cragwex

I feel for you. I am in CT and am going on 10 months after my hearing. Went to Courtney's office and got some menendez or something like it retired guy who told me that typically NOD's usually last a couple of years. I told him no they don't, it was a NOD with DRO review. I told him I had another one in 2010 which took 3 months. So I told him I got more help back then and he wasn't doing anything so I declined any further help from him which was none, to which he replies....ok. It must be that I am republican turning independent. I think everything is getting worse from all I hear not better.

I had my hearing on OCTOBER 20TH of last year so now it's 8 months. Is there anyone else here from Connecticut and in the same boat? Thanks in advance.

Yes I did claim as secondary but from what I know this is not necessary since they are the Medical Professionals. She is a MD. I have osteo arthritis in both knees, ankles and DJD in various places throughout my Spine. I was denied for all and will file a NOD and probably ask for DRO. I had her for another C & P in 2009 and she was totally a different person. She actually contradicts herself by saying x-rays are subjective to whoever reads them. Then says she did not see any arthritis but its marked that I do in fact have it. When she stated that she did not see any evidence on the x-rays and how she opines that my rating would not change, she is not there to judge. She is there to write down what she sees and observes, not to rate me. Thats not her job, and she is not a radiologist. I am at 100% right now just not P & T. That is what I am seeking. I am doing this for my wife and sons education and future financial stability. None of my disabilities will get better. In fact if I was so inclined I could go back for a psychological exam which with all of my disabilities could easily get an increase in my rating. I am so sorry for the bad C & P reports you had to put up with in a time like that. On another C & P for my low testosterone which I won the claim, the Dr (female), claimed that I had an erection during the exam and that I was circumcised. When I told my VSO at the time she asked if I had an erection and laughed and told her no. She asked why I was laughing. I said sally..I am not circumcised! She said since we won the claim dont make a fuss. However she said if I ever was scheduled for any exam with her to call and cancel right away and that if they had an issue with it, that it was time to sue and that I would easily win the law suit. Its almost like they dont read everything in your claim. I do have a VSO in Newington CT. I will be filling with him Next Week when he comes back from his vacation. Thanks Berta, I appreciate it.

