AnCan is grateful to the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Johnson and Johnson, Bayer, Novartis, Myriad Genetics, Telix, Blue Earth Diagnostics, and Foundation Medicine.
AnCan respectfully notes that it does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices recommended in our discussion are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500, https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download/.
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime!
Editor’s Pick: Advocating for yourself is not easy, but it’s pays off! (bj)
Topics Discussed Dealing with an inconclusive or open to interpretation letter of support from your doctor; benefit of submitting a fully developed claim; submitting a VA claim for a secondary condition; importance of putting in the work—advocating for yourself is not as easy as we make it sound; verify all the evidence you submitted for your claim was considered; TERA assessed on each claim; converting military retirement benefits to Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC); updates on travel claims for medical appointments.
Chat
TonyFig sent a chat · 8:35 PM
what is an ACE exam?
Bob Schwartz U.S.N. Venice, FL. sent a chat · 8:37 PM
ACE=Acceptable Clinical Evidence. It is a records review only.
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:38 PM
https://www.va.gov/resources/va-claim-exam/
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:04 PM
@Mark – Well said!
Eric Baker – Lafayette, IN sent a chat · 9:04 PM
Have to go! Thank you everyone, see you next time!!
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:04 PM
Have a good evening, Eric!
Luther cowden sent a chat · 9:11 PM
Good night gentlemen, have to go.
Bruce Schrimpf sent a chat · 9:18 PM
Nice seeing all of you again, keep up the good fight!
Bruce Schrimpf sent a chat · 9:26 PM
The designations for “Armed Conflict” sound very broad indeed.
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:26 PM
veterans@ancan.org
Bob Schwartz U.S.N. Venice, FL. sent a chat · 9:26 PM
Another good mtg., have to go, see everyone next week.
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:27 PM
Have a good night, Bob!
AnCan is grateful to the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Johnson and Johnson, Bayer, Novartis, Myriad Genetics, Telix, Blue Earth Diagnostics, and Foundation Medicine.
AnCan respectfully notes that it does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices recommended in our discussion are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500, https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download/.
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime!
Editor’s Pick: C&P exams when you are 100% permanent and total. (bj)
Topics Discussed Establishing service connection is the hardest part of submitting a claim; C&P (compensation & pension) exams when you are 100% permanent and total; Community Care authorization needed to use Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS); working with a VA C&P exam contractor; requesting IRS Form 1095-B from the VA; VA continues to reduce the backlog of claims; a couple of the members reported recently losing a friend and condolences were shared; be wary of unsolicited requests to consolidate your medical records.
Chat
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 5:33 PM
Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS)
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 5:36 PM
BTSSS Portal https://dvagov-btsss.dynamics365portals.us/
TonyFig sent a chat · 5:48 PM
Does the VA send out tax forms for disability payments or are they only available electronically?
Mark WV sent a chat · 5:50 PM
There is no tax forms as your disability is tax free
TonyFig sent a chat · 5:51 PM
What about healthcare. this is from a VA newsletter Get your 2025 VA health care coverage tax form this January Your 1095-B IRS tax form shows proof that you had VA health coverage. Throughout January and no later than January 31, 2026, all VA health care beneficiaries will be able to electronically access their 2025 1095-B forms via their VA.gov account. Please note that VA will no longer automatically mail 1095-Bs to all Veterans. To request a paper copy by mail, please contact us at 877-222-VETS (8387) Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
Bruce Schrimpf sent a chat · 6:14 PM
Great discussion all! Happy New Year!
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 6:18 PM
Good night Bruce!
TonyFig sent a chat · 6:21 PM
VA-FSC Vendor File Request Form (10091) This form is used for claim electronic payment
TonyFig sent a chat · 6:22 PM
This can be completed online
Mark WV sent a chat · 6:28 PM
Good Nite
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 6:28 PM
Good night Mark!
Bruce Schrimpf sent a chat · 6:50 PM
Kaiser thing is VERY suspucious!
Bob Schwartz U.S.N. Venice, FL. sent a chat · 6:52 PM
This sounds like a SCAM!!!!
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 6:58 PM
ancan.org/veterans
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 6:59 PM
veterans@ancan.org
AnCan is grateful to the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Johnson and Johnson, Bayer, Novartis, Myriad Genetics, Telix, Blue Earth Diagnostics, and Foundation Medicine.
AnCan respectfully notes that it does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices recommended in our discussion are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500, https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download/.
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime!
Editor’s Pick: Considerations when sequeencing multiple VA claims. (bj)
Topics Discussed Pursuing Topic Exposure Radiation Exposure (TERA); claim denied for service connection; discussion about the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS); filing a claim for radiation cystitis secondary to prostate cancer; submitting an intent to file by calling 1-800-827-1000 or submitting a VA Form 21-0966; sequencing multiple VA claims; be wary of phishing scams or imposters requesting your medical records.
