timetowinarace

That video was a good find. She does a good job explaining much of it. I saw allot of doctors in a number of years and maybe two of them believed I was having the problems I explained. The rest simply brushed me aside. When I went to the neuro-psych and got tested, she asked what my goals were(as the lady in the video explained). When I told her I wanted to continue voc-rehab she stiffened right up and suggested I file for SSI. School is not an option. Anyway, with the testing, I am now believed about my symptoms. Now that I'm service connected for the cognative problems, I guess they can find no reason for me to be lieing about the dizziness, weakness, fatigue, headaches and everything else.

Thanks for the update. Just for general information purposes, my memory also tests in the normal range. However, I am required to have a fudiciary(the VA will not send me comp money it goes to my wife) because based on the whole of my test scores(complete neuro-psych testing) the evaluater stated "he might forget to pay his bills". My memory is horrible. So how does my memory test normal, yet my memory is terrible? My "working memory" is horrible. It was explained to me like this. I have slowed cognative proccessing. So while all the information of daily life like what my eyes, ears, and other sences, plus the other information like the things I'm thinking about, emotions and such all go to my brain, it is proccessed slowly. So if I walk into the house carrying my keys and set them on top of the TV, I might not be able to remember where I put them and they are lost. This is because with everything my brain is trying to keep up with, where I put my keys is never registered into my memory. Basically, I never knew I put my keys on the TV. I don't FORGET where I put them, I don't KNOW I even put them down. I don't know if any of that was usefull to you or anyone. There is obviously more to it than that and I really don't understand all of it. But I can say without a doubt that my memory tests normal but is horrible and the full scale testing made believers out of the evaluators. I hope you can get the answers your looking for through continued appointments.

Be advised, if the screening your schedualed for is or includes the TBI Screening Reminder program, you won't get past the first question. The screening is for OEF/OIF Veterans. It's the only VA TBI screening tool I'm aware of. It's the first question of the screening, and if the answer is no-no service in OEF or OIF the screening is over. An explaination of the screening with screenshots of the actuall screening program can be found here: http://www.avapl.org/pub/2007Conference/TB...05-29-07.ppt#10 Microsoft power point required. Someone else from Hadit had been schedualed for this screening and was turned away. I know some have had success with it but they may have been OEF/OIF veterans. I also encourage anyone seeking a possible MTBI diagnoses to do so through neuro-psycholgical testing. 1. Using CT and MRI is usually futile. Advanced imaging such as SPECT or PET are still in the experimental phases(in my opinion) and it is very difficult to get a referal for them as they are costly and in high demand. 2. Even in the event that imaging finds something AND that it was caused by TBI, neuro-psych testing is the only way to determine functional impairment and thus get a decent rating. Check the regs, for a rating over a certain percentage(can't remember what percentage, something like 20%) for functional impairment in memory, attention and consentration must be backed up with objective testing. Might as well start out with the testing as it is more likely to prove TBI anyway. 3. Yes, MDD, Anxiaty, PTSD and others can and do cause problems with memory and ect. However, the results of neuro-psych testing can determine the difference between functional impairment due to mood disorder and functional impairment due to TBI. An example: me. For twelve years I complained of memory problems. For twelve years I was told I was depressed-the cause of the memory problems. In that twelve years I took two or three personality assessment tests(these tests are designed to find mood disorders and other psyciatric conditions) and none of them showed any substantial depression, anxiaty or anything else. For twelve years I was treated for depresion anyway. I finally heard about neuro-psych testing and wa-la! I have substantial cognative dissorder due to TBI. And what depression and anxiaty I have developed is Organic, directly caused by the TBI. My opinon is that any psyciatrist that has a patient with MDD and/or anxiaty with a history of concussion that does not order neuro-psych testing is not worth their salt. 4. My MRI's are all clean. This was used against me. Because the MRI's were clean, no one would pursue the TBI any further. Note: In the link posted above, during the screening there must be a relationship to symptoms complaint and objective findings on, Neuro-psychological testing, Physical examination, Neurological examination.

