sixthscents

Did your primary care physician write a letter saying you needed air conditioning... that's all it takes for approival. If you suffer from a bone injury thenchanges in climate can affect your pain level, and so you need air conditioning... at least thats what mine said. You have to have some kind of medical necessity though... and a doctors letter stating such. If you had this, I really dont see how they COULD have denied it.

AFO = Ankle Foot Orthotic (device) Basically it is a hardened plastic (really really hard) molded device which holds your foot level, witch allows no movement of the ankle, the AFO goes up the leg to just below the knee (most of them anyway some are a little different, and the used to be made out of metal). Since your foot is secured, people who suffer foot-drop or a reduced plantar or dorsi-felxion have a foot they can trust not to just give out. I wear 2. One on each leg.

Here it is.... Subcommittee Chair Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin (D-S.D.) introduced H.R. 675, the Disabled Veterans Adaptive Housing Act, which is being co-sponsored by Boozman. The bill if approved would increase the amount of assistance available to disabled veterans for specially adaptive housing grants. The bill would increase the maximum amount from the current $50,000 to $60,000. So look up HR 675... heck I will here http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-675

Have you applied for a HISA grant? Thats like $4100 I think right there and can be used repeatedly. Also no I didn't think you were downing me but you made a valid point and I wanted everyone to see it. I think the info was pretty solid let me check up on it and see if I can find the Bill/amendment etc.

I've said this before. A C & P examiner cannot objectively measure what cannot be observed when masked by prescription drugs. I agree... but and this is a QUESTION... please I am looking for opinions made in a coherent and calm manner, not a flame war ok? please? does this mean a veteran should not take their medications prior to a C&P, and if they do is this wrong. I mean is compensation is paid for illness, or injuries incurred PRIOR to treatment, or the remaining function AFTER treatment... which is it, and is medication considered treatment since it only treat the symptoms but does not affect a cure, as opposed to say a surgery where a joint was replaced... The joint replacement actually addressed the injury or illness and partially (perhaps) corrected it. So, should the VA then rate on the remaing loss of function? Also, again since medication treats only the symptomns and does not directly reduce the injury, would it be ETHICAL for the vteran not to take some or all of their meds prior to a C&P so the Doctor would get a REAL injury picture... honestly how COULD the doctor get a REAL injury picture with the veteran taking medications which may mask some or all of the disabilities effects? Again this is a question.... I am really asking that we debate this issue because I am uncertain myself how to address it... howevere I am NOT asking or supporting lying on a claim... not now not ever, but is not taking your meds lying in a way?...... I am NOT saying it is, I am asking opinions as to wether it is or not. I KNOW there are going to be some passionate replies... please I am only asking this because I am unsure of my own stance. Let's discuss this if you'd like. Also, I liked the pill thing... yep the meds information are available in the system easily but NOTHING beats seeing them. Good on YA!!

I know Dr. Bash has gotten a bit "gun shy" about partial payments at least that's what I heard. He apparently got burned by some vets... again this is second-hand so it may or may not be true. Personally I would keep looking for a laywer to represent you... now that the legal resident status is cleared up they shouldnt be shy... just go to as many as it takes to get one to take the case on a percentage of final ruling - like the social security laywers do... They do it ALL the time, so just keep knocking on attorney doors. Search for some on the net... etc. I really really think anyone needs an attorney to get the proper compensation for your loss. My sympathies go out to you...

