COOL BREEZE

I just posted this to my Senators- Good morning. I am a retired veteran who voted for you and Mr. Trump. I am a 100% permanent and total-TDIU-IU veteran. I just read the proposal to cut all of us, over 200,000 members who are receiving this. By doing this, I will lose my AZ property tax exemption deduction, VA dental, and other benifits including over 1200 in pay. I would lose my house and car as that is what I bought when I was approved. My social security wouldn't cover this as I haven't worked in years and so my SS is lower. Some veterans are in there 70,s 80s, 90s. Are you going to kick them out of there house and make them homeless? If you think the suicide rate is high now, you haven't seen anything. I am the founder of 4 veteran groups with over 35,000 members, and belong to over 600 others. I have posted this entire proposal on these groups and I can assure you they are disgusted. If you were to do this, it would have to be grandfathered. This proposal clearly wasn't thought out properly. I thought the President was here to help and support our Veterans. Clearly he is not. Back pedaling and causing even more stress is what he is causing. I know you are a veteran. Surely you don't support this proposal?

Good morning members. I'm the founder of 4 veteran groups with over 35,000 members. We've been discussing this topic all day, This subject was attempted a few times before but never approved. I highly doubt it would be approved unless the current recipients were grandfathered. Homelessness, suicide, bankruptcy, ect would go up .Trump got vets votes caused he was going to help out benefits, not. Anyhow, I told my members to contact there Congressman and Senators.

This is the group that I have with over 5,000 members to help with VA claims. If anyone wants to join to help me out I would appreciate it. There are some pretty illerate veterans who have a lack of knowledge of even copying and pasting-This group helps with your questions with the VA claims and benefits https://www.facebook.com/groups/617121661699616/ Veterans Military Compensation Benefits Assistance And More These are my other groups. I have 10 admins assisting. Over 23,000 members. I am the owner of all of them as I created the groups from scratch- This a public group open to everyone United States Veterans Humor And More Group(public group open to all pro military only) https://www.facebook.com/groups/901912673248914/ This is an group for veterans political humor. No discussions, just postings. It is humor only!!! Political Humor https://www.facebook.com/groups/653615508074270/ This group is our salty group for veterans which allows profanity-no sexual material!! Veterans Salty Humor And A Lot More https://www.facebook.com/groups/840376816016302/ This group is our family group. No profanity-veterans and there families only Military Humor And More https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilitaryHumorAndMore/

My XO joined yesterday. My 5 veteran groups are expanding. Over 23,000 members. They are all closed groups to protect there profile. I have posted the link several times with a description. I have been ill for quite some time and just posted again the last time in years. I am sharing some information, and for questions that I have no answer for , they are being referred here. How ever I noticed it is difficult for anyone to navigate the process to join. It took me many hours to reapply to reenter the page last night. I will give the step by step process how to navigate soon. Thanks!

I used to get my narcotics from the va. My pc only signed the requests once a week leaving me with no meds for 2 weeks. I fired the VA from treating me(except for the required yearly appointments). I use tricare and have a pain clinic that prescribes morphine every 8 hours(15 mg) and 5mg/325 mg of oxycoden every 6 hours for pain. I don't take these as prescribed because of the side effects.They knock me out or make me too drowsy to function. Thus, I spend too much time in bed. ive been offered an 50,000 alternative. Implantating a stimulaton in my back to get me off these drugs.Hopefully that works as the side effects including sharp stomach pains is too much to handle.

So, I'm now 100% p & t tdiu

Is it permanent and total?

Good morning. I'm looking for members to join my compensation group to help out with answering questions. I am referring them here, however most are quite elderly and probably would have a hard time navigating your page. Veterans Military Compensation Benefits Assistance And More . With over 5,500 members and one other admin , no other qualified admins to help out. Thanks

