jbasser

Tom, did you have any hearing tests in the SMR's. i am curious as to what they read. If you show hearing loss during service you may not need a definate diagnosis but you will need the dots connected by an ENT specialist, I say that because they outweigh an audiologist. 1 single sentance will do it. The Veteran showed hearing loss in the service record and his heating loss demonstrated today is likely as not related to the hearing loss in service. That is what it may take to get you over the hump. J

Terry, I had a feeling things would go your way. Congrats. Did they give you an effective date and Medicare date yet? J

Berta, I really enjoyed the SVR broadcast last night and You are going to wear poor Jim out. ( Just Joking) I encourage everyone here at Hadit to listen to this broadcast as Jim Strickland is one of the Best Advocates I have ever witnessed. Put him and Berta together and you have somemthing special when it comes to Veterans claims. J

Jay, I found this. The Hyertrophy is the build up or enlargement of normal bony tissue, Bone suprrs are called oayphites and they can tear disks up. Kind of like rubbing something against a piece of nonskid floring. Read below for a complete description of the Disk. If you really want to see a g r eat site that wexplains it all with Videos and the works, Here it is: http://www.spineuniverse.com/videos/degene...e-disc-disease/ John Intervertebral Discs Keith Bridwell, MD Orthopaedic Surgeon Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO The intervertebral discs make up one fourth of the spinal column's length. There are no discs between the Atlas (C1), Axis (C2), and Coccyx. Discs are not vascular and therefore depend on the end plates to diffuse needed nutrients. The cartilaginous layers of the end plates anchor the discs in place. The intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous cushions serving as the spine's shock absorbing system, which protect the vertebrae, brain, and other structures (i.e. nerves). The discs allow some vertebral motion: extension and flexion. Individual disc movement is very limited – however considerable motion is possible when several discs combine forces. Annulus Fibrosus and Nucleus Pulposus Intervertebral discs are composed of an annulus fibrosus and a nucleus pulposus. The annulus fibrosus is a strong radial tire–like structure made up of lamellae; concentric sheets of collagen fibers connected to the vertebral end plates. The sheets are orientated at various angles. The annulus fibrosus encloses the nucleus pulposus. Although both the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus are composed of water, collagen, and proteoglycans (PGs), the amount of fluid (water and PGs) is greatest in the nucleus pulposus. PG molecules are important because they attract and retain water. The nucleus pulposus contains a hydrated gel–like matter that resists compression. The amount of water in the nucleus varies throughout the day depending on activity.

Be care ful going down stairs. Especially with a broken flip flop. I went doen a flight myself and the only thing I got from it was a broken neck and a lifetime of pain and paralysis. J

Hypertrophic means enlarges or larger than normal and thickening.

4/14/2007 is a load of crap. This has been going on for decades. They should have to re do every claim that records were missing or not considered. I will have no mercy on these folks. They need to go to prison. We need justice, Not rug sweeping. J

Go to the means test folks and tell them your financial situation and they should waive all medicine copays until your claim gets in line. The meds will not bear on the claim. But you do have a good shot at the secondaries. 1 more question, DO you have sleep Apnea from the Deviated Septum? J

Did the VA have this information when they made the decision? The Member demonstrated hearing loss. What did the VA say on the denial of the issue? I would have to look at it closely before I could advise you either way but it looks promising because of that statement. J

The DAV or the American Legion. Those are about the best. I am a firm believer you can do it alone but you need a VSO to file papers for you. A lot of folks done even need a VSO with the information available and assistance they recieve from sites like Hadit. J

I took the Gabapentin three times per day for 2 years and it did absolutely nothing for me. I also took Hydrocodone and finally setteled on the 10's. I also took Carisporodol which is generic for SOMA. This is a highly addictive muscle relaxer that does work but it will make you dizzier than a Va 800 operator. You have to have serious spine issues for these meds. Dont stop taking them because of someones overdose, Just make sure you manage them correctly. This can be adversarial to a VA claim if you stop. It is called not following treatment plan and it shows willful adverse conduct. J

Carlie, I was there, I really enjoyed it. Jim Strickland is the man. I also believe we need to do more. I think the VA inspector general should yield to another agency so these crimes can be investigated and those responsible be prosecuted. This includes management officials and yes Peake. John

You need to appeal this Judges decision asap. They can be over ruled bu their superriors as the Occupational person said there was no jobs you can do. The Judge is bound to condsider this information. Keep on appealing. this judge sounds like a No man to me. You have to be dead or dying to get it. And one more thing. These Judges are appointed. J

I listened to the hearing to day and it did not bode too well for the VA. I have never seen so muck 2 stepping. The cutoff date for the Vets to re submit info is a complete Joks and the commitee agreed. Someone brought up that there were 30000 claims at the bva for the word destroyed evidence and 33000 claims for missing evidence. Who is being held accountable was a big question. Congress needs to get this out of the internal VA and get the FBI involved since it also happened in the mail room. I think they caught something that has been going on for decades. It will get uglier inthe near future. I cant wait to olisten in on SVR tonight. I may even call in. J

The wonderful benefit of having SSD and the VA is that you have the option to go outside of t he VA system. If you tell them you are considering it then they dont want to lose you as a patient and will treat you better. Try it sometime. J

Congrats and thanks for staying around. Soon 1 year will turn into 2, 2 will turn into 5 and so on. Time flies when your having fun. J

Call your local VA and ask to talk to the means test folks. Ask them to look up your percentage they have on record.

Historical. Wasn't that what was said about the last lawsuit the VA wiggled out of. They are greasing themselves up as we speak. They are experts at grease. Sliding out of tight spots. J

You can write a letter to the RO (Or VSCM) to revoke the Power of attorney given to this AMVET rep. You can also write a letter to the AMVET rep and inform him that if his actions have negativly effected you financially in any way that you have the option to pursue damages against him and his orgainzation. You can also name another POA or even get an attorney. It is your choice. Good luck. J

I had my hearing last November, the Judge made a Bench decision, Right then and there. Good luck

The criteria for HTN. Diseases of the Arteries and Veins 7101 Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension): Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more 60 Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more 40 Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more 20 Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or; minimum evaluation for an individual with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control 10 Note (1): Hypertension or isolated systolic hypertension must be confirmed by readings taken two or more times on at least three different days. For purposes of this section, the term hypertension means that the diastolic blood pressure is predominantly 90mm. or greater, and isolated systolic hypertension means that the systolic blood pressure is predominantly 160mm. or greater with a diastolic blood pressure of less than 90mm. Note (2): Evaluate hypertension due to aortic insufficiency or hyperthyroidism, which is usually the isolated systolic type, as part of the condition causing it rather than by a separate evaluation. Note (3): Evaluate hypertension separately from hypertensive heart disease and other types of heart disease. J

The VA uses a combined rating schedule. We call it VA math and believe me when I tell you it is not Veteran Friendly. You can view the Combined ratings table at the VA web site and you can also view the Service conenction calculator on the Hadit home page. J

I had a claim decided by Huntington. These folks are OK. They also did Josephines Appeal. It is maybe the least busy RO and it works closely with Louisville. Adora, I have my fingers crossed for you and I hope it rains retro and you get flooded in green stuff. J

Rockhound, If they assign you a C and P exam and the evidence is already there, there is a rule against the VA Dr Shopping for a negative opinion. her eis a CAVC case where the VA docs out opinioned Civillian doctors and the VA was accused of the same. MD Shoppers.http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/cova/dads/2000dads/prejean.doc J