dfears

Well might have found a medical link to my GERD along with GWI. I was able to find through My HealtheVet my list of VA meds since 2000.(I usually go to a private Dr for non service related medical needs) I have had the meds mentioned before and was also prescribed an acid reducer Omeprazole. Another med was prescribed Hydroxyne which causes tremors and insomnia. I am going to speak with my VSO about these prescriptions. The Hydroxyne was for anxiety I started having a few years after returning. The NSAIDS were for the knee injury. The VA did not treat me for my GERD, I self treated after I was prescribed the Omeprazole. I could find it over the counter or use OTC like Tums. I went into a Gastrointologist for reflux and he preformed an endoscope and discovered the Barrett's Esophagus, the Hiatal Hernia and the Tumor. He and the oncologist advised that it takes several years for the esophagus lining to change. Thank you for your advise. It is much appreciated.

At this time I am 30% due to RT knee injury. 10% for initial and 20% for secondary. Over the years they have tried a number of medications to help with inflammation in the knee. They have tried Meloxicam, Naproxine,. I have also been given the standard hydrocodone by the bucket full over the years, along with knee braces. I have multiple tears in the knee. I have been off and on to the VA clinic and to the VA Orthopedic clinic over the years trying to get my knee fixed. The doctor that filled out the DBQ is my oncologist. He was at one time a VA oncologist. The second DBQ was filled out by him as requested by my VSO and was sent in with the NOD. When it comes to Barrett's Esophagus, that is a structural change in the lining of the esophagus to resemble the lining of the stomach caused by excessive acid within the esophagus, which left unchecked can lead to cancer.

Hello all, I am currently appealing a decision on a claim. I am a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer in November of 2013. It was found to be the result of prolonged GERD, which also caused Barrett's Esophagus, Hiatial Hernia and dysphasia. I have since had an Esophagectomy. My entire esophagus was removed in February 2014. I had also gone through Chemotherapy and radiation therapy prior to the procedure. I filed my claim with my local VSO. I retrieved all the necessary documents from my doctors and surgeons. I currently take medications so I can eat that cause side effects that limit my ability to work. My employer has since placed me on long term non paid disability with a future date of administrative termination. I also filed a claim because I have developed a tremor in my right hand with severe insomnia that my neurologist could not explain. The were able to rule out Parkinson's Disease but have not answer as to why I have the tremors. The regional office of the VA denied my claim stating there is no evidence I suffered these symptoms during active duty. It was my understanding that it is presumed since I was on the front lines during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. My NOD has been filled out and supposedly sent in my by local VSO. How do I prove that my illnesses (which are unexplained) are GWI and that they are presumed? One of my doctors specified in his first DBQ that the cancer, Barrett's Esophagus, hiatial hernia, and dysphasia was a manifestation of the GERD. He has since sent in another DBQ that states he believes my GERD is a direct result of GWI and that the cancer is secondary to the GERD. Thank you and sorry for the rambling. David .