AFMedic09

I posted this in another forum, but maybe that wasn't the best place to ask the question. So here goes: I am scheduled to have a total hysterectomy to correct the pelvic organ prolapse in April. I am currently 20% disabled for TVT bladder sling and they attached a cystocele/rectocele 0% rating to that. I also have 30%for migraines, and other conditions which are rated at 0%. (Non-GYN) for a total rating of 40%. My question is how will the hysterectomy affect my rating and how do I claim the hysterectomy after the surgery? The hysterectomy is to correct the cystocele and rectoceles and pelvic organ prolapse. It will not be removing or changing the bladder sling in any way. Will I have to file a new claim for the hysterectomy, will it change my disability at all, or will it be an increase to the pelvic claim since they had connected the cystocele/rectocele to the bladder sling? I'm sorry if this is unclear. I am confused and don't know if I should ask for an increase, file a claim after the hysterectomy, or if I should expect a decrease in my disability after the hysterectomy? Thank you so much for your time.

Hello. I am not sure of all of my ratings (Requested a new letter of the break down today). I am 20% for pelvic prolapse, 30% for migraines. I have other ratings which are zero %. My current total is 40%. I am scheduled to have a total hysterectomy to correct the pelvic organ prolapse in April. My question is how will this affect my rating and how do I claim the hysterectomy after the surgery? Meaning, will I have to file a new claim for the hysterectomy, will it change my disability at all, or will it be an increase to the pelvic claim? Actually what I am rated for is a pelvic sling. My cystocele/rectocele were rated at 0%, but that is basically what the hysterectomy will be done to (hopefully) correct. I'm sorry for not being clear before. I just found where I had typed out my ratings here on hadit.com. :) Thank you so much for your time.

Hello! I am 34 years old and currently 40% disabled due to various chronic conditions. I am 20% disabled for a prolapsed bladder. I was seen in the VA hospital today and told I require a hysterectomy. (Will probably leave ovaries) to correct a prolapsed uterus and to reconstruct my vaginal walls due to incontinence, pain, bleeding, and inability to have a bowel movement. My question is will this "corrective" surgery cause more issues and if so what are they? Also, how will this affect my disability rating? I have 40% for migraines, 20% for stress incontinence which I had surgery for a bladder sling in 2003 to "correct", but still having issues. Any help or advice is much appreciated. Thank you!

I have never put this in writting to the VA, because the first two exams done by this doctor were for other issues as well, and I thought when they scheduled this third exam she would do a thorough exam. I have sent in the report from the Urology/Gynecology doctor from UNC who catheterized me, measured my urine output, cyctocele/rectoceles, and rated them 3rd degree. That was in 2009. Now in 2012 this VA Dr says I have a first degree rectocele and cyctocele, and the report states I wear pantyliners when I clearly showed her my pads. Also, I use medical device for internal support. I received my package from the VA and they rated me 0% for this issue. I just don't see how that is possible. How do I get a GOOD exam by a REAL uro/gyn provider? Do I have to go outside the VA to get this care, and what should my next steps be? My VA doctor (primary care) is sending me to Gainesville for an unrelated GYN concern...should I ask them about this when I get there? I am at a loss for what to do. I don't understand how they can totally ignore a report by a specialist, and rule based off of an exam which clearly has me "Cured". There is only one "cure" for this, and it is surgical intervention - the VA C&P Dr. even told me that. She is a nice doctor, and I don't mean to bash her, but this obviously is not her area of expertise. Sorry for the rant, but I am frustrated. This has been a 3 year road...to 0%.

Aggie, I'd like to know the same thing. I was rated in May of this year at 40%. (20% for TVT and 30% for migraines) Deferred a few items, and gave 0% on a few others. I have been waiting for my deferred items. Completed a third C&P on Nov. 1st. I haven't checked ebene in a few days but when I just logged in it said Pending Notification. No change to my AB8. :( I'm discouraged by what I have read about that - usually has been a denial) I don't know how...I got a copy of the C&P and the dr. said "At least as likely as not.." But she did not give me the diagnosis the UNC Uro. GYN doctor gave me (Which was a much more thorough exam, and testing) Not sure how the UNC Dr. said I have a 3rd degree prolapse, and this C&P Dr says it's 1st degree? They sent me to the same Dr all 3 times, and she did the same exam...nothing new, and didn't examine me the same as my UNC specialist. (Have to put the intstument in sideways to see prolapse...otherwise you're holding up the bladder/uterus with the speculum) Anyway, I say all of that to say I WISH YOU LUCK!! I hope this is just not updated yet, and our AB8's will be there after the next update which is scheduled for tonight.

