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Richard Mohr's story "How do they get away with it"

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Richard Mohr's story "How do they get away with it" Empty Richard Mohr's story "How do they get away with it"

Post by Guest Wed 30 Nov 2011, 19:24

In answer to you question of bad experiences with VAC....yes...I have had one miserable journey and feel free to share my story and my name. Below is what I have already shared with another person on The Matrix List and as I've said feel free to post this.

My husband Petty Officer First Class Rick Mohr was the most loving, kind, sweet and wonderful person and I am lucky to have had him as my husband, even if only for a short time. As far as a father goes.....I can't even begin to describe him because he was everything that a dad should be and so much more. I'm not sure where to begin with our story or even how much to share as
it is a long one, painful, and very sad. I need to be in the right frame of mind to share this and it so happens that you've made contact with me during one of these times. I can face this right now so here it goes.

On Oct. 17/08 Rick was due to sail for Work-Ups on the Athabaskan. While in the middle of an e-mail to me he suffered a seizure and was rushed to the Dartmouth General Hospital where it was discovered that there was a tumor growing on his right parietal lobe - the same spot where his headset lay for 22 years. Oct. 31/08 he underwent surgery to remove the tumor. 98 - 99% of it was removed and we were thrilled. Three weeks later chemo and ra diation began for us and he tolerated this very well. I was very proud of him. He was tired and in pain but that was to be expected when receiving radiation to the brain. Not once did he complain.

Prior to the beginning of his treatments we had to attend some meetings at the Cancer Center with our specialists. Upon meeting Rick, his tumor specialist asked if he served in the Forces or was he a Fire Fighter. He stated he was in the forces but was required to attend regular fire fighting exercises on board the ships and at the fire fighting school. The doctor stated that the tumor he had...a Glioblastoma Multiform Grade 4, was prevalent in Fire Fighters and pilots. She explained that there was a pre-approved compensation package for Fire Fighter's who suffered from that particular type of brain tumor. Rick stated that the fire fighting gear the servicemen and women were required to wear wasn't cleaned properly. His doctor asked what other exposures he may have been subjected to. He stated he was a Veteran of the Gulf War, worked on the Swiss Air Recovery, and then stated that it probably wasn't coincidental that the tumor was located in precisely the same spot as the headset he wore for 22 years. The doctor stated that all of those chemical exposures contribute to brain tumors as well as the headset. This doctor promised to provide written support for our case to whomever required it.

This doctor is an amazing person and when taking care of my husband had specialized in the treatment of brain tumors for 22 years, was a professor at Dalhousie University in the same field and basically has dedicated her career as a brain tumor specialist. The Fleet Case Nurse contacted us for an appointment so that we could begin our case with VAC for disability benefits. We did not initiate this meeting, nor had we considered it. However, with her assistance our journey with VAC began. Shortly after this visit, Rick would end up in the hospital and we would be given the tragic news that the tumor had grown back at it's original site, spread deeper into his brain, his brain fluid, his brain stem and down into his back. He never once complained. He never once asked "Why?" His response was that he was going to try the second best type of chemo because the Temozolomide didn't work for him. He remained the true optimist, as was his very nature.

At this time I had to attend my first meeting on Rick's behalf with VAC located at CFB Halifax. The caseworker was given some background information but certainly not near what could have been provided by my husband if he were well enough to attend this meeting. The caseworker was very nice and helpful, indeed. However, that would be the last meeting I had with him until after Rick's passing as my husband's time was limited and I wanted to be with him and we needed each other.

I brought Rick home around the 18th of December in the middle of a snowstorm, no less. It was recommended that he stay in the hospital but home was where Rick wanted to be so home was where he was going. I was trained to administer his needles, and thankfully we had VON care and a wonderful friend who lived next door who was a nurse. He started falling a lot which he attributed to laying in a hospital bed for 2 weeks straight. Sadly, his body started to shut down. The most sad time was when I found him reaching out for me. He said he couldn't see me. The tumor had taken his sight...my husband's beautiful green eyes were now blind. Sadly, on December 25/08 he passed in my arms. Sadly, I had to wake our children to tell them their dad was gone. Our world was ending.

The Military Funeral Procession was very bittersweet. A beautiful farewell to my husband by the service men and women that were his second family. The show of support to us throughout this entire sad time in our lives was beyond anything I've ever experienced. Rick told me before that the Military is a tight bunch but I had no idea until I experienced it along with him.

A few weeks after I started the process with VAC again. My original caseworker met with me and we filled out some paperwork, I provided him with some things that he needed to support Rick's case and the paperwork was sent off. I remained very hopeful that VAC would see this case for what it was. I was denied. Rick was denied. I was disgusted and my spirits crushed. I was told that I could appeal to the Bureau of Pension Advocates and I would have representation through them. I met with my Advocate and then a hearing was booked. He did an amazing job
at representing our case and even discovered a few things that I wasn't completely aware of...like the levels of Ethylbenzine in the drinking water on board the HMCS Charlottetown. The documentation that I have suggests that acceptable levels of that known cancer causing agent are 3%....the levels on board the ship were 300%. My husband and the entire ship's company was drinking, showering, washing with that water. Evidence was also presented by our Cancer Specialists and thrown out. It was said by VAC that the tumor was possibly caused cell phone usage.
As far as his time in the Gulf, I believe I was told that I never initially brought that forth in our original claim so they weren't going to consider that as part of my claim but I'd have to check my files for verification.

I'm sorry but now this is getting hard for me so I'm going to have to stop. I do have the tape of my hearing and I don't mind sharing it with anybody who would like to listen . It's not in CD form, it was given to me in audio cassette form. I have written transcripts from VAC as well and again....I have no problem sharing those if it could possibly help my case or someone else's. Oddly enough I've never considered filing a claim for my and my children's pain and suffering but I should. To this day I have anxiety and panic that stems from the loss of Rick. As for my children......they have no father anymore.

I think that the cold and heartless way in which VAC treats those who took an Oath to die in the line of service to this Country is disgusting, shameful and pathetic. I believe to be of true service to our Veterans and their families VAC should be compromised of employee's who've actually served in the Forces, as those are the people who are truly educated in the needs of our military members through their very experiences within the military.

Thank you for allowing me to share a bit of our story.....my and Rick's.

.......Natasha Lynn Mohr
Wife of the Late PO1 Richard Walter Mohr

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