ArNG11

Man I wish all medical examiners would go through it all like that. In all my claims, I only had one experience similar to what is mentioned above. The C&P doc even wrote out another DBQ with the one that was requested. The report never made it in my file but that is not the point. There are good unbiased docs out there, just wish there were more of them. Buck you are doing well to be prepared.

Wow. Powerful words. Great find. I admired his acting career back in the day. Now I have a different appreciation for the former actor. Thanks Chuck.

Agreed. This is not by accident and not something new. VA and VAMC and personnel a like are trying to overcome how much information is out there for Veterans and dependents to protect themselves. The only way things are going to change is if we challenge them and bring them out in the open. If it is not resolved at the VAMC, do not hesitate to go up the chain. Eventually someone with authority will get the point and this situation won't repeat again.

Sorry I figured some would have responded by now. From the C&P's that I have had none had the necessary records, hence, that is why I am on the appeals merry go 'round. Buck I would bring copies of the documents you think will strengthen your claim. We are creatures of habit and history shows repetitive habits just don't go away. We keep doing the same old same old. Bring the records. With my mental C&P exam my letter stated the same, guess what, the VA didn't give the doc all the records. Nice coinquidink and very beneficial for a denial set up. Personally I would bring them if the doc needs them or wants them you will have them on hand. You loose nothing but the ink on the copies. That is just my take on what C&P I have had. Good luck bud.

Heh I know this is not exactly the topic on this post but it sure is convenient for the VA to suddenly forget where you live when it concerns appeals, reductions, and so forth. If the system such oh lets say eBenefits of all things has one address why is it that other systems don't have the same information. Let me not use eBenefits, how about, home of record, you get confirmations and letters for hospital appointments and possible benefits that you are entitled to, an increase to your payments because of a recent percentage change yet, when it comes to time sensitive material, such as exams and re-exams they are sent to the wrong address. Folks this sh!@# is not accidental. I received two letters these last few days. One notifying me of my win on the appeal with all the info on the changes on my compensation,yet, I also received a letter for a C&P exam appointment sent to an address that I haven't lived at for almost 2 years. This is just me, in this instance I would say to send things in triplicate. Make an IRIS inquiry, if you have ebenefits access, update the info to reflect the same, even if you don't use Veteran Clinics and Hospital update your address on those systems as well. Just to be a pain, I would send an address correction form and a copy of the mis-labeled mail to the evidence intake center, your local regional office where you are assigned, fax, and e-mail one as well. It is horse crap that this still happens. Yes, this is sort of redundant but most times necessary. I am being a bit over dramatic, however, not by much as these examples above have applied to me and countless others. I have taken these steps as I don't want any excuses from the VA

Oh white or brown it comes in both varieties, my first was brown all the rest have been white. Not sure if it has any bearing though. The brown makes sense...ha ha ha. However, seriously, not sure if it's of any consequence.

Again thanks guys. I am trying to get all this planned out and in sych with the various surgeries that I am in need of. One hip down, two knees to go. Not too easy to do. I am pleased with the decision but I know the right knee qualifies for a higher rating since I first put in the knee claim. All too easy though, I will fight for an increase after the ortho does some cleaning up in there. I am in the hopes that the knees will just need a clean up, however, you never know until you actually get in there.

This is just a suggestion on the format of an electronic copy of your service medical records. If I may, I would recommend PDF format, JPEG is not all bad though, but as far as locating, reading, downloading, uploading, goes PDF plays nicer with most computer systems, like Windows, Mac OS, Linux, ect., I personally like PDF format because it is mostly universally accepted. JPEG, BMP, TIFF, will translate to larger file sizes and runs a chance of not being able to be sent via e-mail or downloadable to say the notorious eBenefits upload feature. Plus I do like the security features that PDF provides. A biggie is not being editable unless an open permission is attached to the format. JMO.

Thanks Mr. Wild. It's amazing what you can accomplish if you don't give up. Keep fighting.

Well, I just received notice from the official white envelope. Decision dated 12/31/2015. It was my last DRO hearing which did not fair well in my opinion, however, it can't rain all the time. Some good did come from the meeting. The decisions are from a knee claim back in June 2014. NOD hearing performed in October 2015. Evaluation of left knee chondromalacia, which is 0 percent disabling, is increased to 10 percent effective June 2014 Evaluation of right knee chondromalacia, which is 0 percent disabling, is increased to 10 percent effective June 2014 I am pleased to some degree and I will take this win. In my book it is a victory. Still have some more to go on on the right knee, however, I will take the good news. I asked for a 10% percent or higher on each knee, however, my IME/IMO from Dr. Ellis rated each knee at 20%, 10 percent from traumatic arthritis and 10% from mild medial laxity and mild lateral laxity of the collateral ligaments. Interesting turn of events however, it deserves to be mentioned in the Success Stories section. "fight till your last breath"

Let them do what they want. Remember it is a game, give them room to hang themselves. As long as you have a medical opinion with sound medical rationale and the evidence to support those conclusions a claimant will be in good shape. Remember you are not the doctor. I feel you clarified what you were claiming and made the distinction on the basis of the claim, you don't need to be a doctor on the rest. Let your IMO/IME do that for you. It looks like you're going to be in good shape. Gotta wait for their response and move now. JMO Good luck folks.