Chat
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:43 PM
BTSSS = Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System System
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:45 PM
BTSSS Website https://dvagov-btsss.dynamics365portals.us/
Hank Zajic Springfield VA sent a chat · 8:56 PM
gotta run. Thank you Jim for hosting and Happy Holidays everyone! Hank
Jim Marshall, Veteran, Alexandria, VA sent a chat · 8:58 PM
Marshall-James@comcast.net.
Jim Marshall, Veteran, Alexandria, VA sent a chat · 8:59 PM
CaptJim@AnCan.Org
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:22 PM
I’m your long lost relative as well
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:26 PM
Happy Holidays everyone!
Is It OK to Take Supplements After a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis? by Stuart Jordan
We were recently asked by a newly diagnosed member of our group—who is preparing to begin treatment—about a dietary supplement he has been taking. His question had two parts: Could this supplement help with prostate cancer? And just as important, is it safe to keep taking it now?
It’s a fair question, and a very common one. Many supplements are marketed as supportive of prostate health, metabolism, or weight management, and it’s easy to assume they might be helpful during cancer treatment.
In my day job as publisher of the Wellness Letter, we often see how supplement claims outpace the science behind them. That’s why we rely on evidence-based research as the final word when exploring questions like these.
When we look closely at the research, the picture is clearer than the marketing suggests. So far, no dietary supplement has been shown in solid human studies to prevent, treat, or slow the progression of prostate cancer once diagnosed. Some supplements that once sounded promising haven’t held up in careful trials. Others affect lab markers, such as PSA, without improving outcomes that truly matter. In fact, some supplements—like high-dose vitamin E or selenium—have actually shown potential harm in trials.
Safety is just as important. Supplements and over-the-counter products can interact with medications, affect lab results, or interfere with how treatments work. This matters whether a man is on active surveillance, receiving hormone therapy, undergoing radiation therapy, or after treatment. Even products that seem harmless can complicate care if the medical team isn’t aware of them.
That’s why it’s essential to tell your doctors about every supplement and over-the-counter product you’re taking, not just prescriptions.
Instead of relying on supplements, focusing on overall health—through diet, physical activity, weight management, and addressing true deficiencies—offers a safer, better-supported path, especially when coordinated closely with your medical team.
AnCan is grateful to the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Johnson and Johnson, Bayer, Novartis, Myriad Genetics, Telix, Blue Earth Diagnostics, and Foundation Medicine.
AnCan respectfully notes that it does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices recommended in our discussion are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500, https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download/.
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime!
Editor’s Pick: Pursuing VA disability and healthcare benefits simultaneously (bj)
Topics Discussed Veteran celebrates one year anniversary with AnCan by expressing his gratitude for all those who have helped him; pursuing VA disability and healthcare benefits simultaneously; travel reimbursement is happening and it is better to file earlier because the information is in the system; discussion about the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System System (BTSSS); filing your own VA claims you need a computer, printer, and scanner—having a fax is optional; types of VA referrals community care versus private doctor; filling non-VA prescriptions at a VA pharmacy; Vet shares his experience in VA’s National Sports Progam.
Chat
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:12 PM
veterans@ancan.org
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:12 PM
you’re thinking about Richard
Eric Baker – Lafayette sent a chat · 8:14 PM
What is the VA’s definition of Incontinence?
Bob Schwartz U.S.N. Venice, FL. sent a chat · 8:18 PM
Thank you Col.
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:27 PM
They used Google Maps for me
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:29 PM
Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS)
TonyFig sent a chat · 8:38 PM
You can take photo or scan with cell phone
Larry Schuller sent a chat · 8:39 PM
Inkjet printer/scanner with the refillable internal ink tank. Lighter weight than lasers and ink costs MUCH less than ink cartridge types
Bruce Schrimpf sent a chat · 8:47 PM
Printing black and white on a color printer–i have had that happen!
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:50 PM
Fax is expensive at $2 to $3 a page; sometimes better to overnight mail
Larry Schuller sent a chat · 9:02 PM
What if the doctors disagree?
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:06 PM
Larry – If doctors disagree, then you need to ask why. In the end, the doctor has to agree with you.
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:06 PM
You’re right — you can’t make the doctors sign something they don’t believe
Bruce Schrimpf sent a chat · 9:10 PM
This might be unfair, but the object of the insurance company and perhaps the VA , is not to pay you. The object is to deny the claim!
Israel sent a chat · 9:12 PM
Go Navy! Beat Army this weekend!!
Israel sent a chat · 9:13 PM
What do you mean about being active in the VA?
Eric Baker – Lafayette sent a chat · 9:14 PM
I think that you mean, go Army beat Navy this weekend!! 🙂
Israel sent a chat · 9:15 PM
Ha, ha – nope. Go Navy!!⚓
Bruce Schrimpf sent a chat · 9:16 PM
Must run! Have a good Christmas all!
