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ArNG11
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Posts posted by ArNG11
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NK so far here in Oklahoma they still honor the military discount with my VA ID. I haven't used it at Home Depot in a while but I just used it today at Lowe's and they still honor it. It has been several months since I last used it at Home Depot though. Hmm I wonder if they are going to follow suit?
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Heh doogie thanks. I'm not done fighting. Just tired and physically sick. Fighting the VA and workers comp just gets the better of me sometimes. But I won't give up, all that I know to do is fight and fight until my last breath is what I shall do. Stupid migraine.
The same to you bud, take care
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Yeah I have to agree with you guys on most counts. I am guilty of checking Ebennies way too much. Actually I'll admit here as of late it has been daily. I try to stay away from it but curiosity gets the best of me. Like today, I checked earlier and it was on review of evidence and just now my claim went back to gathering evidence. They are waiting for and requesting records from the VAMC.
I figured they would do that. Preemptively I provided my VAMC the same medical evidence I sent with my 2nd claim for Gulf war issues. Primarily I did that so my VA Primary doc knows my health issues, but I also did that because I figured they would request evidence from the VAMC. So they will get a duplicate of what they already have on my c file. Oh, good thing I got a copy of my Cfile so I know exactly what they already have regarding evidence. By the way, getting a copy of my CFile was excellent advice from my battle duddies here. The VAMC is already providing my meds for my thyroid and GERD. So hopefully those two issues should be solid. The digestive problems that I claimed are another matter though, however, I've been getting treatment from my civilian doc so I'll have more evidence, and medical continuity that just confirms my contentions.
I am in the hopes that they don't deny my claim, however, I am going to be realistic, I will not be surprised if they do. Once they do deny it, I will file the NOD. Then after that I will hire an attorney. This process is way too complicated than it needs to be and it is ever so draining.
Back to actual topic though, the claim update status on ebennies is not the most accurate and not updated timely. I think IRIS inquiries and snail mail seem to be the best indicators of what is actually going on in your claims process. Oh and the phone calls verifying information on what conditions you are claiming gives you and indication that there is movement on you case. But every now and again Ebennies does surprise you.
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Has anyone tried Lyrica?
I am currently on this right now John. 150 mg a day.
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Yeah. I'm kind of playing the game of records. Every time I send in evidence for my claims I also pay a visit to my VA provider one to keep her in the loop as to the status of my conditions and two to have a second method of records and evidence to get in my file. I don't like having to do this, however, it is a paperwork game. Sad though
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Crap I slept with mine but not in full battle rattle. That must have sucked. I feel for ya bud.
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I have asked about chiropractive services, steroid shots, accupuncture, traction, and my VA PCP seems lost, she has stated several times that she is not aware of these services provided by the VA..I kindly pointed out the services are provided by the VAMC and referrals centers and then she started to act helpful.
I was hosed on my rating, however, Im in the process of receiving a decision on my request for increase, and here soon the NOD will be submitted to them. I will kindly point out the evidence and the rating criteria and go from there.
What I noticed on my claim is the they clumped it all together as Degenerative levoconvex lumbar spine with IVDS of the L1 and rated it just as IVDS and gave a mild connection for radiculapathy of lower left extremity. As my condition is not that simple, the rating should reflect the closest medical diagnosis and condition, however, they failed to do that. They also failed to read the MRi, I submitted with my initial claim or rather failed to apply it to the decision. Sneaky sneaky sneaky. Actually let me change that, blatant disregard for evidence and application of rating criteria and law.
Imagine that. Say it isn't so.10 % for mild IVDS of the L1, 10% for mild nerve damage. Yeah not accurate. You have to watch them as serious injuries and conditions get downplayed to less severe conditions and lower compensation rating. Like in my case, private MRi shows moderate damage and their xrays considered it mild. They went with the mild for the decision. They're supposed to rate to the closest rateable condition that closely resembles the disease or level of injury of a veteran per medical evidence,
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Wow. Id be curious to hear their rebuttal.
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I would have to agree on this. When I injured my back I sucked it up and adjusted my posture in a way that the body armor would not put so much pressure on various areas of my back. Big mistake. The curvature is so bad now it hits and causes pressure on my left lung and other nerve blocks. Chiropractic care helps and physical therapy does help with range of motion also.
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I have to agree with you fellas. If the VA would rate and process claims the way they're suppose to, much time, energy and resources can be utilized to help the more seriously wounded veterans and dependants that need immediate help and assistance. Politics and saving a buck or two should never get in the way of doing what is morally right.
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From what the nurse practioner stated, neurologist and surgeons have a panel once a month to decide which case they move on and take. Haven't found out if this is true, however, when I get some information I will post it.
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I would have to agree, find a hobby, and concentrate on other things. (Health) Unfortunately waiting for long periods is part of the VA claims process. I don't like it as well, however, we all gave to go through it.
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I logged in and double checked all my personal information. All seems to be in order. I am still cautious as I havent heard anything really from the VA about this, but didn't something like this happen in 2011?
Yes at that time it was a stolen laptop.
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Sorry guys I thought I had posted my experience with the rhizotomy. I can say that I did not get the intended relief. The pain down my left leg has gotten worse and stronger. Also muscles spams seem to be more frequent. Weakness in the legs has also gotten worse. They did the L1,L2,& L3 nerve roots as I mentioned in an earlier post. I believe I should have gotten more relief than what I did. I was hoping that if it worked to have the thoracic section of my back done. My private doc wants me to do a functional capacity test once my cast comes off my right wrist and released from care. As far as the VA side of it, I haven't see the neurologist yet, only the nurse practitioner. I'm really at a wits end here. I'm trying for either side, private, or VA to perform an EMG and possibly a disco-gram to really have a concrete picture of my condition and what options I really have left.
