Question:
Hi Jim, In February 2021, I received a Non-Hodgkin Large B-Cell Lymphoma diagnosis. I submitted a claim to VA, and last week i received the final decision. It is service connected and a 100% was approved by VA. Nowadays, my cancer went away with the R-Chop treatment received last year and now I'm in remission (Observation) for 5 years as per my Oncologist. I'm afraid to receive VA benefits for a 100% and in a future being ask to pay back because my cancer is gone. I've been suffering remnants of the chemotherapy like neuropathy, frequent stomachaches and migraines which I never suffered before, but I have not treat any of this yet and not sure if i have to report this to VA. What is the proper way to handle this situation? Do I need to report this new symptoms, and report also that my cancer is gone and that I'm under remission for 5 years? Am I supposed to receive VA benefits equals to 100% while in remission?
Jim's Reply:
Your VA rates all service connected cancer as 100% on a temporary basis. You are not 100% P & T, you are 100% temporary. The VA will schedule what is called a future exam in your file with an alert for a future date to set up a C & P exam for you. That usually happens 6 months to a year after CHOP. At that time you'll be evaluated to see how you're doing and your rating should be adjusted accordingly. Many veterans who are fortunate to receive the first CHOP and have a great remission are no longer viewed as totally disabled so the rating may fall to represent any leftover problems like the ones you mention.
You don't need to be concerned about paybacks or when your exam will be scheduled. Your VA is in a serious battle with C & P exams because of the pandemic and they're running months and months behind. They will notify you when they want to examine you.
None of the timing of your exam is your problem and you won't be required to pay back any payments unless there is fraud involved and you're convicted. You don't need to report any new symptoms to VA, just be sure that all of that is in your current medical record for future review.
In fact, the best thing you can do to protect your future benefits is to buff and polish your medical record. Look through your records to ensure that each detail you think is important is recorded to the record by your provider.
If it isn't in your record repeatedly, it didn't happen.
Good luck sir.