Well, my claim for cyctocele and rectocele has been decided according to ebenefits. It says Preparation for Notification. No change in my AB8. I have had 3 different C&P's for this issue. However, the exams were the same, and not done properly. When I went to UNC uro/gyn while i was in the military the doctor told me they had to put the speculum in sideways in order to see if there was a cycocele or rectocele. The doctor at the C&P was the same all 3 times, and she put the speculum in normally. How can you see any prolapse if you are holding it up with a speculum? I will wait for my mail, but I don't have a good feeling since the AB8 isn't updated. Still sitting at 40% there. Just logged in - didn't check it yesterday. It says "Appeal is Possible" and no change to AB8. :( Doesn't bode well for me.

You're very lucky. My claim is through St. Pete filed on Jan 24, 2010. Still waiting for deferred items. Some were decided in May of 2012, but the others I have had 3 C&P's for....and still in Gathering of Evidence. Stinks. They denied my PTSD, not because there was no evidence, but because I haven't seen psych since I was in the military. (2009). Started going back to psych in Aug, and I'm on meds, therapy now. Thinking I should appeal that decision. I get seen for free because I am an OIF/OEF vet, but no disability for it. Congrats on your win.

donh777 - Just a heads up. Mine was Prep for Decision. Then C&P scheduled, and now I am back in Gathering of Evidence after the C&P, and close date moved from May 2013 to May 2014. So be prepared they will probably use this as an excuse to delay your file too. These are deferred issues initially claimed Oct. 2010, (formal claim Jan 2011). So they are just dragging thier feet..IMO and this was the THIRD C&P for same issues...the exam hasn't changed, and is still not fact finding in my opinion. So I don't know why they keep sending me to the same C&P examiner to have the same exam done, and not making a decision on my claim. When I was sent to UNC for this condition to a uro/gyn specialist she did a specific set of tests to determine my level of prolapse/incontinence/ect. This Dr. isn't doing the exam the correct way, so I'm not sure how she can even view my prolapse when she is holding my bladder up with the speculum? (Supposed to put it in sideways I was told so that you can view the prolapse) Anyway, it's frustrating. Hoping they will finally send me to a specialist. Going this morning to request my C&P notes...

So, I finished my second C&P for Incontenence, Cyctocele/Rectocele, and Prolapsed bladder/Uterus. At the time of the exam (Nov 1st) I was in Preparation for Decision. Today I checked my status and I am at Gathering of Evidence again. New timeline is 11/2013-5/2014. REALLY?!?!?!?! I am confused by this because this should have been the last hurdle to completing these deferred issues. (Assuming I don't have to NOD the decision once made...) Checked my letters to see if there was a change and they had all disappeared for about 2 hours, and now they are back up just the same as they were before. Another year to decide this issue that has been pending since 10/2009?? The C&P dr told me that I should speak with my VA Dr. about having hysterectomy because otherwise my condition would not improve. (I have another discussion about that on the C&P Forum) So I thought she agreed with the Urology/Gyn Dr. from Duke/UNC whose report I have already submitted to the VA during my initial Gathering of Evidence. I just hope this is a glitch...not sure what else they could want to do to me...I'm still in pain from my exam done on Thursday. Just ready for all of this to be over.

Thank you for your VERY informative post. I would not opt. to have my ovaries removed. I do not have any issues with them aside from the occasional cyst. I am rated for a TVT I had done while on active duty which lifted my bladder. However, that procedure had its own complications, and is no longer effective. Being that I am only 32, and while I do not plan to have any more children, would your recommendation be to hold off on the hysterectomy? The doctors have always said that would be the ultimate result of my issues, but the time was never discussed. Now the C&P Dr. told me that I need to have this done or else my issues will not be resolved. I am a scared to have this procedure done at 32...but at the same time living with having to wear pads and never knowing when I won't be able to control it is something I would like to move on from. Thank you again for your response.

Went for my C&P on my deferred claim of Uterus prolapse, cyctocele, rectocele, and incontinence. The Dr. said she was recommending a hysterectomy. Not sure what that means, or if she even saw the cyctocele or rectocele because she didn't put the speculum in sideways. (Placed in normally and openined up would support the top and bottom of the pelvic wall, when placed sideways and opened it will reveal prolapse.) Anyway, she said it's not going to get better until the VA does a hysterectomy. I am 32, but I really can't keep living my life with the pain, and embrarassment this defect causes. Any advice or crystal ball predictions for the outcome of this C&P? BTW, I saw this same Dr. in my initial C&P in April 2011. She did the exact same exam then, but these issues were deferred for further development.

Well that could be your problem....I would put in a claim for TVT. Let them know what if any issues this is causing you. (i.e. Pain with intercourse, bleeding, continued incontinence... etc) This is a surgery you have in your SMR, so you should have no problem verifying it. Good luck!!

