porter74

C&P Comments Seeking Input as to Request for Increase [-] The following statements were included in the Final Diagnosis on 4 of the contentions that I am seeking increases on: 1. Menieres Disease Current Rating 30% Increase in attacks of vertigo 2 or more time per week The final diagnosis is a progression of his service connected diagnosis as the vertigo component of his Menieres Disease has increased in frequency. His tinnitus persists. Thus the diagnosis remains the same and progression has occurred. 2. Sinusitis and Rhinitis Current rating 10% The final diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to sinusitis with associated headaches and allerigic rhinitis. 3. Peripheral Nerve Conditions (10%) Moderate/Mild Reduced movement per ROM testing The final diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to increase in pain and paresthesias and recent onset of stiffness of radial hands/wrist as well as further increased dexterity and ability to perform repetitive tasks using first two digitsof either hand Limited to lifting 10lbs during flare ups and 30lbs normally. 4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Current 20 /10 Moderate/Mild Reduced movement per ROM testing The final diagnosis is a progression of the original service connected diagnosis due to increase in his pain and paresthesias and onset of stiffness of radial hand wrist. Decreased dexterity in both hands. 5. Cervical Neck Conditions Current Rating 20% The final diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to degernative arthritis of cervical spine with radiculopathy and bilateral nerve group involvement. There is severity of pain as well as radiculopathy down upper arms bilaterally. Demonstrates decreased range of motion.

OK, so I get that it took the VA from April 2013 to July 2013 to process the 81,000 claims that had been waiting for over 2 years, How long will it take the VA to process the 225,000 claims that have been waiting for over 1 Year? Have they completely stopped processing Fully Developed Claims to catch up the over 1 year claims? I filed my FDC with the Denver RO on 5 March so it has only been 4 plus months so far, but when looking at the VA Monday Morning Workload Reports they just keep getting further and further behind. I actually went to the Denver RO on Monday (8 July 2013) and the claim taker I spoke to absolutely had no clue. Stated that E Benefits was jacked up, and he stated that DOD has control over claims updates, so we continue to wait. But the fuzzy math is that it took around 50 days to process 81K claims, by calculation the over 1 year claims are in excess of 500K I do not see them getting to the less than 1 year claims until mid 2014 at this point. Hopefully some of you don't puke because I have asked this valid question!! Regards, Rick Porter

I generally have 2-5 severe attacks of vertigo each week . These attacks have increased significantly over the past 6 months

The final diagnosis is a progression of his current service connected diagnosis as the vertigo component of his Meniere's disease has increased in frequency, his tinnitus persists. Thus, the diagnosis remains the same and progression has occurred. I suffer from 2-5 severe vertigo attacks per week with hearing impairment, severe tinnitus, and cerebellar gait issues along with these vertigo attacks, I am suffering from hypertension, aniety, and increased glucose levels. My current rating for Meniere's Disease is 30%. What are the odds of my current rating for Meniere's being increased and to what level either 60% or 100%. Thank you, Rick Porter

Not going to go into the C&P results, since some here think they need to puke when they read a post asking for an opinion. I filed a FDC claim on 5 March 2013, what is the time line for completion of FDC claims for the Denver RO? Are FDC Claims being worked in spite of the initiative to process the older claims? I would share the results of my most recent C&P but got castrated for asking for an honest opinion about those results in a previous post. Feedback and input appreciated. Porter74

meghp0405 You sound like a bitter, unprofessional Infantry Sergeant who needs to have a injection. Thank you for your mean spirited, opinionated, babble. I'll find the answer and requested help on a site that maintains standards and has honest people who truly want to help veterans. Peace out, good luck, Midol and tampons work on the heavy flow days, of which today must have been yours.

Carlie, There is not a "Whole lot there to throw against the wall" and I never asked for a IMO, I simply posted the results of the C&P exam with the hope that someone with a lot more experience rating claims could provide an honest opinion about the results. The follow on post by meg see after this were uncalled for, unprofessional, and quite frankly not what I would expect from a Hadit member. I am new to this forum and as I can plainly see at this point there are some people here that while they state that they "Work with veterans to provide assistance with the vet claim" some like meg have an ax to grind and should never work with anyone to include a veteran with an attitude like he displayed in this forum. That being said, you may respond or blow me off, I have no expectations that this site will provide me with honest feedback and input. Thank you and good evening Regards, Rick Porter US Army 1981-2007 Carlie, By the way, I do have these C&P items on a claim. Thanks again

Oh and you really do need to go puke, or maybe find a new way to make a living. Most unprofessional member of Hadit. Don't worry, I have my answers at this point and I sure as heck do not care for your low life opinion of veterans.

