kevin4998

Well it seems they know how to clear the back-log. No surprise, but by just claiming errors in the claim process. In my case that would be, after checking E-Bennies, that they have basically closed all because I did not submit my prescribed medication in time (2 years I think). I did not submit this information, because ALL my prescribed meds are via the VA. That information should be readly available to them when they recieved the paperwork from the VA (which I know they did recieve it). I do not know if I can "fix" this, but I plan on going up to the RO in Indy (good thing I am only 30 minutes from it) this coming week. I thought maybe I would at least get a C&P for at least one of my claims where I could possiably "straighten" out anything that maybe "not be properly" filled out or missing. Guess they do not want to even do exams to avoid the costs of that all togather. I am sure in time I will get this straighten out, just po's me that they are looking for the short cuts to clear the backlog! I say this is part of clearing backlog because my claims have been in for over two years (I know many here have or are waiting longer, just going by what they are saying). And, they just closed these claims out on the 13th of this month.

My SSD took 1 yr and 8 months. My VA claims are still sitting at gathering of evidence on day 766. lol They (SSD/VA Claims) are like chess, the VA Claims process plays with more complex moves and are not straight forward with their rules of the game.

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=119826 I know this has been posted already, but I do have a question or two. Maybe its too soon to tell what is going to happen (if anything at all) once this starts rolling out. "Effective today, VA claims raters will make provisional decisions on the oldest claims on hand, officials said, which will allow veterans to begin collecting compensation benefits more quickly, if eligible." As I read that sentence, that is telling me that this provisional decision will happen regardless if a veteran agrees with it or not. And, you can only pursue it for what you "think" it is worth if you have new evidence. "If any increase is determined to be warranted based on the additional evidence received, benefits will be retroactive to the date the claim was initially filed." Now I am pretty sure I am off base here, but that is how I am reading it. Is that how everyone else is reading it? Any other thoughts on this?

When the time comes, yes. I did not know that I had sleep apnea or for that matter the two could be linked on my initial claims. So it will be after those initial claims are closed in one form or another. Here is post in the forums that touches on the subject also. Here is just one citation that confirms linking the two. "FINDING OF FACT The Veteran has sleep apnea that was as likely as not incurred in active military service and is proximately due to, or the result of, his service-connected GERD with IBS, diverticulitis, hiatal hernia, and gastritis. CONCLUSION OF LAW The Veteran's sleep apnea was incurred in active military service and is proximately due to, or the result of, his service-connected GERD with IBS, diverticulitis, hiatal hernia, and gastritis. 38 U.S.C.A. §§ 1110, 1131, 5107 (West 2002); 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303, 3.304, 3.310 (2010). " http://www.va.gov/vetapp11/files4/1135175.txt

I am still (2 years) waiting for my claims to go through the system and one of those claims is GERD. I also was diagnosed with Barrett's Desease. I was told while I was in service that I had Hiatel Hernia and was also treated for GERD (OC meds given) while in service which all of this besides Barrett's is in my SMR. In the last three months, the VA gave me a sleep study and determined I had/have Sleep Apnea and now use CPAP which was given to me by the VA. From what I have read this "CAN" be associated to GERD (due too sleep issues with GERD which I do have). And, it is possiable to get a link too the two and awarded compensation for it. I know thier is some BVA's that have awarded it, but, I do not have the case numbers readly available. (which when the time is right I will be referring to them) Considering I was also treated and still have IBS (same system) I expect (hopefully) to at least get 30% for Gastro issues and if I can link the CPAP then that is 50%. Just fyi for something for you too look into also. I am sure others will chim on if I am off base, but for now that is what I am thinking. Good luck... GERD is painful with regurgitation and can raise your risk of Cancer.

Thanks Hoppy... very interesting. I have claims in currently for PTSD and Gerd and I am a GWV. Gerd was diagnosed in service and is listed in my SMR. I now have Barrett's Desease also from it. Hiatel Hernia is also documented in SMR.. so do not where this will all lead. Yes I am currently on meds for Gerd, given by the VA here in Indy. Pantoprazole

