TERA VA Claims: VA Benefits for Toxic Exposure Under the PACT Act

[@markjennings-principals.p.5870]

One of the problems I ran into was I was granted a TERA but they still denied my initial claim because they said the conditions were not chronic and continual since my active duty... I had to submit the EPA data from the Disciplinary Barracks, Ft. Leavenworth and I submitted the latest National Institute of Health's findings related to PFAS, PCB and other related toxins and their effect upon the human body. Earlier this month the Office of the Inpsector General, VA. determined that the V.B.A. was erroneously denying claims even though the presumptive conditions are present. It's the very nature of a presumptive location, occupation or condition. They don't have a very firm grasp on what presumptive means. The rater does not get to "determine" service connection yet they have been doing so and denying claims erroneously.

[@Whatcha_Gonna_Do]

Well done on your part, glad they fixed it Ince you educated them, but I gotta believe they already know all of this information, they just want to screw the vet as long as possible...

[@everhappy6312]

Im a medical examiner. I am trying to help Veterans but many times I get my exams returned (from VA) to give additional explanation. I just got another exam back making me change my positive opinion to a negative one based on the question the VA is asking me. So I don't know who is asking these questions but many times we are forced to give a negative opinion because of the questions we are asked.

[@jamescarley4207]

And thats the issue i have found by seeing numerous C&P examiners.. irrelevant questions needed to answer that are totally biased as not to give Vets compensation.

[@AFvet612]

my examiner was so frustrated by the question she was asked that she showed it to me during my exam. She did give a negative opinion on that question but then listed how this condition is tied to another condition that I have and she listed medical literature in support of that link.

[@ooorah8499]

Yea I did this for my CIDP 40% granted on my own for Camp Lejeune.The VBA used the TERA, I was surprised but my Neurologist wrote a scathing note about the toxins related in the water for my conditions.

[@1Blkkato]

I was denied ofcourse, I got tired of losing so I lawyered up. The law firm was surprised I was denied and took up my claim so now im waiting again but this time I feel much better. The VA even admitted I was exposed and still got denied! They make the process so mentally draining with all the dbl talk - tired of trying to match wits with them, time to let the lawyers do what they do stop being cheap and pay the money

[@jimsenft1345]

Been there, done that NO Tee shirt BUT went with CCK Now i can Buy the Tee shirt.

[@rosswhaley6196]

Same thing happened to me but I didn' t give up and after 2nd claim and p&c exam I was awarded 60% for tinnius, rhinnius, chronic bronchitis and knee injury.

[@Floppy-1235]

But Ukraine needs that money so they can pay the democrats their kick backs. Veterans being selfish

[@tonynunez6539]

I was exposed to PFC chemicals in Colorado Springs from 2000 through 2016. My claims were denied in 2018 because the VA did not acknowledge the abuse at the time. I almost died, and I am lucky to be alive. I am trying to get support again this year. My health is extremely bad due to the exposure.

[@nicholasmarshall3191]

What base were you at? I was at Peterson, Schriever, and the AF Academy.

[@jasonsmart3141]

Because I was a mechanic while on active duty I was exposed to diesel fumes, solvents and asbestos every day! Now my sinuses are all messed up and get headaches too. Can I get disability for sinusitis and rhinitis using TERA and service connect it with my job? I never deployed.

[@jslade60]

I was a mechanic also who has sinusitis I had to have the operation. They sent my claim back for further review I told the examiner this falls under the TERA act

[@janicenordlund2714]

My husband was a fire fighter in the Air Force. He has 4 claims that were denied, but before the pact act. Asthma, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and psoriatic arthritis. Has been in appeals for two years so far. Next files a claim in September of 23 for prostate cancer. Denied, though the VA claims it is a Tera but the examiner claims no service connection. By the time these appeals,go,through my husband will be in his 70’s.

[@nicholasmarshall3191]

That is ridiculous. Sorry to hear that.