Really???? First of all, I don't file claims just to file claims, all of my medical issues are legitimate and I wait in line just like every one else has. I served for 26 years and ate my fair share of crap along the way. I asked a general question and I can assure you that my life does not revolve around Hadit or Yuku. Forgive me for asking for an opinion about my current claim. Maybe if you had ate sand in Iraq or Afghanistan like I have you might grow up a bit and answer a simple question without being a First Class jerk. Regards, Rick Porter

I have not requested TDIU, nor have I applied for SSDI. I was hoping that I would be able to get to 100% before continuing on that route. I am also Type 2 Diabetic that the VA says is not service connected and I have hypothyroidism. I was wondering of I should open a new claim. Since I have Central and Obstructive Sleep Apnea, would diabetes, hypothyroidism, anxiety, insomnia, ED, obesity and other issues be secondary to the sleep apnea and what would I have to do to get these claims added

Here are my current ratings: Sleep Apnea 50% Menieres Disease 30% Degenerative Arthritis Cervical Spine 20% Tinnitus Recurring 10% Carpal Tunnel Right 10% Carpal Tunnel left 10% Right Knee Patellofemoral with degenerative arthritis 10% Left lower extremity radioculopathy with L4L5S1S2S3 sciatic nerve involvement and IVDS of the lumbar spine 10% Left Knee instability 10% Right Knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis 10% Degenerative arthritis of the Lumbar spine 10% Left knee pattellofemoral syndrome with degenerative arthritis 10% The C&P that I attended April 5 and 6 were a Gen Med and Hearing C&P I am attempting to gain an increase on the following items: Menieres Disease 30% 1-2 Vertigo attacks per week, hearing loss Degenerative Arthritis Cervical Spine 20% Carpal Tunnel Right 10% Carpal Tunnel left 10% Here are the results for the C&P in the areas I requested an increase: Meniere's Disease: Current Rating 30% The examiner found that patient has diminished hearing and tinnitus with direct effect on balance, vertigo 2-3 times per week, disequilibrium and nausea with vertigo and staggering gait. Final Diagnosis progression of his service connected diagnosis as the vertigo component of the Meniere's disease has increased in frequency. Diagnosis remains the same and progression has occurred. Sinusitis/Rhinitis: Service Connected 0% Current Rating Non-Capacitating Episodes in Past 12 Months 4 Final Diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to sinusitis with headaches and allergic rhinitis. Peripheral Nerve Conditions Does the veteran's peripheral nerve condition and/or peripheral neuropathy impact his or her ability to work: Yes Symptoms limit his ability to perform repetitive motions that aggravate his condition Ability to perform fine motor tasks is diminished due to his symptoms. All nerves were evaluated. Final diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to increase in pain and paresthesias and recent onset of stiffness of