I filed for SSD march 2011, with multiple issues not to unsimilaries as yours. My mother also had multiple issues when she first filed. She had a hard time winning here case. I mention this because my case was much easier, because I listened to her and got me a lawyer as soon as I knew I was going to the third stage (ALJ). Multiple issues are very hard too win, such as my mother found out. Granted I did most of the paperwork, with the first and second stage, but my lawyer did the third.. where I won. I won this year in July, which I believe wasn't to bad from first date of filing (for state of Indiana). I started my claim with VA about the same time.. and I am still on "gathering of evidence".. so being on SSD now is going to make my life a bit more easier because it appears I may have a very long wait for VA to move on my case. I knew going into the third stage was gamble by myself and if a lawyer was going to help me just a bit... even with the $4,500.00 fee, it would be better than losing and having to go to higher court. It paid off and I am glad that I had the lawyer. A small price to pay considering if I wouldnt had a lawyer, I was about to be evicted (again) and utilities was three months pass due. I won just in time to save my home and now I am all caught up and actually able to take my girlfriend out every now and then :) Not rich, but I can pay my bills and not worry about next months rent.. considering what I have been through... I can not ask for more.

Same problems here, and same area as well. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, two surgeries with moderate help. It is very frustrating, even to sneeze or cough can put me too my knees. Leaning abit to right helps, but basically since it got serious in 2005 my life has drastically changed.. several jobs later too try and find a job I could handle was very hard on family and finances. Last year I gave up and filed for SSD (Feb), and just won it at the Judge level just this July. I had other issues as well though. But, I was able to tie my depression into the loss of my jobs/family due to the stenosis and what I have went through over the last few years. I am lucky that my first year of service I had signs of this issue (SMR'r refer L5-S1 pain three or four times, with meds prescribed and VA hospital has me on Codone for the pain currently), so I have claims in for the this. One day maybe something will come of it, for now I have my fingers crossed. All I can say is the pain is pretty much constant, some times it radiates down one or even both legs.. some times tingling or numbness in one or both feet. It verys in pain and duration to what ever I am doing. I have to limit walking.. dishes are a pain literally to do. I have to pay very close attention what I am doing at all times, or later or even the next day I have to rest all day. It does change your life.

Indianapolis RO vs Social Security Claim Claims for: 1) Lumbar Stenosis (SMR entries for low back pain, same area L4/L5) (current Meds through VA: Hydocodone 7.5's one every 4 hrs and over the counter Ibuprofen) 2) Diabetes Type 2 current meds through VA: Insulin 52 units twice a day, glipizide 10mgs twice a day) 3) IBS (SMR entries/Gulf War vet as well) 4) Gerd (SMR entries) (current meds through VA: Pantoprazole 40mgs one a day, Simethicone 80mgs two tabs three times a day) 5) Major Depression (steming from issues with with #'s 1, 3, and 4 and ptsd (but as of yet not addressed)) 6) Anxiety (current meds for both #4 and #5 through Va: Three atm) SSD Claim filed Feb 2011 VA Claims filed Apr 2011 SSD claim denied June 2011 Appealed SSD claim denied Aug 2011 Appealed SSD claim court date May 2012 SSD Awarded July 2012 Award back dates too Feb 2011, six month waiting period so pay actually started in Aug of 2011 VA Claim status: Still in collection of evidence status I did an Iris last month, and got the typical response letter. Hopefully it adds a bit a fuel to my claims though. I have maintained a very tight budget over the last year and with my award I can pay my bills and build a better case for VA claims to boot with out going bankrupt.

I am wondering how these items will be rated (taking in account they are all part of the gastro class) 7319 Irritable colon syndrome (IBS) 7332 Rectum and anus, impairment of sphincter control (Secondary to 7319) 7346 Hernia hiatal (leading too GERD and Barrett’s) I have documentation in my SMC for each of these issues except Barrett’s. I was treated for GERD and IBS in the military several times. I am also a Gulf War Vet, the GERD and IBS was treated in 95 and for the rest of my service time, then after service by private doctors and take otc meds regularly. Hiatal Hernia was just mentioned in SMC (not treated) due to that fact of my problems with the GERD. (can’t find a codes for the GERD or Barrett’s). I had seen a post a while back that a person got separate ratings for IBS and GERD, which from my understanding was a unique rating since both fall under GASTRO problems.