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:17 PM
Good night Bruce
Hank Zajic Springfield VA sent a chat · 9:20 PM
I have a very early start tomorrow so need to sign off. Thank you all for an excellent meeting tonight.
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:20 PM
Good night Hank
Mark WV sent a chat · 9:30 PM
sorry have to go good Nite
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:31 PM
Good night Mark
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:34 PM
veterans@ancan.org
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:36 PM
NCCN on December 9 at National Press Club
AnCan – rick sent a chat · 9:37 PM
https://www.cvent.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
AnCan is grateful to the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Johnson and Johnson, Bayer, Novartis, Myriad Genetics, Telix, Blue Earth Diagnostics, and Foundation Medicine.
AnCan respectfully notes that it does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices recommended in our discussion are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500, https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download/.
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime!
Editor’s Pick: Maintaining a 100% temporary rating during active treatment and active surveillance (bj)
Topics Discussed Qualifying for the PACT Act versus proving service connection for other toxic exposures (e.g., Fort Knox); using biopsy reports and surgery records as proof of claim; filing an Intent to File to establish back pay dates; Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of use of a creative organ; how new claims affect existing 100% Permanent and Total status (SMC-S); maintaining a 100% temporary rating during active treatment and active surveillance; defining durable remission and managing recurrences; C&P exam criteria for urinary residuals and pad usage; obtaining Nexus letters for non-presumptive claims; understanding TERA (Toxic Exposure Risk Activity) for healthcare eligibility; utilizing VA healthcare as secondary insurance and billing procedures; ChampVA and education benefits for dependents; submitting supplemental claims and crafting personal statements.
Chat
James Schneider sent a chat · 8:18 PM
I am also diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It appears PACT also covers type 2. Does that affect me.
Ancan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:21 PM
VA Intent to File https://www.va.gov/supporting-forms-for-claims/intent-to-file-form-21-0966/introduction
Eric Baker – Lafayette sent a chat · 8:31 PM
Will 3-month testing be viewed the same way after biochemical recurrence treatment (radiation)?
Larry Schuller – Alaska sent a chat · 8:47 PM
Heavy pads or light pads?
Larry Schuller – Alaska sent a chat · 8:53 PM
I get pads (light and heavy) from the VA. But the heavy ones are inferior to stor-bought ones.
Larry Schuller – Alaska sent a chat · 8:55 PM
Does refusal of one aspect of treatment affect my claim or rating? Radiation has been recommended to me as the only potential for “cure” but I have, so far, declined. With that, the expectation is that I probably would be on ADT for the rest of my life.
Eric Baker – Lafayette sent a chat · 9:01 PM
I am unsure if I will be able to have any additional $ for my treatments for any long period of time, but most importantly, if I receive no additional $, can my cancer still be considered service related or rated from my service?
Richard B, Silver Spring, MD sent a chat · 9:03 PM
The light pads I use are Depends Shields. They are much more comfortable plus extremely easy to change and replace.
Hank Zajic Springfield VA sent a chat · 9:09 PM
I have to sign off but for the new guys in particular, “Welcome!” My testimonial is that Jim Marshall is THE BEST! I am the sort of person who gets pretty intimidated by unfamiliar paperwork. Jim is an absolute combination “Bulldog”, “Seeing Eye Dog”, and “My Best Friend!”. He has been a huge help to me crafting my claim, making sure I do not make dumb rookie mistakes.
Richard B, Silver Spring, MD sent a chat · 9:56 PM
I have to step away for the evening. Thanks to all for the comments and especially Jim. I salute you Captain Jim
Ancan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:59 PM
VA Health Care Costs https://www.va.gov/resources/your-health-care-costs/
Ancan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:59 PM
VA Priority Groups https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/priority-groups/
AnCan – rick sent a chat · 10:01 PM
I’m going to step away Gents…. lomg day! Happy TG to all
Ancan – Boykin sent a chat · 10:01 PM
Goodnight Rick!
Ancan – Boykin sent a chat · 10:01 PM
Happy TG!
AnCan – rick sent a chat · 10:02 PM
For the Vet’s Art Class on Dec 11, please sign up here by Dec 4. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwAhTXll3J57XovzRzE6es-qmUEDQUDB22N5gpCHCJvyCBgg/viewform
Mark WV sent a chat · 10:08 PM
good nite from WV
Ancan – Boykin sent a chat · 10:09 PM
Goodnight Mark!
Bob Schwartz U.S.N. Venice, FL. sent a chat · 10:10 PM
Have to go, take care all.
Eric Baker – Lafayette sent a chat · 10:11 PM
Thank you all for your assistance this evening! Have a great thanksgiving!!!
