Need Advice

[Art]

:D I am a retired Gulf War Vet. In 1996 I had to fight with V.A. two years for 40%.

20% for right arm pain and weakness. Now arm has unexplained moderate to severe twitch. I am right handed. V.A. never gave me a full explanation about the arm. I have been under Neuro. Dr care last year, he says twitch is unexplained. In 1998 I got Voc.

Rehab. four years of college to be a teacher now can't even write my own name sometimes. My lower back is rated at 10% but now my right leg is going numb. Neuro. Dr. says this maybe because of lower back not sure. The last year I have been tested and retested for everything . All of my doctors say they do not know what is causing this. Could be maybe? My left leg is rated at 10% because of scar tissue. Any suggestions?

[Art]

They are all private Drs.

[pacmanx1]

Alright, then go to the VA hospital and get a PCP and tell them you are having feelings of being depressed because of your medical injuries and go from there. You can ask them to refer you to or give you a consult to mental health for chronic pain if you have it or depression due to your service connected conditions. I know you may not like VA but it may put you in a start in the right direction. Keep in mind that some doctors think all veterans are alcoholics or just want drugs but you will eventually get one that will listen.

Edited March 20, 2010 by pacmanx1

[Art]

Just got my letter from VA regional office about my claim for increased compensation for my right arm and leg. I sent them reports that i had from my neuro dr and other drs but they say they need more info. They sent me forms so they can try and get my medical information from two hospital stays and every test I have ever had done. I do not know how the c/p exam will go but i am hoping for the best.

[pacmanx1]

When is your C & P exam?

[Art]

May 18, with ortho exams june 18. I am also getting an appointment for gulf war registery. Since my neuro dr does nothing but give me meds and no answers about cause of my arm twitching and my primary care dr has no idea i figure by going back to va i have nothing to lose. I know they can reduce disability rating also but since i am retired unless they give me alot more disability, then only how much of my retirement is tax free is the only concern. They tried to reduce my disability once with another c/p exam but it stayed the same. At this point i would just like an answer about my right arm and at least i will get claims in for the future if needed.

[pacmanx1]

Make sure when you go to your appointments that you tell the doctors the symptoms that you are having. Don't mention disability or ratings because they are not there for that. The C & P doctor is there to write up and evaluate you or maybe give their opinion of if your condition is related to your service and the rationale to their opinion. The same with the registry is to collect as much information as possible then submit it to VA. The Regional Office will make the decision if it is service connected by your C & P exam.

As Always Hope the Best