[@funhouse4715]

I hope my suggestion will get to the secretary, Mr. McDonough. It would be nice if veterans could go to a; Patience First, Urgent Care, Community Care or a Doctor that he/ she chooses. It seems like the deck is stacked against veterans walking through the door. I think this way would save time and money. The Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) could run though a database and tell the rater within minutes whether a veteran claims are denied or granted and it would be coming from a neutral party. Optum Serve/LHI gets paid from the VA and then they subcontract to a Nurse Practitioner, who then gets paid. I have one more thing to add, how much is a C&P exam? I’m curious as to how much money is being spent weekly, monthly and yearly, because someone is getting rich off C&P exams whether it’s Optum Serve/LHI or Nurse Practitioner or both. Sincerely yours,

[@JohnRodriguez-zn4gf]

The VA sent me to a C&P exam and the C&P Examiners were not licensed or qualified doctors to perform any or all the C&P exams that they did on me. I reported this to the VA, and I have not got a response from the VA. And, a VA raider denied numerous of my disability claims without the VA sending me to a C&P claims examine and without obtaining DBQ prepare by C&P examiners. Unbelievable. The VA thinks all Veterans are illiterate, dum, stupid, none lawyers, uneducated...etc that the VA can try to get over and screw Veterans claims thinking the VA is going to get away with it without the Veterans realizing it.

[@JohnRodriguez-zn4gf]

The VA sent me to a C&P exam and the C&P Examiners were not licensed or qualified doctors to perform any or all the C&P exams that they did on me. I reported this to the VA, and I have not got a response from the VA. And, a VA raider denied numerous of my disability claims without the VA sending me to a C&P claims examine and without obtaining DBQ prepare by C&P examiners. Unbelievable. The VA thinks all Veterans are illiterate, dum, stupid, none lawyers, uneducated...etc that the VA can try to get over and screw Veterans claims thinking the VA is going to get away with it without the Veterans realizing it.

[@Victor-kv4sp]

i was screened for TERA a year ago but didn't get any response if I need to submit a claim. I participated in 2003 Gulf War during Enduring Freedom. I want to know how to submit a claim for " Presumptive Medical condition secondary to a recent diagnosis.

[@BobJones-zw3ui]

We were Security Troops on the flight line daily for many YEARS. Jet fumes from C-5, C9 mainly and transiting a/c. Breathing in fumes from a few thousand cars entering the base gates every work-day morning, and air shows. No one talks about this. Had sinus surgery while in USAF, thus connected. Of course they sprayed our uniforms with pesticide that was supposed to repel ticks etc [LRAFB]. I had nerve damage to my legs - the muscles constantly sparked for years, but how to prove service-connected?

[@VeteranInThePhilippines-uy6uc]

Is cold exposure on the list I was stationed in ft wainwright Alaska and during service 30 below 0 and in the field it got down to 60 below since service my feet are cold and get damp att the time and hand numbness some of the the time in understand there was a cleanup of land due to ddt after I left I served 1976-1979

[@AFvet612]

I was denied due to not having a nexus for two presumptive. VA did concede a TERA exposure, and I have a current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and asthma. The VBA said that since I served only stateside, I was not a "qualified veteran" for compensation claims purposes. I still needed a nexus. I could enroll in VA Healthcare based on the tera but not awarded compensation for my two conditions.

[@benk4881]

Was directed to use ammonia and bleach to clean barracks cement & tile floors while stationed in Bermuda. My medical records states that I severely damaged my mucous membrane, I can no longer smell or taste, been that way for years and I never thought of it till reading things online and relooking at my medical records, would that be covered by the PACT Act?

[@haroldhyatt6034]

Does lead paint, weed killer around motor pool, liquid storage base also be in included from WWII Iin barracks in Germany

[@jgomezjr50]

Do we Veterans have to have a presumtive medical condition as the VA says in order to file. I was stationed on the west coast at MCAS El Toro, CA, which had water contamination from jet fuel and all other cancer causing jet cleaners used to wash jets that fell into the water table that we drank. That base was 1 of several superfund bases that was shut down by Navy due to water contaminatiuon. I do not have a presumtive condition but my wife and daughter who were stationed with me developed cancer.

[@dispursedd]

My dad has kidney cancer and served from 82-90 exposed to multiple industrial solvents and jet fuel over his 8 years. Would he be eligible for TERA related claim? Hes was denied for kidney cancer service connection 2 years ago.

[@EaZ-b9h]

APPEAL!!

