One of the prime ingredients for a compensable rating is actually having a disability. Apparently they don’t teach that to the DAV National Service officers in Chicago. Johnny Vet marches into the BVA armed with little more than an extra 50 pounds strapped onto his belly that wasn’t there too awfully long ago. Being overweight does not a Hepatitis rating make. Try this one on for size

Somebody needs to explain how the CFRs work to the NSOs. Being as it’s Chicago, they could actually be dead but still capable of voting and helping Vets. Come on. We’re talking Chicago here. Stranger things have happened as we all know. Where did you think the term “setting a president” came from?

Which brings to mind the burning question-can you teach dead NSOs new tricks?

At a VA examination in December 2010, the Veteran reported that he had not had any symptoms of hepatitis C or any incapacitating episodes. H indicated that he was not currently being treated for hepatitis C. No abdominal abnormalities were noted on physical examination. The finding was hepatitis C, currently stable, normal liver function tests. A VA examination in September 2011 noted that the Veteran was well-nourished, with no visible stigmata of chronic liver disease. The abdomen was nontender. The examiner noted that since January 2006, all liver function tests had been normal, including the most recent test in March 2011. It was stated that there was no fatigue, malaise, anorexia, vomiting, arthralgia, or right upper quadrant pain. The examiner stated that the Veteran had gained 50 pounds over the past three to six months. The examiner diagnosed hepatitis C.

And the 50 lbs. of extra weight has what to do with the HCV? This is called slamming the Vet. Has anyone checked him for DM2 secondary to HCV?