These are my notes that I wrote immediately after my C & P Exam. Please feel free to make any constructive comments. I applied for three New Items, Right Hip Osteoarthritis (NEW), Left hip Osteoarthritis (NEW), and IBS (NEW). I am a Gulf War Vet. I have knee and back issues. I am actually rated for both knees for instability, laxity, sprain/strain, and meniscus tear of right knee, and left knee needs TKR within the summer and fall. I also have right ankle issues. The way the directions were written the people reviewing the case were to look at only the papers I submitted and (a. Evidence review , Was the Veteran's VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) reviewed?[X] Yes [ ] No Was the Veteran's VA claims file (hard copy paper C-file) reviewed? [ ] Yes [X] No 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 [X] 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)[ ] Other:[ ] No records were reviewed b. Was pertinent information from collateral sources reviewed?[X] Yes [ ] No) So no one ever looked at my C-File to line up what all correlates to my case......figures. I know this is long but please stay with me. I am going to file a NOD on monday when my VSO comes back from leave. The following is the Notes from the MD VA Notes Source: VA Last Updated: 28 May 2015 @ 0717 Sorted By: Date/Time (Descending) VA Notes from January 1, 2013 forward are available 3 calendar days after they have been completed and signed by all required members of your VA health care team. If you have any questions about your information please visit the FAQs or contact your VA health care team. Date/Time: 18 May 2015 @ 1000 Note Title: C&P EXAM Location: CONNECTICUT HEALTH CARE SYSTEM - WEST HAVEN DIVISION Signed By: Co-signed By: B Date/Time Signed: 18 May 2015 @ 1050 Note LOCAL TITLE: C&P EXAM STANDARD TITLE: C & P EXAMINATION NOTE DATE OF NOTE: MAY 18, 2015@10:00 ENTRY DATE: MAY 18, 2015@10:50:09 AUTHOR: EXP COSIGNER: URGENCY: STATUS: COMPLETED Hip and Thigh Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire Name of patient/Veteran: ACE and Evidence Review 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 CONFIDENTIAL Page 24 of 122 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 a. Evidence review ------------------ Was the Veteran's VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) reviewed? [X] Yes [ ] No Was the Veteran's VA claims file (hard copy paper C-file) reviewed? [ ] Yes [X] No 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 [X] 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) [ ] Other: [ ] No records were reviewed b. Was pertinent information from collateral sources reviewed? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe: remote data 1. Diagnosis ------------ a. List the claimed condition(s) that pertain to this DBQ: No response provided b. Select diagnoses associated with the claimed condition(s) (Check all that apply): [X] Osteoarthritis, hip Side affected: [ ] Right [ ] Left [X] Both ICD Code: 715.9 Date of diagnosis: Right 2014 Date of diagnosis: Left 2014 c. Comments (if any): No response provided CONFIDENTIAL Page 25 of 122 d. Was an opinion requested about this condition (internal VA only)? Yes 2. Medical history ------------------ a. Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's hip or thigh condition: DOS: October 28, 1985 to December 31, 2007 exit exam dated 12/2007: reported h/o right hip bursitis listed as NCD 7/07 normal hip films 2/2008 seen for right lateral hip pain and popping from walking dx trochanteric bursitis 1/08 normal right hip films 3/08 note seen for c/o right hip pain and right LE radiculaopthy Dx with greater trochanteric buursitis and given steroid injections with ortho note 4/2013 states Thoracic car accident at age 19 This would explain shooting /neuropathic pain into his hips hip films 4/2014- mild bilateral djd done for 1 year of intermittent sharp bilateral hip pain 8/2014 films read as normal 12/2014 note sates R>L bilateral hip pain for last 7 years pain worse with prolonged sitting or standing occasional popping. Films unchanged from 4/2014 which show mild djd. DX mild R>L djd but no joint space narrowing or ROM limitations. hip films 12/2014 djd not changed from 4/2014 Veteran says after discharge he worked as a crane rigger from 2009-2012 and then did crane surveillance ( more managerial type work) Now works doing QA. States that his knee and back condition more so affected his ability to perform physical work. Vetan reports daily bilateral hip pain of varying intensity. Says that it bothers him if he sits too long and says it helps to move around but then bothers him if he stands too long. Says his hips pop and ache R>L. Veteran also has significant knee disorder and a total left knee replacment is being planned for this summer. SMRS do not document the diagnosis of bilateral DJD or a