Just going off of memory of the regs(for a quick reply-I'll research later) your results would indicate to me a total(100%) rating under the attention, consentration, memory portion of the residuals listed under 8045. But, I have several questions. Was your TBI C&P done by a MD psychiatrist? What was the qualifications of the examiner? I get the impression your neuro-psych testing was done privetly? The C&P examiner will have to determine your functional impairment based on the tests. The rater will make a percentage determination based on the C&P examiners report and not the actuall test results. So I hope you made sure the C&P examiner had a copy of the test or it was in your records before your exam. The reason I beleive your tests indicate to me a total(100%) rating is because mine is very simular. However, I was rated differently under the old regs. Have gotten a copy of your C&P exam results?

I need some WD40 for my Abba's Greatest Hits CD.

TBI Survival guide <click to go to web page. The link to download the entire book appears to be broken but each chapter of the book is available to read for free. I have a printed copy of the full book I can copy and send to anyone interested. I found this to be a good read for both me and anyone that wishes to learn more about what goes on(or doesn't go on) in my head. I find it very difficult to explain the many effects TBI has had on me but this guide does a fair job of it. While some things aren't addressed in the guide and some don't apply to me, It is more thorough for a plain language explaination than any other I have read.

Brain Injury Association of America I never had any luck geting ahold of anyone here neither in my state or national but they have allot of information.

I have mild TBI(the word mild is decieving). I'm rated 100%P&T for it. What you explain in your case does sound like a possible result of a head injury. I can tell you that much of what you explain has and is happening to me. Anxiaty and depression are common results of MTBI and I have both. I went 12 years before I was properly diagnosed and I had been hospitalized for the injury at the time it happened. Because symptoms often aren't apperent for a few months MTBI is often undiagnosed and/or misdiagnosed. One of the most common misdiagnoses for MTBI sufferer is PTSD. All of the symptoms for PTSD are included in the possible symptoms for MTBI with the exception of a stressor. I had been diagnosed with PTSD at one time due to my symptoms but it was later dismissed because I lack the main ingredient, a stressor. To answer some questions for you: I have been away from Hadit for some time due to the amount of time it takes me to respond to posts (it seems you are aware of the time it takes for someone with slowed executive functioning to type theses things out). I felt my life was passing me by while I was sitting here, though I love to do it. Anyway, my memory is such that it may take some time to retrieve much of the information I have.(I basically have to re-learn it) I'm pretty sure I posted a few internet resources when the TBI forum was new, so you may be able to find allot of information if you read through some of the first threads in this forum. I'll find what I can. Some things come to mind. As for VA TBI treatment, it depends on where you live(the VA facility) but for the most part the VA is unwilling to provide much for a long past TBI. Basically it is felt that it is too late as gains are made in the first three years after the injury. I have had next to nothing in the way of treatment for TBI. I feel I am on my own with dealing with my problems. I've been told to move to a different regoin if I want help. In my opinion, whether or not you want a tbi diagnoses, it would be very benificial for you to get neuro-psych testing done, especially if your having memory problems and slowed thinking. MRI, 9 out of 10 times, will not show any damage from a MTBI or even a moderate one. neuro-psych tesing usually proves TBI. Even without a tbi diagnoses it may help in your ratings because if a cognative dissorder is found, I think it likely you could prove it started in service and be rated for it. It may not increase your rating but it is likely it would be considered permanent.(brain damage, especially old ones, never heal) Hope this helps. Time

My experience with the VA is simular. That is why, while I agree that self advocacy is a must, I hate the common phrase, "The veteran is his own best advocate". Veterans get shafted due to that phrase for years untill they learn the complicated maze. Most don't find a competent person to help them in the beginning. If I had known then what I know now, it would not have taken 13 or so years to get proper help. I know the VA caused my MDD and anxiaty.

Ohhh, I thought "adjustment disorder" was what Rappers had. Why else would they grab their crotch like that all the time?

All fraud cases should punished. But, the disparity in VA and DoD numbers makes me wonder. The DoD seems to have a knack for downplaying statistics that may hurt public opinion of a military action. The question posed in the article about the number disparity assumes the VA numbers are wrong. I'm inclined to believe the opposite is more likely. POW numbers is one of those statistical nightmares for a government that is trying to to keep it's citizens support of a military conflict. Hmmm.

