ArNG11

Yeah I agree. They know this and use it to their advantage. Seems I have to rally up my plans of attack. From what information I've been given resigning is not a good option without giving up certain rights and benefits. Crap. Regrouping?!?

Bionoce, you have valid points. I'm actually considering writing a resignation letter. I'm at my hand docs now with my cast off and looking at all my scars. I'm stubbornly devoted to my career but I can't kid myself any longer. Simple every day task are difficult and painful. Can't even turn a wrench any more with my right hand. I just feel like I'm walking into an ambush while getting closer to the kill box right before the trigger is getting squeezed.

is that really it just quit? Man I know that I am done but is there really no better way. My retirement package is with the only four people that work medical retirement cases. Four months is the current prediction on competition with the 12 month rider. Serious detriment to my difficulties at work are my hands and back, with the exception of the broken small digit. however, all of my service connected issues impact my career. I hear you on the thoughts, I had to do what I did to the inanimate object or things would be a heck of a lot worse.

I am having a hard time just saying I quit though. Call it pride, call it stupidity, or just call it my nature I don't want to give in but it is very difficult to do and know how to go about doing it. I'm at 80% VA,claims headed to DC, Federal Workers Comp are headed to DC as well. 15% on each hand and still more surgeries. This may be a dumb question but do I just stop going to work, write a resignation letter, both my ailments are from military and fed service. Hands and ITP from Aircraft fuel work and the rest from service in the military. Work aggravates both. 10 lbs permanent restriction on my hands, no more than 30 lbs occasional on my back. 10lbs that is just barely over a gallon of milk. Depressing to say the least. Im trying not to throw in the towel but my pride has made it a little difficult to swallow. Frankly after the outburst I had at work, I don't think I want to risk hurting someone that really isn't the main source of my issues. I preach relaxation exercises and pleasant distractions but I snapped a bit and now I think Im too much of a liability. Suggestions, possible avenues of action. ? Open to constructive alternatives.

Accommodate well sort of, not officially, I do what i can, but that is not much, now a days, i have permanent restrictions on my back and the IBS kicks in and I'm in the can more than on the floor working. Then coupled with the psych problems and hand issues well it makes for a bad mix. They have the light duty program and job placement program but that is just a smokescreen. I have seen no one be afforded another position or accommodation. They are walked out the door after getting the notification of no positions that you would the qualifications for.

Light bulb made me smirk. We're talking milli amps and milli volts, but if you could I'd be the first in line to take the pic. The pain is very brief. No worries.

You should be good. Just know it will hurt especially the calve area and lower foot but you'll do fine. It is just uncomfortable for a few moments, don't sweat it. You'll be able to drive afterwards, at least i did. It will be all right. Heh a tattoo on the arm hurt worse for longer.

I will chime in if only to advise to be careful. Im in a similar situation myself. Key points to consider, the main one is to get help, personally, i don't trust VA docs but I am 0 for 4 in that respect. Secondly you only get rated for the predominant mental ailment no matter if there one, two, or two dozen. However, they are supposed to rate as close as possible to the main cause if not discernible then they are to code and rate to a similar or as close as possible to the rendered diagnosis' With the fiduciary business, I can't advise to go along with that. JMO. From my experience so far the VA is not out to help the Vet in its entirety, hence the appeals, and all the bad press of VA's shenanigans. For the credit I do give the VA for what positive they can do the earlier will not change. Those are just facts. Look at their track record and I'll rest my case on the numbers. I'll advise to stand your ground on getting treated, that by far is the most important. But please consider all the ramifications of the course you take regarding claims. If you are deemed a danger to yourself or the general public I am not sure that would be in your best interest. The VA has been known to do this, and they will if the opportunity presents itself. JMO, even if twisted a bit.

Ive heard this from multiple people but have yet to see it applied to my cases. I have 3 permanent debility ratings to my hands. A 10% initial on my left wrist and now after all the hand surgeries hold 15% for, each. Thats DOL related to FERS Employment as an aircraft fuels mechanic. Then an 80% combined VA rating and I'm still waiting on OPM. Denied mostly on everything. They sure make things difficult. I had a former coworker who I saw at my hand doc appointment ask me why I'm still working and not retired. He has had less surgeries than I have, but he got through the red tape. Anyone for a grid map or a good suggestion for a Oklahoma law firm to help?

Officially denied. Your condition is not severe, continue with conservative treatment. Makes me sick.

You're right in that respect. The diagnosis is not the final nail in the coffin so to speak. It is the symptoms and documented evidence. Also the final tack on the head is a medical experts opinion to tie it together.

It's not terrible. You'll survive. It's uncomfortable but bare able. Just relax. I'd ask about the differences between it being performed laying down, sitting, and standing. I have pain, numbness, and tingling. Been there done that. Good luck.

Sorry iPhone acting up

rpowell been a while. I've read several posts on Dr. Bash and while I don't doubt his expertise and credentials how expensive was your claim. If you don't mind me asking. I'm Leary as he VA has ignored most evidence and the private reports and FCE that I've sent in, including their own DBQ,s and my private DBQ,s. I've used Ellis and my private doc and it only yielded a 10% increase,the rest was from sequential later claims.

Andyman I understand , read you Lima Charlie. My leg pain is getting worse, numbness and tingling is happening in most positions, either standing or sitting and it's quite depressing. I had an EMG done last year, but it didn't reveal much other than mild neuropathy on both legs however other exams such as private exam from physician, specialists, and functional capacity tests indicate otherwise. The evidence is there and I'm not too concerned, just needing people higher than the regional office to actually weigh and give the evidence and symptoms it's proper weight and relevance, oh and applying the proper laws and regulations. All I keep saying in my head is to keep moving, keep hurting, when things start to stay numb and tingly is when I start to get edgy. Sucks all to desert sands.

I wish I could say you're wrong John but I have come to the same realization. Money does influence many things. . There is a lot of $ in pain managent cannot deny that. Valerian root and cannabis. I've heard it is effective. Only mixed opinions on the latter. Docs and pharmaceuticals would loose billions beyond possible measure. In any case bilateral radiculopathy is a wierd injury, tingling, numbness, and radiating pain at the same time is difficult to manage. My legs now a days go numb much more often and the pain is like a Charlie horse, accupunture, burning, cold feeling running rampid. I really despise it.

Thanks Talon, just want to find out all I can and get the most feedback, don't really want surgery but I am slowly loosing my mind over matter approach.

Folks I empathize with you guys so bad. I'm understand your pain and I understand the lack of treatment regarding this type of injury. It (insert colorful metaphors here) sucks and Im aware and understand what lies ahead. I don't want to think about it much less discuss it, but I know the reality of my circumstances. I've been trying for years now to get VA to do something worth while, been denied most inquiries and treatments and spine consults, have had to go through my private insurance to make real progress. In any case, I am looking for info and feedback, surgery is not something I want but I am at that breaking point, frankly, been there for a couple of years now, what has worked for you, and what avenues did you take to get there, what's worked and what hasn't?

Excellent sources

so at least an improvement in your case. How many opinion did you go through before deciding?

Here's a question. How long did it take you guys to have problems with upper radiculopathy in the upper extremities? Do you have any problems with the Cervical Disks/vertebrae? My incident, my back and left hip got the most of it but I did get a C-spine injury from it. Chiro care has taken care of most of the pain/problems, however, these last few years it has been getting worse. Im afraid that I will loose it, if it gets as bad as my back. Not sure how I will deal with that. Anyways interested in your folks experience. Thanks