Big Mac

Thanks, I'm a Pat's fan also, from Connecticut. Thanks, will do.

I received this letter in the mail today from the DAV today. Is there anything I need to accomplish on my end or do I continue to sit on my hands? To: TRIAGE As the accredited representative for the above referenced claimant, we are submitting the attached material in support of the pending claim for benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Entitlement to an increased rating based on individual unemployability. Once all necessary adjudication actions have been completed, please advise the claimant and this Organization accordingly.

I just retired from the Air Force after 26 years on 31 Dec 2010. I've had two back surgeries while on active duty for L-5-S1 decompressive laminectomics & microdiscectomy at Bethesda Medical Center, Bethesda Maryland. (Dec 2001) & L5-S1 redo discectomy Nov 2010. My C&P exams were conducted Aug& Sept 2010. During physical therapy Feb 2011, I experienced shooting pains from my lower back & buttocks down my left & right legs. 02 Mar 2011, I was treated in the emergency room for chronic back pains & given Percocet's. 19 Mar 2011, Ihad an MRI, & the results were forward to my Neurosurgeon. 21 Mar 2011, treated for lower back pain in the emergency room & given Neurontin. 07 April 2011, I received my MRI results from my Neurosurgeon, recurrent left L5-S1 disc protrusion, central broad-based L5-S1 disc protrusion, L5-S1 lateral recessstenosis, right L5-S1 neural foraminal disc protrusion with questionable involvement of the right L5 nerve root. There is also a right L4-5 neuralforaminal disc protrusion with questionable involvement of the right L4 nerveroot. There is also left L4-5 neural foraminal and proximal far-lateral discprotrusion with involvement of the ventral aspect of the left L4 nerve root.There is also a left L5-S1 neural foraminal disc bulge/protrusion. 07 June2011, I received the brown envelope from the VA 80% disability 50% Sleep Apnea, 20% IVDSdegenerative arthritis changes, thoracolumbar spine, lower back, status postsurgery 10%Patellofemoral syndrome, left knee condition with osteoarthritis 10%Residuals right ankle fracture with brace, inserts, degeneration and torn ligaments 10%Tinnitus 10% Boweldysfunction associated with IVDS with degenerative arthritis changes,thoracolumbar spine Statement also attached from the VA: We have reviewed your records and they suggest you may be entitled to additional benefits. We first need a claim from you or your representative. Please tell us on the enclosed Statement In Support of Claim (VA Form 21-4138) that you want to file a claim for degenerative changes of the left hip and DJD, right knee and bilateral pes planus, plantar fasciitis and hallux valgus. 09 Jun 2011, I filed a VA Form 21-4138, for reconsideration of rating decision of thoracolumbar IVDS and TMJ, status post surgical repair (claimed as dental surgery x 2/hardware and Individual Unemployability. Per the DAV, I'm also entitled to service connection for DJD left hip, DJD right knee, B/L plantar fasciitis,B/L pes planus and B/L hallux valgus. 21 & 23 June 2011, back in emergency room & treated for Lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy, stenosis of lumbosacral spine & osteoarthritis of the knees. 12 Jul 2011, myelogram & CT scan revealed 3 herinated disc's with bone spurs. My next appointment with my Neurosurgeon is schedule for 3 Aug 2011& Orthopedic surgeon appointment, 10 Aug 2011. My back isn't getting any better & knees are always buckling. Good luck with your claim.

Call 1-877-327-4457 Retro Pay. I also retired from AF Dec 2010, after 26 years. Given a rating of 80% with an effective date of Jan 01, 2011. My letter is dated May 27 2011. Good luck!