This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Maybe I'm missing it here and I just can't find it? There should be a whole forum for this topic so that any veteran looking at the lists of topics can spot this one right away and not have little bits and pieces scattered in different forums.

It should be in the "Life" section of topics.

MS has been recently 'deemed' a service connected disability - which means that as long as you can prove that your first symptom(s) presented themselves within 7 years of an honorable discharge you can receive benefits. 30% is the minimum for MS.

This would be so beneficial for veteran's to share their experiences with the whole process of trying to get 'rated' by the VA for MS.

Who can do that? Add a topic like that? Let's do everything we can to help these vets!

My husband is in the process now, and is waiting for his hearing.

I want to make sure as many people see it and help get a topic dedicated to Vets with MS!

Thanks-

Hi LIfeisgood,
I'm one of the veterans you're looking for. I was diagnosed with MS in 2002. I spent almost 14 years in the Army when I was medically retired in 2006. When I was retired from the Army, they rated me at 30% and put me on the Temporary Disabled Retirement List (TDRL) and the VA immediately ratee me 100% service connected. After 5 years on the TDRL (which is the max amount of time on that list) the Army reevaluated me and rated me at 100%. If I was your husband, even though I don't know his symptoms, I wouldn't take anything less than 100%.

Seperated from service Dec. 1999, DX'ed with MS Oct. 2002. Didn't go for my disability until sometime in 2008. Make sure you bring all your records with you to the VA when it is time for his evaluation. I submitted everything to the VA from my doctors visits, and when I showed up for my VA examination they had no records. I had my records with me thankfully, was rated at 30%. Overall the process wasn't painfull, just lenghty. Don't ever assume that someone within the VA system did their job, be prepared is the only advice I can give.

I am going through the process now. I have enlisted the help of the PVA to help with all of the red tape. I was using the DAV but they had too large of a case load to get anything done for me. Discahrged medicaly in 1995. MS diagnosis 2011.

lifeisgood,
I am also one of the veterans you are looking for. I am currently an active duty national guardsman and was diagnosed with MS in May of 2008. My first symptom was while I was deployed to Iraq in 2003. I am now currently going through a MEB/PEB board where I am sure they will find me not fit for duty. I have an LOD signed by personnel at the pentagon and hope that the VA and DOD take care of me. My state has been messing with me for the past 3+ years and now with only 15 years active duty I do not know what my future will be. I lost an E7 promotion back in Feb 09 due to my diagnosis and I am still very bitter about it. The personnel down at Ft. Riley, KS told me that I will be discharged within 294 & 365 days. While at Ft. Riley, KS my PEBLO told me that MS is now considered the agent orange of OIF. I have heard alot about the VA possibly linking the Anthrax vaccine to MS but that has yet to be proven.

I was 7 years out in September. The VA had been working on my MS diagnosis for about a year, and I was given the diagnosis last month. I applied for an increase in disability last week (through my DAV rep). I am keeping my fingers crossed.

QuicheLorraine – do you have the record of all the inoculations ("shots") you received in the military?

I suspect you received a vaccination against tuberculosis with the BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccine. This is a live, but weakened (attenuated) bacteria. Dr. Denise Faustman is using this at Harvard University to reverse type I diabetes by causing the pancreas to increase insulin production.

In people with normal, appropriate insulin production, I think BCG causes excess production of insulin and starts the MS cascade.

_________________
My hypothesis: excess insulin (hyperinsulinemia) plays a major role in MS, as developed in my initial post: http://www.thisisms.com/forum/general-discussion-f1/topic1878.html "Insulin – Could This Be the Key?"

Interesting connection. Yes, I do have my shot records somewhere around here. I am also highly suspect of the anthrax vaccine. Not long after my last vaccination, I went blind in one eye for about 24 hours.

I'm going through this process now... I was placed on the TDRL in May of 2012, have received my VA at 80% and sit in limbo for DoD to decide. What I get tired of is the Medical Practisioners at the MTFs. I feel like the attitude is, "We are here to serve those who are currently serving. Please step aside and stop bothering us."

I just want to scream.