A family road-trip back in my day used to be a time for the family to bond (sometimes un-bond). Now I sit in the passenger seat with all this technology...guess Ill use this time to soap-box, gripe, whine, complain... Just read this article (attached) and got a little fired up. I have been examined by well-known, very reputable Pulmonologists as well as Cardiologists. I have had numerous Pulmonology Function Tests over the years. For those unaware, the key indicator the VA uses for determining disability ratings for respiratory related illness is the amount of air which can be forcibly exhaled from the lungs in the first second of a forced exhalation --- whats referred to as the Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1). The break-down is: FEV-1 less than 40% = 100% disability rating FEV-1 between 40 - 55 % = 60% disability rating FEV-1 between 56 - 70 % = 30% disability rating FEV-1 between 71 - 80 % = 10% disability rating Out of my 12 very well documented PFTs performed and evaluated by numerous reputable professionals, all but two of my FEV-1s fell between the 40 - 50%, with the other two being 56 and 58%. When the Montgomery, Al VA insisted they conduct their own PFTs, I had that feeling - ya know that same feeling ya get when you have to have a rectal exam done, the doc realizes the bottle of lube is empty, BUTT proceeds anyway... So, at the end of their test, they give me this envelope for me to take to the records clerk. The envelope is marked FOUO (For Official Use Only). Naturally, I took the long way to the records clerk - unsealed the first envelope, then the 2nd and 3rd ones contained within each other (what ... It was my paperwork - it had my name on it). I finally get to a single document in which I note: FEV-1 (71%). I found that a little peculiar. ( I must have been getting healthier, but why could I still not play with my kids without getting winded, or run 100 yards without panting like a St Bernard out in a mid-summer Arizona day? They gave me a 10% disability rating for that infliction. I appealed over a year ago (now over 2 years since original claim), and the status is still desked. Ive not really pressed the issue, or pursued it because I still consider myself enabled in comparison to my Siblings In Arms who are struggling with debilitating brain injuries and/or actual loss of limbs. I dont want a free handout. I just want a fair, unbiased, ethical system whos salary is paid for by me and the rest of us tax-paying CITIZENS to do the job we are paying you to do. I guess Im suppose to sit back and trust in the system now. For all by Brothers and Sisters In Arms out there who are truly dependent on VA disability payouts - my prayers are with you. al/news/index.ssf/2014/06/pulmonolgist_at_montgomery_va.html
Posted on: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 16:56:08 +0000
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