Good evening, or good morning. I have face book group with over 5,000 members. The questions they are asking are best to be answered here. I have over 23,000 members in 5 veteran groups managed by 10 admins. They are mostly humor groups. One is a family grouo, the rest, a salty, political humor, and now group of the public with veteran humor. My group, Veterans Military Compensation Benefits And More now has a link to this group. Instead of referring them to a VSO, they are being directed here,.Reason, I haven't found one good VSO in my many years fighting the VA I won my claim a few years ago when Allison was an assistant under secretary of the va. NOW, I'm not sure who to refer my members too .Many thanks to JIM guymas for recommending to direct my members here for more details on there claims. This group was created as I had so many members in my other groups with questions. I can't get qualified and trained admins to assist, and I'm too Ill to keep up. I was just informed a decision on my Ssd claim was made this morning . It had been denied twice and was waiting to see the judge. I found out it should have been escalated years ago as those with 100% P & t iu were to be flagged same as wounded warriors. I have a stupid lawyer, and so after calling ss weeks ago, a decision was reached. With 24 medical conditions, 18 drugs including 2 narcotics, a prescription for a walker, a letter from a VA vocationAl rehab counselor saying I was un employable, not feasible to work anywhere, I may have a chance. Well, stand by for new members, cheers. Fyi, it took me 2 hours to finally reaccess this group as it wouldn't except any password .

Since the VA refuses to do rate the claims correctly and accurately the first time, then these VARO'S, need to all be closed . No reason why Allison has to do 5 here job for them. I have already referred quite a few veterans to her from my VA military compensation group,

I have had my foot up there ass for years and they hate it. Lately when I ask for something I get it. I AM working on another foot up even deeper. Going to send a message to the Va under secretary requesting my record to be flagged in case I need another surgery or procedure requiring anthesia- -to have this done elsewhere due to the prior incident and me and my family have no trust 8 them in not trying to kill me again.

In my particular situation, the VA had no documentation of what medications I was supposed to stop prior to this surgery, I was the only that had the evidence, however it was written on yellow postage stickers not on a official document.And, a few important medications to be stopped weren't listed as they failed to inform me. This was my 4th strike of almost dying in a hospital due to my medical conditions. 1st for the VA even though they were informed I was a high risk and had provided them all records from previous issues in the hospital. I was advised I could file a tort against them which I won't as I am done fighting them. I have my 100% rating now and no longer work. Trying to get my ssd, approved with the help of an attorney as I was denied twice. When the judge sees the documents all written by VA doctors and my VA counselor stating I can't work at any job, it should be approved. How can one go to work taking oxy pills and 1500 mgs, of Gabe tin - as well with 15 medical conditions is beyond me. I have my own group which I started 6 months ago teaching vets about there benefits with VA (1500) and my humor group for veterans (12500) with no profanity or politics as my hobby now. I will be here a bit more now !

Good evening members. I am going to share with you an event that I've had scheduled last week at the VA in Tucson. One year ago , last March 17th I was scheduled to have a brain tumor removed in the VA. Soon as they administered the Anthesia drugs, I basically died. Lost of oxygen , blood pressure , ect. They brought me back and aborted the surgery . I awoke in ICU, which they booted me out and sent me home an hour later instead of keeping me for observation overnight Members, there is a thing called adverse event disclosure . Look it up and read it. I asked to have that done, and the VA refused and threatened me saying I already received one in the ICU, This calls for a formal one, meeting with the head of the surgery dept, ect. I wrote letters to two congressman and the OIG. They lied and covered up and refused to have a formal one. Well, I contacted the undersecretary of the VA in DC, in charge of all hospitals. I had that meeting with the Chief of Staff and head of the anthesia dept, Certain medications interacted with the Anthesia, drugs which were supposed to be stopped prior to surgery. They covered that up and stated they told me even though there is no record. I had the only record which a doctor used yellow post stickers with 2 other medications listed , not the ones that the Anthesia doctor told me in ICU, that should have been stopped. Aldo she had multiple patients she was getting ready for surgery not one per patient like there should have been. So yes, they are deeply upset I went over there head. It puts a black eye on them as this us an official record own letting everyone know what happened. Once again , they really missed with the wrong person. I contacted the General, Allison Hickley another VA under secretary who helped get me my 100% p & t TDIU effective last October within 2 days once I contacted her. If a situation similar to mine occurs , don't hesitate to do this as well. I was able to get the chief to admit the truth and asked what are they doing different to prevent other veterans from going through this . And finally ,I requested them to outsource any surgeries I may need in the future to other hospitals .as I surely wouldn't trust them ever again! They stone walled and said it would be up to there business office on this matter, which is another lie. I will contacted the Under Secretary next week to state this issue to them and see if I can get this approved and placed in my record!

I contacted Allison last October and within 2 days went to 100% TDIU, P&T. Actually rating is 90%, but being paid at 100%. I am done fighting the VA, no longer work. I PAY it forward by running my own face book group, Military Compensation Benefits And More.

