diabetes Should I Appeal

[marine20]

maybe someone here can tell me if i got a fair rating

i was awarded 10% for bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy.

here is my c&p results

symptoms present: weakness,stiffness,numbness paresthesias,dysesthesias,pain.

mobility problems; vet can trip over feet as cannot feel them.

course since onset; progressively worse

current treatments. loricet 10/650 prn

response to treatment;fair

assistive devices; cane partially effective is there gait abnormality; yes vet can only walk slowly using a cane for support

nerves affected; small distal peripheral nerves

vibration,pain/pinprick,position sense,light touch are all decreased distal to mid foreams and mid calves

this is secondary to diabetes type2 due to agent orange exposure in viet nam

[Notorious Kelly]

Request an EMG (where they measure reaction to shocks with needles).

Those can't be faked and can be evidence for an increase.

Have you filed for SSDI?

Remember, disability relies heavily on statements from medical professionals regarding how your afflictions affect your ability to work.

[COOL BREEZE]

Request an EMG (where they measure reaction to shocks with needles).

Those can't be faked and can be evidence for an increase.

Have you filed for SSDI?

Remember, disability relies heavily on statements from medical professionals regarding how your afflictions affect your ability to work.

If the VA outsources your test to a non VA hospital(non compensation test) will I have a better chance of having a nob-biased test. In other words, If I was to get this test at the VA hospital they would more likely give an result that would be unfavorable. And the one that gives the test is that usually a doctor or a lab person. I'm asking this as I am wondering if you have to be seen by a neurologist to interpret the results, or is the test results good enough.

They did the needle test

Edited February 14, 2011 by COOL BREEZE

[john999]

You should be seen by a neurologist. There is no way to tell what the VA will come up with on who examines you. Getting your own neurologist to test you is the best idea. When I had an EMG at the VA they did an awful job and the results were inconclusive. You have to take responsibility for getting good evidence.

[Notorious Kelly]

I agree with John that it should be a neurologist treating you.

I was fortunate that my PCP referred me to VA contract neurologist who was sympathetic.

It's impossible to know what attitude your VA neurologist might have. I lean towards doing what is free first and not paying for IMO unless it's essential.