mountain tyme

I have a trust issue when it comes to the VA system so I take caution and have not filled out any survey's that have been sent they hit my file 5! but I have called the VA and made a complaint that was warrented and I am still waiting for there solution to the incident...but I will not hold my breath. I feel strongly that you can do one of two things when there is a problem...sit and complain or take action. Will a survey help improve the system it depends on the question are they slanted to make the VA system look good? Are the Question's targeted to cutomer service or quality of care...can you write your answer if none of the choices reflect what you observe... I believe if you have a concern on the way you have been treated it is always better to write a well grounded letter and submit it to your state representative at least there is a chance you will get an answer. MT

Welcome Bozoc, you wrote: " Is it normal to see a psychiatrist before any results from the C&P have been established? Of course, I am going to the appoinment. Just curious if this was a normal part of the process. Thanks so much for any info." I can only tell you what happened to me...I also went in for a C/P for PTSD and the doctor told me also that I had server PTSD...and asked me if I would like to talk to one on there staff and I was so drained that I declined...the doctor walked me up to the front desk and had the take in clerk give me some paperwork about support groups and gave me her card if I had any further questions regarding the group sessions they have up at the VAMC... so I would say you are very blessed to have had a C/P doctor who put your health as his main priority! I hope that you are receiving help for your well being. About 6 weeks later I received notice that I was granted s/c for the PTSD. Hope this helps MT

Hello Carson... Well the VA is suppose to take in consideration your GAF which is low....but it is only supposed to be considerated along with all the evidence presented and the c/p examiner's perception at the actual exam. If you have a current diagonis of PTSD and it is service connected per evidence they it is more likley then not that you will receive compensation for PTSD...as far as the percentage that is an open question..due to there have been vets that have been grated 70% for GAF's that have been higher...and then I have seen some determinations based on 40% or lower only receiveing 30-50%...once you receive your determination...and if you do not agree with the % given then you do have the opportunity to NOD the decision or gather additional medical evidence that would support a higher % to put in for a reconsideration...but for now just wait and see what the VA decides...no one can tell you what the % you will receive each case and RO rater is different. God Speed MT

Hello Di PI... Manitou Sprgs gave good advice...I had my s/c disability increased when my doctor wrote a letter detailing my limitation as to work, social, family ect...and based it on the VA criteria...and if you are not working and the reason for it is due to your s/c disability they should grant UI...have you applied for SSD based on your PTSD? hope the information helps MT

Hello Quint7, It's not uncommon anymore for claims to be transfered due to the backlogs..I have not heard anything negative regarding the RO in St. Louis...as far as I can tell the raters are very fair and if by chance they did overlook something they are good enough to step up to the plate and do a reconsideration in a timely manner.....so perhaps it is a good thing. MT

Hello Yelloownumber5, You may want to go back to the Naval Hosp. and go to the radiolgy department they may have the original films still...I believe that back in 2000 they started to film on CD's instead of the films. I know that a friend of mine who retired also had a MRI done prior to retirement and went back to the base hospital and they did not have the MRI films in his service medical records and they sent him to the radiology department and they were there he had to fill out a form to get a copy of them so maybe you can call that department at the naval hosp. to see if they keep them there..hope this helps. MT

LOA: I don't believe they can denie your claim because you missed an appointment...you are still on active duty...what you can do is if you are close enough to Warrensburg Mo. you can go to the VA Clinic there and there is a Missouri Veteran rep. there that you can talk to...also I believe there is also a Veterans advocate there at Whiteman AFB that you can also talk to... As long as you are still active duty you need to get all your ducks in a roll before your seperation...also within the one year time frame of seperation to have things documented... With how the miliary is today they do have you get an occupational physical every year...and you will have a seperation physical as well to fill out...this would be a good time to go to medical records and request to see your medical records and start making a list of things that may be a concern... You can also go to the base clinic and talk to the Patient Avocate regarding the mishap at the VA they can go and help you if not themselves make you a new appointment...so please take a breath and stand back... and if that is not enough...GO down to Sedalia Mo. and go to Ike Skeltons office and talk to his assistant there and they will contact the VA as well and things do happen... esp. since Ike has close ties to the base. The VA regional office in St. Louis are good people..but I know you have concerns...but you are at a good point right now to get things fixed. MT

