BklynVet

Another question...and here's where I'm confused. It goes by symptoms. Let's say the meds fix me and all my symptoms go away. Do I lose the rating now. Also, about the meds. If the meds fix me, can I stop taking them? Are they like aspirin? For example, you have a headache and you take aspirin. The headache goes away and you stop the aspirin. Are the psych meds like that? Can I stop once my symptoms go away or am I stuck taking them forever?

Wait a second......... BroncoVet, I just read your post again....the meds might make things worse? They didn't tell me this? What can it do?

Thank you all so much for the responses. L, I'm not too happy with my treatment so far. I started with group therapy for a few months and I've been getting individual therapy with a psychologist for the past year. Now I'm being sent to the psychiatrist for the meds. The mental issues are secondary to my back pain so as long as my back pain is there, I am unhappy. I'm asking the doc how long I have to take the meds or see the psych docs and they tell me, 'as long as it takes.' They said I have general anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder and somatic symptom disorder. I've only held the rating for a year but it seems like every time I go to the doc, they find a new mental issue to throw in there.

Hello, I am rated 70% for mental and after a year of treatment, and seeing it go nowhere, they are recommending meds. I've been on them for a month now and still don't see any results but I have a question. What if they start kicking in and I am cured, would I still keep the rating? I did some reading and I'm still confused. I read one thing that says that the VA can't change my rating if the medication improves my condition unless it's stated in the rating. They used irritable bowel syndrome as the example. The person had severe but the meds made it moderate. The VA rated him as moderate but since there are no provisions in the rating for meds, he appealed and won. Another thing I read stated that it goes by symptoms and if the meds help my symptoms get better, then my rating gets lowered. Then I read something that stated that the rating won't change because it's the meds that are improving the symptoms. Can someone help me me the confusion?

My service connected disabilities are: 20% - Degenerative disc disease, lower back L4-L5-S1 10% - Right L5 Radiculopathy 0% - Left L5 Radiculopathy 10% - tinnitus 0% - chronic epididymitis 0% - Chronic Prostatitis 0% - Bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome I'm currently at 40% total

