ctbenja1015

I went to QTC in Atlanta last week for my IDES C&P exams. The psychologist used my original exam and just asked if this or that still bothers me. They will ask if you are getting treatment, if you have someone that you talk to or just other vets that meet in a group, those count as well. I feel very confident my 70% will remain the same or increase.

Went well, used my original C&P as reference.

I will be going to QTC in Atlanta Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday next week for my MEB/PEB C&P exams. Received 100% P&T in November of 2014 and have been collecting SSDI since January of 2015. Anyone else have a similar experience?

Chuck75, I have found that using the secure messaging on myhealtheVet has been very useful. You can email your PCP or specialist to get the references and/or appointments, they have to respond within 72 hours and it leaves a documented trail you can use if you need it. I have been able to get referrals without seeing my PCP. It has also grown a report with my PCP. The next thing I have done is go to the ER at the VA, then someone has to see you in x number of days. I will also call everyday to check for cancellations if things are not going quick enough. I know it doesn't address the co-pay issue, but it has made it very useful in getting treatment in a timely manner.

After emailing Bob my appeal went to administrative revue, 30 days later 90% went to 100% P&T. Was also having problems with a VA loan, Director of VA loans is a great resource, Mike Frueh, mike.frueh@va.gov . Actually had the Chief of Policy for VA Loans get in touch with me. After we spoke actually called and talked to my mortgage broker and the underwriter to clarify some issues. Seems the VA may be headed in the right direction.

My wife went through one a couple months ago. She also attended my C&P exam for PTSD. She said it was not as scripted or as in-depth as the VA exam. I would make sure you take a copy of your VA C&P exam with you and don't understate things. My wife is probably why I got 70% instead of 30%. We tend to understate things as compared to what our friends and family see. Remember to talk about your worst days not your best. Good Luck, I will be filing sometime early next year after I get released by the Army Reserves.

Congrats!

Congrats! Thanks again to Asknod for getting the Bob Ball rolling on the site!

Probably want to know what condition(s) the VA feels may not be permanent. I wouldn't sweat it, but having hard copies of all VA records is good advice too.

Congrats!

I emailed Bob after reading you success. Got a phone call this morning from DRO, neck and radiculopathy granted, new letter will be mailed 100% P&T. Bob has my vote too! Will post all the details when I get them.

Congrats!

Congrats!

Congrats!

Congrats!

Congrats!

Congratulations!

Congrats!

Asknod, thanks for the input. In my case as a reservist whether it is Battle Assembly(drill), Active Duty for Training or Active Duty we are covered the same, as we are always under the Federal Government. For example my plantar fasciitis started from a drill weekend at a best warrior competition. I just believe they only read the nexus that is not as descripted as the history where it states I was on Active duty when the accident occurred. Also they state that I was diagnosed as having DJD with radiculopathy on 3/20/2009, however it actual states that I had mild DDD and whiplash which caused it to develop into DJD and Radiculopathy. I just wasn't sure, as I am new to the system, whether it would be CUE or just an appeal since I actually don't have new evidence, just need them to read the material more carefully.

A reservist has 48 drill dates, theses are our normal monthly drills they are known as UTA's or MUTA's, Unit Training Assembly or Multi-Unit Training Assemblies. Each UTA/MUTA is equal to one day of Active Duty Pay, with each full day worth 2 UTA/MUTA. All additional training will have either Individual our Group Active Duty Orders. These orders are the same as active duty, however unless they run more than 30 consecutive days they are for pay only, no additional benefits (insurance, TSP, etc.). I was at a Movement Officers School at Ft. McCoy, WI when the accident happened. She was explaining that due to this accident, which was LOD, the progression of the DJD and Radiculopathy was to be expected after having mild DDD and whiplash. Yes, I am willing to get an IMO, or due whatever is necessary. I also have a Medical Evaluation and Statement of Status, which is signed by my commander and an MD for COB Speicher stating that my shoulders and Neck were LOD and expected to need further treatment and cost to the Military.