chronic bilateral hip condition in service. He was treated only for a right hip bursistis in service with exit exam stating " h/o right hip films bursitis listed NCD". Film request in 2014 states "1 year of intermittent sharp bilateral hip pain ". Given above this examiner Page 26 of 122 opines his current bilateral hip condition is less likley as not due to service and at least as likely as not due to post service events b. Does the Veteran report flare-ups of the hip or thigh? [ ] Yes [X] No c. Does the Veteran report having any functional loss or functional impairment of the joint or extremity being evaluated on this DBQ (regardless of repetitive use)? [ ] Yes [X] No 3. Range of motion (ROM) and functional limitations --------------------------------------------------- a. Initial range of motion Right hip --------- [ ] All Normal [X] Abnormal or outside of normal range [ ] Unable to test (please explain) [ ] Not indicated (please explain) Flexion (0-125): 0 to 90 degrees Extension (0-30): 0 to 30 degrees Abduction (0-45): 0 to 45 degrees Adduction (0-25): 0 to 25 degrees Is adduction limited such that the Veteran cannot cross legs? [ ] Yes [X] No External Rotation (0-60): 0 to 60 degrees Internal Rotation (0-40): 0 to 40 degrees If abnormal, does the range of motion itself contribute to a functional loss? [ ] Yes, (please explain) [X] No Description of pain (select best response): Pain noted on exam but does not result in/cause functional loss If noted on examination, which ROM exhibited pain (select all that apply)? Flexion, Abduction, Adduction, Internal rotation Is there evidence of pain with weight bearing? [ ] Yes [X] No Is there objective evidence of localized tenderness or pain on palpation of the joint or associated soft tissue? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe including location, severity and relationship to condition(s): right hip CONFIDENTIAL Page 27 of 122 Is there objective evidence of crepitus? [ ] Yes [X] No Left hip -------- [ ] All Normal [ ] Abnormal or outside of normal range [X] Unable to test (please explain) [ ] Not indicated (please explain) If unable to test or not indicated please explain: unable to test due to his left knee condition Is there objective evidence of crepitus? [ ] Yes [X] No b. Observed repetitive use Right hip --------- Is the Veteran able to perform repetitive use testing with at least three repetitions? [X] Yes [ ] No Is there additional loss of function or range of motion after three repetitions? [ ] Yes [X] No Left hip -------- c. Repeated use over time Right hip --------- Is the Veteran being examined immediately after repetitive use over time? [ ] Yes [X] No If the examination is not being conducted immediately after repetitive use over time: [X] The examination is medically consistent with the Veteran?s statements describing functional loss with repetitive use over time. [ ] The examination is medically inconsistent with the Veteran?s statements describing functional loss with repetitive use over time. Please explain. [ ] The examination is neither medically consistent or inconsistent with the Veteran?s statements describing functional loss with repetitive use over time. Does pain, weakness, fatigability or incoordination significantly limit functional ability with repeated use over a period of time? CONFIDENTIAL Page 28 of 122 [ ] Yes [X] No [ ] Unable to say w/o mere speculation Left hip -------- d. Flare-ups: No response provided e. Additional factors contributing to disability Right hip --------- In addition to those addressed above, are there additional contributing factors of disability? Please select all that apply and describe: None 4. Muscle strength testing -------------------------- a. Muscle strength - 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 Right Hip Rate Strength: Flexion: 5/5 Extension: 5/5 Abduction: 5/5 Is there a reduction in muscle strength? [ ] Yes [X] No Left Hip: No response provided b. Does the Veteran have muscle atrophy? [ ] Yes [X] No c. Comments, if any: No response provided 5. Ankylosis ------------ Complete this section if the Veteran has ankylosis of the hip. a. Indicate severity of ankylosis and side affected Right side: Left side: [ ] Favorable, in flexion at [ ] Favorable, in flexion at CONFIDENTIAL Page 29 of 122 an angle between 20 and an angle between 20 and 40 degrees, and slight 40 degrees, and slight abduction or adduction abduction or adduction [ ] Intermediate, between [ ] Intermediate, between favorable and unfavorable favorable and unfavorable [ ] Unfavorable, extremely [ ] Unfavorable, extremely unfavorable ankylosis, unfavorable ankylosis, foot not reaching ground, foot not reaching ground, crutches needed crutches needed [X] No ankylosis [X] No ankylosis b. Comments, if any: No response provided 6. Additional conditions ------------------------ a. Does the Veteran have malunion or nonunion of femur, flail hip joint or leg length discrepancy? [ ] Yes [X] No b. Comments, if any: No response provided 7. Surgical procedures ---------------------- No response provided 8. Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs, symptoms and scars ----------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs or symptoms related to any conditions listed in the Diagnosis Section above? [ ] Yes [X] No b. Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any condition listed in the Diagnosis Section above? [ ] Yes [X] No c. Comments, if any: No response provided 9. Assistive devices -------------------- a. Does the Veteran use any assistive devices as a normal mode of locomotion, although occasional locomotion by other methods may be possible? [ ] Yes [X] No b. If the Veteran uses any assistive devices, specify the condition and identify the assistive device used for each condition: No response CONFIDENTIAL Page 30 of 122 provided 10. Remaining effective function of the extremities --------------------------------------------------- Due to the Veteran's hip or thigh conditions, is there functional impairment of an extremity such that no effective functions remain other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis? (Functions of the upper extremity include grasping, manipulation, etc., while functions for the lower extremity include balance and propulsion, etc.) [ ] Yes, functioning is so diminished that amputation with prosthesis would equally serve the Veteran. [X] No 11. Diagnostic testing ---------------------- a. Have imaging studies of the hip or thigh been performed and are the results available? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, is degenerative or traumatic arthritis documented? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, indicate hip: [ ] Right [ ] Left [X] Both b. Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings or results? [ ] Yes [X] No c. If any test results are other than normal, indicate relationship of abnormal findings to diagnosed conditions: No response provided 12. Functional impact --------------------- Regardless of the Veteran's current employment status, do the condition(s) listed in the Diagnosis Section impact his or her ability to perform any type of occupational task (such as standing, walking, lifting, sitting, etc.)? [ ] Yes [X] No 13. Remarks, if any: -------------------- No response provided **************************************************************************** COMPENSATION AND PENSION EXAMINATION REPORT (FREE TEXT) ======================================================= CONFIDENTIAL Page 31 of 122 colon done for colon cancer sreen and h/o IBS 7/2013 negative dx with irritable bowel 5/2013 exit exam 12/2007 marked off not to any stomach intestinal trouble. There is no objective documentation for the diagnosis of or treatment for IBS in service or withing 1 year of discharge from service. As such his current IBS is less likely as not due to service. /es/ MD medical attending Signed: 05/18/2015 10:50 Then my notes right after the Exam and then forwarded to my VSO and two other e-mails of mine to ensure all saw that this was written ASAP. My notes from my 18th of May 2015 C & P Exam This female doctor is the same one I had in 2009. From the start of the whole appt it was quick, to what point she wanted, interrupted and she not only gave her opinions on my x-rays but on my future ratings. She told me a lot of film will not show arthritis. She told me that I had no x-rays showing arthritis and that they were normal. I agreed that I did not know what the 2007/08 x-rays showed. She also stated that the one done by the VA was unremarkable showing a normal hip. I replied by saying that I had the Naval Ambulatory Clinic New London also take x-rays two separate times within the last year. Both showed evidence of arthritis with the right being worse and advised to get an MRI. She claimed not to have them. She said MRIs are only for soft tissue and that they wouldnt show anything either. I brought these with me to the exam and when she said she didnt have them I showed them to her. Upon seeing them and while trying to hand those over to her, she said oh I see them here now. The screen had never moved as I watched it through this back and forth conversation. She told me that x-rays really dont show arthritis and are open for interpretation by who ever read them, and that everybody reads them differently. She them asked me how long I was in the service to which I replied, 22 years. During our conversation she asked about other things going on with me and I told her about my left knee which I am scheduled to get replaced this summer. She then asked me what I did in the Navy to which I replied I was a Navy Deep Sea Diver and that I had a VA Training letter that dealt with my rate in the