Valhalla0321

Thanks TiredCoastie, Looks like i got to do my homework here, trying to get this CFR lined up paralell with what you refering to, this is very helpful. I have about 10 more claims that i assume are still pending / undecided left out from the headache and actually the Right knee that i missed (they rated it 10, it was 0) So they increased headache from 30 to 50 and the Knee from 0 to 10%. I assume the other claims one by one will follow suite instead of having me wait for All (this is great) The VA is working better towards there completion goals in my opinion. I will wait for the claims to finish or get close to. I actually have my NOD turned appeal/DRO hearing for sleep apnea this month, so add this to the list of many. But how strange, I got denied SSDI yesterday and today i get approved for increase. I still have not gotten my SSDI denial packet, but the little bit of info i got from SSA was that i can answer the phone for a job like i did in 2001, they just don't know how i have progressed from then obviously. There might be a hidden twist to this, i am thinking that me being in the VOC rehab program going to school online.. (even though i have close to failing grades (D) and i spend maybe 2 hours 5 x a week online, this might be the smoking gun that is going to clog up the VA and or SSA for rating me.. hummm??? what's your take Hadit Followers?? Thank you everyone for your help..it's not over but the magnitude of help here is astronomical .

TiredCoastie, After a rating per headache migraine 50% the claim is still open but how would i request and or integrate a claim for : 8009 Brain, vessels, hemorrhage from: Rate the vascular conditions under Codes 8007 through 8009, for 6 months 100 Rate residuals, thereafter, minimum 10 Hum!!!!

Yeah!!!.. but Hey??? Thank's everyone.. time to updated my service connection from a 50% to a ...70%.. I would be at 20% if i did not look at this site, have good people to help me like you all!!!. I have and had many contentions that were ratable but i did not know that they were.. from 2000.. all that time i could have been sitting at the percentage i am now instead of the 10 then the 20.. blah.. .. Now the Hey.. The upgraded my 30% migraine to a 50% which makes me most likely the 70% my only question is i never seen the claim not complete stage return but i have a hunch that the next month C&P is to find out more about me and my contentions, thus the claim is not complete and dispels the partial why. Can you guys tell me if you think the Sam.. that my claim is not over and that they made a partial decision.. looks that way 02/08/2015 Compensation Review Of Evidence Development Letter Sent Decision Notification Sent Upload Documents this as of 4.16.2015

Yeah!!!.. but Hey??? Thank's everyone.. time to updated my service connection from a 50% to a ...70%.. I would be at 20% if i did not look at this site, have good people to help me like you all!!!. I have and had many contentions that were ratable but i did not know that they were.. from 2000.. all that time i could have been sitting at the percentage i am now instead of the 10 then the 20.. blah.. .. Now the Hey.. The upgraded my 30% migraine to a 50% which makes me most likely the 70% my only question is i never seen the claim not complete stage return but i have a hunch that the next month C&P is to find out more about me and my contentions, thus the claim is not complete and dispels the partial why. Can you guys tell me if you think the Sam.. that my claim is not over and that they made a partial decision.. looks that way 02/08/2015 Compensation Review Of Evidence Development Letter Sent Decision Notification Sent Upload Documents this as of 4.16.2015

I had a scan and it shows a cavernous angioma or periods of hemorrhaging. I do have postrating attacks at least 2 to 3 x a week and is why they rated me, but should have at the 50%.

Wow.. I got denied to... ugh..

Wow Stinger.

Now you can surface Diver... Congratz

Congrats.. it was like yesterday you were waiting and Bam.. Good for you..

Well, just found out my SSDI was denied today.. ugh :-(...

I have 11 - New,Reopen, and increased contentions Submitted: 02/08/2015 (Compensation) Ebenes says it's prep for notification (and i have a C&P scheduled next month..wtheck???) Estimated Completion: 06/20/2015 - 11/09/2015 (per ebenes) And i have my NOD to a DRO hearing this 21st of April 2015 for a denied claims.(this is separate for some reason) A couple days ago my Congressman's office told me 2 years, so it's moving light speed, I always remember someone here on the forums commented that the faster the claim the faster the denial. I wish everyone the best with there situation. Also the last or what i thought was the last C&P was done March 23, 2015 Godspeed.

