ArNG11

I had my VA doctor ask for my private docs records on pain management. Typically he will mirror my medications that the private sector prescribes, except the one that is a killer on the price is the Butrans 15mg patch. it was $345 for that an the Lorzone. Crazy high and will be out of my reach here soon since retiring OPM. Could be worse eh. Trying to figure alternate methods if becomes an issue. The urinalysis is a pain but I am willing, just don't like all crowds of people at the VAMC. I'm taking Oxycodone, but is they're an alternate rx. oh and some of the psych meds help in tandem with pain meds but I seriously push this, make sure you preceding docs know exactly what your on to include OTC. It gets dangerous real fast.

I have those from my supervisor of 6 years and co workers of 12 years. Is that a viable option? I understand it is favorable evidence but can it hold any weight. It was my decision to file for disability retirement. I just wanted to go on my own terms and not caught by surprise if they canned me. I asked my boy wonder law dog but it's been a week and no answer yet. I have a pending claim I started online on Ebennies for IU,but man I have a bum feeling, a claim now might cause some real confusion. I was trying to figure out which would be the best, or rather smoothest route in this scenario.

Try getting an EMG's to check on the radicular symptoms, CAT scans, myleograms, disco grams and imaging with dyes can be very helpful. JMO

I agree, two or three arrows are better than one. Statements from professional aquantiances and experts in the field with verifiable credentials will make your case stronger.

Green I concur with your assessment, however, from experience at least at the base I was at, the Occ. Health doctor had the audacity to say the being a aircraft fuel mechanic that I was not exposed to those chemicals and environment enough for my illness and injuries to be caused by the work I do. That is just a bunch of hockey puck manure. Honestly I cried, not from anger or sadness but from sheer laughter. I can't wait to get the doc on the witness stand. No medical rationale at all on the opinion. No mention of 5 nexus letters, or job description for that matter, nor where there any conclusive arguments vs several studies and favorable docs opinions on causation and aggravation of my claims. This guy I can't wait to attack. This Dr has a history of violations and suspensions and had many EEO complaints and cases filed against him, Of course I didn't olay fair, but it will be by his own words that I think will seal the deal. I do worry about how far I may have to take this, however, the big hurdle is over, disability retirement approved. Mind you I don't advise this course of action for everyone, I'm not sure how this is going to turn out, but what I do know, is that I have met every legal requirement asked of me and I have not lied or misconstrued facts. That cannot be said of the doc nor the personnel clerk. Anyways off again in the deep end. With disabilities or injuries the kicker is that they interferes with the major physical requirements and required skills for the job. I have that, now all that I need is for cheats to acknowledge the evidence and follow regs. With VA I think or rather believe with my back, IBS, and damaged noggin issues I have a good shot at IU. If I am wrong, please comment, I know I'm in deep enemy territory now. Things might get dicey. All constructive input is graciously accepted and will be taken into account.

Very good points. In my case I am safe, the 10 surgeries on my hands is more than enough. DOL finally got it and coughed up my schedule award from 2010. Yup 4 years late but heh it finally hit. I have 4 other claims on the hands that they tried to combine and well the law is pretty specific different onset dates different injuries different claims even though they involve the same body parts repeatedly. In my case I am very fortunate that my doc/surgeon helped me fight DOL. Although he played it smart by covering his and my six with the functional capacity exams. I believe from Berta comments and the digging that I did with research, hand injuries to occupations like mine weigh heavily on the approval odds. None the less even though I had tons of evidence DOL's regulations are a bit demanding when it comes to docs opinions, there is no benefit of doubt doctrine, the doc writing the opinion has to pretty much come out and say the job caused the injury backed up with history and diagnostic examinations and tests. I've been fighting this fight since FEB 2013 and just not got some vindication. DC is going to be fun, that of course will be on DOL s court but they conceded with a 5 figure award on the first claim. It will be interesting to say the least on the rest of my claims. Anyways back to VA relevance. I am trying to decide how to best go about this. I have filed a new SSDI claim to facilitate the OMF requirement for the disability retirement, I imagine if I either file a new claim for IU or piggy back of the 3rd to last VA decision, unemployability should come in to play quite heavily, however, with a few claims in appeal right now, I am not quite sure how to go about it with what steps should be next. I will gladly welcome advice at this point. These are uncharted waters for me and stakes are higher now.