[@Faithfulservantt]

Tell your Pops to get a VSO representative to help with the paperwork and to be sure he write a letter to your Local Senators office and they will write the VA on your behalf and get the ball rolling…I promise he will get 100% P&T🙄

[@mj2801]

I have 2 claims. One for TBI, and a Second for Mental Illness. So far I have had 4 C&P Exams waiting for determination letters and rating. These two claims were combined due to overlapping symptoms and Mental Components within the TBI DBQ versus Mental Health. My question is. Does the main Claim that includes the combined Symptoms from both TBI and Mental Health, need to be closed for VA Processing or will the VA start the processing of the C&Ps that have been already completed?

[@williamblocker-sf9sb]

I was on the gulf war (1990-1991). I was diagnosed with melanoma cancer. It was removed. Now I have to go to the doctor every year to be check for melanoma. Do I have a case

[@jameshartwick6519]

does TERA cover exposure to chemical agents? like nerve, blood, etc.

[@BR54966]

In Iraq myself and my company were exposed to chemicals as our sensors went off and were soaked in chemicals, YET IT WAS DENIED BY OUR BATTALION COMMANDER

[@allan9603]

If you are at 100% P&T, is there any reason(s) why you would apply for TERA/ PACT Act?

[@andrewfrechtman6536]

Are PFAS related conditions considered services connectable under TERA?

[@rooseveltoggssr.9647]

I was denied representation from this law firm, because I was already 100% even though my toxic exposure(PACTACT) claims had not been started. I reached out to other law firms and was denied representation in filing Toxic Exposure claims. I have the symptoms in writing, but because I am 100% I am screwed by the VA.

[@Blaze_srt]

I’m 100% as well and been exposed to burn pits and it’s documented. Since we’re 100% what kind of payment is available for us

[@brianthompson9485]

How is another claim beneficial to you if you’re already at 100%?

[@rooseveltoggssr.9647]

@@brianthompson9485 Its not the 100%, its that my exposure to toxic elements be noted, proved and in my records. These exposures have destroyed the health of many veterans and if not already killed them. If I weren't 100%, you wouldn't be asking me this question. And of course compensation.

[@BuyhiselLow]

Well yeah knuckle head. You are already 100%. Whats the point? Your explanation makes 0 sense

[@patg3424]

I was denied for it initially until I submitted pictures of where I was and lay statements from my battle buddy’s. The VA goes back 2 years for back pay for these claims too so it will be worth it.

[@Lawrence-dn1oe]

Hi I just denied my Sleep apnea but they said I was never in a base but I was a AAV AMPHIBIOUS CREW CHIEF AND DRIVER WHO ALWAY DID MAINTINANCE CLEANING VEHICLE with diesel and than water and in my DD214 I WAS AWARDED FOR BIOHASARDUS CHOATHING AND GEAR! SO DO I HAVE A CASE?

[@CCK_Law]

Hi! We're sorry to hear you're having trouble with your VA claim, give us a call at [phone] for a free case evaluation. Have a great day!

[@samuelhurtado3345]

4 days for me

[@TruthSeeker9038]

Okay, so I was deployed to the places of exposure. I have been told that I should file for the PACT act, but I do not have any presumptive conditions. Should I still file?

[@JohnRodriguez-zn4gf]

Yes, still file as soon as possible because, I believe, the he VA is keeping top secret many other conditions that would qualify Veterans and sooner or later the VA has to come out with many other Presumtive conditions. The Vietnam Veterans went threw the long waiting before the VA and Washington DC finally decades after the Vietnam Conflict was over. Too bad, too many Vietnam Veterans passed away and were not able to file claims that would have been immediately approved in these late days.

[@Larry-eb5eh]

What happen to exposer to agent orange we were sprayed with the poison as we worked the jungles

[@doritattias3404]

The VA need to locate silica dust. I had lung surgery to take a piece out I got rated zero specially after doing burn pits.

[@toadyh1368]

What about sodium nitrate from HBIED?

[@Sherry-vd5sy]

I was in Iraq, Turkey, n Saudi n was exposed. I was denied for COPD bc I'm a smoker. I have had mild COPD for the last 6/7 years with little change. I don't get it.

