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Valsacar

Seaman
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About Valsacar

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  • Service Connected Disability
    80%
  • Branch of Service
    Army

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  1. I've Dr. Bash and John, I actually found John because I was originally having a hard time getting a hold of Dr. Bash. I'm overseas, so doing everything via email and fedex. So far I've only gotten one aspect of my appeal completed, which cited Dr. Bash as well as my normal doctor. Not only did they reverse a previous decision, but also granted a new condition that I didn't expect. Back pay, even after John's well earned cut, was almost tripple what I paid Dr. Bash... and I still have a number of things on appeal. I was a little worried about having wasted so much money on Dr. Bash, but now I'm glad I did. Statements from my normal doctors are good, but Dr. Bash knows how the VA thinks and is able to tie it together in an easy to digest package, putting it in wording the VA likes to see. For anyone else thinking about hiring help, John Doyle is worth it. He's knowledable, hard working and keeps in constant contact with you. Dr. Bash isn't cheap, but if you've done your part then, IMO, he will bring it all together to put it over the top.
  2. During service I was treated multiple times for fungal infections by the PAs at the clinic. These were persistent, and shortly after I left the service I sought treatment at a civilian hospital. After 2 failed treatment attempts I was sent to an allergist whom diagnosed it as Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis. That treatment actually works. I was still within my year, so I added eczema to my claim. It was denied be cause there was nothing in my records, and their doctor stated the two diseases would not commonly be mistaken for each other (which my doctor states is incorrect, and my own research as found is incorrect). I have an IMO from Dr. Bash for another issue, and he does reference the issues but as that isn't his realm I feel a seperate IMO would make for a stronger appeal. I have a statement from my Allergist, whom verbally said that my previous diagnosis was incorrect (fungal infections) but was not comfortable putting that in writing. He did state that it was very likely that fungal infections during service were secondary infections caused by untreated eczema (due to scratching). He's also told me the fact that I have Allergic Rhinitis (SC) strengthens the position that I had eczema during service (apparently they are related diseases, as is asthma which I forgot to claim and am doing now). So now I'm trying to find a dermatologist to bring it all together. Problem is, I'm currently working overseas so finding a US doctor that can work mainly off records (I can get any tests done and forwarded to them, as I did for Dr. Bash) has been a fruitless journey. Anyone have any suggestions?
  3. Been there, done that... combine OSA with allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis keeping the upper airways nice a clogged (deviated septum too) and then eczema making it hard to get to sleep (constant itching)... yeah, I'm a little fatigued during the day.
  4. How long have you had it? It can take a few weeks to a month to get used to it. Have you tried a full face mask? Nasal pillow? A BiPAP might work better for you as well. There is also the TAP-3 device, you need a dentist to make it (I believe the VAMC can do this) if yours is obstructive it might help.
  5. I have also been told that FDC for reconsideration is better than appeal, but John Dorle told me there is a risk to your effective date in doing it. Basically what he said is that the VA would be under no obligation to back date the effective date if you do an FDC for reconsideration instead of doing an appeal.
  6. I have a claim in for this, secondary to Allergic Rhinitis, just trying to get a feel for where I stand. I didn't get a copy of the results, but they did tell me the FEV-1 is 58% so I believe that puts me at 30% rating (assuming it is approved as SC). I don't understand what the other conditions require, so I'll explain my condition. I take albutorol (they call it Ventolin here) to control standard attacks. They were coming VERY frequiently, one inhaler wasn't lasting me even a month. I was using it anywhere from 3 to over 6 times a day. They then put me on a preventative inhaler called Foster that I take daily. With this medication the attacks have dropped drastically, down to a couple times a week instead of multiple times a day. If I don't take it (run out, leave it in a hotel, etc) for more than 2 days I quickly go back to needing to use ventolin multiple times a day. I used to see my doctor monthly, now it is bi-monthly, but that IMO is more because of how their medical system works here. In Korea they don't do medication refils, and can only give a certian amount at a time, so going back often is required. Thanks.
  7. Which letter says that? I was confused at first when I saw my benefits letter (on ebenies) because it had a date like that. The date on that letter (says your disabled, at %, monthly comp... I think it's the A8 but don't quote me on that) is the effective date of your current monthly payments (which changes every year, going up). If you haven't gotten the big brown envelope yet, wait for that, it will have all the dates you need. If that doesn't say effective July then you might need to fight a little to get it back dated. As for the other aspect, I'm not sure on how that all works, there are others here that might be able to help you.
