[maggpie41]

I am a Disabled Veteran, collecting Veteran Disability Pay. In 1986, my right as crushed in a shipboard accident, in Holy Loch, Scotland. The only Doctor available on the ship was GP, and did know how severe the injury was. For almost a year to the day of the accident, the doctor re-broke, reset and re-cast my hand 5 times. I continued to do my duties at full capacity, I was a Hull Technician, which is welding, mostly on board the subs. Anyway, finally the GP admitted he could not fix my hand and had me shipped to Lackenheath, England to see a Hand Surgeon. This Doctor, actually, shook his head, and said "Your hand is beyond repair". And he proceeded to ship me to Bethesda, Maryland, to yet more "Hand Specialist".These Doctors told me because my hand had been SO badly treated, that I know had Kienbocks Disease, Stage 4. I was one of 3 cases known of at the time. To make a VERY LONG STORY.. short, they did experimental surgery (cardiovascular?? ) but me in a External Fixiure on for the next 6 months. I finally had that removed and was told point blank that I would never have full use of my right again. (to say the lest). My wrist has centimeters of movement, the daily pain level is a 8, night time is worse. My fingers are numb to the touch and I have now lost complete use of my thumb. A tendon snapped in my thumb and part of it came down into the thumb joint, and the other half, is now up in the area of my elbow, which causes a whole new pain. The Va Doctors doctors at one time had me on Liquid Morphine, OxyCodone, among many more pain medications. I became addicted and could not get any help, I went through the withdrawal along, I almost didn't make it. I have tried to hold down any and every job anyone can think of, but can not write, do anything repetitive, or that requires strength, dexterity, or excessive movement of the hand. I could no longer handle the pain and could no longer work in 1995. I have been trying to get financial help and appropriate medical care for 23 years.
In September 2008, I went to Syracuse to see the Compensation Doctor. Dr. Brown. And that was when he told me I now had DeQuarvins Dicease, that the original surgery, and placement of fixature pin, had caused the damage to the thumb tendon, and that I would probably never regain the use of my thumb.
In October 2008 I had an appointment with my VA Doctor, (the doctor that I had been seeing for over 20 years), at this appointment, he finally read Dr. Browns report. AT which time he turns to me and said "Well. I guess it wasn't all in your head." 23 years of my life, struggling with basic daily chores, all the drugs, all the pain, loss of income, self esteem, all the other medical problems caused by the original injury, And on and on...
I was devastated to say the lest. So, here is my question, the background as necessary, to be able to ask this...
I have been trying to get my disability benefits increased, or increased to unemployable status, for well over 10 years, and it is always rejected (they suggest I have a

[maggpie41]

I am a Disabled Veteran, collecting Veteran Disability Pay. In 1986, my right as crushed in a shipboard accident, in Holy Loch, Scotland. The only Doctor available on the ship was GP, and did know how severe the injury was. For almost a year to the day of the accident, the doctor re-broke, reset and re-cast my hand 5 times. I continued to do my duties at full capacity, I was a Hull Technician, which is welding, mostly on board the subs. Anyway, finally the GP admitted he could not fix my hand and had me shipped to Lackenheath, England to see a Hand Surgeon. This Doctor, actually, shook his head, and said "Your hand is beyond repair". And he proceeded to ship me to Bethesda, Maryland, to yet more "Hand Specialist".These Doctors told me because my hand had been SO badly treated, that I know had Kienbocks Disease, Stage 4. I was one of 3 cases known of at the time. To make a VERY LONG STORY.. short, they did experimental surgery (cardiovascular?? ) but me in a External Fixiure on for the next 6 months. I finally had that removed and was told point blank that I would never have full use of my right again. (to say the lest). My wrist has centimeters of movement, the daily pain level is a 8, night time is worse. My fingers are numb to the touch and I have now lost complete use of my thumb. A tendon snapped in my thumb and part of it came down into the thumb joint, and the other half, is now up in the area of my elbow, which causes a whole new pain. The Va Doctors doctors at one time had me on Liquid Morphine, OxyCodone, among many more pain medications. I became addicted and could not get any help, I went through the withdrawal along, I almost didn't make it. I have tried to hold down any and every job anyone can think of, but can not write, do anything repetitive, or that requires strength, dexterity, or excessive movement of the hand. I could no longer handle the pain and could no longer work in 1995. I have been trying to get financial help and appropriate medical care for 23 years.
In September 2008, I went to Syracuse to see the Compensation Doctor. Dr. Brown. And that was when he told me I now had DeQuarvins Dicease, that the original surgery, and placement of fixature pin, had caused the damage to the thumb tendon, and that I would probably never regain the use of my thumb.
In October 2008 I had an appointment with my VA Doctor, (the doctor that I had been seeing for over 20 years), at this appointment, he finally read Dr. Browns report. AT which time he turns to me and said "Well. I guess it wasn't all in your head." 23 years of my life, struggling with basic daily chores, all the drugs, all the pain, loss of income, self esteem, all the other medical problems caused by the original injury, And on and on...
I was devastated to say the lest. So, here is my question, the background as necessary, to be able to ask this...
I have been trying to get my disability benefits increased, or increased to unemployable status, for well over 10 years, and it is always rejected (they suggest I have a Civilian Hand Specialist see me) but I have no health insurance, I can not afford to seek help outside the VA and so it goes on, I have appeal again and again and again. Or Appeals Court says I did not file some Form, in timely manner. (What would they know of Timely
Manner). They say I am allowed to have legal representation now, yet I can find no
One to help. I receive 866.00 a month in VA Compensation and 664.00 in SSI. I have two sons 17 and 20, both help me on a daily basis and have for years. We've lost our house, my car and my 20 year old sons chance at college. Both boys are and where honor roll. I can't take letting them down anymore. I don't know if there is any kind of help available (other than the local Veterans Representatives, tried to work with them for over 7 years) either legal, or ANYTHING out there, that can advice me, or any suggestions on where to look for guidance I would be so grateful for any kind of help.

