VA DISABILITY QUESTION

[laldoroty]

There have been a few questions lately regarding VA disability, Here's mine. I was first diagnosed in 2019 with CLL and started treatment in February of 2020 on B&R for 6 months. I had applied for VA disability because I was exposed to the water contamination at Camp Lejune for 2 1/2 years. I was given 100% disability retroactive to my filing date now my numbers are pretty good and I will be starting a maintenance program for 2 years of a Rituximab infusion every 3 months. Do you think the VA will lower my disability payments?

[WinJ3]

Hi laldoroty, The VA will pay you during treatment 100% and 0% when treatment stop🛑

7703 Leukemia (except for chronic myelogenous leukemia):

When there is active disease or during a treatment phase100

Otherwise rate residuals under the appropriate diagnostic code(s)

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia or monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), asymptomatic, Rai Stage0

Note (1): A 100 percent evaluation shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical therapy, radiation therapy, antineoplastic chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedures. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. Any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination shall be subject to the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter. If there has been no recurrence, rate on residuals

Note (2): Evaluate symptomatic chronic lymphocytic leukemia that is at Rai Stage I, II, III, or IV the same as any other leukemia evaluated under this diagnostic code

Note (3): Evaluate residuals of leukemia or leukemia therapy under the appropriate diagnostic code(s). Myeloproliferative Disorders: (Diagnostic Codes 7704, 7718, 7719)

Win

[scaler59 in reply to WinJ3]

I was told there were degrees of 100% disability by the VA. I have 100% P&T disability. It is my understanding that permanent and total means just that ? Can anyone else add to this confusion about VA disability ? Thanks

[WinJ3 in reply to scaler59]

If you are 100% Permanent and Total the VA will "never" lower your rate, regardless of treatment or not.

[scaler59 in reply to WinJ3]

Thank You

[Rafe]

I would hope not, Rituxan Maintenance in conjunction with chemo is to improve your chances of a longer remission. I hope all goes well.

[lumdor]

I cannot ne of any assistance on this situation.

[Dghb]

Absolutely NOT. Because it was camp Lejune , your disability will never go down!!!!