Navy. She said she was not allowed to take any paper and that if I wanted it in my record I should write the VA. She then said lets take a look, please have a seat on the exam table and lie back on your back. She then asked me to bring my left knee to my chest. I refused for the simple fact that I cannot bend my left knee that far and that its the one that I need to get replaced. She says oh yeah thats right I forgot that was your bad knee! She then had me bend my right knee as far as I can towards my chest. I also have issues with this knee. After not bending it all the way up, she asked if that was as far as I could bend it, to which I replied yes. She then tried to help it further at which point I protested and said thats enough stop it hurts to go further. I physically put my hands up to stop her from doing it again, she reacted by bringing both hands up and out to her sides at shoulder height while displaying a surprised look on her face. After this she stopped. She then asked me to cross my right foot over my left and then outwards while telling her when it hurt. I told her I felt pain during the initial movement and the end rotation. But during the middle I didnt feel a lot of pain. During no time did she have any angle indicator or similar device out and present. The last test she did while I was on the bench was a strength test for adduction and abduction of the thigh and up and down. While she conducted this test it was very quick and she barely even did the left thigh strength motion test while saying well we know this one is weak. She had me stand facing the wall with my hands against the wall she wanted me to stand on one leg while extending the other leg back and up behind me. I told her I could not stand on my left leg and do that but did do the right. She told me that they would most likely have me come in again after my knee replacement because I could not do the test. She never asked me when the pain started and or ended during this motion. I asked her what if I had the same issues with bending it happened. She did not answer. She asked me what I took for the pain to which I replied 30mg oxycodone and 30mg oxycontin. She then asked me about my jobs and what they were and how long I had them. I told her I was a rigger in 2009 until 2012 when I became a crane surveillance specialist. I then told her I was now since June of 2014 a quality assurance specialist. I explained that since my progression in limits of physical activity and increase in pain I have had to find less and less physical work. I also told her once my wife went back to school for her masters in nursing I would be quitting/retiring as it has been getting harder and harder to work. She said she saw little if any at all arthritis on the x-rays. In concluding the exam she stated that my both my hips will most likely stand as is. She asked me if I wanted talk to Mr. Seally which was an office manager for temporary ratings when going for knee surgery such as mine. We talked to him and he said because of my present rating it would do no good. During the exam she asked me on three different occasions what my occupations was and when I was in them. On one occasion she asked me when I was a crane operator, to which I replied I wasnt. She was short with me and interrupted throughout the exam and gave opinions on how she thought the rating was going to be, which was negative. I hand wrote these notes on the 18th of May in my vehicle immediately after my examination at 10:35. I signed in at 09:55 and was taken back to the exam room by the doctor at 09:59. I compiled this word document on the 19th of May 2015. I e-mailed this to myself at two different addresses and ccd Rob Lewis my Veteran Service Officer as well. This was added on the 20th of May 2015; I also forgot to mention that the Doctor neglected to do or ask me to bend at the hip or with me laying flat on my back with her holding all the weightrotate my legs in a frog leg kick fashion. After thoughts: Entered on 21 May 2015, The Doctor also neglected to do any x-rays or MRI either the day of my exam or after, as this could potentially clear up or enforce any already stated comments. After thoughts 6 Jun 2015, She commented on an entry that my pain clinic had said I had a car accident (note 4/2013) where the office took liberty to comment as to this could have been the origin of my thoracic spinal issues. The reason I entered that paper into evidence was because of my IBS. I am corresponding with the office to get this amended. Only after I received a VA Training Letter detailing the adverse affects of Navy Deep Sea Diving had on the body did we think we knew where my issues stemmed. She speculates on issues from 30 years ago without reviewing my C-file or anything else. At no time did she ask about my time in the Persian Gulf, malaria pills or symptoms of my IBS.