radial wrist/hand as well as decreased dexterity and ability to perform repetitive tasks using first 2 digits of either hand. Wrist Condition: Carpal Tunnel 10% Service connected Right and Left Hand ROM Measurements: Right Wrist palmar flexion; Normal Endpoint: 80 degrees. Endpoint: 45 Degrees Painful motion begins: 45 Right wrist dorsiflexion Endpoint 70degrees. My endpoint was 40 degrees No evidence of painful motion. Left wrist palmar flexion: Normal Endpoint 80 degrees My endpoint 60 degrees Painful motion at 60 degrees. left wrist dorsiflexion. Normal endpoint 70 degrees, My endpoint 55 degrees Repetitive Motion after Repetitive Motion Testing: Right Wrist post test ROM: Palmar Flexion: 40 Degrees Right wrist dorsiflexion 35 degrees Left wrist post test ROM: Palmar Flexion: 55 Degrees Left wrist dorsiflexion. 55 degrees Final diagnosis is a progression of the original service connected diagnosis due to increase in pain and paresthesias and onset of stiffness of radial hand/wrist. Decreased dexterity in both hands. Neck Cervical Spine Conditions. Current rating 20% Degenerative arthritis. Initial ROM: Forward flexion 30 degrees. Painful motion 20 degrees. Extension ends: 30 'Evidence painful motion 20 degrees. Right Lateral flexion: 35 degrees. Left lateral flexion: 35 degrees. Right lateral rotation ends 30 degrees. painful motion 30 degrees. Left lateral rotation ends: 35 degrees Painful motion 35 degrees ROM after Repetitive Testing: Post test results: Forward flexion 25 degrees. Extension ends: 30 degrees Right Lateral flexion: 35 degrees. Left lateral flexion: 35 degrees. Right lateral rotation ends 40 degrees. Left lateral rotation ends: 35 degrees Final diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with radiculopathy and bilateral radicular nerve group involvement. There is severity of pain as well as radicular pain down upper arms bilaterally. Demonstrates decreased ROM. Foot Service Connected 0% Final diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to plantar bilateral fasciitis and mild bilateral hammertoes. Plantar fasciitis has worsened in severity of pain in bilateral feet. he had tenderness on palpitation which was absent during prior evaluation, limits functional capacity at work with respect to the time he is able to spend doing weight bearing activities. Ankle (Claimed as secondary to Foot) Initial ROM: Right ankle plantar flexion: Normal Endpoint 45 degrees 35 degrees Right ankle dorsiflexion; Normal Endpoint: 20 degrees 20 degrees Left ankle plantar flexion: Normal endpoint: 45 degrees 30 degrees Left ankle plantar dorsiflexion: Normal Endpoint: 20 degrees 15 degrees ROM After Repetitive Testing: Right ankle plantar flexion: Normal Endpoint 45 degrees 35 degrees Right ankle dorsiflexion; 20 degrees Left ankle plantar flexion: Normal endpoint: 45 degrees 30 degrees Left ankle plantar dorsiflexion: Normal Endpoint: 20 degrees 20 degrees What are the possibilities of these service connected conditions being increased as a result of these C&P results. Thank you