In Idaho there is no property tax credit for disabled veterans. There is a 'circut breaker' in this county that reduces taxes based on income and medical expenses. At 100%, veterans do not have to include VA comp as income. I get about a 50% reduction but it varies by year.

Carlie, Is it possible to get SMC, say 100%+70, for conditions with the same etiology? I've asked this several times but never recieved an answer of any type. If I were re-evaluated under the new law, I would have three seperate ratings. One of wich would be 100% garanteed under 8045.

I'm not sure if it would help to have the tbi SC in your case for comp purposes. I suppose it depends on what other conditions or residuals you have. Conditions resulting from tbi do have seperate ratings now. I'm sure the seizure disorder will remain the same with it's own rating. Current law and diagnostic criteria has changed for tbi so it could be benificial to seek service connection. But I couldn't give sound advice without knowing more. I suggest going to the tbi section of this forum and reading about it. There are links there to help.

John, No, it wasn't a personal attack. I don't think I have a history of that here. I understand yours and the others point about the VA's injustices to veterans. I have suffered from it as well. I also understand that that if Meddac was not a VA employee but just a long standing member of Hadit(such as Berta) and posted his vent to this veteran board about a veteran he was trying to help that turned out to have lied or withheld information and he felt bad about the whole thing, your comments would have been suportive rather than to brush them aside with 'big deal'. In short, I believe many of the comments and flaming posts(your post was not flaming but others were) are because of the source of the thread and some here are taking an opportunity to attack a VA employee just because he is one. I find it has nothing to do with the actuall facts of his post. I commented on your post because I beleive if it had been another member, your post would have been worded differently. Not personal.

Big deal? There have often been threads here about wannabe's. Your comments about them then were not, "big deal". Same goes for Yoggie. Why the change of heart? Seems your opinions change to fit the argument of the day. I'll be interested to read tomarows opinion. Could be anything.

The study has to be reproduced before it is scientificly accepted. It's not good though. Many GW veterans have cognative disorders. I would hope something other than these chemicals be to blame for the simple fact that neurological(brain) damage from them cannot be fixed. I'm afraid it is becomming apparent they are to blame though. For me it begs the question; What happens to the person taking the pills and exposed to the chemicals that recieves a head injury at the same time? I had a very strange and inconsistant reaction to my head injury when I was taking those pills and using insect repellant. Ummmm, I have no lesions seen on mri.

I'm more inclined to be upset with the person mucking up the allready heavily backloged claims system with bogus claims and lies. These types of claims slow down everyone elses claims, puts a stain on all veterans and gives the public and congress a reason to stiffen the rules of an already difficult proccess. From the original post: "One of the quickest ways to get reduced is to lie about your conditions". Anyone upset about this sentance has not been a part of Hadit very long. None of the longer standing and helpfull members here condone lieing to advance a claim. To the contrary, most here realize this type of behavior hurts all veterans. As for Meddac having a covert agenda. How ridiculous. Someone is going to pose as a distrusted VA employee to push a hidden agenda to veterans? I wonder how many drug dealers are in prison due to an informant posing as a police officer while he collected evidence against them? Good hell people, get real. This forum is for posting claims advice. I think 'Don't lie' is pretty good advice. Meddac gave his reasoning for the advice. I certainly don't need details as to why I shouldn't lie during the claims procces. Everyone here is upset with the proccessing times for claims. It is one of the biggest issues. Yet for some it seems easier to attack a member of the board (and veteran) that is trying to help veterans than to be upset with the very person (rightfully undisclosed name) that is mucking up the the system and slowing down their claims. Kind of like being mad at the hammer for smashing your finger but defending the person that swung it. DUHHHHHHHHHHHHH. If your VARO is working on someones BS claim, their not working on your good one.