Buck, Gastone is right on the ball for the advice. Just be yourself. Don't exaggerate your symptoms or difficulty and be honest. Talk about your worst times and how it affects you and your daily life. Like Gastone stated be yourself, bring copies of corroborating evidence and you will be golden. As far as the credentials, don't worry about that for now, let the VA hang themselves. If a negative opinion comes back then that will be the time to address that issue. Try to remain calm and not work yourself up into a frenzy. Trust me I know from experience and I totally understand. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Message me if you like and I'll give you my take from my experiences. You'll be fine, just relax, another day dealing with the VA shenanigans, except you'll be prepared. JMO

Great news and congrats. Way to go on your service connection for this disease. Make sure you stay consistent on the CPAP use and keep those filters changed out.

I have had hip problems too, but mine are mostly due to the vehicle accident I had in service and the humps while wearing body armor in-service. I haven't read studies relating this to hip problems. Although while in the hospital they did do several tests on my spleen and a nice old bone marrow withdrawal from the hips. Ouch is all I can say about that. I've been lucky thus far as my last episode was about two years ago but I understand your predicament. They were talking about removing my spleen while I was hospitalized, however, I got lucky and the spleen checked out ok. Personally I was on 80mg of steroids for quite a while. I don't know if any of the issues I have had since then with my hips, and knees are related though. Small world huh. Good luck and I will definitely stay in touch. N-Plate and about 10 platelet infusions was the treatment the hospital gave me before I was released from the hospital. Now I just have regular blood draws to make sure my platelet count stays in the safe area.

Yes ITP is a ratable condition. I will say it is a hard disease to service connect but not impossible. You definitely need all the basic requirements for service connection and I dare say one heck of medical nexus for this disease. I have researched some of the CAVC cases on this and it is possible to service connect. Just not an easy thing to do. In my case the exposure route is an issue. Although I was breathing all the great particles of the burn pits during my time in Iraq, I can't dismiss my 5 years or so of Aircraft Fuel exposure. It is listed under code 7705 in the CFR's along with some codes for procedures relating to the disease. I will let you know there are quite a few case studies on this. Look for Benzene induced studies I was quite shocked. Again as noted above a medical nexus is going to be needed along with the other criteria for service connection. JMO

Sweet. I'm glad you're getting some relief. Just out of curiosity, how many visits are they allowing in your neck of the woods? What mixture did they make for you if you don't mind me asking.

Hard to say sometimes about the Ebennies site but when it works it works. Great that you had some good news Gastone.

The evidence I was seeking was a favorable Mental Health C&P. It was done by QTC, however, the VA is stalling on getting the report for me. The fact that I have the exam recorded is of no value other than my notes per say. I want the report and the VA is stalling on handing a copy of it over. I have also referenced reports and diagnostic results that he could not read and/or locate in my Cfile. I have done both. Before I send anything to the VA I would run the evidence through him for his guidance and direction. That way we both had a copy and had record of the evidence's receipt. That was my example of difficulties with records and communications with an attorney.

You would think so, however, I have run into several instances where he could not find or search for a specific item such as a dated C&P exam or evidence that I have submitted.

If it is favorable evidence I don't see why the attorney would hold on to it, however, I would just send an email or call your attorney if you have any questions as to the reasons why. Clear communications between you and your attorney is the best thing I can suggest.

To my knowledge the access given to attorneys via VBMS is limited as they cannot print documents off that access. It is read only access which I don't understand, I rather disagree as most PC and Mac's have a print screen option, however, that is besides the point. The more you can narrow a records search the easier the claim can be to process and decide. I agree with you Vync. I

Spot on. Verifiable stressors are a big plus. I personally would go in with an IMO and/or treatment records as evidence, however, I think if you had access to finance records, particularly LES statements, your special pay allotments such "imminent danger pay, and or hostile fire pay" would satisfy some of that requirement. DD-214's will also have information useful to tie in operations in "hot spot" areas.

Interesting article I have to say. I don't see how it could hurt a Vet's claim for sleep apnea, however, you still need to follow the recipe needed for service connection. In service notations of sleep/breathing problems, ongoing active issues and a doctor opinion on the medical nexus. Those are still going to be vital to a successful claim. I do like the information given in the article though. JMO