Fox News 59 reporting on VRO Indianapolis: http://www.fox59.com/news/wxin-hoosier-veterans-told-to-wait-for-disability-compensation-20120520,0,1820800.column http://www.fox59.com/videogallery/70068715/News/VIDEO-Fox59-Wants-to-Know-No-Help-for-Hoosier-Heroes

I am in no way an expert on filing, but I do know IBS very well because that is one of my claims. And, I know what Chrohns is like because my mother has been dealing with it for over 30 years. You may want too look at the following as secondary maybe. CFR: 7330 and depression AND anxiety (even though they are not stackable togather). Depression, because how it effects your inability to do the normal things in life you may of once enjoyed. Anxiety because if your not near a bathroom, you will (or it least I do) sorta freak out. Pain is another issue, which I am not sure at the moment if thier is a CFR number for. With either IBS or Chrohns you have to change your life style to accomadate the problems that they create and to hopefully control it too some degree. They both are very difficult to adjust too. I also used IBS in my SSD case, which I just had my court date a week and half ago and I believe it went very well due too the fact that I included it (IBS) and the issues that it has created in my life in my claim. Hopefully others with either will chim in here on thier claims of IBS/Chrohns, as I will be following this post as well and I will hopefully learn something new or something I have not thought of.

With you BP so high and you refusing her/his advice I presume (and I could be very wrong) she/he is being put in a bad situation if something was to happen to you since you are under their care at that point in time (at the VA) so they do not want to be held accountable. That would be my first impression.

I know, thats why I am here... and I appreciate the input. Thats why I am posting here, with my SSD court day quickly approaching and trying to stay some what organized for both ssd and va is a bit much for me. I have trouble staying focused and with my anxiety issues, I find staying on course very difficult to say the least. I bounce back and fourth asking myself, am I prepared enough, do I have the holes plugged.. and "what if" syndrome. Some times I just want to toss everything in the trash can and start over, but I know that I have to keep pushing myself to get it togather. I have only myself to win, and thats just not enough at this point. As we all know we are all fighting for our survival, for our families and just trying to make since of whats left in our lifes. And with out our extended family(Hadit) to help, many of us would/could fall through the cracks and could find ourselfs left behind trying to figure things out on our own... and when fighting the politics and a system that seems setup for us to fail we need to stick togather and build cases that can over come the obstacles that each of us face. I hope that all made since.

Where did the documentation of surgical history and meds come from? SMR documented statements, private doctor(s) notes for surgical and the meds is my current meds as prescribed from the VA (straight from My Health Vet). The statement above might be OK for SSA BUT WILL BE VERY NEGATIVE FOR VBA PURPOSES. This is the statement from my first IME which was in direct relation to the fall I had: “IMPRESSION: Mr. EDIT is a 45 year old male with a long history of chronic lower Back pain requiring L4-5 bilateral percutaneous discectomies, epidural steroid Injections and a L4-5 decompressive laminectomy in 2005. On December 14, 2010. Mr. EDIT suffered a fall at work in which he slipped on ice and landed on his right buttock. His current diagnosis related to his December 14. 2010 work injury is right sacroilitis. He is status post a sacroiliac injection with a reported four day period of relief. He reports no change in his chronic back problems and no new radiculopathy or back related hip/leg symptoms. Mr. EDIT current symptoms include persistent right SI pain, but this is no longer acute as his provocative SI testing was of little significance. A short heel lift on the left may be beneficial due to the slight elevation of his pelvis on the right but that he can do without a prescription. Given the chronicity of his generalized low back pain, severity of o· depression and lack of acute SI findings. no further treatment for his sacroiliitis appears indicated. He has had physical therapy, medications and the 51 injection. I do not feel he is a candidate for a SI fusion given his history of back surgery, radiculopathy and chronic pain. Therefore. I conclude that Mr. EDIT has reached Maximum Medical Improvement and no further surgical or non-surgical treatment would benefit his right sacroltinis. From a functional standpoint. I do not feel Mr. EDIT is capable of work in any capacity. Given his depression, chronic low back pain. , and surgical history. I would recommend that he pursue SSDI. I expect he is totally and permanently disabled. However, I do not feel that the sacroilitis is contributing to his ongoing disability. He continued to work after the S1 injury and acknowledges that his present disability is due to his pre-injury back condition and depression. Neither of these diagnoses were caused or affected by The December 14, 2010 incident.” Do you have documentation showing continuity of care for the above conditions from active duty separation to current time? I have seen at least a half a dozen family doctors, neurologist and physical therapist(s) over the course of the last 15 years(sevice: 87-97) since I left the service and for the most part I have all that documentation. What is in the "review of the available medical records”? Were these SMR/STR's, private provider, VAMC. This needs to be stated or referenced to support this medical opinion with full medical rationale. From what is posted the "available medical records" could be from a veterinarian SMR’s, doctor notes, MRI notes and VA records which I am in possession of and will be taking them to C&P exam when I go and be hand delivering them to the Indianapolis VARO(I believe that the correct place, I know where.. just not the correct name :/) office. What medical test were done for the current diagnosis of GERD with Barrett's esophagus? What is the CAUSE of the Gerd as it relates to active duty and also the lumbosacral strain SMR stated I had Hiatal Hernia and GERD several times during my ten years of service. Family doctor notes indicate continuation of the problem with discussions and prescribed meds for it over the years after service. This pass year I had an Endoscopy showing Barrett’s, which I should be able to get that listed as secondary to GERD. The sentence above would probably just negate that you had any difficulties of these conditions prior to active duty - that could have been AGGRAVATED by active duty. But it does not in any way provide much support for SC. As mentioned above, I do have lower back issues, GERD, IBS, Hiatal Hernia noted several times in my SMR with medication prescribed. There was no actual test preformed, but discussion and notes by the medical department and then medication issued with the fore mentioned items placed in SMR. I served 1987-1997 in the engineering department as a Damage Controlmen. Yes, I am a Gulf War Vet.