The VA indicated that the rating for headache was based off of my SMR or SRBooks which indicated that i had headaches after a fall to face/broken nose/lacerations/broken tooth.. Not sure ?? if this is called a TBI, i would like to know if it is, everytime i ask DAV they say.. ahhh.. well ... huh.. next contention.. next.. like it's being deferred in conversation. I have daily headache log's for about 25 months and i am taking some medications, this might be why i was rated for this. I really don't think it was difficult, it is sad that i waited almost 20 years to talk about it and get service connected.. i missed 18x12= :-(...

Thanks for the feedback and yeah.. Gastone is quite the Banker i keep a watchful eye on my bank because i sometimes overdraft because i live check to check. About the updates and going back and forth, i think that's forth cumming and will update to this post if any epic adventures take place.

Your not alone:

Ok, Now i am really a bit confused on the process. I just checked ebenes and the phase for all my Increase,new,re opened claims are now in the preparation for notification stage? this is the stage before complete and if im not wrong, there is no going backwards after this which is strange because one of the contentions for re open has a scheduled c n p that i just confirmed today... very puzzling. But anyway.. my big picture is that i expected that out of the 12 contentions.. that one of them at least would be increased. By following others on Hadit, i have learned that at this stage "i think" you can go to download award letters, check bank or check pension/claims payment info on ebes and if it does not say anything about increase or money being deposited then this is a tell tell sign the claim was denied... ugh... what to do...

I had Migraines and headaches since 1998, but recently persued getting headache service connected in year 2014. The rating was 30%, i am still at that percentage for migraines. I requested a increase because per CFR i realized that i should have been rated to 50%. For about 2 years, i have kept a daily headache log that i fill out everyday i have a migraine and then i send it to the DAV and upload it to the ebenefits site. My rating that got me to 30% it looks as if the VA only used 3 months of my then 18 month headache log. To answer the question, it's based off of the VA referencing that i complained of headache after a head injury to front face, were i broke my front tooth, nose, and banged up my face. ( my SMR indicates that in the field, the xrays were down so i got shafted on any input to a TBI/concussion or anything else sustained. Only reference i had was when the DR. Filled out my chart and indicated minimum events, it was enough to get me the headache linked after several NOD. The C & P doctor did not even want to see my headache log when i mentioned that i had them at the exam, however the Dr. did put pretty much everything that was in the Log, like 3-5 to 2-3 headaches a week. So the bulk of the basis is done by lay evidence presumably. The first time i have ever heard of a Holter Monitor was right now on this post, the only thing i have connected between what this device does is record your heart and not brain waves etc. Hope that helps answer. In reference to my spontaneous exam for c & p next month, i thought since my claims were in the pending decision phase that i was no longer going to any exam's. It now makes sense that one of the exams for tinnitus or hearing loss was not done by the examiner, also something about c n p for muscle issue is scheduled with hearing c n p, so this means maybe the case is going to go back to the gathering of evidence, because i have never heard of the VA deciding on partial contentions and then c n p the others for decision much later.. but .. someone might answer this for me here...

TiredCoastie, Thank you for your comment and reply. I agree with you about the CFR, but i also know i am dealing with the VA and how sometimes it is not in favor of the Veteran, i mean nothing else has changed from my Migraine 30% rating 6 months ago, i just had to tell them to look again and provide my headache log's for the past 2 years that actually show 3-5 attacks a week, they just watered it down to give me 30%. I think it was good that the DR. indicated how frequent the attacks were per file, even though The Dr. Claimed that the Exam check box's only allow you to check of (x) once a month.. which to me, its very much shortchanging the Veterans condition. My concern is that even though my claim is in Pending decision approval for multiple contentions including but not limiting to the increase in Headaches.. for some reason , i noticed more Exam's scheduled for Next month. To me this looks like the VA is like hold up, that Exam looks to much favorable to the Veteran who's claim can be taken a couple spaces back to gathering of evidence, in pursuit to another C&P that might be in favor of the VA... I called the C&P exam department and could only leave a message. I am trying to get to the bottom of this, to see if there trying to get a second opinionated exam.. HUM?? Only thing i can think of is if my claim goes back to gathering, then that's what the C&P is about...