  8. I claimed them and was denied (left service 3 years ago) because I was never "officially" diagnosed, just went to the ER numerous times to get treatment for them. Working on an appeal now, if this is true then my case should have just gotten a little easier. Yes, I've been "officially" diagnosed now.
  9. Thanks, I sent him an email and he returned with a call within an hour! Very nice guy, and helpful. He gave me more information than the DAV (who has my POA right now) ever has...
  10. On his site he said he only does skin diseases in certain cases. In my case, I already have everything needed, it just needs to be backed up (statement of concurrence) by a doctor that speaks VA English. Some journal references would be nice too. DoS is basically useless when you're overseas, unless you're a business. The FMP program just does reimbursement, they don't know anything about doctors or hospitals here (I've tried, still not sure if they Lady I was talking to even knew where Korea was). Even if they could, it would still be a Korean doctor. Part of the problem is cultural, it's nearly impossible to get them to put anything in writing that they are not 100% confidant on. I had one doctor refuse to write it because, "It's only my opinion." It took me almost 6 months to get my allergist to write the statement that I have, and it's only half of what he's verbally told me. He also thinks it's likely that I was misdiagnosed by the Army docs, but it would be rude to put in writing that someone else likely made a mistake...
  11. I've been trying to get a hold of Dr. Bash for about a week, but no luck. Can anyone suggest another doctor that can do a good, strong, VA friendly IMO? I am overseas currently, so I need someone that I can mail my records to and have them reviewed. I have statements from my doctors here, but they don't speak English well so the statements are not as strong, or VA friendly, as they should be. The two things I need an IMO on are Eczema and Migraines. Thanks.
  12. This is an excerpt from my Migraine Log, the first few entries. Please let me know if you think this is good. I would write it as soon as possible after the symptoms faded, I keep a copy on my google account so I can access it no matter where I am. I could reformat it if there is a better way to do this, I just tried to cover everything I could think of each time it happened. My Tramadol is actually for my back pain, but it helps with the migraines as well. I honestly just thought it was something I had to deal with, since every time I went to an ER in the Army they never said anything about possible preventative treatments... This is in a table, but I can't see to find out how to put a table. It goes date, then time (morning/afternoon/evening), details of what happened/felt, and then specifics on symptoms. DATE TIME DETAILS Symptoms 26Oct12 Evening Started towards the end of work day. Took Tramadol, once home had to lie in bed with lights off. Primarily lasted approx 3 hours. Pain: High, Throbbing Sensitivity: Sound, Motion Nausea: No 3Nov12 Afternoon Was playing with my son, at the onset I turned on the TV to occupy him while I laid down. Pain continued, took Tramadol. Primarily lasted approx 2.5 hours. Pain: High, Throbbing Sensitivity: Sound, Light Nausea: Yes 30Nov12 Morning On business trip in Stuttgart, Germany. Woke approximately 0300 with migraine. Attempted Tramadol with lying in bed with lights off. By 7am still in severe pain, went to Army hospital in Stuttgart by taxi. Had to fill out insurance paperwork, very painful to do. Some mistake happened, was left in waiting room for almost 5 hours attempting to shield from the light with sunglasses. Received Trodol, symptoms were manageable within 30 minutes. When I did not report my sponsor contacted the German police, and my local command. Emailed Mr. Hagen back to inform them of what happened and that I was still alive. Primarily lasted 11 hours, until treatment. Pain: High, Throbbing Sensitivity: Sound, Light, Motion Nausea: No 18Dec12 Morning Work with what felt like OSA related headache at approximately 0430. Pain worsened with movement, which is not uncommon for my morning headaches. Upon entering the bathroom and turning on the light pain was severe. Turned off the light, and dropped to the floor holding my head. Felt nauseous, with some dry heaves (painful). Wife found me when she got up at 0515, she got my Tramadol and water. She then made me a cup of coffee, cooled with a few ice cubes so as to not be too hot. I made it to the bed and stayed there until the symptoms subsided enough to function. Primarily lasted approximately 3.5 hours. Mild headache symptoms lasted throughout the morning, took two Alieve at work to help with them. Pain: High, Throbbing Sensitivity: Sound, Light, Motion Nausea: Yes, Dry Heave but No Vomit