XXXXXX, M.D., M.S., CIME XXXX N. XXXX Street, Suite XXX XXXXX,XXXXX, 12345 xx.com April 8, 2012 NAME OF CLAIMANT: EDITED DATE OF EXAMINATION: 03/27/2012 MEDICAL RECORDS: Reviewed HISTORY: The claimant, Mr. EDITED, is a 46-year-old military veteran. He suffers from numerous medical conditions and is in the process of filing for VA and Social Security disability benefits. Based upon information provided by the claimant he has chronic low back pain, diabetes, IBS, GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, major depression, and anxiety. The past surgical history includes appendectomy, cholecystectomy, and two back surgeries. Medications include insulin, pantoprazole, glipizide, simvastatin, lisinopril, ciprofloxacin, morphine, buproprion, trazodone, venlafaxine He states that he last worked in February of 2011 and that currently he sits at home, watches TV, uses the computer, and occasionally cleans. He has little energy for cleaning and it causes him pain. He denies any current hobbies, and states he last went fishing in the 1980s prior to military service. He states he can sit at his computer for 30 minutes at a time. He states that while working as a correctional officer he fell on ice and hit his tailbone, for which he received compensation. His primary complaint currently is back pain. CURRENT COMPLAINTS: Mr. EDITED complains of constant, dull, low back pain rated 5-6/10 which worsens with activity to 10/10. He gets pain down the back of both legs. He sleeps on his side only, avoiding tailbone pressure. He also has noticed numbness of his feet in the last year. The claimant reports limitations with walking more that 10 minutes, difficulty dealing with people, difficulty climbing stairs due to lifting legs, difficulty standing more that a few minutes, and diarrhea and constipation. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: General: NAD, gait antalgic Heart: RRR, no murmurs Lungs: CTAB Abdomen: Soft, nontender, nondistended Examination of the spine reveals the following range of motion: Flexion is from 0 to 20 degrees Extension is from 0 to 10 degrees Left rotation is from 0 to 20 degrees Right rotation is from 0 to 20 degrees Left lateral flexion is from 0 to 20 degrees Right laterl flexion is from 0 to 20 degrees There is no ankylosis of the spine. Surgical scars are present. Reflexes are within normal limits. Muscle strength testing is within normal limits. Diagnosis: Chronic lumbosacral strain s/p surgical correction Diagnosis: GERD with Barrett’s esophagus DISCUSSION: It is my opinion based on review of the available medical records, my training, and my clinical experience that the claimant’s chronic lumbosacral strain and GERD with Barrett’s esophagus originated during his military service. The claimant’s GERD and chronic lumbosacral strain are well documented in the service medical records. No evidence was present suggesting that these conditions were present prior to service. Therefore, it is at least as likely as not that the claimant’s chronic lumbosacral strain and GERD with Barrett’s esophagus are a result of his military service. The claimant consented to the examination. Female assistant AA was present throughout the examination. I have not provided care for this claimant. I have seen this claimant one time on the above date for the purpose of evaluating medical impairment. Evaluation is focused to the conditions listed above. The claimant tolerated the examination well without any change in symptomatology. The above analysis is based upon the available information at this time. It is assumed that the information provided to me is correct. If more information becomes available at a later date, it may or may not change the opinions rendered in this evaluation. Respectfully submitted, XXX X. XXXXX, M.D., M.S., CIME Board Certified, Occupational Medicine