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When I switched back to VA care last week, they took cymbalta away and gave me gabatetin too. That resulted in a high speed run to the VA emergency room as this had caused me to start havng severe chest pain for a sudden change of med's. So what did the VA do? They admitted me for 4 days and did a cath to my arteries.I should have asked if they were planning to do heart urgery as well. The next day after discharge and 1 night of hellish sleep, back to E.R again for the same thing. I don't think they got the message. I have severe nerve pain throughout as well as a nice brain tumor to boot!!
Sorry to hear bud. Hang in there.
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So far the Lyrica seems to be helping.The pain down my leg is still there but seems to be less severe at times. Don't know if I am completely convinced but it is a 30day trial. I think it would take longer to actually see a difference. When it gets bad I use the ice and stim and take the methocarbanol. It helps. Although a bit painful I still do the stretches, at least as best I can. I have to say the pain and numbness that goes on is sometimes confusing. I sometimes wish it was just one or the other not both, however, I still wish and much prefer none at all.
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Unfortunately this is a scary reality. However, it's the same game only a different mechanism is being used to do damage. Call me old fashioned, but I, like some others, still prefer the good old fashioned mail system. I must admit I am techno junkie, iphone, iPad, MacAir and all the new electronic gizmos that' are supposed to make my life easier. But the old way is still the most reliable. Just goes to show when you rely on convenience sometimes there is a price to pay. This makes 3 times for me dealing with government entities compromising my info. Once with files thrown in a public dumpster, once with a stolen laptop, and now this, my private information compromised out on the web. My sincere hope is that some heads roll for this, that they acknowledge their flaws, and ACTUALLY do something other than issue a shallow apology. It is time for ACTUAL changes and ACCOUNTABILITY for your INADEQUACY! Sorry folks don't mean to go on a bandwagon.
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Congrats. It's always a win when you get service connection. I would have to disagree with the advice from your DAV rep. It's absolutely necessary to rock the boat when it comes to claims as most times claims are low-balled if not outright denied at first. If you have the evidence and meet the rating criteria then go for it. None the less you have a victory.
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VA pain management decided to put me on Lyrica (pregabalin) I am willing to try this and see if works. Haven't seen the VA neurologist yet just the nurse practioner. So far being on Gabapentin didn't do much for me. From the private insurance side the Radiofrequency has had some mixed results. It is still a little early but so far it has increased the radicular pain down my left leg. I can really tell when I sit down for 30 minutes or so. They did the L1-L2-L3 roots. I guess I am going to have to get shots again and maybe try the ablation at a higher and lower level. Hopefully here soon I can get an opinion from the neurologist at the VA. But from what I have experience so far its difficult to get seen by an actual neuro.
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Surprise call from the OK VA Spine clinic. The Nurse was pleasant and asked about the Rhizotomy I had done by my private doc. From the conversation and ?'s she asked it seemed like some good progress and steps forward towards having VA start/supplement my medical treatments. 30 days since my last contact with them, so not terrible. The tunnel doesn't seem so dark. : ) I think at least it's keeping the referral open and no hassle as of yet other than getting the referral processed with my VA PCP.
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I actually got agitated watching this. Not once have I dealt with anyone related to my claim in the VA that has shown any sincere concerns, truthful desire to be like anything portrayed in this video. There may be some decent people out there, but so far I can count them on one hand. Propaganda is my opinion as well. Wow what a bunch of BS.
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Glad to have you on here.
Welcome aboard. -
arng11 - I don't believe a second opinion could hurt. Heck, that's what makes Hadit.com such a valuable tool for our community...you get lots of advice/opinions and then make your own decision on how to proceed. Best of luck to you.
REGARDING VA REFERRALS - In my experience, the care I received through the VA healthcare system has been excellent. In fact, I believe I wouldn't be here today had it not been for the many doctors, nurses, LCSW's, and civillians who have cared for me since my active duty military service ended. I may be in the minority in this opinion but for me personally, it's fact.
With that said, I too have had referrals "slip through the cracks" and have had 3 authorized referrals expire because I never received the fee base paperwork in the mail. How do I know this? Because I visit the Release of Records office (every VAMC has one) at least twice a year and ask them for a printout of my treatment records since my last request. IT'S FREE. Sometimes you may wait 30 minutes or so but it's something you really should consider. In my case, I can see WHEN a referral was placed and WHEN it expired. A referral is only good for a few months so if if, like the cases above, you've been waiting for months & months and haven't heard anything...it may have expired! Perhaps at some point it may be worthwile to involve your particular Patient Advocate (every VAMC has one of those too!).
Or...you can choose to sulk and let the system gaff you off. It sucks that we have to struggle to get the care we are seeking but I guess that's a part of our life. How we deal with every day setbacks is what makes us different from the "average joe" I guess. Stay on it and don't give up when it comes to your VA referrals!...As always, jmho.
LC
Thanks. I will try to do that. I may explore some of the options you mentioned. I won't give up either. I have come too far and still have a long way to go.
Imagine that. Say it isn't so.
Welcome aboard.
Claim Updated Today
in VA.gov Questions (formerly E-Benefits)
Posted
Honestly sometimes it's more than once, maybe 10. Like today. It's hard not to check the darn thing though. As some have commented sometimes you get better results watching the grass grow. It's all a wait and see, react and maneuver, and adjust fire type of a game. Eventually I will get tired and send the nuke.
I've conversed with a few attorneys and they believe I have a good case, all informally, but all have said to come sit and talk with them once I receive a decision from an NOD. 33% is kind of steep but you get what you pay for I guess.