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ArNG11

Master Chief Petty Officer
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Everything posted by ArNG11

  1. Congrants. Enjoy what you have rightfully earned. Pity it took so long, but that is irrelevant now. Enjoy the victory.
  2. Good evening folks. I hope everyone's day has been good. I received my ratings letter and well I have some mixed feelings about it. However, I am now service connected, which is a good victory. "Degenerative spondylosis, levoconvex sumbar spine with IVDS and vertebral body compression deformity L1. 10% "Tinnitus" 10% "Radiculopaty left lower extremity associated with degenerative spondylosis, levoconvex sumbar spine with IVDS and vertebral body compression" Service connection for tinnitus is granted with an evaluation of 10 percent effective date of claim. Service connection for degenerative spondyloisis, levoconvex sumbar spine with IVDS and verterbral body compression deformity L1 is granted with an evaluation of 10 percent effective date of claim. Service connection for radiculopaty left lower extremity is granted with an evaluation of 10 percent effective date of claim. Ok, well they addressed some things, however, not everything. They mentioned range of motion but the doctor at the exam didn't even conduct a range of motion, no medical instruments of any kind. He just talked and a took a few vitals. The evidence mentioned is an incomplete list as I turned in more medical records for this injury. The only one I know that they didn't have was the information for the upper thoracic. Mild to moderate mid throrasic scoliosis curve convex to the right. Mild disc dehydration to upper and mid , and very lower thoracic spine. Minor bulging discs. minimal or tiny right paracentral disc protrusion at T5-6 and T6-7 as this was done a few months ago while my claim was in process. In any case I think I will leave it at this and see what feedback you guys have, or input. I have gotten some great advice from you folks. So I am hoping I can get some with this new information I received from the VA. From my diagnosis and medical history this doesn't follow the rating schedules. It also doesn't appear that everything was addressed. No mention of the degenerative arthritis, no mention of the specific vertebra except L1, no mention of any of the thorasic vertebra, or the osteoporosis, and scoliosis. And there are some others from the detail post of damage to my spine a few posts ago. I honestly did not think it was going to be well, I guess maybe I was expecting a little much. Again I know the ratings was going to be a lowball so I am not surprised, however, I didn't quite expect this. I do realize that there is some victory here, I got a rating and service connection. Now the uphill battle begins. Hoo Raah. Boxing gloves are at the ready. Knife and 45 at the side. Just kidding. Trying to blow it off.
  3. So it's official, monetarily anyways. The benefit hit my account. I was hoping the VA letter would have been here by now, however, from posts here I am not surprised. I honestly feel some vindication. It has been a while since I have been content, even cracking a few more smiles. One step at time, one right after another. In any case this weather has had me kind of bummed and the struggle to get service connection on some of my issues hasn't help much either, however, days are starting to look better. Keep strong my fellow brothers and sisters. Show the same resolve and dedication that you showed in service. p.s. I know I must sound corny, however, it is sincere.
  4. Yeah I think that's what I might say. Weird but sad. But heh, I remind myself constantly since the news. I have my foot in the door. I got some of the benefits that I earned. I have a good start to a support group on here. I am starting to see things in a better light.
  5. So true. I don't understand that myself, however, I am guilty of that sometimes. I try to give people a fair shake. I base my opinions on what I see and my personal experience with them. I try not to judge and assume things, because I don't know their whole story.
  6. Yes that I did. I will do just that. I find it difficult not to be doing backflips (metaphorically of course ) over the good news, but I realize what you are referring to. Thanks.
  7. I have my foot in the door. Ebennies confirms Thank you. I think this is a good step forward. I also am being cautious who I have given this news to. Sadly I have my own predicament to deal with at home. Other than posting my news here I have only shared this news with my mother and two good friends at work. I dislike that I feel I have to do that, however, I am still content. As the saying goes, "one step at a time, one step after another".
  8. I just checked mine and the status changed to claim complete. I can't pull any info on it. I am in the hopes that nothing changed from what I was told by the VA rep that called me. Fingers crossed.
  9. I don't know if my claim would be considered that. I didn't file too long ago. Aug of 2012 to be exact. I received a call yesterday about my claim being finalized and a deposit being sent within the week.
  10. Thanks. I honestly i don't really know, however, it sure sounds like it is a provisional. I'm not going to get all head over heels though. The pessimists in me is trying to come out. I filed back in August of last year, so the time frame fits for a provisional, however, I'm wet behind the ears, for this process. I will try to post more info as it becomes available to me.
  11. I was thinking the same. At this point though, I am not holding my breath. Preparation for Notification. I will believe it when I see it. In the mean time, I am going to brush up on the regulations and rating criteria and try to make sure that I am not short changing myself and receive what I am entitled to. I can see why so many vets are disappointed and tired of this system. It shouldn't be this hard.
  12. Correction a few more phone calls from Peggy. Not verifying specific amount but I know from the date of my claim and what information she casually mentioned I seem to have been given a 30% rating. Yeh. I am glad really I am. I was not expecting a decision so fast. I know that people from OK are pretty friendly, I was suprised how friendly this representative was. Interesting. I think I am in a little bit of shock. Go figure. From my fellow vets advice I will review the decision thoroughly. Although this is good news, I am not sure all the documentation was looked at. In any case the real march is about to begin.
  13. Received an interesting call from Peggy just now. They called an verified my direct deposit information. I was suspicous, however, she gave me the account info. She didn't discuss the rating information directly, but she sliped and mentioned my dependents, but stated "oh that wouldn't matter anyway since you're not over 30%" So I know that I have atleast a 10 to 20% rating assigned. I found it amusing at the very least. "Can't tell you what you received but you didn't get at least that". No matter. My foot is in the door. I can start to prepare my NOD, or submit more documentation, which ever route will be in my best interest. I will be doing some reading and networking. I wonder if I will get the notice before it updates on Ebennies? I will post the exact decision when I receive my letter in the mail. I am grateful though, I could have very well had been denied completely.