[@Whatcha_Gonna_Do]

TERA needs to be expanded to every US Military base that is now listed at an EPA Superfund site. Really sucks the geniuses in Congress didn't consider that. Those of us who were exposed to the same chemicals in drinking water as Camp Lejeune and dealing with cancer, chronic fatigue, and a whole host of other bad things are fvcked...

[@rmel2843]

If I am already at 100% with VA, would it benefit me to do a TERA screening?

[@haroldhyatt6034]

I was approved, then received a letter stating va had made a mistake and I was put on hold. It has been months with no futher information. I think they are waiting till I expire, then they will not have to settle . What do you charge for services.

[@johnsb1550]

Now the big question, how can I prove it? Are there presumptives? I only ask because I'm loaded with those.

[@CCK_Law]

Hello! Check out our blog on the PACT Act where we discuss presumptive conditions here: cck-law.com/blog/new-bipartisan-legislation-on-toxic-exposure-announced/ Have a great day!

[@jslade60]

I don't understand why my sinusitis wasn't under TERA! There was a URI epidemic and problem at Fort Dix New Jersey. Many soldiers came down with this and had to be hospitalized I had problems ever since that happened to me and I was a mechanic by MOS for 63 hotel 10 and we use a lot of industrial solvents which also gave me respiratory problems this should have fell under TERA. My claim for sinusitis has been sent back to have contex and clarity. Ridiculous!

[@AFvet612]

I was told that since my TERA was stateside I was not a "qualified veteran" for the presumptive conditions. i have a TERA conceded and a current diagnosis but still need a nexus.

[@ExtremeRecluse]

Our medevac unit was so bored that we volunteered for shit burning detail and ignition of the 24th INF DIV burn pit which was a 25 ft deep by 75 ft wide whole.

[@iceman11sdm]

If I am 100% P&T, can I still file for PACT Act without messing up my P&T?

[@cwmaxxout805]

Do welding fumes from being a welder count a TERA claim?

[@tag_76]

The VA's process of deciding what is and what is not compensable via the C&P exam is largely useless. I am a prime example. I probably had 1-2 headaches per year until my last deployment. Our convoys drove directly through burn pits and we were exposed to other airborne pollutants and now I have headaches at least 2-3 times a week. VA determined I do in fact have headaches/migraines but the condition is "not service connected". Make that make sense.

[@CCK_Law]

Hi! We're sorry to hear you're having trouble with your VA claim, give us a call at [phone] for a free case evaluation, we may be able to help. Have a great day!

[@Alpharizzchad]

1975 why did they give US Intafaron.At fort Sam Houston.

[@ExtremeRecluse]

What about chemical weapons. Our Battalion was hit, but the commander told us it was a false alarm.

[@Hgfhev]

The va was not in country in Vietnam to see what our veterans went through 😢

[@johnmctheny775]

I'm 100% P & T now had to go about it the hard way to get there but I did have heavy lead exposure over a period of about 4 yrs while over seas. Is it worth it now to try to get the it claimed now?

[@BuyhiselLow]

You said you are 100% p&t. You cannot get more than 100% so what are you talking about?

[@johnmctheny775]

@@BuyhiselLow In my case I was trying to figure out if something would happen to me I wanted my wife to get paid. If I die before 10yrs of being P&T then my wife would have to have my death connected to a service connected condition either as a primary or secondary cause of death to get my benefits. If I added the other conditions it may help is what I'm talking about!

[@genebarnes6108]

Can Type 2 Diabetes fall under TERA for 91 Gulf War Veterans?

[@relentless01]

would evidence of exposure include: working with red lead and lead base paints, chipping old paint with no protection , cleaning bilge by hand with no protection, using ship incinerators, dumping trash over the side at sea much of it oil and grease laden and fuel laden materials…. and this would have taken place from 1977 to 1981. On pretty decrepit 30 year old ships. Duty also included two detachments to Todd’s shipyards where we were stripping the insulation off of piping that included asbestos. ⁉️💁🏼‍♂️ also would it include things like secondhand smoke in berthing compartments… Back then everyone smoked in the living spaces.