Rick you make a real valid point.... I was just basically going by what MY experience was... that's really all I have to go off of, except when I watch it happen with other vets, or some vet is helpful and nice enough to tell THEIR story (kinda like you did)... The way I see it, that is one of the PRIMARY reasons for Hadit and veteran communities to exist. Please, I have stated before, but let me restate, I base my comments and opinons on my own experience, the regulatory guidance (if available), and the experiences of others that I have heard about. Generally if I say something is opinion... thats just it, my opinion. I mistakenly represented my last post here as fact, when in truth it's just what I think I know, based upon my own experience, and the regulatory guidance. That does NOT mean I am completely or even partially correct. I think what I said was "essentially" correct, but I also think Rick was very right in pointing out that there is more than one path to achieve the same goal, BUT I think we can both agree that the requirements or qualification for these benefits are mandated by the VA, and are factual... (since I simply restated them in some cases). Any veteran can go to www.va.gov and do a search for adaptive vehicle grant... etc. and read the guidance themselves. Also the increase was propposed as an amendment to HR 1385 (?) I think, I'll have to look it up, but I and my Adaptive Housing Rep (since I am renovating a property to VA standards... and the grant is paying "after the fact"... it's unusual, but allowed) anyway we were talking last week and he mentioned it.... stated he thought it'd go up by 1 Jan 08... but I cant remember who he said proposed it, etc. I'll look it up, but I do know that it's in the works and hopefully will get passed. It started almost at the same time the 3-way split regulation came out according to my rep (he's really a GREAT guy... one of the 20%ers doing it all) Anyway... good point (maybe I should have just said that huh?) Ha! Bob Smith

Streach... I am personally sorry that this has happened. Yeah the VA raters sometimes are just idiots... not all but some. I am trying to be fair because I have met some really decent ones.... but I gotta say they are not the majority. I already ranted today about this... so all I can say is... I'm sorry. I wish it were different.