These are the results of my C&P that was requested to increase current service connected claims. Please advise. What are the odds of these being increased based upon the C&P? Regards, Rick Porter Here are my current ratings: Sleep Apnea 50% Menieres Disease 30% Degenerative Arthritis Cervical Spine 20% Tinnitus Recurring 10% Carpal Tunnel Right 10% Carpal Tunnel left 10% Right Knee Patellofemoral with degenerative arthritis 10% Left lower extremity radioculopathy with L4L5S1S2S3 sciatic nerve involvement and IVDS of the lumbar spine 10% Left Knee instability 10% Right Knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis 10% Degenerative arthritis of the Lumbar spine 10% Left knee pattellofemoral syndrome with degenerative arthritis 10% The C&P that I attended April 5 and 6 were a Gen Med and Hearing C&P I am attempting to gain an increase on the following items: Menieres Disease 30% 1-2 Vertigo attacks per week, hearing loss Degenerative Arthritis Cervical Spine 20% Carpal Tunnel Right 10% Carpal Tunnel left 10% Here are the results for the C&P in the areas I requested an increase: Meniere's Disease: Current Rating 30% The examiner found that patient has diminished hearing and tinnitus with direct effect on balance, vertigo 2-3 times per week, disequilibrium and nausea with vertigo and staggering gait. Final Diagnosis progression of his service connected diagnosis as the vertigo component of the Meniere's disease has increased in frequency. Diagnosis remains the same and progression has occurred. Sinusitis/Rhinitis: Service Connected 0% Current Rating Non-Capacitating Episodes in Past 12 Months 4 Final Diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to sinusitis with headaches and allergic rhinitis. Peripheral Nerve Conditions Does the veteran's peripheral nerve condition and/or peripheral neuropathy impact his or her ability to work: Yes Symptoms limit his ability to perform repetitive motions that aggravate his condition Ability to perform fine motor tasks is diminished due to his symptoms. All nerves were evaluated. Final diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to increase in pain and paresthesias and recent onset of stiffness of radial wrist/hand as well as decreased dexterity and ability to perform repetitive tasks using first 2 digits of either hand. Wrist Condition: Carpal Tunnel 10% Service connected Right and Left Hand ROM Measurements: Right Wrist palmar flexion; Normal Endpoint: 80 degrees. Endpoint: 45 Degrees Painful motion begins: 45 Right wrist dorsiflexion Endpoint 70degrees. My endpoint was 40 degrees No evidence of painful motion. Left wrist palmar flexion: Normal Endpoint 80 degrees My endpoint 60 degrees Painful motion at 60 degrees. left wrist dorsiflexion. Normal endpoint 70 degrees, My endpoint 55 degrees Repetitive Motion after Repetitive Motion Testing: Right Wrist post test ROM: Palmar Flexion: 40 Degrees Right wrist dorsiflexion 35 degrees Left wrist post test ROM: Palmar Flexion: 55 Degrees Left wrist dorsiflexion. 55 degrees Final diagnosis is a progression of the original service connected diagnosis due to increase in pain and paresthesias and onset of stiffness of radial hand/wrist. Decreased dexterity in both hands. Neck Cervical Spine Conditions. Current rating 20% Degenerative arthritis. Initial ROM: Forward flexion 30 degrees. Painful motion 20 degrees. Extension ends: 30 'Evidence painful motion 20 degrees. Right Lateral flexion: 35 degrees. Left lateral flexion: 35 degrees. Right lateral rotation ends 30 degrees. painful motion 30 degrees. Left lateral rotation ends: 35 degrees Painful motion 35 degrees ROM after Repetitive Testing: Post test results: Forward flexion 25 degrees. Extension ends: 30 degrees Right Lateral flexion: 35 degrees. Left lateral flexion: 35 degrees. Right lateral rotation ends 40 degrees. Left lateral rotation ends: 35 degrees Final diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with radiculopathy and bilateral radicular nerve group involvement. There is severity of pain as well as radicular pain down upper arms bilaterally. Demonstrates decreased ROM. Foot Service Connected 0% Final diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to plantar bilateral fasciitis and mild bilateral hammertoes. Plantar fasciitis has worsened in severity of pain in bilateral feet. he had tenderness on palpitation which was absent during prior evaluation, limits functional capacity at work with respect to the time he is able to spend doing weight bearing activities. Ankle (Claimed as secondary to Foot) Initial ROM: Right ankle plantar flexion: Normal Endpoint 45 degrees 35 degrees Right ankle dorsiflexion; Normal Endpoint: 20 degrees 20 degrees Left ankle plantar flexion: Normal endpoint: 45 degrees 30 degrees Left ankle plantar dorsiflexion: Normal Endpoint: 20 degrees 15 degrees ROM After Repetitive Testing: Right ankle plantar flexion: Normal Endpoint 45 degrees 35 degrees Right ankle dorsiflexion; 20 degrees Left ankle plantar flexion: Normal endpoint: 45 degrees 30 degrees Left ankle plantar dorsiflexion: Normal Endpoint: 20 degrees 20 degrees What are the possibilities of these service connected conditions being increased as a result of these C&P results. Thank you