I am thinking about hiring for IME for SSD and VA benefits. I do not and could not find out much information on the internet. His web site states he has done 2000 IME's. And, he stated cost would be about 700 too 900. He also stated that I would get a refund if I was denied my claim for VA. Thats pretty much it as far as our phone conversation goes. I am claiming low back pain(lumbar spinal stenosis), IBS/GERD, and various mental issues (PTSD/Depression/Anxiety) for VA and with Diabetes for SSD. I know some of those will be grouped togather. I am asking him to put togather my case (this is assuming he agrees with my claims), that puts all issues togather for an end result for my claim for SSD to be handed off to my lawer. For VA, after he reviews my documentation and examination if he feels that my Spinal Stenosis is from the military, ie: low back pain that I was scene and documented for while in service and had increasing amount of pain and now on Morphine after two surgeries. (same area for low back pain and spinal stenosis L4-L5) Plus Nexus letters for low back pain towards Lumbar Spinal Stenosis IBS/GERD evaluations, documented in service prior to Gulf War and have been on otc and now on scripts for the Gerd. Mental evaluation that has very little documentation but have been going to VA pretty much for past year and have talked pretty much in detail of the issues that I believe was caused during my military carreer. They(VA) have me on a few meds for this as well. And, yes I do have an event associated with the claim for PTSD. Anyway, I have plenty of documentation to say that I do have these issues, but little in way of my capabilities nor "friend" letters from the military. Anyway, I am a little leary of his claim to 2000 IME's and the fact he is actually not that much talked about (if at all) on the internet. His email is gmail account. His phone number is gmail. When called, no secretary, he answered both times. Here is his website. http://www.caseime.com/ If anyone has used him, or suggestions please let me know. Thanks

I already tryed to post the following but was blocked so shorting it a bit. Recieved the following email this morning. New Child Support Rules Seize Social Security, Disability, and Veterans Benefits By Ned Holstein, MD, MS, Chairman of the Board of Directors Spud McConnell Spud McConnell, a well-known movie actor, also hosts a popular New Orleans talk radio show, Talk Gumbo on New Orleans radio station WWL—AM 870/FM105.3. On February 28, 2012, Fathers and Families’ Chairman of the Board Ned Holstein, MD, appeared on the show to discuss new child support rules promulgated by the federal government. In yet another measure that will harm children instead of helping them, the new rule effects how much money can be seized for payment of child support arrearages from people who receive federal benefits, such as social security, disability and veterans’ payments. Currently, the states can ask the federal government to “garnish” money from checks the federal government is writing to those who receive benefits for the purpose of paying child support arrearages. In other words, money can be taken out of the check before it is ever written. The states can receive that money, and the individual gets a smaller check. The federal government limits the “garnish” to 65% of the check. Under new rules that are slated to go into effect in March, 2013, the federal government will pay such benefits electronically. There will be no checks. The money will simply appear in the bank account of the recipient. And that’s where the problem lies. Because there is no limit on how much money the states can seize from the bank account of the people who owe child support. They can — and will — take it all, leaving the recipient of federal benefits no funds to live on. This will cause tens of thousands of elderly, disabled, and veterans to become homeless. It is even worse, because most of the money collected will be kept by the states for their own purposes; it will never go to a mother or child. In many cases, the arrearages are very, very old. The children for whom the child support is allegedly being collected are grown. And much of the money owed is accumulated interest and fees. These accumulate during the long years that poor people are unable to pay their child support order, or have been disabled or laid off. Internal memos show that the treasury department, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the state child support collection agencies are all aware of what will happen next March. Apparently, they just don’t care. Ned Holstein Here is what our readers need to understand. No one is going to save us from these abuses. There is no wise judge, dedicated advocate for the poor, or civil rights advocate who is going to save us. We will overcome these abuses, and dozens more like them, by banding together and demanding change. Americans have overthrown injustice over and over again in our history. We will do it again.