Betty... In the Bible the prophet Isaiah said in Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD" which means...no weapon - no enemy that rises against us - can prevail.. God has determined this law. we just have to put our faith in him. he created the universe from scratch.. placed the planets in perfect alignment.. hung the stars in perfect harmony.. why not put your trust in him. God Speed my Friend MT

entropent wrote:"the correct rating for GERD is 7399-7346, which is an analogized code for hiatal hernia, which has the same symptoms as GERD, and is often present in patients who have GERD." well my husband called the VA 800# and the guy looked at his chart and he said that the code was 7346 that was used...so he patched him through to the VA service officer of the organization he is represented by... They are going to do a NOD...due to the fact that when we went to the C/P my husband brought up that when he had an upper GI done that it showed that he has a sliding Hiatal Hernia...and the c/p doctor said that she was not rating him on that issue that she was only going to rate him on the Gerds which falls under another catagory.... since the 7203 dx code is what most closely approximates his condition for the Gerds which is under Gastic. Also his medical records do support that he has not only immense heart burn but accompanied by the intense pain and tightening...and of course due to the regergitation he can not wear his c/p mask so they changed him to a nose piece one which due to the reflux it does not work either...so the VA service rep advised my husband to put in a NOD...to see if it can be corrected.... even under the hiatal hernia I would think the medical evidence would support the higher rating...the VA will sometimes lowball the first time... who knows... but I appricate your response...and I will update when I find out what they decide... MT

just an update...I called the VA 800 number again this morning...what a run around...I finally talked to a young lady and gave her my phone number so they could have someone contact me regarding the incident yesterday... around 10:30 I received a phone call from the VA and talked to a gentleman regarding the incident. I told him the name of the rude young man along with the time I called and appx. what time the call ended..and that I would like to file a formal complaint regarding this young man's aburpt behavior which I felt was unwarrented for the situlation. He asked me a list of questions as to if the young man raised his voice which he did not...actully if you were judgeing his behavior on tone of voice he had quite a pleasant voice never raised it...yet I told him that it was not the tone of voice but the text of the conversation I found to be offensive...as in his asking me Why I wanted to know the diagonsitc codes used for Gerds... and if I had a legimite reason for asking...I though that his questions were off base...I explained to him that I had gone to the VA web site to find the code for Gerds but I did not see one...(since that conversation I have learned from fellow hadit members that there is no diagastic code for Gerds)...after I told the supervisor the information...he said he would look into the matter...then asked me what course of action would I feel would be appropraite in a situlation like this...HOW ODD...all I could think of...I felt that this young man needed to take a refresher course in customer service and be put on probation to have all calls he takes be monitor for a set number of months to see if his behavior is repeated...I would have hoped that yesterday conversation was recorded but he did not indicate if it was or was not...he told me that I will receive a follow up to my complaint...I corrected him and said this in not just a complaint but a concern that needs to be taken seriously...what if this rude young man received a phone call from someone on the edge...he may well have put that desprate vet over that edge..I don't feel that the young man realize how important his job is....he is literally the first contact many vets have to the VA system and his attitude does not reflect favorable on the Va system in any way... hopefully something is done...to enlighten this rude young man and he can correct his cocky attitude. MT

LOA wrote: *filing VA claim while processing for retirement from military*... 1.) is you are still active duty military...do you have a record of depression in your service medical records? if so you will be service connected...I could be wrong but as long as you have documentation that you have been seen for depression then it is service connected...also when you retire you will fill out a form and I belive depression will be one of the question for mental health...BE SURE TO CHECK EVERYTHING THAT APPLIES AND GET A COPY OF THAT FORM. 2.) this will be a good time to go through your miltary service record with a fine tooth comb...if you are having sleeping problems and you snore...you should report that and have them put you in for a sleep study...many veterans that work rotating shifts will develp sleep apeanea..and it is hell trying to get it s/c once you retire...also if you notice that your blood pressure is high...LOOK THROUGH YOUR RECORDS...bring the high bp readings to the attention of your primary care doctor to so you can have a 3 day bp check...and if you have hypertention it will be then in your medical records...the same for high chol. it is not uncommon for vets to have hypertension and not know it...how many doctors does one see in a life time..do you think that they read your past medical records to see a pattern...they will only find a pattern when you have a heart attack..so please have that checked into. and a three day bp I believe is what the VA will look favorable on. come to think about it...I believe that within a month after you retire you either have an appointment made for you to go to the VA or you can go up there and they will have you fill out paperwork as to what you are service connected for and they will check over your service medical records... hope this helps MT

