Rev. Larry K. Loree Sr., US Army, 68th Med Group, combat medic, Vietnam Vet 1966-67 writes:
Several years ago I communicated with you by email, then again about one year ago after you set up this very enlightening website.
My purpose for communicating with you now, is two-fold:
To thank you for giving myself and many other Vietnam Vets with PN (and no diabetes) hope in dealing with the VA through the claim process.
I filed my claim for AO connected PN in November 2010 and was recently informed by the VA that my PN disability claim was granted.
When I recently received the new rating, I immediately thought of you and the encouragement you have given me and other AO affected Vets.
I am writing this to thank you for blazing a trail with your own PN issues and to inspire my brother Vets who are afflicted with PN without diabetes.
Out of more than one hundred VN Vets that I have quizzed, more than 70% reported symptoms of PN after I explained the condition. Most have never sought treatment, because they didn’t understand that it is likely caused by exposure to AO. In every instance I have encouraged them to be tested and I refer them to your website for more insights.
NOTE: Copyright 2010-15 Network For Neuropathy Support, Inc. dba Neuropathy Support Network.. This article may be reprinted or published for educational purposes as long as the printing or publishing is not for profit and acknowledgement is granted the author. Contact him at E-mail: gene@neuropathysupportnetwork.org
PATIENT TO PATIENT – Disclaimer: Patient to Patient articles are intended to be educational, not diagnostic or prescriptive and the patient is encouraged to seek help from their own private physician.
I served with the 25th Infantry in 1966-1967 — the same period during which Rev. Loree served. It would be greatly appreciated if he could share some of the specifics of his history … especially if his PN is DELAYED-onset. Was it? If so, how lengthy was the “delay”?
I filed a disability claim in 2009 which was denied because I was not “EARLY onset”. I challenged that decision with my “plan” (such as it was) to wait for the scientific research to “catch up” and better resolve the issue of DELAYED-onset PN qualifying as (“more likely than not”) also being triggered by AO exposure. The change in 2012 to the VA’s policy’s continuing “evolution” was encouraging.
I also wanted to contact guys from my unit and see what percentage of them had PN. Making such connections were fruitless. They’ve either passed on (some by their own hand) or just do not show up via internet searches.
I have an exam and review scheduled with the VA next week. So, again, it sounds like Rev. Loree’s history (and SETTLEMENT!) might be very relevant to me and many others. Could he please share? Thank you for your service … back in the day and now.