whoami?

Thanks for your support PainterBK, at this point the anxiety is so bad that I just can't focus. My head hurts my back hurts everything is hurting. I can't sleep. I feel miserable.

I will keep everyone updated on my status. This process is making me very unstable. I feel like I don't know what to do myself in anticipation of what the VA is going to say. As far as appealing do you have any specific recommendations? I also gave my VSO a copy of my SSDI award letter, I think he is going to submit a copy to the RO. I am hoping that if my PTSD isn't 100% schedular the SSDI award will help me get TDIU.

Thanks for your support Hollis. I know she had read my file because the questions she asked me were related to information in my file so I guess I am not worried about it not being in my favor I am just really wondering what percent the VA will rate my PTSD. Its clearly not at the 30% rate anymore and hasn't been for a long time. I have criteria that meet the 70-100% rating. I'm really hoping for the best but I always prepare for the worst when it comes to the VA.

Thanks and I will. I am checking everyday multiple times. I can't help myself. The anxiety is through the roof right now.

Congratulations.

I feel the same way. She could see I was visibly shaken having had to come to the exam, she tried to calm me down but the only thing that helped was when she said we were done and I flew out the door.

Pete I feel the same way I was prepared for a long interview but less than ten minutes I was really shocked. I really don't trust the VA but it appears she had been reading my C-File so when I came in she could see I was extremely anxious and she assured me the exam would be short and that she only had a few questions for me. It was just one question I feel I wasn't allowed to explain in more detail but I guess I am nit picking. I have to wait and see her report then I shall get advice from you guys and go from there. You guys are awesome.

I actually thought that getting this exam out of the way would give me some relief.......nope quite the opposite I can't even sleep so I don't know what I am going to do while the examiner finishes her report, then the wait game for the rater to complete my FDC.

Thanks Navy, I guess I am worried about what the examiner is going to send to the rater. This is the part where I usually get screwed/low balled. How long do you think it will take for her exam to upload to my healthy vet.

I am very nervous right now. I just had my C&P exam with the VA and it went so quick I don't know what happened. The exam took less than ten minutes. I guess the examiner had already read my file. She only had a few questions for me but I felt like I had so much other stuff I wanted to tell her but my anxiety was so high I just answered her questions and quickly left the room. Once I get a copy of what she wrote I will give you guys an update.

Anyone have an insight for an upcoming C&P for PTSD already sc'd for increase?

John I have another C&P for PTSD this week. Do you have any advice for me? I am currently service connected for ptsd but it has gotten progressively worse since I was diagnosed in 2009. I am taking five medications to manage the symptoms but they really aren't working. I have failed out of school due to poor concentration and I currently don't have a job. I am currently recieving SSDI. The examiner mentioned that working will be a problem for me because of my back pain he said the same thing about my shoulder issue. How should I proceed John?

Sorry for not putting all the information. This C&P was for an increase for my lower back pain . I also added sciatic pain that runs down the back of my legs. From what I understand the radiculpathy is rated individually in addition to the back pain.

http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0960P-3-ARE.pdf

Thanks for your response NYNurse. I will keep you informed as to the findings in my case for this issue. Please keep me informed with you guys' progresss also. Thanks.

Please delete this is a duplicate.