USMC89 thanks for the pdf's, as it gave me hope in my claim. I have IBS since '87 (left service '97) and Gerd and both have steadly gotten worst over the years. Also it was mentioned I had Hatia Hernia (spelling) Feb 87 enlistment mid of 87 Presumed with IBS and Gerd Prescribed otc Zantac Saw medical a few times after that over 10 years concerning both IBS and Gerd. Feb 97 end of enlistment Mentioned ibs/gerd to a couple of private docs and the prescribe otc meds again (i believe, need to check that) fast forward to 2011, Feb went on medical leave due to the diarre/gerd getting sever. Add in sever spinal stenosis and work became unbareable not to mention embarresing due to frequent "accidents". At this point I found out that these "types" of problems could be SC'd and I could claim benefits and compensation. I did not have a clue about it till now/then. And, promptly got ahold of DAV and applied for benefits and comp. middle of 2011 was diagnosed with Barrett's Disease through private doc via endoscopy. Feb 2012 with my Diabetes finally under control (not SC, at least not that know of) my VA Doc is finally taking a closer look at all my other issues: IBS/GERD/Spinal Stenosis all of which was documented in my SMR, but only a few times. Gerd, I forget what med she put me on and it should be here anyday. IBS, I need to check that med for Gerd and see if it will help me with this. Spinal Stenosis, she had me on Vicodin but it did nothing and now she has me on long term morphine and short time morphine for when it really flares up. With my stomach issues out of control I am really scared to take the meds at this moment, so I am sorta waiting on this med to get here before I start on the morphine(even though I am in considerable pain as I even sit here). The Spinal Stenosis was just treated as low back pain one time in service, maybe twice. The area was L4/L5 area which it states in SMR's. in 2005 after service , I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis L4/L5, and had two surgeries which has obviously failed yet again. My hope that those one or two times of mentions in my SMR will be enough for benefits and comp. The pain never went away then just suddenly came back, tyelonol and ibrophens kept me going through the years but it finally took in 2005, and now again in 2011 and I refuse to have another surgery in the same area again and again.. the scar tissue would/could cause me not to walk ever and I just dont' want to take that risk atm. When I go down and can't get up, maybe then. I will be going into much more detail to secure any loop holes in my claims, here on hadit. I am putting togather everything and preparing to take my tax check to hire the docs (private, IMO) to tidy everything up. I am at the gathering stage, and I really dont expect to hear from VA about my claim for some time. So, my day job now is proving my case to both SSA and VA. More on this when I get MS Word on this computer next week and have time to get everything organised so it all make sense. Then I will post everything here on hadit for much needed opnions on what I should do exactly. Anyways, this turned out to be much more than I intended to post. Thanks again for the hope.

I am posting this info as I use Wiki to do allot of research. As of Jan 18 their is going to be a internet black out on some web pages, in this case Wiki has confirmed they will be going dark for I believe 12 hours. So if your doing research or trying to get to a web page that does not come up on the 18th, then it is a possiability that particular web domain might be down for a day or less. Some pages are going down for a full 24 hours while others less than that. I am not posting this for support of any kind, I just found this out this morning and since I am doing allot of research I thought to share this info for others who are researching info to know about it and don't wonder if their computer is screwed up or their web browser has been hijacked. This is just one link on the subject, about Wiki in particular. You can google for more info on it. Washington Post: http://www.washingto...2Ke3P_blog.html