OK I went to the psych C&P today and pulled the records dating back to the last C&P to see what was actually said. I'll fill you all in but I want to answer some questions first. OK SMC is Special Monthly Compensation - Aid and Attendance is PART of SMC... it is, for all intents and purposes just another name for SMC. The requirements to qualify for the different rates of SMC are covered in CFR 38 section 3.350-3.352. A simple search will pull up these pertinent sections, SMC is also covered in section 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities) under CFR 38.... SMC is money in ADDITION to compensation that is paid for aid and attendance of an individual. It is supposed to cover things like a person to help clean, a person to help cook, etc. It ALSO goes even further and if the veteran qualifies it will pay for full time care, R1 being essentially CNA's or just people hired who are following an established care plan by a licensed individual (primary care physician, nurse etc.... mostly nurses write care plans) R2 provides even greater funding for skilled care (LPN's and CNA's) who are there to provide wound care, injections, insertion and removal of catheters etc. If you look up the compensation tables at www.va.gov, you will see a section below compensation labeled SMC... this is the rate one is paid if they qualify for SMC at the various levels. Again, a great many things go into determining each claim and the level of SMC they qualify for. Now in paticular, in answer to the the person whos father is a vet with compensation etc. I would file for SMC and see what they came out with. It is important to note that if the SPOUSE of a veteran is also disabled (like say receiving Social Security Disability - or had prior to age 65) then there is additional funds paid... they list this fact at the bottom of the SMC chart and show how much extra, its not much but its something. Financial Income has NO bearing on a veteran who is receiving compensation at the rate you described... or at any rate. It is not means based for vets who receive compensation, it is based upon the mad qualifying factors laid out in CFR 38 3.350-3.352 and the VASRD. Honestly read the sections and the qualifying factors.... by what you say I would think that your father would qualify for SMC at an R1 or R2 rate... but it all depends on the primary care physician and what they say, the C&P doc, and what THEY say, and how the Rater interprets this information. Personally after reviewing the statements made by MY C&P doctor, she was just as great as I thought. Based upon what she stated as fact, and what my primary care stated as fact... I feel comfortable that if the rater even has one wheel on the ground I'll get R1 at least. The C&P rater stated that I required assistance with everything, from walking to cooking, to well everything except eating... every other category she put requires assistance. She noted the muscle spasms, the loss of feeling and complete (almost) loss of streangth. She stated that I would be permanently bedridden for the rest of my life. While this fact does NOT fill me with joy and happiness, the idea that I might get some assistance in paying for my CNA's is really great. If we had not been financially very stable prior to this, well I dont know what we would have done. As it is, its like pouring money out a boot every week paying for these baby-sitters out of pocket. Again, hopefully they will back pay me.... I can dream right? Now, you asked what are the differing requirements between R1 and R2... from what I can see one is care by cna's or lessor qualifications simply following an established care plan, with periodic follow-ups with the case manager (telephone monthly is fine)... R2 on the other hand is "skilled" care where the care givers need to be a little higer certified CNA's LPN's etc to do the necessary functions... like injections, rehab therapy, wound crae, etc... So, it all boils down to the level of care the VA deteramines is necessary for the individual, and how much.... The rating tables for SMC start at K (I dont know why they didnt start at A, but K it is) an thats like only an additional $90 dollars ($87 i think) that goes on top of a veterans normal compensation... the rates then go L,M,N,O/P R1,R2, and S... plus there are half-rates... so there is an L1/2 rate, and an M1/2 rate... this does NOT include R1, R2 or S... there is no R1 1/2 rate. As the rateings go up the money significantly increases... hang on Ill cut and paste ONE section... This is ONE section of the SMC rate table... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Without Children, SMC-L through SMC-N Dependent Status L L½ M M½ N Veteran Alone $3,075 $3,233 $3,392 $3,626 $3,860 Veteran with Spouse $3,214 $3,372 $3,531 $3,765 $3,999 Veteran with Spouse and One Parent $3,326 $3,484 $3,643 $3,877 $4,111 Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents $3,438 $3,596 $3,755 $3,989 $4,223 Veteran with One Parent $3,187 $3,345 $3,504 $3,738 $3,972 Veteran with Two Parents $3,299 $3,457 $3,616 $3,850 $4,084 Additional A/A spouse. See footnote (:) $126 $126 $126 $126 $126 Normal Compensation table with the same qualifiers... 70% - 100% Without Children Dependent Status 70% 80% 90% 100% Veteran Alone $1,135 $1,319 $1,483 $2,471 Veteran with Spouse Only $1,232 $1,430 $1,608 $2,610 Veteran with Spouse & One Parent $1,310 $1,519 $1,708 $2,722 Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents $1,388 $1,608 $1,808 $2,834 Veteran with One Parent $1,213 $1,408 $1,583 $2,583 Veteran with Two Parents $1,291 $1,497 $1,683 $2,695 Additional for A/A spouse (see footnote B) $88 $101 $113 $126 So in comparison a rate of N of SMC is $3,860, while simple comp at 100% rate is $2,471... that a difference of $1389. The veteran gets this 1389 in addition to the compensation rate. PLEASE NOTE that you still get additional compensation for a disabled spouse under NORMAL compensation as well as SMC..... Now the veteran can be rated at 10% comp, and get an additional SMC rating... its kinda improbable but a vet could get 10% comp and an SMC rating of say N, and get that additional $1389 paid on top of their 10%... not likely but possible I suppose. OK so, I HOPE this helps explain SOME of the things about Aid and Attendance (also referred to as A/A) aka Special Monthly Compensation. You are going to have to do SOME of the research on your own because its just too much for me to type... please go to the references and read them. Then hit me with some questions... Further, If a rater or ex-rater would like to chime in here and ask me what the doc and rater said and give me an idea if I'll get R1 or R2 I'd REALLY appreciate it. I think I know the deal, but it NEVER hurts to get expert opinion... and dont worry if you say I am completely wrong I am a big boy, and can admit error. I am just trying to make sure I am reading this stuff right in my own case... OK... I can type no more... this is killing me.... sorry. Bob Smith