rentalguy1... The more I look over his medical records that were submitted the more I believe they (VA) rater made a mistake... In the decision it states " A higher evaluation of 30 percent is not warranted unless the record shows persistently recurrent epigastric with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain which is productive of considerable impairment of health. This disability is not specifically listed in the rating schedule; therefore, it is rated analogous to a disability in which not only the functions affected, but anatomical localization and symptoms are closely related." and since the medical records DO SHOW...persistently recurrent epigastric with dysphagin, pyrosis (heartburn), and regurgitation accompanied by substernal pain...he should have received the higher rating of 30%.. with his history...they had to do an upper ig because it became medically necessary since after 14 years he is on the highest regime of medication needed..to help control the frequency of the attacks...which prior to the medication was 2-3 times a day...now he has one-2 per day...he never goes without reflux...and he has been on a bland diet for about 6 years...he is not overweight..so it may be due to enviromental he worked on Aircrafts his whole service career working in corrosion control painting mixing ect...so it is possible it has something to do with the solvents he worked with... well...will keep you updated... Mt

I quess he better get a copy of the C/P because if it was rated under 7203 the lowest eval. would have been 30%...so we are going to have to get a copy of that report...how what if they did put it under perhaps an ulcer or something like that...could gerds be under an ulcer? I will need to update later when we get all the facts... thanks everyone MT

I called and did ask for a supervisor will need to call again tomorrow...they close at 4pm... it still is very unsettling for me...esp. since I most likely am not the only one to get the brush off...I can't even imagin is a timid little mouse called!! they would be intimated not to call again!!!! outragous... perhaps in God's ultimate plan of the day...was why of all people I was connected to him!! for I am not by any means a timid mouse....hummmm lucky for him I am medicated!!! *laughing...* but I will file a complaint tomorrow he does not need to be working for the American Veteran with an attitude like that...and I am also glad that he can not say he is a veteran for that would have been the ultimate insult! MT

My husband is 10% s/c for Gerds which we are seeking an increase evaluation based on medical evidence.. but,,he had an upper I-G done and it shows he has a sliding Hernia hiatal would that be secondary to Gerds..or would they rate that along with Gerds thank you MT

I just need to vent this because I was very offened by how my question was answered..and it offends me to know that my Tax dollars is paying his salery... today I called the VA 800 number to ask a question in regards to what code or rating numbers that the VA uses to rate Gerds..because I wanted to look it up to decided if my huband should seek an increase.. The guy who answered the call...asked me WHY DO I WANT TO KNOW...and if I had a legitimate reason to ask that question... I explained to him that I wanted to see if a claim I was working on would merit a higher rating or percentage based on the VA criteria...he said that only the raters could determine that... I told him that I know that but I wanted to check to see if the condition would warrent a higher evaluation. he asked me again why I wanted to know...then I asked him...is there some policy that would prevent you from telling me...I mean all I need to do is go th the VA web site and look it up...but it is easier for me just to call and get the numbers then look it up... HE REFUSED TO TELL ME THE what the numbers were...outragous...then when I asked to talk to someone who would know the numbers because obviously he did not...he told me he knew the numbers but would not give them to me because I did not have a need to know... OUTRAGOUS...I then asked him to transfer me to his supervisor..and he told me that he was on another line...then I asked him if he was a veteran...and he said no...and I said thank the good Lord...for a real American Veteran would not want him to cover there back and he was a disgrace and had no business working for the Veterans and he was a leach to the american people.. I was so upset..that I told him May God Bless you for only he blesses little children and fools and he could choose what catagory he fell into ..Good By MT I'M STILL UPSET!!!