Here are my current ratings: Sleep Apnea 50% Menieres Disease 30% Degenerative Arthritis Cervical Spine 20% Tinnitus Recurring 10% Carpal Tunnel Right 10% Carpal Tunnel left 10% Right Knee Patellofemoral with degenerative arthritis 10% Left lower extremity radioculopathy with L4L5S1S2S3 sciatic nerve involvement and IVDS of the lumbar spine 10% Left Knee instability 10% Right Knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis 10% Degenerative arthritis of the Lumbar spine 10% Left knee pattellofemoral syndrome with degenerative arthritis 10% The C&P that I attended April 5 and 6 were a Gen Med and Hearing C&P I am attempting to gain an increase on the following items: Menieres Disease 30% 1-2 Vertigo attacks per week, hearing loss Degenerative Arthritis Cervical Spine 20% Carpal Tunnel Right 10% Carpal Tunnel left 10% Here are the results for the C&P in the areas I requested an increase: Meniere's Disease: Current Rating 30% The examiner found that patient has diminished hearing and tinnitus with direct effect on balance, vertigo 2-3 times per week, disequilibrium and nausea with vertigo and staggering gait. Final Diagnosis progression of his service connected diagnosis as the vertigo component of the Meniere's disease has increased in frequency. Diagnosis remains the same and progression has occurred. Sinusitis/Rhinitis: Service Connected 0% Current Rating Non-Capacitating Episodes in Past 12 Months 4 Final Diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to sinusitis with headaches and allergic rhinitis. Peripheral Nerve Conditions Does the veteran's peripheral nerve condition and/or peripheral neuropathy impact his or her ability to work: Yes Symptoms limit his ability to perform repetitive motions that aggravate his condition Ability to perform fine motor tasks is diminished due to his symptoms. All nerves were evaluated. Final diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to increase in pain and paresthesias and recent onset of stiffness of radial wrist/hand as well as decreased dexterity and ability to perform repetitive tasks using first 2 digits of either hand. Wrist Condition: Carpal Tunnel 10% Service connected Right and Left Hand ROM Measurements: Right Wrist palmar flexion; Normal Endpoint: 80 degrees. Endpoint: 45 Degrees Painful motion begins: 45 Right wrist dorsiflexion Endpoint 70degrees. My endpoint was 40 degrees No evidence of painful motion. Left wrist palmar flexion: Normal Endpoint 80 degrees My endpoint 60 degrees Painful motion at 60 degrees. left wrist dorsiflexion. Normal endpoint 70 degrees, My endpoint 55 degrees Repetitive Motion after Repetitive Motion Testing: Right Wrist post test ROM: Palmar Flexion: 40 Degrees Right wrist dorsiflexion 35 degrees Left wrist post test ROM: Palmar Flexion: 55 Degrees Left wrist dorsiflexion. 55 degrees Final diagnosis is a progression of the original service connected diagnosis due to increase in pain and paresthesias and onset of stiffness of radial hand/wrist. Decreased dexterity in both hands. Neck Cervical Spine Conditions. Current rating 20% Degenerative arthritis. Initial ROM: Forward flexion 30 degrees. Painful motion 20 degrees. Extension ends: 30 'Evidence painful motion 20 degrees. Right Lateral flexion: 35 degrees. Left lateral flexion: 35 degrees. Right lateral rotation ends 30 degrees. painful motion 30 degrees. Left lateral rotation ends: 35 degrees Painful motion 35 degrees ROM after Repetitive Testing: Post test results: Forward flexion 25 degrees. Extension ends: 30 degrees Right Lateral flexion: 35 degrees. Left lateral flexion: 35 degrees. Right lateral rotation ends 40 degrees. Left lateral rotation ends: 35 degrees Final diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with radiculopathy and bilateral radicular nerve group involvement. There is severity of pain as well as radicular pain down upper arms bilaterally. Demonstrates decreased ROM. Foot Service Connected 0% Final diagnosis is a progression of the current service connected diagnosis due to plantar bilateral fasciitis and mild bilateral hammertoes. Plantar fasciitis has worsened in severity of pain in bilateral feet. he had tenderness on palpitation which was absent during prior evaluation, limits functional capacity at work with respect to the time he is able to spend doing weight bearing activities. Ankle (Claimed as secondary to Foot) Initial ROM: Right ankle plantar flexion: Normal Endpoint 45 degrees 35 degrees Right ankle dorsiflexion; Normal Endpoint: 20 degrees 20 degrees Left ankle plantar flexion: Normal endpoint: 45 degrees 30 degrees Left ankle plantar dorsiflexion: Normal Endpoint: 20 degrees 15 degrees ROM After Repetitive Testing: Right ankle plantar flexion: Normal Endpoint 45 degrees 35 degrees Right ankle dorsiflexion; 20 degrees Left ankle plantar flexion: Normal endpoint: 45 degrees 30 degrees Left ankle plantar dorsiflexion: Normal Endpoint: 20 degrees 20 degrees What are the possibilities of these service connected conditions being increased as a result of these C&P results. Thank you

I was scheduled for and attended a Gen Med and Audio C&P exam on the 5th and 6th of April 2013. I received notification today 6 May 2013 that I have been scheduled for a second C&P (Audio) with an audiologist. Why would I need a second C&P for audio with this short of time between the exams. Please advise as soon as possible trying to figure this one out. Regards, Rick Porter

What has been your experience on a rating decision after receipt of C&P results? Last claim in the Denver RO was 18 days, does anyone have any insight to the processing time in Denver for rating 7 claims(ALL Service Connected) for increases along with secondary conditions.