Normally I TRY and take the attitude that RO's are people just like us caught in the system..... then you see some horror story like this and I know that while there are some good people in the system there are others who look at us a welfare claimaints.... like we are deadbeats trying to get something we dont deserve. Sadly there ARE some fakes out there, just enough to lend a BIT, (a very small bit, but a bit none the less) of credence to some of this negative attitude. I gotta agree with jbasser... tear the whole thing down. If that means tearing down MY rating and redoing it along more logical lines... well so be it. I am burned out I guess, or getting there. I spent the whole day at the VA today for yet another C&P exam.... this after 6 years of filings and ratings.... Tear the whole thing down, and start again from scratch. Slowly... logically.. with the needs of the INDIVIDUAL veteran and compassion at the forfront. Fire EVERY RO who thinks compensation is a privilege, and not an earned right... fire EVERY employee who is just there to catch a check... and deny care to the veterans who cant be polite and courteous to the people THEY are dealing with as well. Base it upon an ASSUMED system of respect... and not just word but actions and INTENT to back that up. BOTH WAYS... veteran and the VA. I am sick of feeling like I am applying for foodstamps when I fill out a claim, and deal with some of the snide, arrogant, overpaid, and underworked jerks who staff some of the rating positions.... and then to beat it all I meet an incredible, honest and hardworking C&P examiner..... and some RO's as well. I personally think that ALL the work that the rating section accomplishes.. well 80% of it gets done by 20% of the staff. Last week a moron vet was using one of the phones at the VAMC. When he finished he threw a big piece of paper on the floor and started to walk away. I said "hey, you dropped your paper"... the lazy, idiot looked at me and mumbled something about being done with it... and kept walking. I got up and threw the thing away, but I managed to give the bum a piece of my mind while doing it. He looked startled that someone would be po'd that he didn't have enough respect for HIMSELF that he would treat our resources that way. It a two way street with veterans who demand things they never deserved (only a few but enough to tar us all)... and raters and C&P contract doc's who seem to be treating US as welfare cases. Like I said, I just spent all day at the VAMC so I am a bit miffed... and then a story like this really gets me going. They only thing I HAVE to say is that it is a two way street, and I have seen a LOT of vets who just have no respect for other veterans or the employees..... I am so sick of it all, I gotta agree tear it ALL down and start over... I am sorry if I upset some of you with what is, I guess a rant... but it is the way I feel, and I felt the need to express it. I welcome opposing views, and am willing to admit that this is just MY opinion and I can be wrong... heck I am wrong all the time according to my wife. Anyway, thanks for listening to my rant.. Bob Smith current rating over 200% schedular and still trapped in the system.....

OK, after reading this obviously there has been some confusion.. a determination of loss of use is required for the automobile grant... a determination of necessity is required for adaptive equipment as determined by the local or closest VAMC orthopedics department, and the automobile adaptive equipment specialist. The specialist will set a date to meet with you preferrably in the vehicle to be adapted and observe how you drive. Based upon that he/she will reccomend certain adaptive items. I have both the automobile adaptive grant (already used)... and the adaptive equipment necessity. A veteran can have (2) vehicles adapted for free at any one time. If they sell a vehile they should attempt to schedule for the adaptive equipment to be removed by the installing company if possible... however it will NOT preclude them getting another vehicle adapted... common vehicle apatations include but are not limited to... Air Conditioning (special note needed from doc on this) Auto Trans Hand controls Auto light Auto Wipers Power windows power locks rear window defrost leather seats power seat adjust auto ramps auto sliding doors and more it depends on what the evaluator says you need but if you need hand controls you pretty much need all the other stuff too... since you only have one hand because the other is on the gas/brake handle... Now you take the sticker with the acessories on the car, and submit this with a claim thru the adaptive vehicle agency coordinator... and you get a SEPERATE check from you adaptive vehicle grant. Like I said this can be used again and again (within reason of course) over your life as you buy new cars with these options since you have to have them... even before the other adaptations are included by a contractot (like hand controls, electric ramps etc) I THINK they cut me a check for about $2400... or there abouts. Something like that, and this is a permanent entitlement as long as the injury or illness requiring the adaptation is present. The adaptive vehicle grant is a ONE time deal where the cut the dealer a check for $11K... it may be more now, but thats what it was when I bought my Lincoln. One time ONLY (for now anyway... maybe they change that too)... and it does require loss of use The adaptive housing grant (50K now but going up to 60K) can be used in 3 increments or all at once and loss of use, with other stuff is required. Anyway... I hope that clears some of this up... I can quote the applicable reg if yall want, but Id have to look it up since its not on the tip of my tongue.

