Jump to content
VA Disability Community via Hadit.com

 Ask Your VA Claims Question  

 Read Current Posts 

  Read Disability Claims Articles 
View All Forums | Chats and Other Events | Donate | Blogs | New Users |  Search  | Rules 

Big Mac

Seaman
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    32

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Posts posted by Big Mac

    Finally

    in Success Stories

    Posted

    Thanks to God, this website, & a couple of local veterans I'm now collecting SSDI, AF Ret. & now 100% disability with the VA. It has been a long struggle the past 2 1/2 years waiting on the VA to rate my claim. I've had times when I wanted to scream @ the VA system for the snail pace. Why after answering the call to serve this country for 26 years I had to wait 2 1/2 years to get approval for benefits earned? I've had a total of 5 surgeries before the Air Force decided it was time to face a MEB. But now that the fight is over I can say the guerrilla is finally off my back. If I can past anything to my fellow veterans I would tell you to do alot of praying, stay in contact with the DVA or any organzation that has "Power of Attorney" over your claim, stay in good with your local VA Rep. & keep the faith with the VA even when It seems hopeless.

    Pending Decision Approval

    in VA.gov Questions (formerly E-Benefits)

    Posted

    My range of motion for my back forward flexion is 5, normal range is 90, painful motion begins @ 5 also. Back surgery Dec 2001 & Nov 2010, Mar 2011 MRI shows recurrent herniated nucleus pulposus L5-S1 spinal stenosis and left L5-S1 intraspinal, extraduaral epidural fibrosis & scar tissue & disc protrusion. Select where forward flexion ends (normal end point is 90) x5. Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins) x5, nothing higher than a x10. Does the veteran have additional limitation in ROM of the thoracolumbar spine (back) x yes. Does the veteran have any functional loss and/or functional impairment of the thoracolumbar spine (back)x yes. Less movement than normal Weakened movement, Excess fatigability Incoordination, impaired ability to execute skilled movements smoothly, Pain on motion, Instability of Disturbance of locomotion, Interference with sitting, standing and/or weight-bearing. Does the veteran have guarding or muscle spasm of the thoracolumbar spine(back) x yes. Abnormal spinal contour, such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. Does the veteran have IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine/ x yes. Assistive Device: brace & walker: Frequency of use: regular Does the veteran’s thoracolumbar spine (back) condition impact on his or her ability to work? x yes My SSDI is for my SC injuries to my back, knees, hips & right ankle.

    Pending Decision Approval

    in VA.gov Questions (formerly E-Benefits)

    Posted

    Just checked ebenefits, my status is now "notification pending" as of 26 Nov 2012, today date. I checked the A8 letter, no change. Went to the VA Center downtown today, asked why would the VA not grant IU, when my SSDI is service connected for my back and knees only. According to Social Security Adminstration I became disabled the day of my 2nd back surgery due to spinal disorders. I was still on active duty at the time of my 2nd surgery, Oct 2010, I retired from the AF 31 Dec 2010.

    I can't understand why VA didn't grant IU? What is my next step?

    Tdiu, Ssdi, & Federal Disability Retirement

    in TDIU Unemployability Claims

    Posted

    I don't understand the VA way of think I receive SSDI for my service connected disabilities (back & knees) Last week I called the DAV and was told that it looked like the VA didn't grant IU. But the DAV rep did state that this was a mistake due to the VA having a copy of the requested SSDI doc from Social Security Adminstration. Per my DAV rep more likely then not the VA QA would correct the mistake if not the DAV rep would. Last week according to Ebenefits my status showed notification decision pending now my status is decision approval pending, I'm hoping for the best! I’m on pins & needles waiting to see my new VA rating. I applied for SSDI for my service connected injuries in April 2011 & was approved Sept. 2011. Here’s a statement from the Dr. for my C&P exam in VA hospital, Pensacola FL. wrote for my progress report.

    Right Ankle

    Does the Veteran’s ankle condition impact his or her ability to work? Yes, Veterans is unable to walk long distance due to right ankle condition. Assistive device; right ankle brace for support.

    Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Condition, Veteran has been diagnosed with thoracolumbar spine back condition; yes

    Diagnosis #1 Lumbar DDD, L5-S1/Spinal Stenosis ICD code 722.6

    Diagnosis #2 Radiculopathy, Lower Extremities ICD CODE 729.2

    Back surgery Dec 2001 & Nov 2010, Mar 2011 MRI shows recurrent herniated nucleus pulposus L5-S1 spinal stenosis and left L5-S1 intraspinal, extraduaral epidural fibrosis & scar tissue & disc protrusion. Select where forward flexion ends (normal end point is 90) x5. Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins) x5, nothing higher than a x10. Does the veteran have additional limitation in ROM of the thoracolumbar spine (back) x yes. Does the veteran have any functional loss and/or functional impairment of the thoracolumbar spine (back)x yes. Less movement than normal Weakened movement, Excess fatigability Incoordination, impaired ability to execute skilled movements smoothly, Pain on motion, Instability of Disturbance of locomotion, Interference with sitting, standing and/or weight-bearing. Does the veteran have guarding or muscle spasm of the thoracolumbar spine(back) x yes. Abnormal spinal contour, such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. Does the veteran have IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine/ x yes. Assistive Device: brace & walker: Frequency of use: regular Does the veteran’s thoracolumbar spine (back) condition impact on his or her ability to work? x yes

    Hip & Thigh Condition Does the veteran report that flare-ups impact the function of the hip and/or thigh? X yes. Select where flexion ends (normal endpoint is 125 degrees) x15. Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins) x15. Is adduction limited such that the veteran cannot cross legs) x yes. Is rotation limited such that the veteran cannot toe-out more than 15 degrees? X yes. Does the veteran have additional limitation in ROM of the hip & thigh following repetitive-use testing) x yes. Does the veteran have any functional loss and/or functional impairment of the hip & thigh? X yes Unable to sit for long prolonged period of time due to back, knee and hip condition. Less movement than normal - Both, Weakened movement - Both, Excess fatigability - Both, Incoordination, impaired ability to execute skilled movements smoothly - Both, Pain on motion - Both, Instability of station - Both, Disturbance of locomotion - Both, Interference with sitting, standing and or weight-bearing - Both, Does the veteran have ankylosis of either hip joint? X yes. Assistive Device: brace & walker: Frequency of use: regular, Left knee brace for support due to occasional ‘giving way of left knee, walker for back condition and radiculopathy and knee condition, right ankle brace for support. Have imaging studies of the hip been performed and are the results available? yes, Is degenerative or traumatic arthritis documented? yes - Both, Does the veteran’s hip & thigh condition impact on his or her ability to work? x yes

    Knee and lower leg conditions Diagnosis #1 Left Knee PFS ICD code 719.46, Diagnosis #2 Left Knee OA ICD code 715.90, Diagnosis #3 Right Knee DJD ICD code 715.90 Right knee medial meniscus tear, Right Knee - Select where flexion ends (normal endpoint is 140 degree)x 95, Select where painful motion begins) 95, Unable to fully extend, extension ends x25, Left Knee - Select where flexion ends (normal endpoint is 140 degree)x 110, Select where painful motion begins) 100, Unable to fully extend, extension ends x25, Is the veteran able to perform repetitive-use testing with 3 repetitions? No, provide reason Limited due to back and knee pain, Does the veteran have additional limitation in ROM of the knee and lower leg following repetitive-use testing) x yes, Does the veteran have any functional loss and/or functional impairment of the knee and lower leg? yes If the veteran has functional loss, functional impairment or additional limitation of ROM of the knee and lower leg after repetitive use, indicate the contributing factors of disability below (check all that apply and indicate side affected) Less movement than normal - Both, Weakened movement - Both, Excess fatigability - Both, Incoordination, impaired ability to execute skilled movements smoothly -Both, Pain on motion - Both, Instability of station - Both, Assistive Device: brace & walker: Frequency of use: regular, Disturbance of locomotion - Both, Interference with sitting, standing and or weight-bearing - Both, Does the veteran’s knee and /or lower leg condition impact on his or her ability to work? x yes, Unable to sit for prolong period of time due to back knee and hip condition.

    Pending Decision Approval

    in VA.gov Questions (formerly E-Benefits)

    Posted

    I’m on pins & needles waiting to see my new VA rating. I applied for SSDI for my service connected injuries in April 2011 & was approved Sept. 2011. Here’s a statement the Dr. for my C&P exam wrote for my progress report.

    Right Ankle

    Does the Veteran’s ankle condition impact his or her ability to work? Yes, Veterans is unable to walk long distance due to right ankle condition. Assistive device; right ankle brace for support.

    Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Condition, Veteran has been diagnosed with thoracolumbar spine back condition; yes

    Diagnosis #1 Lumbar DDD, L5-S1/Spinal Stenosis ICD code 722.6

    Diagnosis #2 Radiculopathy, Lower Extremities ICD CODE 729.2

    Back surgery Dec 2001 & Nov 2010, Mar 2011 MRI shows recurrent herniated nucleus pulposus L5-S1 spinal stenosis and left L5-S1 intraspinal, extraduaral epidural fibrosis & scar tissue & disc protrusion. Select where forward flexion ends (normal end point is 90) x5. Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins) x5, nothing higher than a x10. Does the veteran have additional limitation in ROM of the thoracolumbar spine (back) x yes. Does the veteran have any functional loss and/or functional impairment of the thoracolumbar spine (back)x yes. Less movement than normal Weakened movement, Excess fatigability Incoordination, impaired ability to execute skilled movements smoothly, Pain on motion, Instability of Disturbance of locomotion, Interference with sitting, standing and/or weight-bearing. Does the veteran have guarding or muscle spasm of the thoracolumbar spine(back) x yes. Abnormal spinal contour, such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. Does the veteran have IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine/ x yes. Assistive Device: brace & walker: Frequency of use: regular Does the veteran’s thoracolumbar spine (back) condition impact on his or her ability to work? x yes

    Hip & Thigh Condition

    Does the veteran report that flare-ups impact the function of the hip and/or thigh? X yes. Select where flexion ends (normal endpoint is 125 degrees) x15. Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins) x15. Is adduction limited such that the veteran cannot cross legs) x yes. Is rotation limited such that the veteran cannot toe-out more than 15 degrees? X yes. Does the veteran have additional limitation in ROM of the hip & thigh following repetitive-use testing) x yes. Does the veteran have any functional loss and/or functional impairment of the hip & thigh? X yes Unable to sit for long prolonged period of time due to back, knee and hip condition. Less movement than normal - Both, Weakened movement - Both, Excess fatigability - Both, Incoordination, impaired ability to execute skilled movements smoothly - Both, Pain on motion - Both, Instability of station - Both, Disturbance of locomotion - Both, Interference with sitting, standing and or weight-bearing - Both, Does the veteran have ankylosis of either hip joint? X yes. Assistive Device: brace & walker: Frequency of use: regular, Left knee brace for support due to occasional ‘giving way of left knee, walker for back condition and radiculopathy and knee condition, right ankle brace for support. Have imaging studies of the hip been performed and are the results available? yes, Is degenerative or traumatic arthritis documented? yes - Both, Does the veteran’s hip & thigh condition impact on his or her ability to work? x yes

    Knee and lower leg conditions Diagnosis #1 Left Knee PFS ICD code 719.46, Diagnosis #2 Left Knee OA ICD code 715.90, Diagnosis #3 Right Knee DJD ICD code 715.90 Right knee medial meniscus tear,

    Right Knee - Select where flexion ends (normal endpoint is 140 degree)x 95, Select where painful motion begins) 95, Unable to fully extend, extension ends x25,

    Left Knee - Select where flexion ends (normal endpoint is 140 degree)x 110, Select where painful motion begins) 100, Unable to fully extend, extension ends x25, Is the veteran able to perform repetitive-use testing with 3 repetitions?

    No, provide reason Limited due to back and knee pain,

    Does the veteran have additional limitation in ROM of the knee and lower leg following repetitive-use testing) x yes, Does the veteran have any functional loss and/or functional impairment of the knee and lower leg? yes If the veteran has functional loss, functional impairment or additional limitation of ROM of the knee and lower leg after repetitive use, indicate the contributing factors of disability below (check all that apply and indicate side affected) Less movement than normal - Both, Weakened movement - Both, Excess fatigability - Both, Incoordination, impaired ability to execute skilled movements smoothly -Both, Pain on motion - Both, Instability of station - Both, Assistive Device: brace & walker: Frequency of use: regular, Disturbance of locomotion - Both, Interference with sitting, standing and or weight-bearing - Both, Does the veteran’s knee and /or lower leg condition impact on his or her ability to work? x yes, Unable to sit for prolong period of time due to back knee and hip condition.

    Letter From Dav

    in VA Disability Claims Research

    Posted

    Big Mac,

    I am moving your topic to the Claims/Benefits Forum.

    I have a question regarding,

    " we are submitting the attached material in support of the pending claim for benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

    Can you tell us what specifically was the attached material ?

    21-4138 & medical records

    Some stuff will help and some stuff won't.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Guidelines and Terms of Use

  I accept