  14. Gotcha. I was kind of confused on what I needed to do as well. Some people that I have chatted with suggested that I get the DBQ's done. But I understand what you are suggesting now. On the "incapacitating episodes" ,I don't believe that is used either, at least from my personal experience so far. I will try to get the documents scanned in today. If not there is always the reliable mail system. Don't worry I will send it registered mail. The VSO suggested I wait until I was rated to send that information in. The one question I did have was when I send this evidence in should I leave the initial claimed conditions alone, or specifically state the compensable condtions with those documents on another statement form?
  15. That is the information that I have been looking at. Once I get a rating for what I submitted I was thinking of revising the claim to name the specific segments and include all of the findings from both MRI's (lumbar MRI in 2009) (thoracic in 2013). I have been trying to get some of of my treating physicians to complete a DBQ, however, they all seem to have some fear in completing the form. They all suggest I find a specialist or an independent medical provider. Yet they are supposed to be the expert in their specialty. Honestly it is just a sorry excuse. I don't understand the fear or the reluctance, or what ever you would like to call it. I am being quite polite here. You can diagnose me, treat me, and bill the insurance accordingly, but if I ask to get some help filling out a form, or to fill in the blanks for the diagnoses that you bill the insurance company for, the information that goes on these forms, most of the data can be obtained from tests they have already ordered or performed, suddenly they are to busy, or can't fill it out because it's too specific, or beyond their expertice. That makes absolutely no sense. It is so completely @$%! . I am trying to keep my composure here but I think you may understand my frustration on this. Blah. I know, I sound like I am complaining, and in a way I am. Call it venting I guess. I am just exhausted. I can imagine the anger and frustration of veterans that are in worse shape than I am. Compared to some, my injuries and conditions are no where near as bad as shared on this site. Ok enough negative bantering. I know I am in for a long fight. I can't loose my composure. Stay focused and determined.
  16. I appreciate the information. I have not been prescribed bed rest. I continue to work and deal with pain and symptoms. Although here the last couple of years it has been getting more difficult to manage. I am not at that level. Some days are better than others. From the advice I've been getting from fellow vets I need to wait to see what is decided on my claim and then proceed from there. So I just have to wait and see what happens. I'll be doing some reading in the VA regs and see what I need to do and how to best proceed.
  17. That I do have. I have additional records from a couple of providers that have provided care over the years. I can show continuity of care.
  18. Not really. Other than the first time I went to the VSO, however, it was very brief, they glanced through it. I have gathered more treatment records since then. On a good note I have been getting treatment through a chiropractor and a pain management center for steroid shots. So I can show evidence of care and the providers findings.
  19. John999, Your right. As this issue has been causing problems with my proffesional and personal life. However, I know I can't change the past. What's done is done. I'll do the best that I can with what I have and go from there. I've been learning a lot from the people in this community and I am grateful. I know that there are vets in far worse conditions and circumstances so I will not dismiss what blessings I have. Thanks for the advice and the heads up.
  20. I am starting to realize that now from the posts that I have been reading up on. I have the two and the correlation is there on the third but not from an IMO, only from the medical treatments i have had and the diagnostic imaging tests and results. Yes you are absolutely right on the pro-active part. I believe I have been lacking in that regard, however, I mean to change that. Thanks for the information my fellow vets.
  21. I had a few questions and wanted to get some feedback. When trying to compensation for a back injury, the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, are they considered two different segments. From what I understand these are rated as part of minor body groups? is that correct? With these results how should I claim the different segments and the symptoms.. L1 moderately decreased in T2 signal and height. schmorl's node anteriorly and superiorly at L1 to disc. L3-L4 mildly decreased in T2 signal and height Schmorl's node anteriorly and superiorly at L1 Large posterior osteophyte at T-11 and T12, effaces the conus medullar is distally. narrows canal to 7mm AP L1-L2 mild circumferential osteophytic ridging/disc bulge. L3-L4 circumferential osteophytic ridging sized disk bulge contacts but does not deform the thecal sac. Mild bilateral facet joint hypertrophy L4-L5 mild bilateral facet joint hypertrophy Impression: scattered degenerative and hypertrophic changes in the lumbar spine Prominent posterior osteophytic ridging at T-11 - T12. produces central stenosis and some mass effect on the conus medullar is. Mild to moderate mid throrasic scoliosis curve convex to the right. Mild disc dehydration to upper and mid , and very lower thoracic spine. Minor bulging discs. minimal or tiny right paracentral disc protrusion at T5-6 and T6-7 Thin band of edema in the proximal left femur represent contusion or reaction to degenerative changes in hip. Mild thinning of hyaline cartilage in the hip joints superiorly. Mild joint space narrowing in the hip joints superiorly, likely early or mild osteoarthritis.
  22. Good luck with that. So far I have asked two of my long time treating physicians to help me in filling these out and I was referred to other agencies. From what I have seen, some doctors do not want to put their professional opinion and diagnosis for a VA claim. Also they seem to not want to take 30 to 45 minutes of their time to fill out these DBQ's. Most of the information can be filled out from your treatment records so I do not understand the resistance.
  23. The issues I have claimed are just the two. Tinnitus and Back Injury. The claim hasn't been denied yet. I filed back in Aug of 2012 so fairly new in the claims process. Last time I was able to check VONAPP it was in the preparation for notification phase of the process. Im being optimistic, however, from reading the forums, this process can go on for a long period of time if you don't precisely tell the VA what your specific illness and injuries are.
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