My notes from my 18th of May 2015 C & P Exam This female doctor is the same one I had in 2009 in West Haven, CT. At that exam in 2009 she was a totally different person, I dont know if its the pressure from the system is put upon her, but I know she was the one that was frazzled. To start off I applied for 3 new items. Left (secondary to all other ailments) and right (was present within 2 months of retiring) hip arthritis and IBS. The IBS was never mentioned at the exam as I had my colonoscopy done by a military doctor and he filled out the VAs form which stated that I had this during service and was in the Persian Gulf during the conflict. The doctor from the very start of the appt was very short with me and she interrupted a lot. She not only gave me her opinions on my x-rays but also on my future ratings (According to my VSO that a big NO NO!). She told me that I had no x-rays showing arthritis and that ones in my record indicated that my hips were normal and unremarkable. I agreed in that I did not know what the 2007/08 x-rays showed. She also stated that the one done by the VA (within the last year) was unremarkable showing normal hips also. I replied by saying that I had the Naval Ambulatory Clinic New London also take x-rays within the last year. I did the last x-ray because of what I saw the VA x-ray findings supposedly show. Both x-rays before and after the VAs showed evidence of arthritis with the right hip being worse and was advised to get an MRI. She claimed not to have them. I brought these with me to the exam and when she said she didnt have them I showed them to her. Upon seeing them and while trying to hand those over to her, she said oh I see them here now. The screen had never moved as I watched it through this back and forth conversation. She told me that x-rays really dont show arthritis and are open for interpretation by who ever read them, and that everybody reads them differently. She also said MRIs are only for soft tissue and that they wouldnt show anything either. She them asked me how long I was in the service to which I replied, 22 years. During our conversation she asked about other things going on with me and I told her about my left knee which I am scheduled to get replaced this summer. She then asked me what I did in the Navy to which I replied I was a Navy Deep Sea Diver and that I had a VA Training letter that dealt with my rate in the Navy. She said she was not allowed to take any paper and that if I wanted it in my record I should write the VA. She then said lets take a look, please have a seat on the exam table and lie back on your back. She then asked me to bring my left knee to my chest. I refused for the simple fact that I cannot bend my left knee even half that far and that its the one that I need to get replaced. She replied by saying oh yeah thats right I forgot. She then had me bend my right knee as far as I can towards my chest. I also have issues with this knee. After not bending it all the way up, she asked if that was as far as I could bend it, to which I replied yes without pain. She then proceeded to try and help it further at which point I protested and said thats enough it hurts, thats enough do not go any further. After this she stopped. She then asked me to cross my right foot over my left and then outwards while telling her when it hurt. I told her I felt pain during the initial movement and the end rotation. But during the middle I didnt feel a lot of pain. During no time did she have any angle indicator or similar device out and present. The last test she did while I was on the bench was a strength test for adduction and abduction of the thigh and up and down. While she conducted this test it was very quick and she barely even did the left thigh strength motion test while saying well we know this one is weak. Next she had me stand facing the wall with my hands against the wall, she then asked me to stand on my left leg while extending the other leg back and up behind me. I told her I could not stand on my left leg as I only have a PCL in my left knee and nothing else, no ACL and little left of my Meniscus. I was able to do the right but not much of it. She told me that they would most likely have me come in again after my knee replacement because I could not fully complete the test. She never asked me when the pain started and or ended during this motion. I asked her what if I had the same issues with bending it happened after my TKR, she didnt answer. She asked me what I took for the pain to which I replied 30mg oxycodone and 30mg oxycontin. She then asked me about my jobs and what they were and how long I had them. I told her I was a rigger in 2009 until 2012 when I became a crane surveillance specialist. I then told her I was now since June of 2014 a quality assurance specialist. I explained that since my progression limited my physical activity and increased my pain, I had to find a less physical line of work. I also told her once my wife went back to school for her masters in nursing I would be quitting/retiring as it has been getting harder and harder to do everyday things at work. She said she saw little if any at all arthritis on the x-rays (funny, she told me that x-rays were subjective earlier?). In concluding the exam she stated that my both my hips will most likely stand as is. She asked me if I wanted talk to Mr. Seally which was an office manager for temporary ratings after a vet had major surgery on service connected areas. I said sure but doubted it would be beneficial since I am already 100%. We talked to him (35 seconds) and he said because of my present rating it would do no good. During the exam she asked me on three different occasions what my occupations was and when I was in them. On one occasion she asked me when I was a crane operator, to which I replied I wasnt. She was short with me and interrupted throughout the exam and gave opinions on how she thought the rating was going to be, which was negative. I sent these findings to my VSO the very next day and also talked with him to make sure he got the word doc of this and to get his feel for this exam. He was taken aback by this. I told him this is 3 out of 5 exams that I have had that went bad or similar to this. One of the other exams went in my favor because of the shear evidence and the other 1 I appealed and won. I hand wrote these notes on the 18th of May in my vehicle immediately after my examination at 10:35. I signed in at 09:55 and was taken back to the exam room by the doctor at 09:59. While I know I cant record the exam legally I did to make sure I got everything down correctly. Anybodys thoughts? Also where would I send or complain about an examiner like this? Thanks in advance, Russ.

