Mt.crewchief

I think it would be pretty hard to file for a hearing loss unless it is documented while in the service. I have a documented loss at Naha, and also filed for tinnitus  two

years ago. They acknowledged both but would only give me a 10% disability. 

I see I already said this above, but I think it bears repeating.  But, I was told by the gal that checked my hearing for my claim (hired by the VA), that there is no way they can dispute a tinnitus claim as there is no test that shows it! I think your job description while in the Air Force would qualify you!!

I do think an appeal will get you the 10% on the Tinnitus---retroactive to the day you filed the claim!!!  I think the $130.00 a month I get for listening to a variable pitch constant ringing  in my ears day and night is rather low for my work for four years on the Herk.  Don't get me wrong, I would do it all over again!!!!!! (of course with ear protection this time)

You know I can't count how many times I have answered the phone when nobody is calling!!!!!

Ken

Jay,

Thanks for the new info. I recently downloaded the Praetorian Starship to my Kindle, but haven't started it yet. I will definitely check into the black bird sight.

I did see a few of the "Blackbirds" from time to time while in SEA, but other than the hooks on the front I didn't know what their mission was.

Ken

All of the "User's Galleries"  --I hadn't finished looking at all of them!!!!!

Ken

Mark,   Thanks for posting this video. Easily one of the best I have seen. Also, the video answers a lot of questions I have had about the MC130 and their missions!

Ken

Casey,  At first I thought "what the crap"!  Then after working my way through the new format, I have found it just as easy to use as the old one!  Although I am one of those "old codgers", I think I can make it work!!  Then of course after I read the reasons for the change, it was easier  yet!!!

Also, thank you for all the work you are doing to keep this going!!!

Ken

I hope you have a good day Davis

Happy Birthday

Ken

The room was full of pregnant women with their

Husbands

The instructor said, "Ladies, remember that exercise

is good for you.

Walking is especially beneficial. It strengthens the

pelvic muscles and

will make delivery that much easier.

Just pace yourself, make plenty of stops and try to

stay on a soft surface

like grass or a path."

"Gentlemen, remember -- you're in this together. It

wouldn't hurt you to go

walking with her. In fact, that shared experience

would be good for you

both."

The room suddenly became very quiet as the men

absorbed this information.

After a few moments a man, name unknown, at the back

of the room, slowly

raised his hand.

"Yes?" said the Instructor.

"I was just wondering if it would be all right if

she carries a golf bag

while we walk?"

Brings a tear to your eye, doesn't it?

This kind of sensitivity just can't be taught.

I'll be damned, never heard of it either!!

Must've missed it in the news and papers!!

Anyway, "Welcome home to all of you Viet Nam Vets"

And I mean it,

Ken

I have a picture of the Nav Station in my gallery of 62-1804. Taken in 1969!

It is not the best, but it may be what you are looking for.

Ken

Thanks to my consecutive overseas tour, (Naha to CCK), I didn't have to cope with snow for 33 months. But-- I did get a chance to work in some cold weather and some snow at Dover and it sucked!! Of course working on the C-133's didn't help any!!!

Thanks Sparks,

A pulse is important!!!

Thanks Sonny, I needed that!!!

Ken

Thanks for the birthday wishes guys. I hope to be able to share many more with my friends on the forum!!

I am wondering how Chris (tinwhistle) managed to put his wishes on the "humor" forum. Do you suppose he thinks it's funny??

:D

Have a good one Chris!

Ken

Don,

My accomplishments aren't near as lengthy or impressive as yours, but like you, I do feel like I am still adding to my accomplishments when I am the first on some new guys profile!!!

Yes, I know exactly what you are talking about!!!!

Ken

By the way Don, look who was the first to look at Sjphill's bio!!!!!

Gotch'a

Ken

Great pictures! Doesn't look like the recovery process was a lot of fun!!

By the way, SEFEGeorge has some great pictures of Cape Romanzof in his users gallery! Also many more good ones of the similar landing strips in Alaska!!

George, how are you doing?

Ken

Should there be a shovel in the picture???? :D

Sonny, I have tears running down my face laughing!! Good one!!

Chris,

I am glad to see that you haven't forgotten us on the forum. And would like to wish you and Mary a very Merry Christmas also!

By the way, because I know you, I think you need to take it easy and keep your ticker going!! That means listen to what the doctor says and maybe even DO what he says!!!

Hey Gizz, since you live closer to Chris, maybe you could run over to Wisconsin and let the "old guy" know who's the boss when it comes to his heart!!

Chris, do take it easy and have a healthy and happy New Year,

Ken

I had a very hard time sleeping on a Herk period. I probably did at times, considering how many hours we spent on them --especially at CRB. But that's not to say I didn't try. I took a seat cushion or two up on top and tried sleeping with my leg hanging down in the hatch in case I did fall asleep. I also tried sleeping on the ramp with a cool? breeze. I used to open the windows in the flight deck, hooked all of the headsets up and listened to the radio turned up! Even turned all of the lights down to dim for the mood, but the damn MD-3 still made too much noise. But once I got that baby launched in the morning, I would fall asleep on the bus going back to Herky Hill!

I once tried to sleep on the plane (56-475) in fuel cell at CRB at night with no power etc. All I could do there was sit on the the crew steps and watch for sappers etc. It was probably the worst night I ever had trying to even relax!!!

You're right nascarpop, those birds were home, but not for sleeping for me!!

Ken

That's kind of what I was trying to say I think. My documented hearing loss at Naha wasn't enough I guess. I did get hearing aids long before I ever filed for the Tinnitus. I didn't know for sure about the eye glasses part. That's good news! I have been having eye checkups, but still haven't needed new glasses. Of course, I would have to pass on the glasses if they look anything like the dorky looking glasses I got in basic!!!

It's kind of sad to say, but I don't think any of us has ever gotten the same answer to the same question. Even the official letters don't read the same. Maybe someday there will be a set of procedures that pertains to everyone--all of the time!!

Don,

I get a check, actually a deposit to my checking account every month. When I filed for the hearing loss, I did it through a representative with an office in the VA clinic. He tried to get me the 20% for my documented hearing loss & tinnitus, but I guess (according to three pages of explanations),

I was only good for the tinnitus. I decided that that would have to do!

I have had very good luck with my VA in Billings, and have no complaints about them! But, I have never had to prove "boots on the ground" & maybe I will never need to, but maybe my opinion will change if I do!!

Ken

This is my experience,---I filed for a hearing loss and ringing (tinnitus), with the VA and I received a 10 % loss. It took approx 10 months to get it but I got paid retroactive back to the date of the claim. There were no questions about having boots on the ground and Viet Nam wasn't mentioned. In other words, with your loss being related to your military duty it is enough no matter where you were stationed. After I filed the claim I was sent to a hospital that was approved to do the tests. I wasn't able to go just anywhere I chose. I spent almost 33 months in and out of Viet Nam as a crew chief and also had a documented hearing loss while at Naha. They of course wouldn't give me the 20% I asked for because to them it was one caused by the other but not worth two claims.

As far as boots on the ground, I have never tried to get proof and I think I would have a hard time doing it! Mostly because of lack of paper work which I didn't keep!

Basically the hearing loss is like workman's comp in the civilian world. Job related!!

I am sure you will be awarded 10% for your ringing if they find it in the tests whether you were in Viet Nam or not! Also, they told me there is no way to disprove ringing !!

So, go for it, it is a start!! By the way, I think I get $130.00 a month!!

Ken

Melvin, happy birthday from another Naha guy!

Drinks are on me at your favorite watering hole in Naminoue!!!

Ken

Muff, I hope you have a good one!

Happy Birthday

Ken