Hello...I need some information regarding the Schedule for rating disabilities for gerds... I called the 800 number and I was told the number was #7299-7203 and I can not find it on the VA web site. My husband just received his decision and he was granted service connected due to having been diagnoised with Reflux during his time in service. His decision was Gastroesophageal Reflux disease 10%...I feel the percent is two low...based on his medical documentation. Also he had one of those procedures done where they send a camera down and it is documented that he has a sliding hiheria..also some of his Symptoms are pain, vomiting, hard time swollowing after reflux takes place..and sometimes his arm will pulsate with pain...but not all the time...he is on maintance medication for the reflux and has 8-9 episodes per week. esp. at night. so we keep the bed elevated at the head...due to the reflux he can not use his c-pap machine because he does has re-geration with the reflux...so he can not use his machine at all... I feel a higher percentage is in order... Also do they rate the sliding herina differnt from the Gerds? on the decision it states... 1.) Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Service medical records show complaint and treatment for this chronic condition. during the VA exam you reported pyrosis and regurgitation two to three days a week. There is no dysphagia reported. Va exam shows that there are no signs of anemia. You have a normal appearing esophagus. There was no erosive esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus. Diagnosis is gastroesophageal reflux disease.. The Va examiner ipined that it is at least as likely as not that your current gastoesophageal reflux diesease is related to the treatment for gastroesophageal reflux noted during your military service. Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease has been established as directly related to military service. As evaluation of 10 percent is assigned from FEdxx,xxxx. An evaluation of 10 percent is assigned if there are two or more of the following symptoms: epigastric distress, dysphagia, pyrosis, regurgitation, or substernal or arm or should pain. A higher evaluation of 30 percent is not warranted unless the record shows persistently recurrent epigastric with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain which is productive of considerable impairment of health. This disability is not specifically listed in the rating schedule; therefore, it is rated analogous to a disability in which not only the functions affected, but anatomical localization and symptoms are closely related. What I find distrubing is that the C/P doctor...didn't even ask all the questions because she came running up to us as we were leaving the VA hospital saying she missed a few pages of questions...and she said...oooo I will just fill in the blanks...I couldn't believe it...My husband did tell her about the pain that shoots through his arms...we at one time thought he was having a heart attack until our doctor told us that is caused by the reflux...now if his arm feels that why when he isn't refluxing to go to the ER asap... so I do not understand why he did not receive a higher percentage... Also in the evidence that they used to grant s/c they did not use the report we had faxed to them from the Univeristy hospital of his gastro exam that shows the sliding herina... so we would like to ask for a reconsideration but I don't know how to word it...and should I go get a copy of the gastro exam and diagnosis and attach it to the reconsideration... and would a statement from me or him help as to the pain he experiances... Thanks in advance.. MT

Dear tinchord: very few things in this life can move me to tears...I can hear your pain in the poem you posted...and teardrops fall for a life that has been shattered...it will take time to heal...and heal you will...just one step at a time... May God Keep you safe until then... MT

Hello...Thank you all for your insight on this claim...there is one part of the original VA decision that was given back in 1994 when the vet retired that I would like to clarify... In the original determination for the migraine/headaches the VA wrote: "However, as migraines were not involved a 10 percent or higher evaluation is not in order. (Which could be assigned with characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months)." After talking to the vet the most likley reason why they did not give him a rating of more then 0 percent was because at the time that the paper work was being done at the VA he was not having the frequency of migrains or headaches due to the medication that they were giving him to control them...at the time he answered them honestly that he only had a few episodes in the past couple of months..he never thought or did it occur to him to mention or say he was on medication due to the fact he was not having a problem that day... So I believe that is why they service connected him at that rating and with that statement "However, as migraines were not involved a 10 percent or higher evaluation is not in order. (Which could be assigned with characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months)." that is just my opion on the matter... now fast forward it to 2007 in his medical records there is a paper trail that he still was having headaches...and the medication he was on is not effective anymore hence the new regime of medicine has begun... that is why he is putting in for an increase...also in his service medical records it clearly states that he had a history of migraines...and even was in relaxation therapy to help him with them... but anyways I just wanted to clear that statement up...I may be misinterpeting the statement myself... Thank you again MT

