VietNamVet1969

I received another call scheduling an in-person appointment. What other than the data they already have, would it be wise for meta add at that appointment? I'm thinking anything relative to certain residuals which include: Frequent urination Urinary incontinence Erectile dysfunction (ED) 10 percent. Requires a daytime voiding interval of between two and four hours or awakening to urinate at least two times per night. 40 percent. Requires a daytime voiding interval of less than one hour or awakening to urinate five or more times per night. Residual Rating for Urinary Incontinence Ratings for urinary incontinence are under Voiding Dysfunction. This category includes urinary incontinence, continual urine leakage, post-surgical urinary diversion, and stress incontinence. Ratings given for Voiding Dysfunction are based on the number of absorbent materials such as diapers or protective pads needing to be changed and include: 20 percent. Requires wearing absorbent materials that need to be changed less than two times per day. 40 percent. Requires wearing absorbent materials that need to be changed two to four times per day. 60 percent. Requires using an appliance or wearing absorbent materials that need to be changed more than four times per day. Residual Rating for Erectile Dysfunction ED is a typical residual of prostate cancer. It is typically given a 0 percent rating unless a deformity or loss of a reproductive organ exists.

Dustoff1970 Thanks for the dbq explanation, and I am thinking this form would be something I would ask the Urology dept to fill out for me? I can send the request as soon as I ear back from you or GBArmy. mThis is Saturday morning 11/4/2023 9am

GBArmy, Could you kindly explain the acronym in your statement: The only prep work you should do is know what disability it is you are having the ACE for, and then look up the dbq for the disability. I have just been called by an outside provider, about my choosing an in-person, or an ACE (Acceptable Clinical Evidence) evaluation, and am being given from 4:30PM on Friday till Monday to get prepared. Seems like a very short window of time. My condition is from a radical protastectomy (sp?) and am rated at 100% currently. My fear/guess is that they may be using this to reduce benefits. I do have a letter from a nurse within the VA that clearly makes reference, that even though I am and have been for 21 months now showing a 0.10 PSA reading, my condition is not considered cleared up with no chance of cancer returning after surgery and radiation therapy. Also I have conditions which are not going away. So your dbq acronym is something I should know about I believe. Thanks for your help here

Yes I think we are in agreement on everything stated. I am a retired Federal employee, over 70, the staff is a nurse practitioner, and it was sent by a veterans service officer locally. And I will follow your direction at the final determination to be considered for P&T, permanent and total, thank you sir

Thanks for the clarity GBArmy I'll assume that since it has been determined that it is service connected, and they have been paying a monthly disability for 3 1/2 years, that this is indeed S-C. And that I have just recently provided a blood test for a higher PSA reading than the past 3 1/2 years, and it is accompanied by a letter from the VA staff that confirms that, that I have an adequate NOD combination and chance at maintaining the 100% temporary disability rating. If that sounds correct, I thank you and the others here for their experience in assisting. If not please let me know.

Again I am not clear when you say "It take more than one C&P exam after you s/c disability " Not sure what s/c means, my apology I just don't have all the acronyms down yet

Thank you GBArmy. I will make that call. I am over 55 and I have never missed an appointment for a C&P. And now have proof that my PSA reading is above the level I have had for 3 1/2 years. I am very cooperative other than allowing for radiation or chemo. Thanks again

SO if I'm hearing you correctly, after 5 years of improvement, they can shut it down? Not really clear on your meaning, sorry

And btw I got my VSO to file a NOD, within less than 60 days, including a letter from VA staff, who prescribed a recent updated PSA test showing an increase in my reading, and not a decrease as the VA letter was claiming, and their determination in that letter to C*P , was that my readings have increased not decreased. I am hoping the letter and the test results will provide me with some evidence to the contrary. Also since from what I have read, that if the rating is reduced prior to 5 years of payment history, that the reduction can be a permanent reduction, but if a Vet makes it past 5 years that it will be considered a permanent rating. Does that sound correct?

GBArmy, I must apologize as I have had a computer down for quite awhile and finally just got it up and running. Thanks for your last comments, "VietNamVet1969 Good question. When they pay you 100% temp, they are not paying you for SMC's because your 100% isn't permanent. No, not for the scar; that would also have to be submitted as a new claim. Look up the criteria for scars, by the way. It isn't as straight forward as one might think. You could submit for those when you get a permanent rating, 100% , 40% whatever. " I will follow up on that once I get a permanent then.

Well I just spoke with the outside 3rd party medical provider, QTC, and they are not allowed to get me any records. I was told to call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 so after talking with someone there, I was told I'd have to mail a Form 21-4138 Statement of Support to request a hearing. But I doubt I can get this done in time for the 60 days to run out. I should mail it or fax it to DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CLAIMS INTAKE CENTER PO BOX 5235 JANESVILLE, WI 53547-5235 FAX: 844-531-7818 I was hoping I could do this online, since I don't drive as much as I used to, but doesn't look like it. I have called my VSO and awaiting their call back. After reading what Berta included in her reply I see that I should have only been reduced from 100% to a 60% disability rather than a 40% disability, because of the number of Depends I am changing daily. This has really got me in a conundrum, worried if I can get this done on time before their decision is irreversible, it's quite a stiff reduction

Thanks MarineCorp 69/70, but this has been with me since early 68 when I entered basic training

No chemo, no Radiaton just radical surgery

Yes that's how I read it too No Peripheral Nueropathy. This is strictly pain and burning without any tie to Diabetes, because I have only been once, years ago, diagnosed as pre-diabetic and have since changed my diet to include no sugar as much as is possible with today's foods.