Please let me know what you guys think my rating will be based on this C&P exam. Thanks. Back (Thoracolumbar Spine) Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire Name of patient/Veteran: Indicate method used to obtain medical information to complete this document: [ ] Review of available records (without in-person or video telehealth examination) using the Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) process because the existing medical evidence provided sufficient information on which to prepare the DBQ and such an examination will likely provide no additional relevant evidence. [ ] Review of available records in conjunction with a telephone interview with the Veteran (without in-person or telehealth examination) using the ACE process because the existing medical evidence supplemented with a telephone interview provided sufficient information on which to prepare the DBQ and such an examination would likely provide no additional relevant evidence. [ ] Examination via approved video telehealth [X] In-person examination Evidence review --------------- Was the Veteran's VA claims file reviewed? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, list any records that were reviewed but were not included in the Veteran's VA claims file: VBMS If no, check all records reviewed: [ ] Military service treatment records [ ] Military service personnel records [ ] Military enlistment examination [ ] Military separation examination [ ] Military post-deployment questionnaire [ ] Department of Defense Form 214 Separation Documents [ ] Veterans Health Administration medical records (VA treatment records) [ ] Civilian medical records [ ] Interviews with collateral witnesses (family and others who have known the Veteran before and after military service) [ ] No records were reviewed [ ] Other: 1. Diagnosis ------------ Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with a thoracolumbar spine (back) condition? [X] Yes [ ] No Thoracolumbar Common Diagnoses: [ ] Ankylosing spondylitis [X] Lumbosacral strain [ ] Degenerative arthritis of the spine [ ] Intervertebral disc syndrome [ ] Sacroiliac injury [ ] Sacroiliac weakness [ ] Segmental instability [ ] Spinal fusion [ ] Spinal stenosis [ ] Spondylolisthesis [ ] Vertebral dislocation [ ] Vertebral fracture Diagnosis #1: ICD code: 847 Date of diagnosis: Already connected 2. Medical history ------------------ Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine (back) condition (brief summary): He states that he has constant pain in the lower back that radiates down his legs at times. He states that he has pain with bending. He states that the pain is severe. He is currently on Lortab and Toradol for a knee surgery that he had yesterday, so the pain is not as bad today. 3. Flare-ups ------------ Does the Veteran report that flare-ups impact the function of the thoracolumbar spine (back)? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, document the Veteran's description of the impact of flare-ups in his or her own words: The veteran states that pain flares up with excessive use. Pain, weakness, fatigability or incoordination could significantly limit functional ability during flare ups of after repeated use. However to specify to the amount of limited functional ability would be resorting to mere speculation as I can not exam the veteran under these conditions. 4. Initial range of motion (ROM) measurement -------------------------------------------- a. Select where forward flexion ends (normal endpoint is 90): [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 [ ] 35 [ ] 40 [ ] 45 [X] 50 [ ] 55 [ ] 60 [ ] 65 [ ] 70 [ ] 75 [ ] 80 [ ] 85 [ ] 90 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [ ] No objective evidence of painful motion [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 [ ] 35 [ ] 40 [X] 45 [ ] 50 [ ] 55 [ ] 60 [ ] 65 [ ] 70 [ ] 75 [ ] 80 [ ] 85 [ ] 90 or greater b. Select where extension ends (normal endpoint is 30): [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [X] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [ ] No objective evidence of painful motion [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [X] 10 [ ] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater c. Select where right lateral flexion ends (normal endpoint is 30): [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [X] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [ ] No objective evidence of painful motion [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [X] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater d. Select where left lateral flexion ends (normal endpoint is 30): [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [X] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [ ] No objective evidence of painful motion [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [X] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater e. Select where right lateral rotation ends (normal endpoint is 30): [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [X] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [ ] No objective evidence of painful motion [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [X] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater f. Select where left lateral rotation ends (normal endpoint is 30): [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [X] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater Select where objective evidence of painful motion begins: [ ] No objective evidence of painful motion [ ] 0 [ ] 5 [ ] 10 [X] 15 [ ] 20 [ ] 25 [ ] 30 or greater g. If ROM for this Veteran does not conform to the normal range of motion identified above but is normal for this Veteran (for reasons other than a back condition, such as age, body habitus, neurologic disease), explain: No response provided. 5. ROM measurement after repetitive use testing ----------------------------------------------- a. Is the Veteran able to perform repetitive-use testing with 3 repetitions? [ ] Yes [X] No If unable, provide reason: Too painful. 