E-benefits shows results posted for 11th of August. So they have everything once again for the rater who requested this. I guess the VARO works on SAT! Also my claim moved from gathering dust to pending decision again on the same day. Perhaps next week the decision!

Personal info was deleted-thanks! I wonder how long it takes once the claims office gets notified that the results are back before they make there decision. It was in the decision stage when it went back to gathering dust for 2 more exams at the last moment. The rater calaled me and wanted to know what conditions made it so I couldn't work. Hence-2 more exams. it is a guarantee for the IU now with the statement by the doctor

Here is my latest comp exam for my back. At 80% with a contention for IU in this is a guarantee. Contentions: severe fatigue caused by "all the medication I am on" (Reopen), hallux valgus, unilateral bilateral foot condition (claimed as bunions) (Reopen), bilateral malunion of tarsal or metataral, foot condition (claimed as 2 heal fractures of the foot) (Increase), flatfoot, acquired (claimed as flat feet) (Increase), CUE peripheral neuropathy upper extremity secondary to cervical condition (New), CUE peripheral neuropathy lower extremity secondary to cervical condition (New), CUE cervical spine (Increase), Temp 100% (New), individual unemployability (New), Headaches (New), Bilateral tinnitus (Increase), Lumbosacral spine now claimed as back pain (Increase) 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 [ ] Degenerative arthritis of the spine [ ] Intervertebral disc syndrome [ ] Sacroiliac injury [ ] Sacroiliac weakness [ ] Segmental instability [ ] Spinal fusion [ ] Spinal stenosis [ ] Spondylolisthesis [ ] Vertebral dislocation [ ] Vertebral fracture [X] Other Diagnosis Diagnosis #1: DDD & DJD of the Thorocolumbosacral spine. This Page 7 of 359is a more accurate diagnosis and progression of LS spine, strain ICD code: 722.0 Date of diagnosis: 1990 2. Medical history ------------------ Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine (back) condition (brief summary): Had back condition during service for several years diagnosed as degenerative disc disease. Had helicopter crash 1990 and injured neck and back. HE fell off a ship as well that aggravated the back condition. Over time his upper and lower back pain has progressed to chronic daily pain. States he has chronic daily pain at the 8-9 pain level. Has been given cymbalta 60mg daily which doe not seem to help, has burning feet from DM neuropathy, radicular pain from his neck condition & pain meds side effects for the medication of drowsiness and fatigue of cymbalta Has modified his bathroom and other house areas to alleviate back strain and his cervical spine condition, s/p cervical fusion. Has modified his bathroom and other house areas to alleviate back strain and his cervical spine condition, s/p cervical fusion. 3. Flare-ups ------------ Does the Veteran report that flare-ups impact the function of the thoracolumbar spine (back)? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, document the Veteran's description of the impact of flare-ups in his or her own words: prolonged sitting or standing over 30 min 4. Initial range of motion (ROM) measurement -------------------------------------------- a. Select where forward flexion ends (normal endpoint is 90): [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 [ ] 35 [X] 40 [ ] 45 [ ] 50 [ ] 55 [ ] 60 [ ] 65 [ ] 70 [ ] 75 [ ] 80 [ ] 85 [ ] 90 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [ ] No objective evidence of painful motion [X] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 [ ] 35 [ ] 40 [ ] 45 [ ] 50 [ ] 55 [ ] 60 [ ] 65 [ ] 70 [ ] 75 [ ] 80 [ ] 85 [ ] 90 or greater b. Select where extension ends (normal endpoint is 30): [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [X] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [ ] No objective evidence of painful motion [X] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater c. Select where right lateral flexion ends (normal endpoint is 30): [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [X] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [ ] No objective evidence of painful motion [X] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater d. Select where left lateral flexion ends (normal endpoint is 30): [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [X] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [ ] No objective evidence of painful motion [X] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater e. Select where right lateral rotation ends (normal endpoint is 30): [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [X] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [ ] No objective evidence of painful motion [X] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater f. Select where left lateral rotation ends (normal endpoint is 30): [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [X] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [ ] No objective evidence of painful motion [X] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater g. If ROM for this Veteran does not conform to the normal range of motion identified above but is normal for this Veteran (for reasons other than a back condition, such as age, body habitus, neurologic disease), explain: No response provided. ROM measurement after repetitive use testing ----------------------------------------------- a. Is the Veteran able to perform repetitive-use testing with 3 repetitions? [X] Yes [ ] No b. Select where post-test forward flexion ends: [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 [ ] 35 [X] 40 [ ] 45 [ ] 50 [ ] 55 [ ] 60 [ ] 65 [ ] 70 [ ] 75 [ ] 80 [ ] 85 [ ] 90 or greater c. Select where post-test extension ends: [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [X] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater d. Select where post-test right lateral flexion ends: [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [X] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater e. Select where post-test left lateral flexion ends: [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [X] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater f. Select where post-test right lateral rotation ends: [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [X] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater g. Select where post-test left lateral rotation ends: [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [X] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater 6. Functional loss and additional limitation in ROM --------------------------------------------------- a. Does the Veteran have additional limitation in ROM of the thoracolumbar spine (back) following repetitive-use testing? [ ] Yes [X] No b. Does the Veteran have any functional loss and/or functional impairment of the thoracolumbar spine (back)? [X] Yes [ ] No c. If the Veteran has functional loss, functional impairment and/or additional limitation of ROM of the thoracolumbar spine (back) after repetitive use, indicate the contributing factors of disability below: [X] Less movement than normal [X] Excess fatigability [X] Pain on movement [X] Disturbance of locomotion [X] Interference with sitting, standing and/or weight-bearing [X] Lack of endurance 7. Pain and muscle spasm (pain on palpation, effect of muscle spasm on gait) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Does the Veteran have localized tenderness or pain to palpation for joints and/or soft tissue of the thoracolumbar spine (back)? