ArNG11

I don't know how many people have had this happen to them but I thought I should mention it on this forum. Something is amiss here. I have a few claims that have been decided on and other that I filed NOD's for. I got tired of the games and I sought the help of an Attorney. This is now the second time that requests for information have been made through E-bennefits without going through my rain maker. From what I understand of the law and what my attorney has stated this is illegal. They must go through my attorney and Ebenefits is not a proper avenue to request anything from a claimant. There is just not a real record to trace this as it can be edited by the VA as they see fit. I'm not sure what kind of lure this is but I would be weary and exercise extreme caution. Mr. A

Yeah I will keep posting updates. Ensure, soups, and jello and pudding is what I have been eating so far. I did try a chicken noodle soup and it was ok to take down. I still feel the lump in my throat but not with the fire that was usually there. The biggest complain is just the incision points are really sore. Oh and the shaving of the belly make it itch like crazy but thats minor. The bloating form the CO2 gas is a little embarrassing, Mr. Farts a lot. .10lb lift limit and being careful how I get up and sit down are pain. But heh it could be a lot worse. My doc wanted me off for two weeks but I declined. I reluctantly agreed to One week off work and 10lb weight restriction as far as lifting is concerned. No biggie for me since I am on restrictions for the partial right wrist fusion I had done.

I am still not understanding the delay in fulfilling a request from a Veteran for his C-file. I submitted my request and within 7 days. I had what I thought was my entire C-file. When I obtained an attorney, they lollygaged all overt the place. First they gave him access to VBMS but didn't give him a correct password. Then when his firm requested a copy of my C-file it took 4 months. Why. Why the delays. To me it seems like they, the VA are getting in the way due process. How the hell they get away with is I don't understand. Obstruction of justice anyone. I am at a turning point whether to write an e-mail to the Honorable Secretary. However, my patience is running is out, at the same time I don't want to jeopardize what I have managed to accomplish so far. What a mess. What to do. If emailing him works then I might just do so. Eventually.

Late on the Congrats, but man what a win. Wish you well Phil

I should have answered this as well but I didn't catch it. The reduction in weight would be grand. I am obese no doubt about it. Not being able to jog or run kind of puts a damper on that process, but I still try to walk as much as I can. That's the most strenuous exercise my docs recommend, walking. It's difficult to get around right now, but it will get better. The Spyrometer is a pain but it does help. Then the meds, but they leave me feeling loopy all day and I dislike that. I hope this takes care of the GERD, but only time will tell. I am still on the nexium and will be taken off it gradually. It's a weird feeling though. I haven't eaten much and I am still bloated from the gas they pumped into my stomach cavity. Feel like I ate a 7 course meal and all I ate today was a yogurt and a cup of soup. The breathing is just as much of a pain as the movement. Deep breaths are painful. But I will say this, I haven't had the fire feeling in my throat. That is a plus. Im sure this procedure will kind of kill my GERD rating but heh no more fiery throat. They also repaired a hiatal hernia. Sad thing is I know that I should have had a 30% rating at least for my GERD, I'm sure that this procedure will effect that rating, although all I am at is at 0% for it. It will be interesting to see how this pans out. I imagine this is going to complicate things but heh it makes the battle interesting.

Woke up to read about this. Totally disgusting. What happened to all those hang em and fry em judges. This is just making me sick. A crying shame. What's worse is that money that got swindled most likely left a Veteran broke or to loose their house and God forbid what else.

Yeah the pop ups would show up and I would fill them out as well and give feedback,however there was never a survey. At least not through the app and not through the regular website from what I noticed.

From what I have read there are a few surgeries that can help with this. Some involve the removal of the adenoids, modifying the plate structure and so type of other reconstructive type modifications.

