Monthly Archives: February 2013

CDC: Still apathetic about HCV

Information about HCV on the CDC website is evolving albeit slowly. Click the map for a larger view.   Imagine that all veterans with HCV (resolved or active infections) were isolated together in their own country.  They’d have to provide … Continue reading

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Live Twitter chat with CDC Director Thomas Frieden

I don’t know how a Twitter chat works but this is an opportunity to ask questions about HCV testing, blood safety, safe injections, within the context of global health and Haiti.  I do know that HIV is prevalent in Haiti. … Continue reading

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Blood sources for U. S. forces during the Vietnam War

An official history from the Army provides some intriguing information about blood supplies that may provide hints about why certain HCV strains are prevalent in Vietnam veterans–and why hepatitis C is endemic in Vietnam veterans. Source of the quotes below: http://history.amedd.army.mil/booksdocs/vietnam/medicalsupport/chapter9.html … Continue reading

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SMC (SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSATION)-WHAT IS IT?

Member Carla writes and says “my husband has lost the use of his creative organ for all intents and purposes. They attribute this to his DM2. He was also blinded in one eye from shell fragments during a mortar attack … Continue reading

Posted in ASKNOD BOOK, R1/R2, SMC, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 78 Comments

NOD v. SHINSEKI–VA CAVES IN ?

This just in. After reading their cards and weeping, VASEC has just acknowledged they are holding what appears to be a compromised or losing hand. Oddly enough, it only took them 5 years to ascertain this (2008). I guess someone sat down … Continue reading

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FED. CIR.–WALKER V. SHINSEKI–§3.303(b) SAYS WHAT?

After years of zooming by 38 CFR §3.303(b) like an anonymous building alongside  the freeway at 65 mph and seeing it quoted often in denials of HCV cases, I was rudely awakened to the following. Apparently a lot of us pro … Continue reading

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KURT PRIESSMAN’S PROJECT CHECO REPORTS

  Attached here are Kurt Priessman’s seminal Project CHECO (Contemporary Historical Examination of Current Operations) reports for Laos and Cambodia. They are a real eye opener and a big help for trying to remember which Lima Site you were at … Continue reading

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FOOTLOCKER–UNCLE JAY’S STORY

Recently I received my Cousin Denise’s last job for my Uncle Jay. She shipped me all his memorabilia relating to his military service. I wish to share it with you and in the process, paint the picture of an uncommon … Continue reading

Posted in From the footlocker | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

PREPARING FOR APRIL FOOLS DAY

As most know. April Fools day is not just any day. It’s my birthday. If you were wondering why I’m so twisted, this may explain it. And by virtue of it, I look for really truly outstanding jokes to spring … Continue reading

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MILESTONES–VAN T. BARFOOT

  Some of you may recall the saga of CMOH winner (and numerous other medals) Mr. Van Barfoot, recently a citizen of my home state of Virginia. His exploits span three theatres of war and as many continents. Look up courage … Continue reading

Posted in Inspirational Veterans | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments