PSP Questions   Question #119     I retired from the Navy in 1998 after 29 years or so on active duty and later received 30% disability due to a Vietnam era injury. The injury has worsened and I want to know if I can reapply to the VA for increase disability. What do I need to do to make this happen? A1:  Yes you can for reconsideration at any time. Contact a service officer. VFW, DAV, VVA, American Legion.  (MM)  8/11/2016   A2:  Download VA form 21-526, instructions are included with an address. Write in under disability, increase for S/C BIG TOE! Sign, Date and Spend $5 to send it certified to Janesville, WI, not Newman, Ga which is closed. Good Luck  (PW)  8/11/2016   A3:  Thanks for your service and yes you can reclaim. I started out at 10% and then after many years I retired from Civilian Life and went looking for gold. Lungs told me to pack up and go home and fild a claim for SS. SS Told me to apply for an Increase with the VA. I did and was granted an increase to 60%. Then after checking my records I fould that my lungs had gotten worse and I filded again and then I went to 100%. Then I fould out that if you had a stent put into your heart you could file a claim for Agent Orange. I did and now I am at 150% but Nothing more to put in my bank account. I was awarded 30% for my heart attack and two 10% claims each for my hearing. I suggest that you go to your local VA and ask for a copy of your medical records from the time you last went in for a check up on your hearing. If you have not been tested for your hearing, then make an appointment to get a check up. Then you get copies made and you take those home and you study them really good for any additional problems and if you find any then you file a request for more money.  (JK)  8/12/2016 A4:  I would find your local county or state veteran service office and use them to help file your claim.  (RJ)  8/12/2016   A5:  Don't use the 526. That is for initial claims. Use the 526EZ. That is for fully developed claims. Since you are already service-connected, you have the medical evidence to prove your case, you are merely stating that your condition has worsened. By the way, you can only get 100% unless you are an amputee or have been awarded a SMC. Good luck.  (AP)  8/15/2016   If you can help please respond to this question. Full name: Email address: Comments:   Question #120   I was ordered to ground zero for 9/11.  I spent 4 months there , now I am sick with pulmonary decease.  The VA says it’s not service connected because it wasn't a federal activation and the state says it was a federal activation. In the meantime I can’t file a claim and I am getting worse.  What am I to do? A1:  I would say who ever ordered you is responsible. Contact a service officer VFW, DAV, VVA american Legion.  (MM)  8/11/2016 A2:  Who better to know the answer than your congressman or senator. I would start there and let him or her know it's urgent.  (PW)  8/11/2016 A3:  You can't waste time playing games with the VA because you might not have the time. Get you a lawyer and you sue the VA for disability payments. And do it now. Your time could be running out now. Sorry to frighten you but I can't sugar coat your possible problems.  (JK)  8/12/2016 A4:  You should have orders for the activation.  If you do not, your unit will have a copy with your name on it.  Use the orders as proof of activation and to file your claim.  (RJ)  8/12/2016   A5:  The first question is were you guard or reserve? If you were guard, it was probably a state call up. If you were reserve, it may have been a federal call up, but your orders would say so.  (AP)  8/15/2016   If you can help please respond to this question. Full name: Email address: Comments:

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