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe: pain over paravertebral muscles of thoracic and ls spine b. Does the Veteran have muscle spasm of the thoracolumbar spine resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal countour? [ ] Yes [X] No c. Does the Veteran have muscle spasms of the thoracolumbar spine not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal countour? [ ] Yes [X] No d. Does the Veteran have guarding of the thoracolumbar spine resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal countour? [ ] Yes [X] No e. Does the Veteran have guarding of the thoracolumbar spine not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal countour? [ ] Yes [X] No 8. 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 9. 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 [ ] 1+ [X] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+ Left: [ ] 0 [ ] 1+ [X] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+ Ankle: Right: [ ] 0 [ ] 1+ [X] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+ Left: [ ] 0 [ ] 1+ [X] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+ 10. 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: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent Left: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent Foot/toes (L5): Right: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent Left: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent 11. Straight leg raising test ----------------------------- Provide straight leg raising test results: Right: [ ] Negative [X] Positive [ ] Unable to perform Page 12 of 359 Left: [ ] Negative [X] Positive [ ] Unable to perform 12. Radiculopathy ----------------- Does the Veteran have radicular pain or any other signs or symptoms due to radiculopathy? [ ] Yes [X] No a. Indicate symptoms' location and severity (check all that apply): No response provided. b. Does the Veteran have any other signs or symptoms of radiculopathy? [ ] Yes [X] No c. Indicate nerve roots involved: (check all that apply) No response provided. d. Indicate severity of radiculopathy and side affected: Right: [X] Not affected [ ] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe Left: [X] Not affected [ ] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe 13. Ankylosis ------------- Is there ankylosis of the spine? [ ] Yes [X] No 14. 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 15. Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and incapacitating episodes ------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Does the Veteran have IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine? [ ] Yes [X] No 16. 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 Identify assistive device(s) used: Assistive Device: Frequency of use: ----------------- ----------------- [X] Brace(s) [ ] Occasional [X] Regular [ ] Constant . 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 18. Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs and/or symptoms ----------------------------------------------------------------------- a. 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 b. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs or symptoms? [ ] Yes [X] No 19. Diagnostic testing ---------------------- a. Have imaging studies of the thoracolumbar spine been performed and are 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): 2/14 Thoracic spine MRI: 1. Mild-to-moderate multi-level degenerative disc changes most pronounced at T7-T8, without significant spinal canal or neural foraminal stenosis. 2. Incidental nodular T2 hyperintense in the region of the right upper quadrant. Precise localization is difficult due to respiratory motion artifact, Ultrasonography of the is suggested for further characterization. 2/14 LS Spine MRI Findings: There is preservation of vertebral body heights and alignment. The normal lordotic curvature of the lumbar spine is relatively maintained. Bone marrow signal is slightly heterogeneous without suspicious focal osseous lesions. Above L4-L5, degenerative findings are relatively minor without significant spinal canal compromise or neural foraminal narrowing. At the L4-L5 level, there is diffuse bulging of the intervertebral disc with superimposition of a right foraminal disc protrusion. There is resultant mild to moderate right neural foraminal narrowing. The left neural foramen is mildly compromised. A moderate degree of spinal canal narrowing is evident. At L5-S1, diffuse intervertebral disc bulge is present without significant focal posterior disc contour abnormality. No significant spinal canal narrowing is appreciated. There is adequate neural foraminal patency bilaterally. Mild degenerative facet arthropathy is noted bilaterally. 20. 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: Individual unemployability. DDD & DJD of the thorocolumbosacral spine. This condition prevents him from laborious type work, lifting over 5 lbs,prolonged sitting or standing w/o breaks to sit or stand every ten minutes. He should not climb as is a fall risk with his severely limited ROM & amp; decreased mobility w/chronic pain. He should not operate machinery due to sedation of pain medications. With the above limitations, he is more likely than not unemployable & would be considered a occupational health risk to employers. 21. REMARKS ----------- a. Remarks, if any: VBMS & CPRS reviewed document DDD thoracic and ls spin : emultilevel, chronic pain neck and back b. Mitchell criteria: MITCHELL FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT FOR BACK. Can pain, weakness, fatigability, or incoordination significantly limit functional ability either during flare-ups or when the joint is used repeatedly over a period of time? [ x ] Yes [ ] No [ ] It is not possible to determine without resorting to mere speculation, because there is no conceptual or empirical basis for making such a determination without directly observing function under these conditions. If Yes: [ ] Estimated loss of ROM due to pain and/or functional loss during flare-ups or when the joint is used repeatedly over a period of time, describing only the affected elements of ROM: [ x] Any limitation of ROM cannot be estimated, but loss of function during flare-ups or when the joint is used repeatedly over a period of time is described as follows: increased back pain and decrease ROM w/prlonged sitting or standing over ten minutes, lifting over 5 lbs or operating machinery on pain meds. I believe I need to see a back doctor ASAP as my back is getting worse, the VA never notified me of these results!