6. Functional loss and additional limitation in ROM --------------------------------------------------- a. Does the Veteran have additional limitation in ROM of the thoraco lumbar spine (back) following repetitive-use testing? [ ] Yes [X] No b. Does the Veteran have any functional loss and/or functional impairment of the thoracolumbar spine (back)? [X] Yes [ ] No c. If the Veteran has functional loss, functional impairment and/or additional limitation of ROM of the thoracolumbar spine (back) after repetitive use, indicate the contributing factors of disability below: [X] Less movement than normal [X] Pain on movement [X] Interference with sitting, standing and/or weight-bearing 7. Pain and muscle spasm (pain on palpation, effect of muscle spasm on gait) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Does the Veteran have localized tenderness or pain to palpation for joints and/or soft tissue of the thoracolumbar spine (back)? [ ] Yes [X] No b. Does the Veteran have muscle spasm of the thoracolumbar spine resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal countour? [ ] Yes [X] No c. Does the Veteran have muscle spasms of the thoracolumbar spine not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal countour? [ ] Yes [X] No d. Does the Veteran have guarding of the thoracolumbar spine resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal countour? [ ] Yes [X] No e. Does the Veteran have guarding of the thoracolumbar spine not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal countour? [ ] Yes [X] No 8. Muscle strength testing -------------------------- a. Rate strength according to the following scale: 0/5 No muscle movement 1/5 Palpable or visible muscle contraction, but no joint movement 2/5 Active movement with gravity eliminated 3/5 Active movement against gravity 4/5 Active movement against some resistance 5/5 Normal strength Hip flexion: Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Knee extension: Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Ankle plantar flexion: Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Ankle dorsiflexion: Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Great toe extension: Right: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 Left: [X] 5/5 [ ] 4/5 [ ] 3/5 [ ] 2/5 [ ] 1/5 [ ] 0/5 b. Does the Veteran have muscle atrophy? [ ] Yes [X] No 9. Reflex exam -------------- Rate deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) according to the following scale: 0 Absent 1+ Hypoactive 2+ Normal 3+ Hyperactive without clonus 4+ Hyperactive with clonus Knee: Right: [ ] 0 [ ] 1+ [X] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+ Left: [ ] 0 [ ] 1+ [X] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+ Ankle: Right: [ ] 0 [ ] 1+ [X] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+ Left: [ ] 0 [ ] 1+ [X] 2+ [ ] 3+ [ ] 4+ 10. Sensory exam ---------------- Provide results for sensation to light touch (dermatome) testing: Upper anterior thigh (L2): Right: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent Left: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent Thigh/knee (L3/4): Right: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent Left: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent Lower leg/ankle (L4/L5/S1): Right: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent Left: [X] Normal [ ] Decreased [ ] Absent Foot/toes (L5): Right: [ ] Normal [X] Decreased [ ] Absent Left: [ ] Normal [X] Decreased [ ] Absent 11. Straight leg raising test ----------------------------- Provide straight leg raising test results: Right: [ ] Negative [X] Positive [ ] Unable to perform Left: [ ] Negative [X] Positive [ ] Unable to perform 12. Radiculopathy ----------------- Does the Veteran have radicular pain or any other signs or symptoms due to radiculopathy? [X] Yes [ ] No a. Indicate symptoms' location and severity (check all that apply): Constant pain (may be excruciating at times) Right lower extremity: [X] None [ ] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe Left lower extremity: [X] None [ ] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe Intermittent pain (usually dull) Right lower extremity: [ ] None [X] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe Left lower extremity: [ ] None [ ] Mild [X] Moderate [ ] Severe Paresthesias and/or dysesthesias Right lower extremity: [ ] None [X] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe Left lower extremity: [ ] None [ ] Mild [X] Moderate [ ] Severe Numbness Right lower extremity: [ ] None [X] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe Left lower extremity: [ ] None [ ] Mild [X] Moderate [ ] Severe b. Does the Veteran have any other signs or symptoms of radiculopathy? [ ] Yes [X] No c. Indicate nerve roots involved: (check all that apply) [X] Involvement of L4/L5/S1/S2/S3 nerve roots (sciatic nerve) If checked, indicate: [ ] Right [ ] Left [X] Both d. Indicate severity of radiculopathy and side affected: Right: [ ] Not affected [X] Mild [ ] Moderate [ ] Severe Left: [ ] Not affected [ ] Mild [X] Moderate [ ] Severe 13. Ankylosis ------------- Is there ankylosis of the spine? [ ] Yes [X] No 14. Other neurologic abnormalities ---------------------------------- Does the Veteran have any other neurologic abnormalities or findings related to a thoracolumbar spine (back) condition (such as bowel or bladder problems/pathologic reflexes)? [ ] Yes [X] No 15. Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and incapacitating episodes ------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Does the Veteran have IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine? [ ] Yes [X] No 16. Assistive devices --------------------- a. Does the Veteran use any assistive device(s) as a normal mode of locomotion, although occasional locomotion by other methods may be possible? [X] Yes [ ] No Identify assistive device(s) used: Assistive Device: Frequency of use: ----------------- ----------------- [X] Walker [ ] Occasional [ ] Regular [X] Constant b. If the Veteran uses any assistive devices, specify the condition and identify the assistive device used for each condition: Walker is due to knee surgery that he had yesterday. 17. Remaining effective function of the extremities --------------------------------------------------- Due to a thoracolumbar spine (back) condition, is there functional impairment of an extremity such that no effective function remains other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis? (Functions of the upper extremity include grasping, manipulation, etc.; functions of the lower extremity include balance and propulsion, etc.) [X] No 18. Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs and/or symptoms ----------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the Diagnosis section above? [ ] Yes [X] No b. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs or symptoms? [ ] Yes [X] No 19. Diagnostic testing ---------------------- a. Have imaging studies of the thoracolumbar spine been performed and are the results available? [ ] Yes [X] No b. Does the Veteran have a thoracic vertebral fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of height? [ ] Yes [X] No c. Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings and/or results? [ ] Yes [X] No 20. Functional impact --------------------- Does the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine (back) condition impact on his or her ability to work? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes describe the impact of each of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine (back) conditions providing one or more examples: He would be unable to walk or stand for extended periods. 21. REMARKS ----------- a. Remarks, if any: No comments provided. b. Mitchell criteria: The veteran states that pain flares up with excessive use. Pain, weakness, fatigability or incoordination could significantly limit functional ability during flare ups of after repeated use. However to specify to the amount of limited functional ability would be resorting to mere speculation as I can not exam the veteran under these conditions.