Rock, Carlie posted a link in the tbi forum. http://www.hadit.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21321 It's from the schedual for rating disabilities 38CFR The rating for cognative impairment is based on the overall results of the testing. The different areas of testing are mainly used to determine the cause of disfunction (such as tbi) and possible treatment options. All of the test scores are used to determine the amount of functional impairment. The mix of different results in different areas is actually what is used to determine that a brain injury occured. Think of it like a test for an old cars drive train. The engine, transmission, driveline, differential, bearings, electrical, ect are all tested. Each area tested will have it's own degree of problems, some more serious than others. Some won't have any problems. The mechanic takes ALL of the results and determines that the car will not get us to the store without a great deal of difficulty. (we already knew that or the car wouldn't be at the mechanics :) ) But the individual result are used to deterimine possible causes and what needs fixed. The simple explaination is that your overall functional impairment will be rated using ALL of the test scores.

Yes, you can have a rating for migraines and a seperate rating for tbi. 8100 Migraine: With very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability 50 With characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over last several months 30 With characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over last several months 10 With less frequent attacks 0 From 8045: Subjective symptoms may be the only residual of TBI or may be associated with cognitive impairment or other areas of dysfunction. Evaluate subjective symptoms that are residuals of TBI, whether or not they are part of cognitive impairment, under the subjective symptoms facet in the table titled “Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Other Residuals of TBI Not Otherwise Classified.” However, separately evaluate any residual with a distinct diagnosis that may be evaluated under another diagnostic code, such as migraine headache or Meniere's disease, even if that diagnosis is based on subjective symptoms, rather than under the “Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Other Residuals of TBI Not Otherwise Classified” table. also from 8045: Note (1):There may be an overlap of manifestations of conditions evaluated under the table titled “Evaluation Of Cognitive Impairment And Other Residuals Of TBI Not Otherwise Classified” with manifestations of a comorbid mental or neurologic or other physical disorder that can be separately evaluated under another diagnostic code. In such cases, do not assign more than one evaluation based on the same manifestations. If the manifestations of two or more conditions cannot be clearly separated, assign a single evaluation under whichever set of diagnostic criteria allows the better assessment of overall impaired functioning due to both conditions. However, if the manifestations are clearly separable, assign a separate evaluation for each condition. My interpretation of the reg's suggests that any condition that can be rated under it's own code, such as migraines, should be rated under that code and not under the 8045 code. So while 'headaches' are included in 8045 residuals catagory, the most that can be assigned under the catagory is a 2(40%) together with all residuals, but migraines can be rated up to 50% under it's own code.

I know endocrine disorders are not uncommon with tbi. Diabetes Insipidus(SP) is more commonly found. I don't know that wieght gain by itself could be SC as a secondary condition but othe symptoms of these types of disorders are quite debilitating and the disorder itself could be SC. Only an Encrinologist would be able to identify wich hormones are affected. There are too many posibilities. Some cause wieght gain, some wieght loss. To be SC, I would assume an endocrine dissorder would have to show up in blood work such as increased or decreased levels of cortizone, testosirone, adrenal, ATcH or a host of others.

Off the top of my head, I would assume those two conditions would be ratable under the neurological Diagnostic Codes. I'll research it as soon as I get a chance. There might be a catagory for balance in 8045. I'll look.

You can have seperate ratings for tbi and ptsd now. There is a section for cognative impairment under DC8045 so it no longer has to be rated under the DC9304 (mental) code. My rating under the old code is under 9304. The catagories use a number system 0 through 4. 0 is 0. 1=10%. 2=40%. 3=70%. 4=total. Let's use the Visual spatial orientation catagory as an example. We'll say a person meets the conditions for a 2: "Moderately impaired. Usually gets lost in unfamiliar surroundings, has difficulty reading maps, following directions, and judging distance. Has difficulty using assistive devices such as GPS (global positioning system)." That warrent a SC rating of 40%. The highest number of all the catigories will be the percentage awarded. So, if a person meets the criteria for a 2 (40%) in most of the catagories and get's a 3 (70%) in one catagory the rating will be a 70% rating. I don't like it being done this way because as a tbi sufferer I know that I am more disabled due to the culmination of my symptoms. Having problems in these multiple catagories means I have 'multiple problems' and only being rated based on one of them, even if it is the most disabling, ignores my other conditions that add to my functional inability. But, it is much better than the old way.

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