Jangrin wrote: If the VA sent you the SOC and did not list the records you think support your position for an increased rating, then send the records you think were omitted as new and material evidence, stating the RSVR did not use these records in their determination. Plus, send in all additional information that they did not have at the time of the decision. Including private medical records and family statements, anything that will support your position of increased rating. You received a statement of the case? An SOC is sent to the claimant after they have either asked for a reconsideration or sent a letter of Notice of Disagreement when they don't agree with the award. If you have already asked for a reconsideration, and the RVSR does not change the award and lets it stand "as is", your reconsideration request will automatically become an NOD and your claim is sent to appeals. I would gather ALL evidence and let them take another look.” _____________________________________________________________________________ Well….I have the packet here I don’t know if it is a SOC now that I read your reply… The first page say’s Dear Mr. xxxxxxxxxx We made a decision on your claim for service connected compensation received on Feb. xx, xxxx This letter tells you about your entitlement amount and payment start date and what we decided. It includes a copy of our rating decision that gives the evidence used and reasons for our decision. We have also included information about additional benefits, what to do if you disagree with our decision, and who to contact if you have questions or need assistance. Then of course it tells him what they did on each claim he applied for two increases for service connected injuries… and submitted claims for two conditions that were not service connected at the time of discharge…. He received an increase of 10 percent for one condition which is what he was seeking. And the second increase was denied (this is the one that is my concern is for the migraines) On the new claims one was granted service connected 10% which he will need to get an imo to file for an increase later on that. And the second condition (new) he is requesting for service connection has been deferred at this point. For the purpose of this thread…on the condition that is the concern he is not sure weather or not the VA gathered the medical records from the Air Base family practice clinic…he listed and signed a consent form for them to retrieve those records and he was told by the VA service rep. that since they were on a military installation that the VA would get them…the VA did obtain his records from the VA clinic he goes to for follow-up care for his s/c disabilities… The medical records that are in contention are the ones that he feels supports an increase for his migraines…and those were are from the Air Base family practice clinic which is his primary care doctor he has tri-care (retired military) Yet those records in the list of evidence are not listed in the list of items they used to denied an increase. So at this point after reading all the information on two threads he will go ahead and put in a re-consideration and attach the medical records from back when he filed and the new ones that he has since he filed on the progress of the medication he has been taking to prevent the migraines. Hopeful this gives a clearer picture on what is going on in this case. Thanks in advance MT

well CUE is a another can of worms!!! Thank You for the information...I wish I was better versed in VA procedures...but I am learning...thank you again for all your insights... MT

I have searched for this topic and I can not find an answer... When you submit medical records to the VA for a claim and that evidence (medical records) is not listed on the SOC as part of the evidence used to determine your claim... and your claim has been denied or an increase not granted for a condition already service connected by the VA... can you re-submit that evidence ...to support why your claim should be granted or increased? if that said evidence clearly supports a higher evaluation. Or would the VA state it is not new evidence? trying to get all my ducks in a roll... MT

rentalguy wrote: "You want one copy of all pertinent records to send in with the 21-4138, and at least one copy to keep on record and take to the exam with you in an attempt to get the examiner to look at them." Question since he has already had a VA c/p for the headaches will they have him come in for a second c/p? when he ask's for a reconsideration for the migrains...or will the rater just look at the doctor reports that are going to be submitted with the reconsideration for a higher percentage...he is still within the year time limit. Thanks MT

Thank You rentalguy...One more question....since the VA had him come in for a C/P for his headaches back in May o7 will he only need to have the medical records sent or should I say give authoration for are those that they do not have...as in the family practice clinic up at the base...and those from the VA clinic that are new since he put his claim in back in o7.... Thanks in advance... MT

rentalguy wrote: "It all depends on what code he is actually rated under currently. If he is currently rated under code 8100, then the answer is no. Just claim an increase. If he is under another code, then yes. Tell them that VA has him erroniously rated under DX Code XXXX, and it should be changed to code 8100, with a rating of 30%. If you don't ask for a particular percentage, then the claimant is the only one to blame when he gets low-balled. The worst thing they can do if you ask for a particular rating is say no, to which you reply with a NOD. Good Luck! " UPDATE: I went over and had him call the 800 number as you suggested...and the Diagnosis code is 8100...so I told him to put in for a reconsideraion for an increase for 30% and attach the medical records from family practice...regarding his treatment on the new onset of the migrain headaches as stated on his medical records from *************Feb 07...his medical records state************* Cheif Complaint: Pt is here for migraines pt had migraine yesterday, stillhas headache today pt. states he has had two migrines in the last two weeks. Migraine headaches, treated with imittrex. Has frequent "non migraine" headaches, states he can feel the difference with photophobia, N/V imitrex not aborting HA's :Gastrointestinal symptoms: Nausea with migraine and vomiting with migraine :Head symptoms: Headache preceded by aura Conclusion: 1.) Migraine Headache: naprosyn 500mg bid for 2 weeks then PRN. Imitrex not aborting migraines so will swith to Maxalt 20mg. F/U in two weeks since the VA did not consider these records when they made there Decision in Oct 07...by leaving his rating at service connected at 0% I think that submitting these medical records will change there rating...fingers crossed... Is there anyways he should word this request for a reconsideration??? any help would be appricated MT