Since I am undergoing this process for R2 or R1 (whichever they decide) I thought it might be a good idea to start a topic and discuss what others went thru to receive it.... Currently my VA Primary Care doctor has stated that I would require skilled care 24-7 at home, or a referral to a nursing home. I filed the claim stating that if they couldn't provide the necessary funding, or some sort of home healthcare providers.. well they would need to place me in a nursing facility. They came back with this huge list of claims... I was actually shocked. I wrote them back stating that no I was not attempting to claim this or that... (I thought that listing my claims 1-5 and printing them in bold would be clear enough).. and restated my case. I then went to the medical C&P, and a VERY nice doctor did the eval. I had my primary care person (a CNA I pay for myself) present, and my sister.. a director of nursing at the closest VA contract nursing home.. also an RN. We had a care plan, etc.... and I gotta say the doctor was really really incredible. Now you never know exactly what they type until you pull the record, but she said things like "I not going to check that... its obvious and isnt going to improve" etc. etc... She had a LONG list of things she was supposed to check though, and with my sister/RN and the CNA I am paying a fortune for... $12 hr... (sigh) she was able to answer them without asking me almost anything. I do know that for all the rotation questions she answered no rotation possible due to injury and pain... or at least most of them. I didn't realize that the VA does not provide home health care except for short periods. This is looking to be a long term issue, and I am honestly debating going into a nursing home. The ONLY thing stopping me right now is my 8 year old daughter.... (sigh) Anyway, they also set up a psych C&P... thats going to be a joke though, they have me in weekly counseling now so they should have a fairly clear picture with me walking-wheeling in, but I expect a million and one questions. Just me and the wife for this one though. Like I said its an issue between R1 & R2... I wondered if anyone had any experience with the differences... the applicable reg is CFR 38 3.350 and 3.352, but they are a bit vague to be honest I meet all the critrea for both. Obviously for those who know me this is all new. I have been out of the loop for quite a while, and am only VERY slowly poking around again from my bed (hey it gave me an excuse to buy the 22 inch LCD monitor and wireless keyboard etc.). Anyway... just wondering. I am classed as "skilled" care if I was in a nursing home... so I wonder if that would make a difference? Mmmm... probably need to know the new injuries... rupture at L5-S1/L4-L5 L2-L3... incontinence/w indwelling catheter... major pain major muscle spasms constant... (the doctor actually saw and felt them - I thought that was a good thing)in legs and lower back. Loss of ability to balance, loss of memory (pain meds I guess) etc etc..... loss of streangth, mobility, inability to dress or put on ortho aplliances by myself, bath etc. The CNA cooks, cleans -lightly, etc. Rehab has written me off not Voc-rehab... rehab. They say until this is fixed or the muscle spasms reduced physical therapy will do more harm than good. They even annotated this into my records so as to make sure no one tries... How did it happen? You got me. One day I was bad but stable (had been for 2-3 years)... next morning I woke up with this... go figure. Anyway... opinions accepted.

While it is quite common for the VA to grant "loss of use" for a foot when the veteran wears an "AFO", in almost ALL cases... or all but one that I have seen the VA also required some proof of nerve damage thru an EMG. The case I didn't see it, but thought it could be won was where the thalamus of the brain was damaged and this would NOT show up on an EMG. I think a decent claim could be made there, but otherwise, while having an "AFO" seems to be almost a necessity for loss of use, a solid EMG showing some abnormality... not great just some is usually required by the rater as well. How many times have we seen this question now?.... hehe By the way all the ex-raters I have discussed this with have stated that they did and do require the EMG, and if you claim loss of use, its an almost automatic C&P.

Generally they are pretty good about getting someone there pretty quick. That's been my experience with other claimaints so far anyway. Pete is ABSOLUTLY correct... call the VA tomorrow at 8 am.... tell them you are homeless until this is done etc. They'll get it moving.... just call them at ONCE. Call both the 1-800 number, your local VAMC and your congressional rep. ASAP. Also you can go here: http://www1.va.gov/homeless/index.cfm for more information...