There is also a deduction off the 1st 3 appointments per month! I believe they subtract 6.00 off each one of mine. Except for comp exams-no deductions.

I would file for a NOD!

Preparation for decision since May 30th! My claim is quite complex. Currently rated at 80%. I have a pending claim for a cervical fusion done in July. That has been at 0% since 96. And of course carpal tunnel, upper and lower NP and a claim for IU. Very interesting as it won't take muck to get the 100% scheduler, however I have the letter from my VA Voc Rehab counselor telling them to give me the IU 100% as I can no longer work for a back up. And my claim for SSD is almost done as I just faxed the documents I got from OK for the work and function test yesterday.

This post is interesting as I have a claim pending in Phoenix since last August and I live in AZ. So this means they are working outside claims before working on my claim when as been pending in decision since May 30. Well, My claim for SSD is just about ready for decision so maybe i will have both done about the same time. Congratulations. Back to my book!

My Vocational Rehab counselor has put me in the Independent living program. I was given a letter entitled"Subject:Disability Determination of case rated 100% and found Not Reasonable Feasible for Vocational Rehabilitation. In the letter it was stated the following- The case of the above -name veteran is forwarded for your attention because of a determination of being found not reasonably feasible for rehabilitation services. This veteran has a 80% SCD rating based upon 60% heart issues, 30% foot issues, 20% lumosacral strain, 10% hypertension, 0% cervical strain(fusion), 0% bilateral hearing loss, and other issues. He also has secondary chronic pain and radiculopathy issues. The Veterans SCD heart/hypertension and orthopedic issues-significant heart issues, severe foot issues, lower back, and neck issues impact his ability to walk,stand, bend, stoop, carry, lift and has difficulties doing home activities. Due to the neck issues and fusion of C6-C7 , he has limited range of motion and has radiculopathy down both arms and hands. This impacts his ability to grip, do repetitive motion, type, and do other activities. HE worked in a call center for 5 years and had multiple accommodations; however, due to his chronic neck and back issues as well as the fatigue related to his heart issues, he could no longer do sedentary work. Veterans tinnitus and hearing loss also impacted his ability to work as he cannot work in a loud, noisy environments, or do a lot of telephone work, which he h ad to do in the call center. In addition he got frustrated easily as he could not hear people well and could not understand the conversations, this made mistakes on cases. When reviewed individually, each of his issues, Heart issues/hypertension, Tinnitus/hearing loss, neck/cervical issues with radiculopathy, lower back issues, foot issues, would not prevent him from working in a sedentary supportive environment with accommodations, however, due to the combined effects and complexity of his disability issues along with the secondary chronic pain, fatigue, and related focus/memory issues, he is not able to return to work in any setting. It is unlikely that he will be able to return to work for at least several years, if ever, due to the severity and progressive nature of his disability issues. Further training would not render the veteran employable. In addition, this VRC determined, given his history, that returning to work and/or school anytime in the near future could exacerbate his health issues. This VRC recommends that he be granted 100% for Individual Unemployability(IU) He has been referred to SSA for SSDI. This VRC recommends that he be granted SSDI. VR&E is working with the veteran under an independent Living Plan to assist him with maintaining his independence at home and in the community. With this letter which I already faxed to the claims dept as my claim is still pending decision. will this given me a good shot at 100%. I have been told it is 1 VA dept telling another to give it to him. Thanks

