[Randy]

I received 100% P&T a year ago. I was in the Army 50 years ago for 2 years. Luckily, I found my Army Eye Exam and a Prescription for prisms in my glasses, 3 months before separation, in my VA claims file (C-file). Sometimes they don’t give you your Eye Exams when you request medical records, or raters don’t review them because they don’t know the significance.

I filed for double vision and MG. After denials by raters who didn’t know anything about MG, The Higher Level Reviewers (HLR) would get me C&P exams, after a phone call with them (check the box). Since 85% of the time the first symptom of MG is double vision, the C&P examiners said I had MG in the service. File for double vision in order to have an optometrist as a C&P examiner. Mine noted the reason for double vision was because of have MG.

[Randy]

I was stationed at an Army Depot 1972-74.  3 months before I was discharged, I was prescribed glasses with prisms, a treatment for double vision and a symptom of MG.  Note  – Nerve Gas was stored there.

First I asked for my medical records from the national archives three times and got a few none relevents pages.  I then asked the VA for my “C-file”, claims file.  It took a year to get because Covid had just started.  It contained every VA record from military service, military health, VA education records, etc.  After 2 hours of searching the 1,600 pdf pages, I found my 3 visits for colds and my “Army Eye Exams”.  The exams showed the prisms being added to my glasses, after none for 21 months.

I have found that no one evaluating MG at the VA knows what it is, though it is on the original service connected presumptive list.  When I appealed to the higher level reviewers, I finally got a chance to explain to someone and they didn’t know, but were good listeners and se5tup C&P exams.

I was rated for MG because I had a symptom within 1 year of discharge.  In October, at the age of 72, I received 100% pay for TDIU (unemployability).

[Randy]

3 months ago the VA rated me TDIU 100% P&T (Age 73).  $ 3,600 per month.

I was at Anniston Army Depot 1972-74.  They stored nerve gas.  My Army eyeglass prescriptions were constant until prisms were added April 7, 1974, 3 months before my discharge.  The National Archieves could not find my medical records.  Luckily when I asked the VA for my “C File” (claim file), I found my Army Eye Exams.  It took a year to get my C-file because of Covid.

I have found that the raters don’t have any knowledge about MG, though it is on the original “Chronic Disease” service presumptive list next to MS.  The presumption only works if there is a symptom within one year.   “Buddy statements” can be used.

If someone wants to try a claim.  Start withthe following, File a letter of intent, to preserve an early effective date.  Request your C-file through a “FOIA” “freedom of information act”.  Find a Veteran Service Officer(VSO), try your local Veteran assistance group.  Tell the VSO that MG is on the “chronic disease” list.  I got VA exams after denials by talking to the higher level reviewers (HLR) and explaining what MG was and how I had a symptom while in the army.  If denied, read the rationale of the examiners.  In my case the raters had skipped the rationale parts that said I developed MG in the service.  I used the rationales as new evidence.  In my case, after denials, I used the binocular double vision as a primary claim.  The Optometrist examiner then said it was caused by MG.   It was a 3 year road for me.

[Randy]

It is a symptom within 1 year of separation.  I had prisms added to my glasses 3 months before discharge.  Diagnosis 40 years later.  Receiving VA Disability.

[Randy]

Hello Lou.  I have always thought mine was cause by a trace amount of nerve gas.  I was in thee storage area about a dozen times.  I would like to talk to you about the VA claim process.  I could never find anyone to understood enough to help.  I can be reached through my facebook page.  I go to it every day or two.  My last name is “Rhode” not Rhodes”.  The soccer player is now 22.