Hi,I just had a C&P for mental health. Can you look at this and tell me if you think they'll give me a rating and what it might be?Examination Results: It is in this Psychologist's opinion that the Veteran meets the criteria for Somatic Symptom Disorder with Predominant Pain. Veteran's psychiatric symptoms are severe and have a significant impact on his overall functioning.Section 1:1. Diagnosisa. Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with a mental disorder (s)? (X) YesIf the Veteran has one or more mental disorders that conform to DSM-5 criteria provide all diagnoses: Mental Disorder Siagnosis #1: Somatic Symptom Disorder with Predominant Painb. Medical diagnosis relevant to the understanding or management of the Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): paralysis of anterior tibial nerve, degenerative arthritis of spineSection 3: Occupational and social impairment:a. Which of the following best summarizes the Veteran's level of occupational and social impairment with regards to all mental diagnoses? (Check only one)(X) Occupational and social impairment with reduced relaibility and productivity.b. For the indicated level of occupational and social impairment, is it possible to differentiate what portion of the occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by each mental disorder? (X) No other mental disorder has been diagnosed.Section II: Clinical Findings:1. Evidence Reviewa. Medical Records review:Was the Veteran's VA e-Folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) reviewed? YesWas the Veteran's VA claims file reviewed? NoIf no, check all records reviewed:(X) Military service treatment records(X) Military Service Personnel records(X) Veteran's Health Administration medical records (VA Treatment records)b. Was pertinent information from collateral sources reviewed? No2. Historya. Relevant social/Marital/Family History (pre-military, military, and post-military): Reports growing up in Brooklyn with is parents and four younger siblings. Describes childhood as great and says he had many friends, played sports. Veteran states he was very outgoing and active prior to/during the military. He says he bacame more withdrawn folling his injury in the miltary. Reports feeling miserable after this injury, says he was embarassed that he was no longer able to be physically active. Veteran says his chronic pain impacted his first marriage significantly. He describes becoming physically abusive toward his aife after after worrying that she was "pitying" him or his pain. Veteran says this pity made him feel"like less of a man". Discribes his divorce as "miserable" and he and his ex fought over everthing. Reports having one daughter from this marriage, says he does not see her often as she lives with is ex wife. Veteran says he moved back to NYC from Maryland following his divorce and remarried. Veteran says that although his wife is understanding of his pain, he is concerned that his marriage may be affected by his conrnic pain in teh future. For example, he observes that his wife has commented on his lack of socialization more often recently. Veteran says he isolates himself from others because he fels ashamed of his physical condition. He reports limiting his overall activity level for fear of having a back spasm in public. For instance, veteran says he takes the bus 5 blocks to the subway entrance because he worries about having a back spasm on his walk to the subway.b. Relevant occupational and educational history (pre-military, military, and post military): Denies academic impairment prior to the miltiary. Veteran says he graduated from a Catholic high school and attended XXXXX University for one year before leaving to complete the USMC Officer's Candidate School. Veteran states he then transferred to XXXXX College, where he earned his BA in XXXX XXXXXX. Veteran describes feelign extreme disappointment when he was discharged from the AF. He states, "I felt like the Air Force was telling me I'm broken." Post -military, veteran says he went to work as a contractor for the government in Washington DC. He describes significant occupational impairment over the years. For example, veteran says he has fought with supervisors and co workers at various departments and has noticed a decrease in productivity due to his chronic pain. Veteran states that he works from home three days a week currently in order to limit the amount of time he spends working alongside his supervisor, with who he has experienced significant conflict. Describes isolating from co workers, adds that, "no one understands (him)" regarding his chronic pain. Veteran shares his disappointment that he has not been able to work towards promotions in his career due to his chronic pain. c. Relevant mental health history, to includ prescribed medications and family mental health (pre-military, military, post-military): Denies mental health history prior to/during military. Post military veteran reports experiencing significant ruminations about his back injury/pain. He describes feeling depressed, anxious and irritable. Veteran also reports the following symptoms: emotional detachment, suspiciousness/mistrust, isolation, anhedonia, impulsivity, avoidance of most physical activities, por sleep and shame. Veteran says he has questioned the adequacy of his medial treatment adnd states his wife has commented on his "doctor shopping". Reports he began an outpatient MH group for the treatment of his chronic pain at the Brooklyn VA in 2015. Also reports attending outpatient marriage counseling sessions with his ex-wife in early 2000s. Denies use of psychiatric medications.d. Relevant legal and behavioral history (pre-military, military and post -mlitary): Reports his ex wife applied for an order of protection against him over 10 years ago. Veteran says he was arrested for arguing with police officers after he voilated the terms of this order, but he was let go the next day with no charges.e. Relevant substance abuse history (pre-military, military and post military): Denies useabuse of ETOH/other substances prior to/during military. Post military, veteran reports significant use of narcotic medications to help manage chronic pain. He says he has not taken any non-VA prescribed medications since early 2015.3. SymptomsFor VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that apply to the Veteran's diagnosis:(X) Depressed mood(X) Anxiety(X) Suspiciousness(X) Panic attacks that occur weekly or less often(X) Chronic sleep impairment(X) Flattened affect(X) Impaired judgement(X) Disturbances of motivation and mood(X) Difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships(X) Difficulty in adaptming to stressful circumstances, including work or a work like setting(X) Inability to establish and maintain effective relationships(X) Impaired impulse control, such as unprovoked irritablity with period of violenceBehavioral observations: Veteran arrived on time and presented as well groomed and oriented x3 with depressed mood and congruent affect. Thought process was clear and goal oriented. Speech was within normal limits. Eye contact was appropriate. 4. Other symptomsDoes the Veteran has any other symptoms attributable to mental disorders that are not listed above? (X) No5. CompetancyIs the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs? (X) Yes6 Remarks (include any testing results), if any: It is in this Psychologist's opinion that the Veteran meets the criteria for Somatic Symptom Disorder with Predominant Pain. Veteran's psychiatric symptoms are severe and have a significant impact on his overall functioning.

