even after 40 years you can still apply for V.A disabilty.I applied last year in May.This year I had 7 Medical Evaluation Examinations"one of which was with a Phyc. Doctor via video online. The CS training gas(especially in Gas chamber"is dangerous and possibally life threatening for anyone with ,asthma,pneumonia or COPD.I did'nt know that at the time I went through basic training and for over 40 years until this day I've had burning and tightness in my chest,breathing problems and cardio vascular problems.I have COPD among other medical conditions,due to my military time.Many people have Tinnitus problems,ankle,feet and knee problems,anxiety and etc,to mention a few.p.s. Any mental therapy or medical treatment/s etc,in your records could have worstened and is included in/with your current medical conditions you have now...Go for it,you are a Veteran and deserve it...

[@phillipmccuiston4425]

I have COPD

[@woodslawyers]

The VA rates COPD under diagnostic code 6604 in the Schedule of Ratings for “Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” Veterans with service-connected COPD may be given a rating of 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100% depending on the severity of their symptoms.