[Alty]

Maggpie, I'm so sorry for everything you've been through.

I don't know if any of our legal experts are online right now. I'm going to forward the link to your thread to two of them, I hope they can offer some suggestions.

It may take a while before they get back to you. We have experts all over the world, so we're dealing with different time zones and such. Also, everyone volunteers here, so they may just not be on right now.

Please check back often to see if you've gotten a response. Sadly I have no advice to give, I'm not a legal expert.

I do wish you luck and hope that the members here have some good advice for you.

Take care. :)

Good luck.

[artlady]

I am very sorry for your position.This is a horrific way to thank you for serving this country.It makes me ashamed for a government that does this.
I live in Syracuse and if you do as well I would suggest contacting channel 9 news.I know this sounds far fetched but they have a segment called *your stories* and it is a great way to network and get things done.I have seen many success stories on there.I think sometimes it takes a public shaming to bring people to action.
Sometimes getting the attention of the bureaucracy is a matter of finding the right mouthpiece.
Don't give up and if I think of anything else I will contact you.
Many blessings to you and your sons.

[JudyKayTee]

I am somewhat concerned because this thread is a little bit different from your other thread. At any rate, if you check the other thread you will find some answers, including mine.

[JudyKayTee]

It would appear that the VA is claiming you are not totally disabled and your argument is that you are totally disabled - am I correct? If you are found to be totally disabled you would collect a higher benefit?

I thought that the VA, like SS, paid on a scale according to the income when the person was employed - are you seeking additional benefits such as in home help? I've searched the various sites and the benefit appears to be a percentage of income - the higher the income was, the higher the benefit is.

You are collecting SSI, which (just so everyone is on the same page here) is a benefit for people who have low income and few resources and are: Age 65 or older; Blind; or Disabled. If you are receiving benefits as a totally disabled person from one arm of the Government (SS) and not the other (VA) something appears to be wrong.

As far as a second medical opinion - have you tried one of the hospital clinics in your area? In my area, at least, they are staffed by Physicians and students, very cutting edge, either no cost or almost no cost. There are also free standing clinics which are available to low income people, also.

As far as legal representation - have you contacted your local Bar Association and inquired about their free or low cost programs?

You are attempting to get your Drivers License restored and purchase a car - you may very well need an Attorney to accomplish that and the Bar Association would possibly recommend one Attorney (probably a beginner) to represent you on both issues.

I know the VA is tough the deal with, partially because of understaffing, and if you can't find legal counsel I think you have to make sure you have read and understood the VA's requirements and follow them to the letter. Unfortunate but true.

Do I have what you are asking straight?

[JudyKayTee]

[QUOTE=Comments on this post
maggpie41 disagrees: VA benefit amounts are not made in accordance to income, but in accordance with service related injury, I have a rating of 50%. According to Social Security I am 100% disabled. But, I was told one had nothing to do with the other.?[/QUOTE]



Did you actually read the rules of the site? I said "I thought" and ASKED you for clarification and you came back with a disagree... I don't know why you posted the question when, apparently, you already know the answers.

You are probably already aware that if you apply for past benefits the VA will take your Attorney's fees out of that past due amount if you win and the Attorney has to comply.

How about answering my other questions so I have a fighting chance here -

[twinkiedooter]

Would highly suggest you speak to an attorney about the possible change in your monetary benefits from the VA. Doing this yourself and being successful is rare.

[maggpie41]

Dear JudyKayTee,

This is Maggpie41, (disabled Veteran). Please forgive me on the reply I sent. I tried to write more and explain what I had been told and by who, and to give you more information regarding the questions you had asked. But, it would not let me continue typing.
I in no way meant to sound like I knew everything, or did not respect your comments and the time you took to help me. I am sincerely thankful there are people like you out there to help me and give me advice on other options.
I also apologize for the disagree rating, I did not mean to hit that key, I am Sorry.
I really hope you'll except my apology. And, I do thank you, very much, for your time and guidance. Sincerely; maggpie41.

P.S. Last night was the very first time I used this site and I'm sure this is not the way to contact you, but I could not figure out another way.

[twinkiedooter]

Try contacting the local County Bar Association and ask them if they have a listing for this type of attorney to help you. Generally the people at the local Bar Association are very helpful.