Well this answer for IU in a compensation claim deny my claim-**Statement of Individual Unemployablilty Cannot reach above shoulder level or perform overhead work. Otherwise capable of other sedentary functional activities. I was working in a call center, however I quit 3 weeks ago as I haven't work since January. I know for SS, they do these different. And, I am 80%?

28 April I was diagnosed by phone with PTSD. Not sure how this could have done vs by an actual appointment. Stated "a Ptsd 4Q was positive(score-3) . Is this even legal? This was the result of me requesting mental health services, not to be evaluated by phone and not to be notified about it.( I saw this on e-benifits last night and I am planning to cancel another appointment. The first had the director asking me by phone if I had a an attorney or was suing, They rescheduled and I see this now. It looks like they are trying to cover up another issue.

Yesterday the VA conducted a review of my records for compensation in Tucson with myself not present. I also have a claim in for IU, and the employer just faxed the employment letter back)e-mailed me a copy which I faxed as well) Haven't worked since last Jan, and that was for 2 hours. I officially quit 2 weeks ago, all of this was properly indicated. And, I was recently accepted into Voc Rehab -independent living. Counselor said I no longer qualify for any other program as I am now classified as a severe disabled Vet. I am service connected at 80%. With these notes in recent claims comp exams, and recent advents what would be by chances of getting the 100%? Otherwise capable of other sedentary functional activities. MITCHELL FUNCTIONAL **Statement of Individual Unemployablilty Cannot reach above shoulder level or perform overhead work. Otherwise capable of other sedentary functional activities. Report indicated EMG showing "evidence of C7 nerve root irritation as well as carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel." 19. Functional impact ---------------------- Does the Veteran's cervical spine (neck) condition impact on his or her ability to work? [X] Yes [ ] No a. Does the Veteran have IVDS of the cervical spine? [X] Yes [ ] No If the Veteran has functional loss, functional impairment and/or additional limitation of ROM of the cervical spine (neck) after repetitive use, indicate the contributing factors of disability below: [X] Less movement than normal [X] Pain on movement Does the Veteran have any functional loss and/or functional impairment of the cervical spine (neck)? [X] Yes [ ] No MITCHELL FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT FOR LEFT FOOT Can pain, weakness, fatigability, or incoordination significantly limit functional ability either during flare-ups or when the joint is used repeatedly over a period of time? [X ] Yes MITCHELL FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT FOR RIGHT FOOT Can pain, weakness, fatigability, or in-coordination significantly limit functional ability either during flare-ups or when the joint is used repeatedly over a period of time? [X ] Yes it is not possible without resorting to mere speculation to estimate either loss of ROM or describe loss of function, because there is no conceptual or empirical basis for making such a determination without directly observing function under these conditions **Statement of Individual Unemployability Cannot stand/walk continuously >30 minutes at a time. Otherwise capable of other sedentary functional activities Functional impact -------------------- Does the Veteran's flatfoot condition impact his or her ability to work? [X] Yes [ ] No Assistive Device: Frequency of use: ________________________________________________________________ [X] Cane(s) [X] Occasional Signs and symptoms ---------------------- a. Does the Veteran have pain on use of the feet? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, indicate side affected: [ ] Right [ ] Left [X] Both If yes, is the pain accentuated on use? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, indicate side affected: [ ] Right [ ] Left [X] Both Diagnosis ------------ Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever had flatfoot (pes planus)? [X] Yes [ ] No Diagnosis #1: Pes Planus - Bilateral feet ICD code: 734. Side affected: [ ] Right [ ] Left [X] Both