Woops. should have said you have to be 100%, either schedular or TDIU to get the plates in Tennessee. You'll have to have a special letter from the local VARO. I think it took about 2 weeks to get mine after requesting it on the 1-800 number. Again rules vary from state to state.

Well if entropent is saying that... which is inferred I think, he is right. He is quoting CFR 38's basic requirements. Essentially Loss of Use is established when the ability for foreward propulsion is the same is an amputee. That does NOT mean you have to BE an amputee, just essentially have the same amount of function. Generally, or in almost ALL cases loss of use determination requires establishment of nerve damage that is shown by the administration of an EMG. Now there are exceptions to everything... and an example would be someone who has a problem in the thalamus of the brain... this is not detectable on an EMG, but if this issue was established, and a doctor provided an IMO stating that the thalamus could cause this, well the rater may not approve it, but I think it would win at BVA if sufficient evidence was presented to show that there were essentially the same physical effects as a nerve or spinal chord injury. I believe loss of use of a foot or feet is essentially the same, except the conditions exist bilaterally. I dont think that lung function, heart disease would be considered, or at least it would be a battle to GET it considered as a causation. Windy, your DAV rep is incorrect. Period. Loss of use is not just for amputees. I am not an amputee yet I have loss of use in both lower legs. In short your DAV guy needs to actually read the reg, because he is just quoting what his experience has been, NOT what CFR 38 allows. Morgan, propulsion of the foot is defined as the ability of the foot to push foreward and to propel the leg foreward thru plantar, and dorsi-flexion. The absence (or diminished capacity) of the ability to plantar or dorsi-flex the foot is grounds for loss of use if evidence shows that there is damage to the nerve which controls this function. CFR 38 does NOT state this but essentially in MOST cases an EMG showing paralysis of the anterior tibialis, and/or common peroneal nerve is essential in granting loss of use. Other SIGNIFICANT symptoms include loss or diminished deep tendon reflexes. Such as ankle jerk, knee jerk etc. Again, there are ALWAYS exceptions and Windy, I think you are one. I have loooked at you info and I would certainly take it to BVA. I think your rater used the common requirements, and since they had not seen your situation simply denied it. I think your case has a LOT of merit, its just not the common nerve damage. The auto grant and SAH grant require different things... I would suggest you look them up and see if they fit your case. Loss of use is NOT required, for either... an example Miniere's syndrom is an organic illness that would be a reasonable basis for SAH I think. Loss of use is a great help in getting these grants approved, I have both - but it is not absolutely essential.

OK, there's a bunch more making it than TIVA/IVAX... this is going to take a bit, my registration keeps saying wrong user name. I'll figure it out. Sorry for the delay.

OK, as I stated.... All drugs have active and inactive ingredients... but the inactive ones are simply the coloring, or dye, the stabalizing compound etc. They shouldn't have ANY effect... but maybe this is what is causing the problems... I simply dont know, and don't understand. so like you said Rocky this could be the problem I just dont know, but the inactive ingredients shouldnt make any difference... attached is the ZOCOR monograph... its kinda big. Will attach generic next. Thanks for the clarification on the 10 years by the way. Like I said I wasnt sure, but that sounds really excessive to me... and I thought 5 years was too long. ZOCOR.doc

mmm. I got one too, and I didn't fill it out. Pretty much because I didn't see how it would really benefit the veteran or the VA in improving benefits or care. I tend to agree with Larry Scott.

It all depends upon the state. Tennessee allows 2 vehicles for free registration and plates. They cost nothing and you are not required to pay wheel tax on either of them. Afetr that you can still get vet plates but they are not "permanent" and cost the same as anyone else's. I actually was stopped because the cop said my plates were expired. I had to explain what "perm" in the registration sticker spot meant. Again, this varies by state...

