DianeElizabeth

Yes, I had an exam on 25 Jan 2013 and was turned down because they said my service connected disabilities got worse because I worked for 20 years sitting which made my back worse. But I didn't work for 20 years and never said I did. I worked full-time for 18 months from 1997-1999 then I had 4 major back surgeries in May 2000, June 2003, March 2006 by the VA in Manhattan and the last one Aug 2009.

I attended the VA Pain Clinic all this time during which time I had regular labs, X-Rays and MRIs. Since I finally won Social Security Disability in 2009 I saw a local physician because the VA is an hour away.

From about 2004, I noticed consistent elevation in my alkaline phosphatase and Calcium in my labs and asked about it. No answer so I looked it up. The chances were very high it was Hyperparathyroidism which will destroy your bones among other things. So I asked my local doctor to order a Parathyroid lab. and it was very high. I had a tumor on my parathyroid and it was removed in July 2010. I talked to the the Comp & Pen physician at length about it because of the terrible effects it has on the body especially your bones.

My alk phos and calcium levels increased again in 2013 and so I had to have another tumor removed. Unfortunately, I now have Hyypoparathyroidism and only just found a great endocrinologist locally. He prescribed Calcitrol and told me it was very rare. Prior to that, the doctors were doing Nothing.

So to recap, I applied for 100% for unemployability was denied in 2013 because they said I had worked for 20 years and that was why I was doing so badly. I actually worked full time for 18 months from 1997-99 and then worked weekends until 2001 because I started having major back surgeries. I turned 57 in December.

Secondly, I had been receiving terrible care which made my condition worse which I only just discovered.

I have a Comp & Pen exam on 27 Feb 2015. I went on to myhealthevet website and printed off my labs and radiology.

I hope I have cleared things up. Thank you for taking the time to read my questions.

Kindest Regards