Well it's official. I am no longer a federal employee. Sadly I filed for disability retirement and Washington just sent me the notice a couple of days ago. Disability retirement approved. I now have a retired AF Civilian ID. This post is not related to VA per say, however, I am planning on filing for IU or TDIU, not sure on what route would pose the least resistance though. I am headed to SSA tomorrow to file a claim again, however, this time I am no longer employed. Question with VA. Are these the best routes to take while I have claims headed to BVA? I realize that SSDI approval would be favorable, along with the OPM retirement, however, I would like opinions. Although I can try to bring hell fire to DC I am not sure I can keep the necessary pace. These days of late have taken a lot out of me and while I am still willing to fight, and going to for that matter, it is exceedingly difficult to keep the steady cadence.

I've received an exam from him. He is definitely Veteran friendly, however, given what has happened in my claims progress, his opinion was given little weight. But I have to add that neither was my medical opinions from long treating doctors along with functional capacity exams. Please understand, these were in my specific claims and results do vary. I will give my total rating on his services once I get to the BVA. Hopefully there I can give a better opinion on my experience with hiring him for my IME/IMO's.

I would have to agree with this to the extent that zero percent ratings are a sham. If there truly exist a disability, which is to say an illness, injury or condition which affects employment should hold a minimum rating, should hold a monetary value. It is clearly a wrong interpretation for the reasons this attorney and many people who argue this going. If lets say a non-compesenble rating for IBS, or GERD or a single injury or bilateral condition which has some negative effect on employment, negative result which is to say loss in hours for frequent restroom stops or treatment by a medical professional or rather a loss time away from work, loss of performance, loss of time on the job, MOST importantly a loss in productivity which consequently reduces the earning capacity of an individual then it should hold some type of monetary compensation. I hope that makes sense As my vision is blurred at the moment. Maybe the VA will make a rule or regulation that incorporates a 5% rating for two zeroes or even better a rating that meets the loss of income that a Veteran suffers as a result of a service connected injury, disease, or illness. Heck I'm all for that. On average I go to the can 8 times or so a day, that is a loss of time from productive work. Ergo loss in monetary wages which is what the true definition of a disabilities impact on the service member. I most definitely agree that a zero rating should not even exists. Maybe change the rating system to incorporate 5%, no, no more worms in the can. I believe two zero, three zeroes should hold a compensable value. Wouldn't that be grand. I wonder what the figures would look like if zeroes were done away with and replaced with 5 or 10 %'s? As the law reads zeroes should be illegal.

I did mine and it took One year and two weeks. But keep in mind that two other claims got filed as well. The rest have been decided on and all are headed to BVA. 7/16/2014 completion date on last NOD filed on May 22 2013 on my first NOD. Claim 1 Form 9 filed 4/20/15. Claim 2 Form 9 Filed 04/08/2015. Claim 3 NOD filed 4/08/2015. Haven't filed NOD on claim 4 yet

I don't know Pete, Department of Labor stinks just as bad, except there are less laws to protect VA claimants. No matter though the dance has gone long enough, the time to pay the piper will soon come along. Wishing for sooner than later.

Wouldn't it be grand if the deadline for care would be just 14 days for non emergency care. Never have I waited 60 days on the private side, one time I did wait 45 days but that was because of other surgeries and well frankly $. couldn't afford the care and co pays all at once. It blows. I know there are good people in the VA health care system but I wish legislation was pushed to afford the care through private means. Too many interest groups and lobbyists to let that happen though. It will get better, maybe, quite possibly, but just my thoughts, I doubt I will be around to see it happen. Its worth the fight though. Most definitely.

heh most states are going to that Veteran emblem on the drivers licenses. But yeah the med card works. I usually hand both and politely ask if the offer discounts.

sadly you hit the nail on the head with a 20 lb sledge.

business as usual. oh and maybe a new bonus for the next Bentley. This time though, maybe in a charcoal gray.