My question is, is it normal to have exams for FDC's? I am filing for bi-lateral hip arthritus which I have had in my right hip since 2 months after I retired, the left is secondary. I already sent all medical paperwork that I have and x-ray results from the New London CT NAAC where I am seen. In addition the VA in Newington has there own set of x-ray results for my hips (They claimed nothing was wrong with my hips even though the military doc's refute their findings). I also applied for IBS, I was a Gulf War Vet. I am at 100% but not P & T. My sheduled rating came to 95% and they wanted me back in 2018 for an exam on my knees which I am getting a TKR for the left and the right is just getting worse. Can anyone help out with some info? Thanks!

I know this topic was awhile ago but I have another question? My claim had me go from %80 - %100 in April of 2014. DFAS finished their audit in Dec of 2014 and the VA said they received it from DFAS on the 20th of Dec 2014. I received my initial back pay of $5199.00 in Sept/Oct time frame. I have yet to receive the second part of my retro pay and I have heard all sorts of stories from different people. I know the VA had contractors come in specifically to help in this area but I had IRIS tell me it could take up to a year! If they hired outside people to help then why is it taking so long when all they have to do is release the funds. My NOD in 2009 I received 1st check one week then the other the next. Does anyone know whats going on?

Marine 0816, My disabilities are as follows; Bi-lateral rated Instability left knee 30% Bi-lateral rated Instability right knee 20% Mechanical low back strain and degenerative joint disease, thoracic spine with intervertebral disc syndrome. 20% Sleep apnea 50% Bi-lateral rated radiculopathy, right lower extremity associated with mechanical low back strain and degenerative joint disease, thoracic spine with intervertebral disc syndrome 20% Bi-lateral rated radiculopathy, left lower extremity associated with mechanical low back strain and djd, thoracic spine with intervertebral disc syndrome. 10%, Bi-lateral rated right knee musculoskeletal strain 10% Bi-lateral rated degenerative joint disease, left knee, with history of internal derangement 10% B-lateral rated history of left shoulder dislocations 10% Degenerative disc disease, C4-7 with disc herniation at C3-4 service connected, gulf war, incurred 10% Bi-lateral rated DJD right ankle with scar previously rated as right ankle lateral instability claimed as sprains, bone spurs and djd 10% Tinnitus 10%, Major Depression 10%