You know I think it was John99 that had the sleep apnea surgery I am not sure though I have to look at prior posts

Oddly I am 40. I guess drinking the Ensure qualifies me as old

Well I'm back from Neverland. The operation went well and normally I would have been sent home, however since I have ITP my doctor wants to make sure it does not cause any complications. My throat is sore and I can't take deep breaths or what is considered deep for me, however that is normal after surgery. I have a spirometer and I am working on it so, so far so good. The soreness in the throat should be gone after several days. At that point I can start to assess how it's working for me. Oh and once they start me on solid foods. So far it has been jello and beef broth. Yum. Believe it or not it's not terrible. I did sneak an Ensure, but only because they were going to start me on a more complete liquid diet. By the way Ensure is expensive. Wow.

Thanks GeorgiaPapa. I'm not going to deny as I'm waiting here on the prep room before I get my IV. nerves are getting the best of me. I'm committed now, so there's no turning back. Moving forward and advancing is all I have now. I ll catch every one on the flip side. When I wake up and can function I'll keep you guys and gals updated.

Thanks GeorgiaPapa. I am a little nervous. Surgery is tomorrow, but Im done with the refractive medications. Dietary changes, sleep position changes, eating schedules, OTC drugs, (Zantac, Tagamet, Prilosec, Milk of Magnesia, TUMS, Rolaids) RX drugs and still no good results. The Nexium had worked when I first started with this back in 08-09, however, it was very expensive even with insurance. So decided to go with Omeprazole and had a few good years, then in 2013 it got worse. Changed to Protonix in 2014 and that worked for a little while and then back to Nexium because the Pantaprozole was not working. This crap really sucks and I decided on more serious actions. The procedure itself has given a favorable percentage of people relief and I am willing to go to the next step. I won't know if the doctor will do a full wrap or a partial until after he gets in there and physically sees what will work best. Anxiety is getting the best of me but heh things could be a lot worse. At least I still have private insurance and I believe I am in good hands. I am in the hopes that I will be in the successful percentage of patients that obtained relief taking the surgical route. Time will tell I imagine. I am still trying to find references regarding any help from the VA regarding the time I'm going to be away from work and the costs associated with this service connected condition. Does anyone have any references or knowledge if this is possible? I'm still working, however, sick leave has been exhausted a few times over. Having to use vacation time.

World class healthcare. That would be grand. If the VA can't provide it then they should pay for it. I much rather be treated by docs that actually care about my health and have a vested interest in my care. Don't get me wrong I know there are good VA docs out there, however, they are hard to come by. I like the eVet. there's is loads of information there and a good record of your visits, exams, and results. CONTUNUITY.

Take the win and enjoy it. The brown envelope should explain everything, or at least give you a better understanding at what they used to rate you and why they made the decision they did. Congrats and good luck.

Expiration dates? Morbidity rates likely as to conclude direct connections maybe. I don't know it is very difficult to tell. Your guess is as good as mine, what has me curious is the genetic changes in peoples bodies, cells, and possibly DNA. Don't think me silly as I am dead serious. Too many reports and analytical studies come to similar conclusions.

I don't think they like the accountability factor in that. I use that system against my nurses and docs when they blow off concerns, results, and procedures. Or especially when they state something that isn't correct. More than one occasion they have stated a program is not available or that a VAMC does not offer those services only to be proved wrong by me. It's also a clear record that you are trying to seek medical care, as well as continuity of care.

thanks GeorgiaPapa. Definitely different.

Yeah I have been finding out that for myself. None of my private providers even want to mess with it. Some that have actually dealt with the VA process, fee based, don't want to touch it with a ten foot pole. I don't want to be a stinker about it but I seriously think it is just a PR ploy.

Yeah that is funny. A hiatial hernia can cause GERD to happen. The rating schedules are funny that way. I got connected at 0%. I will find out after my DRO appeal what they finally grant. By regs and medical evidence I should have been at 30% for the GERD. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. I imagine that will head on up to BVA as well. Regional offices play silly.

Here's another ? of sorts. I am using private insurance to take care of a 0% service connected condition, GERD (on appeal) is it possible to have the VA reimburse me for the bill. I can't even get my VA PCP to change and add prescriptions to mirror my civi docs.

Well played. Results is how success is weighed. Congrats.