I was rated at 20% for my back. 10% for radiculopathy in my right leg. These 2 ratings were back in 2003.During my multiple filings, they also included my left leg for 0% radiculopathy in 2014.Should I be worried about them decreasing my back or radiculopathy? I thought they were doing the C&P for my erectile dysfunction because I thought my back problems could have caused it but the examiner showed me the request from the Regional Office requesting that they reevaluate my back.

Hi, I filed for ED, testicle pain, a varicocele and hypogonadism and for some strange reason, the VA decided to check my back. When I asked them why, they said that the Regional Office wanted my back re-evaluated. I've been at 20% for my back since 2003 so I'm a little worried. Why check my back? They left me alone for over 12 years? I've been filing alot for the past 2 years so I'm wondering if I might have triggered a reevaluation by filing too much. LOCAL TITLE: C&P SPINE STANDARD TITLE: ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY C & P EXAMINATION CONSULT DATE OF NOTE: AUG 12, 2015@15:00 ENTRY DATE: AUG 12, 2015@17:01:28 AUTHOR: XXXXXXXXXXX EXP COSIGNER: URGENCY: STATUS: COMPLETED Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire Name of patient/Veteran: Indicate method used to obtain medical information to complete this document: [ ] Review of available records (without in-person or video telehealth examination) using the Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) process because the existing medical evidence provided sufficient information on which to prepare the DBQ and such an examination will likely provide no additional relevant evidence. [ ] Review of available records in conjunction with a telephone interview with the Veteran (without in-person or telehealth examination) using the ACE process because the existing medical evidence supplemented with a telephone interview provided sufficient information on which to prepare the DBQ and such an examination would likely provide no additional relevant evidence. [ ] Examination via approved video telehealth [X] In-person examination Evidence review --------------- Was the Veteran's VA claims file (hard copy paper C-file) reviewed? [ X] Yes [] No If yes, list any records that were reviewed but were not included in the Veteran's VA file claim: VBMS, CPRS 1. Diagnosis ------------ Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with a thoracolumbar spine (back) condition? [X] Yes [ ] No Thoracolumbar Common Diagnoses: [ ] Ankylosing spondylitis [ X] Lumbosacral strain [X] Degenerative arthritis of the spine [ X] Intervertebral disc syndrome [ ] Sacroiliac injury [ ] Sacroiliac weakness [ ] Segmental instability [ ] Spinal fusion [ ] Spinal stenosis [ ] Spondylolisthesis [ ] Vertebral dislocation [ ] Vertebral fracture 2. Medical history ------------------ a. Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine (back) condition (brief summary): Date of service: Mar 2000 - Mar 2003 =14pxPatient stated that he was in Officer Training School 2000, @ Maxwell AFB, Alabama. He jumped over a log and fell into a hole. He had immediate back pain and back spasms. He was taken to the medical center. He was given ibuprofin and bed rest. The pain level went down, and he was able to return to duties. However, the pain did not completely go away. He was place don profile. He stated that he would have stiffness along with the pain in the mornings. The pattern of pain remains the same. No furtner trauma to the back. Currently the pain is constant pain is at 3/10. Worsen in the mornings on awakening and with bending forward, where his pain goes up to 8/10. Often he would get spasm in the mornings. His pain radiates to the R>L, posterior to the calf. There is numbness and tingling at the bilateral great toes. ***************************************** b. Does the Veteran report flare-ups of the thoracolumbar spine (back)? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, document the Veteran's description of the flare-ups in his or her own words: =14pxI have more pain in the mornings and when I do anything for too long. c. Does the Veteran report having any functional loss or functional impairment of the thoracolumbar spine (back) (regardless of repetitive use)? [X] Yes [ ] No =14pxIncreased back pain in the mornings and being in prolonged positions. 3. Range of motion (ROM) and functional limitation -------------------------------------------------- a. Initial range of motion [ ] All normal [X] Abnormal or outside of normal range [ ] Unable to test (please explain) [ ] Not indicated (please explain) Forward Flexion (0 to 90): 0 to 60 degrees Extension (0 to 30): 0 to 10 degrees Right Lateral Flexion (0 to 30): 0 to 10 degrees Left Lateral Flexion (0 to 30): 0 to 10 degrees Right Lateral Rotation (0 to 30): 0 to 10 degrees Left Lateral Rotation (0 to 30): 0 to 10 degrees If abnormal, does the range of motion itself contribute to a functional loss? [X] Yes (please explain) [ ] No If yes, please explain: Pain on movement Description of pain (select best response): Pain noted on exam and causes functional loss If noted on exam, which ROM exhibited pain (select all that apply)? Forward Flexion, Extension, Right Lateral Flexion, Left Lateral Flexion Is there evidence of pain with weight bearing? [ X] Yes [] No Is there objective evidence of localized tenderness or pain on palpation of the joints or associated soft tissue of the thoracolumbar spine (back)? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe including location, severity and relationship to condition(s): Tender L4-515 intevertebral and lower lumbar area. b. Observed repetitive use Is the Veteran able to perform repetitive use testing with at least three repetitions? [X] Yes [ ] No Is there additional loss of function or range of motion after three repetitions? [ X] Yes [] No Select all factors that cause this functional loss: Pain ROM after 3 repetitions: Forward Flexion (0 to 90): 0 to 60 degrees Extension (0 to 30): 0 to 5 degrees Right Lateral Flexion (0 to 30): 0 to 5 degrees Left Lateral Flexion (0 to 30): 0 to 5 degrees Right Lateral Rotation (0 to 30): 0 to 10 degrees Left Lateral Rotation (0 to 30): 0 to 10 degrees c. Repeated use over time Is the Veteran being examined immediately after repetitive use over time? [ X] Yes [] No Does pain, weakness, fatigability or incoordination significantly limit functional ability with repeated use over a period of time? [X ] Yes [ ] No [] Unable to say w/o mere speculation =14pxSelect all factors that cause this functional loss: Pain d. Flare-ups Is the exam being conducted during a flare-up? [ ] Yes [X] No If the examination is not being conducted during a flare-up: [ X] The examination is medically consistent with the Veteran's statements describing functional loss during flare-ups. [ ] The examination is medically inconsistent with the Veteran's statements describing functional loss during flare-ups. Please explain. [] The examination is neither medically consistent or inconsistent with the Veteran's statements describing functional loss during flare-ups. Does pain, weakness, fatigability or incoordination significantly limit functional ability with flare-ups? [ ] Yes [ ] No [X] Unable to say w/o mere speculation If unable to say w/o mere speculation, please explain: =14pxNo flare ups at this time. e. Guarding and muscle spasm Does the Veteran have guarding or muscle spasm of the thoracolumbar spine (back)? [X] Yes [ ] No Muscle spasm: [] None [ ] Resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour [ X] Not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour [ ] Unable to evaluate, describe below: Provide description and/or etiology: Tightness at the promixal lumbar paraspinals Localized tenderness: [ ] None [ ] Resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour [X] Not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour [ ] Unable to evaluate, describe below: Provide description and/or etiology: Tender at the lower lumbar area and interverbral L4-5 Guarding: [ X] None [ ] Resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour [] Not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour [ ] Unable to evaluate, describe below: f. Additional factors contributing to disability In addition to those addressed above, are there additional contributing factors of disability? Please select all that apply and describe: None 4. Muscle strength testing -------------------------- a. Rate strength according to the following scale: 0/5 No muscle movement 1/5 Palpable or visible muscle contraction, but no joint movement 2/5 Active movement with gravity eliminated 3/5 Active movement against gravity 4/5 Active movement against some resistance 5/5 Normal strength Hip flexion: Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Knee extension: Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Ankle plantar flexion: Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Ankle dorsiflexion: Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Great toe extension: Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 b. Does the Veteran have muscle atrophy? [ ] Yes [X] No 5. Reflex exam -------------- Rate deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) according to the following scale: 0 Absent 1+ Hypoactive 2+ Normal 3+ Hyperactive without clonus 4+ Hyperactive with clonus Knee: Right: [ ] 0 [X ] 1+ [] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+ Left: [ X] 0 [ ] 1+ [] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+ Ankle: Right: [ ] 0 [ X] 1+ [] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+ Left: [X ] 0 [ ] 1+ [] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+ 6. Sensory exam --------------- Provide results for sensation to light touch (dermatome) testing: Upper anterior thigh (L2): Right: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent Left: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent Thigh/knee (L3/4): Right: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent Left: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent Lower leg/ankle (L4/L5/S1): Right: [ ] Normal [X] Decreased [ ] Absent Left: [ ] Normal [X] Decreased [ ] Absent Foot/toes (L5): Right: [ ] Normal [X] Decreased [ ] Absent Left: [ ] Normal [X] Decreased [ ] Absent 7. Straight leg raising test ---------------------------- Provide straight leg raising test results: Right: [X] Negative [ ] Positive [ ] Unable to perform Left: [X] Negative [ ] Positive [ ] Unable to perform 8. Radiculopathy ---------------- Does the Veteran have radicular pain or any other signs or symptoms due to radiculopathy? [X] Yes [ ] No a. Indicate symptoms' location and severity (check all that apply): Constant pain (may be excruciating at times) Right lower extremity: [] None [ ] Mild [ X] Moderate [ ] Severe Left lower extremity: [] None [ X] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe Intermittent pain (usually dull) Right lower extremity: [ X] None [] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe Left lower extremity: [ X] None [] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe Paresthesias and/or dysesthesias Right lower extremity: [ ] None [] Mild [ X] Moderate [ ] Severe Left lower extremity: [ ] None [] Mild [X ] Moderate [ ] Severe Numbness Right lower extremity: [ ] None [] Mild [X ] Moderate [ ] Severe Left lower extremity: [ ] None [X] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe b. Does the Veteran have any other signs or symptoms of radiculopathy? [ ] Yes [X] No c. Indicate nerve roots involved: (check all that apply) [X] Involvement of L4/L5/S1/S2/S3 nerve roots (sciatic nerve) If checked, indicate: [ ] Right [ ] Left [X] Both d. Indicate severity of radiculopathy and side affected: Right: [ ] Not affected [] Mild [ X] Moderate [ ] Severe Left: [ ] Not affected [X] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe 9. Ankylosis ------------ Is there ankylosis of the spine? [ ] Yes [X] No 10. Other neurologic abnormalities ---------------------------------- Does the Veteran have any other neurologic abnormalities or findings related to a thoracolumbar spine (back) condition (such as bowel or bladder problems/pathologic reflexes)? [ ] Yes [X] No 11. Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and episodes requiring bed rest ----------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Does the Veteran have IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine? [X] Yes [ ] No b. If yes to question 11a above, has the Veteran had any episodes of acute signs and symptoms due to IVDS that required bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician in the past 12 months? [ ] Yes [X] No 12. Assistive devices --------------------- a. Does the Veteran use any assistive device(s) as a normal mode of locomotion, although occasional locomotion by other methods may be possible? [ X] Yes [] No If yes, identify assistive device (s) used (check all that apply and indicative frequency: Assistive Device: Frequency of Use: ----------------------- --------------------------------- (X) Brace (s) (X) Occasional ( ) Regular ( ) Constant b. If the veteran uses any assistive devices, specify the condition and identify the assistive device used for each condition: Back brace 13. Remaining effective function of the extremities --------------------------------------------------- Due to a thoracolumbar spine (back) condition, is there functional impairment of an extremity such that no effective function remains other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis? (Functions of the upper extremity include grasping, manipulation, etc.; functions of the lower extremity include balance and propulsion, etc.) [X] No 14. Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs, symptoms and scars ----------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs or symptoms related to any conditions listed in the Diagnosis Section above? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe (brief summary): =14pxRight foot dorsiflexors strength decreased to 5- /5 with prolonged resistance. b. Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the Diagnosis Section above? [ ] Yes [X] No c. Comments, if any: No response provided 15. Diagnostic testing ---------------------- a. Have imaging studies of the thoracolumbar spine been performed and are the results available? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, is arthritis documented? [X] Yes [ ] No b. Does the Veteran have a thoracic vertebral fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of height? [ ] Yes [X] No c. Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings and/or results? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, provide type of test or procedure, date and results (brief summary): SPINE LUMBOSACRAL MIN 4 VIEWS Exm Date: MAY 19, 2015@10:09 =14pxFINDINGS: The vertebral bodies are normal in height and alignment. No fracture or subluxation is see. Mild, multilevel degenerative changes involving the lumbar spine, most prominent at L4-5 and L5-S1 levels. The paraspinous structures are unremarkable. Impression: No acute fracture or subluxation of the lumbar spine. Mild, multilevel degenerative changes involving the lumbar spine, most prominent in the lower lumbar region. ******************************* Lumbar Spine MRI: 3/27/2014 IMPRESSION: Mild multilevel lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc disease resulting in multilevel bilateral forminal stenosis as detailed above. 16. Functional impact --------------------- Does the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine (back) condition impact on his or her ability to work? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes describe the impact of each of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine (back) conditions providing one or more examples: Works as a Contract Administrator. He is usually sits for a long periods of time, which is uncomfortable. 17. Remarks, if any: -------------------- MITCHELL V SHINSEKI: =14pxAny further comments on flare ups or repetitive motion so far as fatigue, lack of endurance, increased pain, change in range of motion, incoordination or weakness, beyond what is listed above, would be speculation. *********************************************** CURRENT LEVEL OF SEVERITY: Current level of Severity of the low back: Moderate-Severe