Thank you Pete. Still waiting for RO to call me back. 5 calls in one day and now nothing... When I called Peggy they said they had my deferred items at the ratings stage. I'm not sure if this means they are saying they are non-service connected. One of them is prolapsed bladder, cyctocele/rectocele. I am already rate 20% SC for TVT bladder sling. So how can they say these are non-service connected? So many questions right now due to this new non-service connected pension contention now.

I hope two things for you...#1 it doesn't jump back in the process, and #2 it is a fair and accurate decision. Good luck, and God bless!!

:( Doesn't sound good for me then...

There is a new contention on e-benefits dated yesterday for Non-service connected pension. I make too much money to qualify for this, and I am only 40% rated. I have been waiting on a few deferred items to be decided on since the other rating in May 2012. I called Peggy today and they said I am Pending Decision. I have waited all day for the RO to call me back (they called 5 times yesterday, but I wasn't home). Does this mean they have not SC'd me for these conditions? If anyone has had any experience with this please advise. (You can also see my post on ebenefits forum which has specific wording of what ebenefits says they need.) I have done multiple searches for anyone who may have gone through something similar, but haven't found anyone.

Florida. St. Pete RO

Thank you! I am waiting for Peggy to call me back. Just wondering why it changed from Gathering of Evidence to Preparation for Decision. I am hoping these are the issues which had been deferred, and not TDIU or pension. I have a good job, with good benefits. Hopefully Peggy can clear this up, or the regional office will call me back today. I'll let you all know.

I'm sorry the message said this: Please provide medical evidence of your permanent inability to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment due to disability. Date requested:9/17/2012 Due Date: 10/18/2012 -In support of your claim for pension, we need (1) evidence showing that you have qualifying active duty service (at least 90 days of active duty, one of which was during a period of war), (2) evidence showing you have qualifying income and net worth, and (3) medical evidence showing that you are unable to work because of your disabilities.Date Requested:9/17/2012 Date Due: 10/18/2012 I didn't apply for pension...I don't think. I just filed a disability claim. I have been waiting for these other items to be decided before I filed a NOD for some of the things I was not rated for. (PTSD/anxiety being one, which I have recently started being seen for at the VA, and placed on meds to treat) I ws allowed PTSD for purpose of treatment, but not rated. It simply said there was no evidence that I am currently being treated in reason for not rated. This was the main issue I wanted to NOD. Also, I thought for TDIU you had to have one SC rated at 40%? I am rated 30 for migraines, and 20 for Bladder sling. (Several 0% as well) But my total disability is 40%, for those issues. Am I wrong? Does this mean they have rated me on one of the pending issues at at least 40%? Or is there no way to tell? Just checked ebenefits and there is a new claim for Non-Service connected pension. Never heard of it, but I know hubby and I make way too much for me to qualify for it. Why would they put me in for that? Any insight?

I had 3 missed calls at home (all within 10 minutes) and 2 missed calls on my cell 3 minutes apart. I checked e-benefits and it says Pending Decision which is a change from Gathering Evidence. I had a few issues that were not decided in May when I got 40%. I looked in "What we still need" and saw the below.... Please explain. I have a full time job. I never said I couldn't work - so I don't understand? Also, can't they figure out I am a War time Vet from the DD214 I gave them in 2009, and my previous rating. Please provide medical evidence of your permanent inability to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment due to disability. Date Requested: 09/17/2012 Due Date: 10/18/2012 In support of your claim for pension, we need (1) evidence showing that you have qualifying active duty service (at least 90 days of active duty, one of which was during a period of war), (2) evidence showing you have qualifying income and net worth, and (3) medical evidence showing that you are unable to work because of your disabilities. Date Requested: 09/17/2012 Due Date: 10/18/2012

I have to go in tomorrow and register. I thought I already did that when I went for my C&P's, but apparently not. Hopefully this clinic can get me in. The hospital told me they have a 700 person waiting list. :( I just want to see a mental health doctor...I am feeling very down.

Hello! I won part of my claim in May. I am 40% rated currently. I am wondering what needs to be done for the issues they did not make decisions on, and in eBenefits says "Gathering of Evidence"? I wanted to go back and fight for my mental health claim, but I don't know how to do that. I don't see anyone, and I'm not on medication. (But I should be...I am just embarrassed to go)..I was approved for purposes of treatment for my depression and PTSD, but not rated as disabled for them. (Not even 0%) Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you for the advice Carlie, Reddit, and Justrluck. :) I'm really glad I found this site.

Berta - I will try to cover and scan my entire letter so that you can see what I am talking about. Will try to do this on Saturday as I am working until tomorrow morning, and have to be back in at 4pm. Thank you for your time.

Thank you Grid. My local VA has a 700 person waiting list, but I am not sure if that includes Mental Health treatment...I will call now and find out.