Congratulations and thanks for all you do!

Status update dx'd prazosin and trazadone because I ended up in the emergency room with a 12 hour priapism. Dr. added mirtazapine instead. I think its working but now my tongue feels like its been stung by some bees on stabbed with a fork a bunch of times. Also I have severe dry mouth from the medications combined. Not sure which one really.

I applied for SSDI and SSI about a month ago. I based SSI off of my monthly work income of 500 dollars, and SSDI I am using PTSD. I had a phone interview yesterday. The interviewer asked me some questions about PTSD and asked about the three references which are my healthcare providers and my wife. The examiner wants to speak with my wife what types of questions can she expect to be asked?

That was a pretty quick turnaround for VA. Congratulations.

Just got a letter in the mail from VA informing me that they are working on my claim......that was a waste of paper. I was hoping that you were working on but thanks for letting me know my hopes aren't being wasted. Also I am getting a little frustrated with the waiting game. I know we all have to hurry up and wait but it is my truest belief that my current ptsd rating is severely low. I am ashamed to even go and ask for any help knowing the same people are bending me over and going to town on my rear end while they pretend to care about me and my mental health with smiles to my face. My rump is so sore....But I am doing my best to stay in the fight. Many days I just want to give up I know they'd rather me give up than fight but at times I just cant take it anymore.....well at least they gave me all kinds of pills to keep me in a zombie mode...I guess all is well.

I hope that she does the right thing in your case. I am beginning to distrust my care providers at the VA. I am trying to trust them but at times I am not sure they have my best interests at heart. But good luck to you sir.

Hello everyone, I am sc'd at 0% for both knees. I recently had an MRI and I have ruptured my acl and torm my mcl. My PCP wants me to have surgery. I was told as long as the surgery is for a sc'd disability I could file a form and be compensated at the 100% level if my recovery will be over 21 days. Can anyone tell me what forms I need or what steps I need to take before I have this surgery? Thanks.

Wow! That's great news. I know you must feel relieved to finally have this hassle settled. Congratulations.