My case closed on the 13th and it looks like I was denied for ED. I didn't get the letter yet but when I checked e benefits, it shows that the ED was no service connected. I wonder what happened. According to the C&P, I should have gotten it

Thank you 63SIERRA.

You are correct. I see that now. I'm going to give up on it. I'm glad I got the 40% and it looks like I'll get the SMC-K for the ED. Thanks

I think they have to attach it to something to make it a legit diagnosis. For me, my T levels were 210 and the range was 290-1100 or something. After they ran a whole bunch of tests, they determined that it was due to varicoceles causing my testiscles to not make enough testosterone. I have the Androgel but I'm not too crazy about starting it up just yet. From what I'm reading, I'll need to take it for the rest of my life. I'm not too crazy about that.

Thanks for the vote of confidence Navy04. What about the testosterone therapy? The VA urologist started me on Androgel. I know that stuff is expensive (my regular insurance doesn't cover it). Will they keep me on it? Does the VA rate for low testosterone or does that all fall under the erectile dysfunction thing?

The VA also wants to start me on Androgel for the low testosterone.

Hi, To be honest, I never even knew I had sleep apnea. My first wife complained about my snoring and the breathing issues but I never thought anytime about it. My current wife is a respiratory therapist and she said that I needed to get checked out and I did and they said I had sleep apnea. When I sleep on my stomach or side,i don't snore but I can't sleep that way because I get a 'dip' in my mid section that causes pain. I never slept on my back until I hurt it but that position keeps my body straight and my back doesn't hurt. The only problem is that I snore and have the apnea problems in that position.