Thanks Guys, ASKNOD I was scheduled 100% in April of 2014 and my letter said that I was scheduled for an exam for three of my disabilities; The three are MECHANICAL LOW BACK STRAIN AND DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE, THORACIC SPINE WITH INTERVERTEBRAL DISC SYNDROME Service Connected, Gulf War, Incurred; Future Exam July 2018 10% from 01/01/2008, 20% from 04/04/2014. INSTABILITY, LEFT KNEE Service Connected, Peacetime, Future Exam July 2018 30% from 04/04/2014. INSTABILITY, RIGHT KNEE Service Connected, Peacetime, Incurred Future Exam July 2018 20% from 04/04/2014. I am scheduled for left knee replacement this summer but min rating after that is 30%. I will get together all my ratings and reply in a bit.

Hello to all, If anyone can help out I would appreciate it. I retired from the Navy in 2007 and was rated at 70% a few mos later. After a NOD I got my rating increased to 80% because they clumped a few ratings together. In 2012 I filed for an increase of 5 of my ratings. After a botched C & P exam where I only received an increase of one of my rating from 10% to 20% I requested that the RO review my claim. Another C & P exam was ordered for April in 2014 in which the results were me going from 80% to 100%. My report says that I am scheduled for a reduction in 2018 which I hear is normal. What I dont understand is why they think the 3 things I am to get re-examined for are things that won't improve; instability of left and right knee and degenerative disk disease in my lower back. And I am actually about to send an FDC claim off through my VSO in Newington CT. It's for bi-lateral arthritis (early sign of long term diving/a letter by VA actually states this) and IBS. I have the OMB form filled out by a military doc that actually did my colonoscopy and the two sets of x-rays for my hips were done by the MTF as well. I was in the Persian Gulf in 89 and have other things rated and affiliated with the Gulf War time frame and the hips I have evidence that goes back to two months after I retired. So the questions are; how do I go about getting rated as P & T and should I wait until after I receive my decision of this claim before I ask for or request about P & T?

Guys if anyone from PA could weigh in I would appreciate it. My question is about the "Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption" states that the Veteran must prove financial need according to the criteria established by the State Veterans Commission if their annual income exceeds $87,212. I get the applicants with an annual income of $87,212 or less are given a rebuttable presumption to have a need for the exemption Program. But what constitutes the financial need? What if my wife (and 2 kids) and I make $100,000.00 and but taxes are $12,000.00-$20,000.00, in my eyes that would constitute hardship. Has anyone known of a veteran or a veteran and his family making more but qualify for the exemption? I am moving back to PA where I was raised in the not too distant future. Any help would be appreciated. Russ

Guys if anyone from PA could weigh in I would appreciate it. My question is about the "Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption" states that the Veteran must prove financial need according to the criteria established by the State Veterans Commission if their annual income exceeds $87,212. I get the applicants with an annual income of $87,212 or less are given a rebuttable presumption to have a need for the exemption Program. But what constitutes the financial need? What if my wife (and 2 kids) and I make $100,000.00 and but taxes are $12,000.00-$20,000.00, in my eyes that would constitute hardship. Has anyone known of a veteran or a veteran and his family making more but qualify for the exemption? I am moving back to PA where I was raised in the not too distant future. Any help would be appreciated.

I received my 100 percent rating letter which states I am rated at 100 percent back to my exam which was done in April 2014. E-benefits states that I am due for reduction in Jul of 2018. I know this is standard but none of my service connected disabilities will ever get better. I am filing a FDC claim for bilateral hip arthritis and IBS. Will that make any difference?

I have received the DRO's decision through my VSO. I have 13 different ratings only three read for future exam. Three areas read like this; 1. INSTABILITY, LEFT KNEES Service Connected, Peacetime Incurred Future Exam July 2018 30% from 04/04/2014, MECHANICAL LOW BACK STRAIN AND DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE. 2. THORACIC SPINE WITH INTERVERTEBRAL DISC SYNDROME Service Connected, Gulf War Incurred Future Exam July 2018 10% from 01/01/2008 20% from 04/04/2014. 3. INSTABILITY, RIGHT KNEE Service Connected, Peacetime, Incurred Future Exam July 2018 20% from 04/04/2014. Is this something that I can request that they reconsider this after I receive the award letter/package? None of these will get any better with time, in fact I wil be going through a total knee replacement next year on my left side. Thanks in advance.

I have received the DRO's decision through my VSO. I have 13 different ratings only three read for future exam. Three areas read like this; 1. INSTABILITY, LEFT KNEES Service Connected, Peacetime Incurred Future Exam July 2018 30% from 04/04/2014, MECHANICAL LOW BACK STRAIN AND DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE. 2. THORACIC SPINE WITH INTERVERTEBRAL DISC SYNDROME Service Connected, Gulf War Incurred Future Exam July 2018 10% from 01/01/2008 20% from 04/04/2014. 3. INSTABILITY, RIGHT KNEE Service Connected, Peacetime, Incurred Future Exam July 2018 20% from 04/04/2014. Is this something that I can request that they reconsider this after I receive the award letter/package? None of these will get any better with time, in fact I wil be going through a total knee replacement next year on my left side. Thanks in advance.