SueEdel

I was never afforded a C&P exam for the fibro. The denial does state that I do indeed have fibro and that I am currently being treated according to VA records. It also states medical records show no diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Of course they don't as the term was not generally in use at the time. It was about 1988 that the symptoms were linked and the medical community then called it fibrositis (yes I had that). By 1990 the term fibromyalgia was in use. I had a year of unusual symptoms that they could not link together. It was suspected at the time that I had MS.

This is similar to what was submitted by two my VA PCP and My civilian doctor. C-File #XXXXXXXX As the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation provider for XXXXX XXXXX, I have treated XXXXXXX for over 15 years. Rehabilitation Medicine is the medical specialty concerned with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients with physical disabilities. Rehabilitation Specialists of Uniontown is a multidisciplinary group practice with four board certified/eligible physicians utilizing comprehensive evaluation, assessment and treatment for musculoskeletal injuries, pain, and impairment. Rehab Specialists offers Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Interventional Pain Management, Pharmacological Pain Management, Osteopathic Manual Medicine, Manual, Aqua and Physical Therapy and Medical Acupuncture. As I have provided care for XXXX XXXXXXX, I’ve become familiar with her medical history, past and present infirmities and I’ve reviewed pertinent parts of her military record that document her illness, disease and clinical conditions related to the events that occurred during her military service. I note XXXX XXXXXXXX became ill during her active duty military service on 00/00/1976. The results of her illness have been ongoing, long lasting, and as she has gotten older her condition has deteriorated. XXXXX XXXXXX suffers from constant widespread musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbance, stiffness and fatigue. She continues to undergo treatment by me and is prescribed medications for insomnia, anxiety, and pain. It is my opinion that it is as least likely as not that her current fibromyalgia symptoms began in 1976 and that there is a medical nexus between XXXX XXXXXX active duty service-connected illness and her fibromyalgia disability of today. ____________________________________ _______________________ My Doctor

I am not seeing them listed in the evidence.

I recently received a denial to SC fibromyalgia. My symptoms started while I was enlisted in the Navy. One of the issues is that it is the term fibromyalgia was not used in medical jargon on a regular basis until about 1988 which is 11 years from my honorable discharge (under medical conditions). Nothing in my military medical records says fibro--but the symptoms--which they were chasing around trying to find a diagnosis were there. The statement is "SC for fibro is denied because evidence does not show an event, disease or injury in service. You submitted a lay statement to support your claim. A credible lay statement may establish what was seen, heard and directly experienced. The lay evidence was found not to be competent and sufficient in this case to establish a link of nexus between your medical condition and military service or to establish that such a link has been found by a medical professional." I provided two letter to provide a nexus. One was from my PCP at the VA who has treated me for about 10 years (although recently was removed as my doctor for reasons unexplained to me). The other letter was provided by my rehab chronic pain specialist who has treated me for over 15 years. Both letters follow the sample nexus formula. I am wondering why they would not consider one of their own doctors a medical professional? For that matter, why a highly respected doctor in the treatment of pain and fibro is disregarded? Why are these considered lay statements and not medical opinions?

Wonderful news! Good luck.

My mom receives Aid and Attendance benefits from the VA. Since she has dementia they have proposed a fiduciary (me). My parents both receive the benefit as both are veterans. Due to their ages-it doesn't really make sense to appoint my father. Got a call today from the field officer. Surprised me as I heard it would take some time to actually hear from one. We plan to have a field visit in a few days. What can we expect to happen in this visit? He originally said an hour-but when he found out my mom ws not widowed but was married to another veteran with A&A--he said maybe 2 hours. Any input?

I logged in this morning and it worked for me.

Some of us did have our claims go into the completed phase yesterday.

I suspect that my claim and a few others that had moved suddenly starting September 30 where in the chute to be processed. Theses files should be ok to finish the process as the claim is nearly complete. My thought is that is what we are seeing--the completion of the files that were moving.

I heard they were getting a lot done as management is furloughed and they can finally get stuff cranked out w/o being interrupted by BS from the bosses.

I was not able to get into the site yesterday until midafternoon at which time my claim showed as completed.

I see that I need to request from each location. Not sure if there is a special form to have them sent to me.

Worked like a charm today. Claim complete. Opened in 03/2012.

Working today. My claim moved a notch and is complete.

Ok. 7 Days. Done. Complete. 80% combined.

Yes and my claim showed as completed today.

My claim was actually completed today. Indeed they are working on claims.

How do I request all my records from my local clinic? I want to do this online or via US Mail. My clinic is in one state and is under the umbrella of a VA Regional Hospital in another state. I've been at this clinic off and on since it opened in 1978. The BLUE BUTTON online does not go back that far. I am looking for some specifics regarding the timeframe when I was issued a TENS unit, some physical therapy and when they had a doctor come in from the hospital to DX fibro. Trying to make sure I have EVERY record available on the care I received at the VA.

Claim closed today at 80% combined. Was 60% combined. Not really able to get more info as my VSO can't get into any more data that I can at ebenefits due to shut down. Will know more when letter arrives.

I've been at this since 1977. Ain't going away. Not dying anytime soon.

I always forget about the VA math issue too. I am pleased but was hoping to completely done with this fight.

Just looked at e-benefits. Claimed closed at 80%. I was previously rated at 60%. Can't really tell the whole deal until the envelope arrives. I suspect the unemployability issue was denied perhaps deferred because I was just over the poverty level in earnings. This is an arguable point as I am working in a family owned sheltered environment and I am paid a decent wage due to having several college degrees related to my employment.

Good luck!

Congrats. A burden lifted from your shoulders. Happy dance!!!

Wow! Congrats. Always good to hear stories of successful claims, thank you for sharing yours.