  13. I did start a log last year, after the claim came back denied, as I had read that it can be helpful. I will submit that with the claim. I didn't submit a statement either, I did the first one on my own and had heard that they weren't really helpful, same for buddy letters. My wife is the one that sees it the most, as she's the one that normally has to drive me to the ER. Last year I was in Germany on a business trip, to a Military training conference. The last day I had a migraine first thing in the morning (it actually woke me up at like 3am). I was in pain and went straight to the nearest Army hospital. I have the records for that visit, but when I didn't show up the sponsor went a little overboard and contacted my command (as well as the German police). I have the email chain back to my command explaining what had happened. Would that be useful as additional evidence of how it affects my ability to work? I'm not treated by the VA, but I have started seeing a doctor locally and the medication he's given me seems to be helping. It was pretty hard to get him to write anything, culturally over here they don't like putting anything in writing that they cannot say 100%. I was thinking that getting an IMO from a US doctor to back up and concur with his statements would be useful. I knew headaches were, but wasn't sure if migraines were also related. I guess it does seem right, the frequency of migraines did lower after I was diagnosed with OSA and given a CPAP. Should I add that in now, or save it as a backup if they deny it a second time? Thanks for the advice so far, I'm thinking I should find a good US doctor to provide an IMO backing up what I have from my Korean doctors.
  14. I could see this being good, if it was done in this manner: 1. Rate based off of what you have right NOW. Give what you can guarantee the veteran is due based off service records and anything else present in the claim. 2. Give veteran those benefits they you just confirmed they have. 3. Order C&P. 4. Re-evaluate with the new information. 5. Pay veteran back pay for any conditions now SC, or increases to those that were approved in step 1. If this is how it is done, I would say it's a good step. I get some benefits quickly, and get everything I'm due a little later. Think of it this way, I injured my back in service. They can tell from my records that I have a herniated disc (diagnosed in service) with pain. They can give 10% for that, ROM could make it higher but we're not waiting for that before awarding benefits. I also have sciatica down the right leg, records show that it's severe pain, but no mention of muscular atrophy. We can say that's at least a 30%, it might be more so we'll give it 30% provisionally. Now I am able to go to the VA hospital and get treatment I need for these conditions, treatment I may not have been able to afford before. I'm happy, I'm getting my treatment and if it takes them 2 years to give me what I truely deserve (with back pay) so be it. The most important part of this whole system, in my opinion, is I can get treatment without going bankrupt doing it. ---- Now, that said... I have zero faith that this is how it is being done.
  15. First I want to say, I keep seeing people talking about signing up for a membership and then getting VSO assistance. You do NOT need to be a member of any of the vet organizations in order to use them as a VSO. The only requirement is to sign the POA so that they legally have the right to talk to the VA on your behalf. That said, I did my first claim on my own, and made a few mistakes but I did come out with 60%. I decided to go with a VSO for the second round, originally VFW (I was a member at one point, it lapsed) but I couldn't find the contact info I needed from over here (I'm in Korea as a contractor still). I had gotten a card from the DAV, so that seemed like an obvious choice. It didn't take long and I was assigned a rep at the Pittsburg office (which is where all overseas claims go through). Now, he is hard to get a hold of, but I attribute much of that to the time zone difference, it's not easy for me to call and if he's with someone at the time I generally do not request a call back. I hate getting calls at 3am for some strange reason ;). Over all they haven't done too much for me, besides direct me to do an FDC instead of an appeal (C&P didn't do some of the tests that they should have done, so resubmit as a new claim) due to the massive backlog (stats show average wait on appeal at that VARO is 1441 days). I agreed, even if it does risk losing the effective date (but from what I've read, it shouldn't). That's where I am now, working on getting everything together. I prefer to be in control, but a little more assistance from them would be nice. In my case, being that they are local, they have one MAJOR advantage. I have given my fedex account number to my rep so that he can fedex (at my expense, I don't care) anything from the VA to me. Regular mail takes 2 weeks, up to 2 months, to get over here. My 20 day letter (original claim) when they LOST my medical records (digital ones too, they didn't bother asking the Army for a new copy) got to me 21 days after it was sent... The ability to get me VA correspondence (from and to) in a timely manner is more than enough to make me happy.
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