hayneswc

Hoppy, Are you saying that I can be granted service connection for the adhesions with nexus? The surgery report from my c-section showed that there were already adhesions in my abdomen. These were likely from a elective kidney donation performed two years prior. My doctor provided nexus that the abdominal adhesions that were noted within one year of discharge only further progressed following the c-section since the incisions were close in proximity. I'm not sure if that is what it needs to say. Any thoughts?

Another thought: Adhesions were noted during the c-section from the kidney donation. I know that the kidney donation is elective but since adhesions were noted within one year of my discharge could that help. My kidney was removed one inch above my c-section incision. I know that c-section caused the uterine adhesions but the adhesions were already present prior to in the same area.

Yes it was done while I was active duty. The adhesions were noted during the c-section which was one month post separation

My doctor said that since there were adhesions noted during my c-section from the kidney donation that it is likely that the kidney started a chain event that eventually resulted in the hysterectomy. Can residuals from a kidney donation performed at a civilian hospital be service connected?

Also, I donated a kidney to my brother while I was active duty and during the c-section adhesions were noted.

Unfortunately I was not on terminal leave at the time of the birth. Does inactive reserve time count?

John, I have medical evidence from early 2005 that shows the adhesions were present. I'm just not sure if the VA would consider that a chronic condition or if its best for me to have my doctor connect the preeclampsia to the c-section since the preeclampais occured while I was active duty.

I actually didn't file the first time until 2007. It was diagnosed within one year of discharge but I didn't actually file until 2007 after my second surgery.

I am 20 percent rated for a bladder condition. I was honarable discharged on June 1, 2004 and my son was born on July 19, 2004.

I am in the process of filing an appeal and noticed a post that Berta made in reference to chronic conditions within one year. Here is my story: I seperated from the Air Force in June 2004 on a maternity and childbirth discharge. At the time of discharge I was considered a high risk pregnancy due to preeclampsia so I opted to continue my treatment at the Bethsda Naval Hospital and eventally had my son via emergency c-section due to the preeclampsia in July 2004. I filed a claim for adhesions as a result of the c-cestion and was denied service connection since I had already seperated. Since the C-section I have had several surgeries to try to take down the adhesions that had my uterus completely adhered to my abdominal wall and to my bladder. I suffered from debiliating pain for years and eventually opted for a total hysterectomy. The VA examiner determined that the c-section WAS the cause of the adhesions but again because I wasn't active duty at the time it wasn't service connected. Here is my issue, I am in the process of filing an appeal in which my VSO told me to get a nexus letter from my doctor stating that the adhesions were a chronic condition that manifested within on year of discharge. I didn't think that adhesions were one of the chronic conditions that could be claimed. I also talked to another veteran that previously worked for the VA and was told that I should try to link the preeclampia to the need for the c-section. I'm not sure which route to go or if I can tell the VA both. Any advice and suggestions are needed. Thanks