Sure will but I will have to do it as an attachment... If anyone is wondering I use "Physician's Desk Reference, 2007". It's a great program that covers all the drugs, and updates from the internet for new ones daily. It's very comprehensive. I'll try and get er donr tonight.

Yep, but... they are hiring another 1000 raters, but expect them to take 18-24 months before they become experienced enough to start making a difference. About that time, there should be another surge in applications so.... well just have to see.

There is legislation pending that will hopefully change the benefit start date for compensation from 180 days active duty to 30. It has passed both house and senate and is pending the compromise process to make both versions of the bill the same. Since there is very little difference in them, you can expect it to pass pretty quickly and be before the President in the next 60 days. Absolutly prior to Jan 1 2008. The president will most likely sign it into law, as it stands.

OK also in answer: I f you file a claim and they determine a 0% rating, that does NOT hinder you from filing a later claim if the condition worsens, in fact I would think it would help, since service-connection and diagnosis is already established. Neuropathy is a normal "secondary" issue with type II diabetes, or diabetes period. So if they have already granted service connection for the diabetes, or even if its pending, filing for neuropathy in the limbs is totally normal "secondary" to the diabetes. Look at entropents post... he is dead on. Just follow his direction. Also, I have been taking neurontin/gabapentine for 6 years, and if I DONT take it, it is very very obvious that it is still working. So, while your body may "acclimatize" to the neurontin, it has been MY (opinion here) experience that it keeps working, you just may need a slightly higher dosage eventually. Also, again I think your VSO is... less than ideal. Perhaps you might think of going to another organization, or even better (as you are obviously doing) handle it yourself... thats honestly the best way in my opinion.

OK, maybe I am being just stupid here and if so I am sorry. My problem here is that generic medication that is a generic of a brand name have EXACTLY the same active ingredients, at the same dosage. Now, sometime a doctor will prescribe a generic that is NOT a match for the brand name. For example, they will prescribe vytorin, which is not the same drug a simvistatin/zocor... but has simvastatin as an active ingredient along with others. Now if you'd like I can provide the entire chemical formula for each drug, its effects etc. However, a generic, which is a generic substitute for a brand name drug is the same drug. Neurontin/gabapentin are EXACTLY the same chemically... in fact their chemical formulas are: Gabapentin is described as 1-(aminomethyl)cyclohex-aneacetic acid with a molecular formula of C 9 H 17 NO 2 and a molecular weight of 171.24. Now it doesnt matter if you buy the generic or the brand name, the chenical formula is the same. So, I am confused as to how a generic can cause different effects than a brand name. I used to take Neurontin when it was non-formulary and they still paid for it, but when the generic became available, (gabapentine) I was switched over and have notice no difference. Now.. the reason a drug is only available in brand name for a while is because there is a law that any new drug introduced can ONLY be produced in a brand name for 5 (I think thats the amount, but am not 100% sure) years. This is to allow the drug creators to recoup their expenses in research and development etc. Personally I think it's stupid, and is just a law that was passed due to intense lobbying by the drug manufacturers in America... So, after 5 years generics can be produced by other drug companies, and the VA formulary is almost ALL generic. However, generic or brand name, the chenical formula of the drug is the same if it is THE exact generic. Again, often doctors prescribe drugs that have some of the same chemicals, but also include others.... Perhaps this is the problem. I am unsure. I am not trying to be critical, or say that anyone is wrong... I just dont understand how two drugs that are chemically exactly the same, and only differ in color and shape of pill or capsule can cause differing side effects - unless they simply are not the same drug.... All drugs have active and inactive ingredients... but the inactive ones are simply the coloring, or dye, the stabalizing compound etc. They shouldn't have ANY effect... but maybe this is what is causing the problems... I simply dont know, and don't understand. I do know that the generic neurontin (gabapentine) supplied by the VA, and the brand name are made in the same plant, by Parke-Davis. So I dont really see how they could be different... since by law they cant be... Anyway, I hope I didn't upset anyone... I am sure that what you are feeling is real, I just dont understand why, and that DOES worry me.