Have you been sent for any medical exams by SSA yet ? Yes. The physiatrist when I asked stated that he believed I had major drepression and anxiety(confirming what I had been told by the VA Docs), again I didnt get into the topic of PTSD with him. The physical exam stated that she could not discuss it with me. When I a got my second denial from SSA(after the above tests), they stated that even thou they felt I did have some physical impairements that I could still work. I figure that was the typical response for my appeal stage. I believe I will be able to justify my claim better in front of the appeal judge, which I am waiting on my court date. Have you asked your doc's to fill out RFC forms for you ? I do not know what a RFC is, and is that VA Docs or Private whom I need to ask? Did they do it and do you have copies ? See above What exact issues are documented in your SMR/STR's IBS Gerd Low Back Pain (Even though this is documented LBP, I am assuming I can get this to be "benefit of the doubt" for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis since thier was no follow up tests that could pinpoinit the problem at that time) I was also diagnosed with Hiatal Hernia at the time I was diagnosed with Gerd, but I did not realize that when I applied for compensation/benefits, so I am assuming I will need to add that some time in the future. From my understanding Barrett's is the result of GERD and Hiatal Hernia, but I could be wrong. BTW, I do not know what STR’s are. All dated in 1987 while in service. What are your dates of service ? 02/1987 - 02/1997 What do these MH doc's state in writing is the cause of your MD & Anxiety ? MH? I am not sure what is stated in my paper work as far as the VA Docs, I know I need to get a copy of all my paperwork from the when the time comes. Since I am still trying to get everything documented as fully as I can I don’t see a reason to get a copy at this time. They did put me on Meds (x3)to help with my problems. I have not stated my issues with PTSD that I believe I have. I have only seen the docs a few times and didnt get a chance to get into it with them. I did not have the money to travel to get into more detail of my issues. Four hundred a month only gets me so far. A new year and tax season here so I can start seeing them again. Nothing is SC as of yet, so I get no travel expenses. In a perfect world I need the VA to do: 1) MRI 2) Endoscopy 3) Colonoscopy 4) Physical fitness/endurance test (I believe there is a better term for it, just don’t know what it is atm) 5) Mental aptitude test 6) An electromyogram (EMG) test But when I tried to have them do a MRI, I was told “The VA just doesn’t DO MRI’S” So I am really not sure how to get them to do these test just on my say so. I understand these test are not cheap and they are just not going to give them too everybody that walks through the door. But, I do have (and they do to) the paperwork showing them that I have/had problems with my back (the prior MRI and paperwork from my previous surgeries on my l4/l5 areas) but I guess that’s not enough for them to look further into this issue. They just gave me Hydrocodone and sent me out the door. Which is not what I wanted, I hate taking meds and prefer pain management because I have not found anything that really (med wise) that really helps with the sever pain. What is your stressor if you are comfortable posting the very basics of it ? Jet fuel fire in pumproom on board my ship which killed two shipmates and I was on the main fire fighting team that was on the scene. After 24 hours before we could actually access the pumproom, we had to pull the fully cooked.. well you get the idea. Did you fill out - sign and submit one of these forms ? My VSO had me fill out the paperwork detailing exactly what had happen. I am not sure if this is the paperwork your referring too, but I am sure it must have been. The VSO’s in my area are VERY knowledgeable and are highly recommended by everyone I have talked too. Unfortunately due to only two of them they have little time to assist in detail on explaining every detail that is going on. If had the proper questions in my head too ask them, I am positive they can/would answer any questions in detail. I want to note that two of the the reasons I got out after ten years of service was: 1) I was having a hard time advancing (E-5 too E-6) was I could not remembering things I was studying. 2) As a DC'man I was in charge of firefighting teams and I had lost the confidence I needed to direct the teams. I did not realize it until this past year, but those are signs of depression and anxiety that could of been from PTSD I believe. I had and still have "what if syndrome" on/in just about anything I do, no matter how simple the matter is, always assuming the worst case scenerio. Thank you for your time and help in this. 　 　 　 　 　 　 　

I am in the process with VA claims, I am currently at the stage where they are still gathering information. I have been at this for 10 months and realize I have allot of time yet. But, I am also at the SSD stage for court and I am about six months out from my court date according to my lawyer. I have been looking for doctors in Indianapolis on the south side that is familiar with the VA claim language (CFR) that I could possiably see too confirm that I still have issues (documented) from the military dating back to 1987. I have nothing documented since my seperation from service, and there is documentation on most of my issues but it is limited. So basically I need to confirm I still have my issues, and link them to service related with documentation. Issues: IBS: Documented in 1987, even though I am gulf vet I was diagnosed with this in '87. Gerd: Documented 1987 and as of last year I was confirmed to have Barrett's Low back pain: Documented 1987, 2005 two spinal surguries for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis; 2011 MRI showed sever Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (exact wording on MRI) Major Depression and Anxiety: Diagnosed by VA psychiatrist and SSD psychiatrist examiner. I believe I have PTSD from service and have filed benefits, but have no documentation that I have it as of yet. I do have a stressor that was filed along with my claim. I have not worked since Feb 2011 (medcal leave). Workmans Comp case due to accident at work left me unable to work due to limitations due to my accident. The case is now closed But, during my workmans comp case I had an IME that reviewed my case for workmans comp and myhistory and my medical issues and stated on paper that he believed : "From a functional standpoint, I do not feel Mr. ^^^^^^^ is capable of work in any capacity. Given his depression, chronic low back pain, and surgical history, I would recommend that he pursue SSDI. I expect he is totally and permanently disabled." I do not think myself that this is enough for VA, nor SSD so I am looking for doctors on the south side of Indy that might be able to assist in documenting that I have had this issues dating back to 1987 and will use the wording needed according to CFR and SSD. Any suggestions?