[@armytruth6860]

I have one TERA disability rated at 0%😂😂😂 it got delayed but finally approved after almost 6 months

[@anthonythompson4718]

What a shame

[@loukang100]

I got a 0% after only like a week after my claim was turned in. I filed an higher level review and they admitted making a mistake. Still waiting for the decision.

[@Hgfhev]

How to get a Tera ! Haven’t heard of that!What is it

[@CCK_Law]

Toxic exposure risk activity, or TERA, is defined as “any activity that requires a corresponding entry in an exposure tracking record system, or that VA determines qualifies for purposes of this subsection when taking into account what is reasonably prudent to protect the health of veterans.” This exposure tracking record system refers to government programs that will track how service members or veterans have been exposed to various occupational or environmental hazards. For more information, check out our blog on TERA VA Medical Opinions for PACT Act Claims here: cck-law.com/blog/tera-va-medical-opinions-for-pact-act-claims/ Have a great day!

[@nicholasmarshall3191]

Thank you!

[@richardchumbley4382]

I wouldn't recommend Chisholm, Chisholm, and Kilpatrick LTD to any Veteran looking for legal help filing VA claims. They outright denied consideration to represent me. When I asked why they turned down representing me no reason was given. Like most other legal representatives I had experience with it appears they are out to benefit themselves to the fullest extent possible. Save your money and time and go to an organization like the VFW, American Legion, or Disabled American Veterans to get help filing your VA claims ! CCK is a waste of air !

[@marcus22771]

They are a business. If your case is weak they won't accept it. You can always file your own claim

[@rooseveltoggssr.9647]

You are absolutely RIGHT!! and it is a shame how these lawyers create these videos claiming to help the veterans who are seriously needing their representation and refuse to show the veteran the respect him/her deserve. If they cant get anything out of it for themselves, then the veteran is SCREWED!!!!!

[@JohnRodriguez-zn4gf]

Yes, I agree with your point about crooked lawyers just in it for themselves. You can not trust neither the VA or lawyers. I have had nothing but bad experiences with "Veteran Service Organization" (VSO). VSO are just as bad as crooked lawyers. Basically, nobody cares and there are too many haters and envious people out there. Sad that you can not count on nobody to help you with your claims. The VA fully knows the huge disadvantages that Veterans face through the entire rigged VA claims process monster machine. And the VA fully takes advantage of the fact that lawyers are for Sale and they will screw up your claims because the VA is going to pay them under the table. Best thing is for Veterans to either pursue their claims on their own or with the help of other Veterans who also did things themselves without crooked lawyers. The PACT Act is exactly that a pack of bull shit.

[@BuyhiselLow]

Yeah those free services are garbage. Its hit or miss on quality of help. Some are very lazy. Dint discourage people just because they wouldn’t work with you. Its a business, they don’t work for free and if you have a weak claim, of course they don’t want to work for free. Grow up you child

[@BuyhiselLow]

@@rooseveltoggssr.9647simpleton

[@gss7289]

can't believe that burning Human waste is not included.

[@mrm1521]

Anything burned that emitted fumes is included in the PACT Act, human waste included.

[@dnyce3506]

I burned human waste too and it's listed

[@danielmeans4415]

I was a firefighter and they turned me down

[@hbates3766]

I hope you can appeal it.

[@EaZ-b9h]

Same here

[@iammofo]

Radiation exposure??

[@dr.mathamagic3157]

No mention of scientific documentation and studies by post doctoral men and women whom outrank the f()ck out of a nurse practitioner to establish nexus. WTF

[@leonardhenderson6723]

I was exposed to both PCBS and jet fuel along with other things

[@gloriablicha6688]

Our veterans deserve especially the ones that served in the war zones.

[@relentless01]

would evidence of exposure include: working with red lead and lead base paints, chipping old paint with no protection , cleaning bilge by hand with no protection, using ship incinerators, dumping trash over the side at sea much of it oil and grease laden and fuel laden materials…. and this would have taken place from 1977 to 1981. On pretty decrepit 30 year old ships. Duty also included two detachments to Todd’s shipyards where we were stripping the insulation off of piping that included asbestos. ⁉️💁🏼‍♂️ also would it include things like secondhand smoke in berthing compartments… Back then everyone smoked in the living spaces.