Hope this helps VA Claims Decision 20140905.pdf Cervical Neck C&P results.pdf

They did have copy of buddy letter and listed it as evidenve. I think they just read nexus and not history. Can see how someone could not understand if not reading complete file. Will post report tonight.

Buddy Statement: I served with SGT Benjamin during our deployment to COB Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq in 2009-2010. As the Communications NCO for the 724th Transportation Company, I spent time both at the headquarters and on the road maintaining the radios out on the convoys. During pre-deployment training we conducted convoy training in heavy body armor and helmets with heavy night vision attachments. This extra gear combined with the weapons carried across our shoulders, caused an undue amount of stress on our necks, upper backs, knees and other joints. During the deployment, our missions required us to drive M915A2 semi trucks with air ride seats. Even while wearing the seat belts, the seats never really worked well. They were consistently inoperable rendering them sitting flat against floor of the truck removing any injury prevention or comfort they previously provided. The constant bumping caused pain to shoot up and down the spine. The seats that did work, bounced us up so far it was a regular occurrence to hit our heads on the ceiling of the small truck cockpit. The worst were the highway checkpoints. We had to maintain a speed of 50-60 miles per hour to prevent the enemy from timing our movements and hitting the convoy with IEDs. This high speed of course led to even more jarring up and down movements in the vehicle causing irreparable mis-alignment of vertebrae for many and mild traumatic brain injuries for a few. SGT Benjamin is suffering the scars from his service. This letter hopefully sheds some light on the difficulties of the duties we performed over seas. And the repercussions of performing those duties. I highly recommend SGT Benjamin receive his full benefits for service connected disability.

I got my "white" envelope, guess brown is out of style now. I was declined for DJD of Cervical spine(not service connected). Reasons were: 1. The evidence shows that cervical spine arthritis existed prior to service. There must be objective evidence of worsening of a pre-existing condition in order to establish service connection by aggravation. There is no evidence that the condition permanently worsened as a result of service. 2. VAMC exam conducted on August 18, 2014, notes that you were treated for and diagnosed with DJD of the cervical spine with radiculopathy on March 20, 2009, which was 5 months prior to your active duty service of August 4, 2009. 3. VA exam conducted August 4, 2014, notes that your cervical spine arthritis was not aggravated by your military service, Facts 1. excerpt from C&P exam: 2. Medical history ------------------ Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's cervical spine (neck) condition (brief summary): veteran had sustained a vehicle accident while on orders 5 months before he deployed in Iraq ,it was a rollover accident. he was stationed in Wisconsin and he believe he had normal cervical spine X-ray they were reporeted normal, without a fracture and it's only during deployment in 2- 3 2010 that he complained of bad neck pain and numbness in hands in Monterey VA in 2014 they had X-rays of his shoulders and was told that his issues were coming from his neck , he had neck arthritis ; he was sent to TMC while in Iraq and complaining of his neck and was told that neck was ok to continue his duties and he did current symptoms are constant 6/10 pain , and if turns his neck shoots to a 8/10 and disrupts his sleep. Re his MOS he was in transportation with lots of driving heavy truck and as well a s lifting daily about 35- 50 lb. daily plus all they usual weight they had to carry on ther back. TYPE OF MEDICAL OPINION REQUESTED: Direct service connection OPINION : Direct service connection Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of (a)neck condition that is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) incurred in or caused by (the) long term wear of ACH and poor road conditions while serving in Iraq? Rationale must be provided in the appropriate section. c. Rationale: REVIEW OF VISTA WEB 3/20/09 SHOWS EVIDENCE OF THE ROLL OVER ACCIDENT; C SPINE X-RAY WERE TAKEN AT THE TIME WITH EVIDENCE OF MILD DDD AS WELL AS EVIDENCE OF WHIPLASH INJURY AS TYPICAL REPORTED FINDINGS WHICH IS A RISK FACTOR FOR CHRONIC NECK ISSUES AND DJD/ DDD WITH RADICULOPATHY No exam notes in my record show it was not service connected, no exam on August 4, 2014 They were given my detailed record of retirement points to verify any active duty or drill dates. ********************************************** Thoughts?

Congrats!