My claim has been at pending decision approval, i had C&P's in March 2015.. strange thing.. is i just noticed new CnP's scheduled for May 2015.. my guess is that my claim is going back 3 spaces landing on chance, chance that VA will have another C n P shot to shoot down any positive comments on my prior one.... UGH... i swear VA has more games than milt and Bradley... So frustrated with this almost like they plan this, they know i am a single father and at the time they schedule the Exam is the time My child is waiting for me to pick him up.. and if i schedule.... Go to....j... don't past go,, don't collect any possible awards.

Was the Dr. a specialist and what did they tell you it was, if they did not , i would follow up with your Primary care or the same Dr. who told you this. :-) hope that helps.

Quick Question: I have been out of work due to Headaches being one of the issues, it's going on 30 months since i last worked. I have been going to school online and because of failing grades, i have been assigned a tutor for 10 plus hours a week. My concern is that i am in the Same boat.. i was awarded 30% and not 50% for migraine and it was not because of school, the rator made a error. I have headache logs for 2 years and it shows 3 to 5 or 2 to 3 migraines a Week!! and i guess they overlooked that on my previous 30% rating, so i NOD'd it and not only am i concerned about the school thing, but during my C&P exam.. The VA Doctor Said that she can only check off 1x a month because the C&P computer only allows this ... WHY??? She did put in writing comments that i have more than 1x a month migraine, but i am concerned i am going to be iced again on NOD rating.. who ever wants to read my Exam note... i will list them below and please tell me what you think.. i am at pending decision approval right now.. so it's only a matter of time i find out what it will be, but i would like to here from you all. Thanx... Headaches (including Migraine Headaches) Disability Benefits Questionnaire Name of patient/Veteran: Valhalla 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 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 Evidence review --------------- Was the Veteran's VA claims file reviewed? [ ] Yes [X] No If yes, list any records that were reviewed but were not included in the Veteran's VA claims file: 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) [ ] No records were reviewed [ ] Other: 1. Diagnosis ------------ Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with a headache condition? [X] Yes [ ] No [X] Migraine including migraine variants ICD code: 346.90 Date of diagnosis: active service [X] Tension ICD code: 339.12 Date of diagnosis: active service 2. Medical History ------------------ a. Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's headache conditions (brief summary): 40 years old male USMarine veteran from 1996 to 2000, is here for an increase C&P evaluation on his headache condition. His last C&P evaluation was in 12/24/2013. He is currently rated at 30%. He had recent Neurology consult here at VA on 1/29/2015: See Below LOCAL TITLE: NEUROLOGY CONSULT STANDARD TITLE: NEUROLOGY CONSULT DATE OF NOTE: MAR 06, 2015@11:35 ENTRY DATE: MAR 06, 2015@11:35:08 AUTHOR: b EXP COSIGNER: URGENCY: STATUS: COMPLETED Chief Complaint: Headaches HPI: 40 yr old man with chronic recurrent headaches. He had minor head trauma in the Marines in 1999 and headaches began subsequently. He has ringing in ears, sleep disturbance and sensitivity to odors. He is currently on Topiramate, but then feels it wears off. He gets headaches every few days. Pain is mainly in the temple areas, and sometimes in nuchal/occipital area. Med Hx: as above and per chart. Meds: as per chart, and reviewed with patient. Fam Hx: nc Social/Work hx: non-smoker, no etoh. Significant operative/invasive procedures: Allergies: as per cover sheet, and reviewed with patient. No new allergies. Pain Assessment Score: 0 BP: 119/74 Relevant Labs discussed with patient: MRI of Head showed cavernous malformation in the pons, MRA was negative however. CT showed L maxillary sinusitis. Review of Systems (Neurologic): negative for additional neurologic symptomatology not described in HPI above. Screen for suicide risk and signs of abuse/neglect: negative Depression screen: negative NEUROLOGIC EXAM: The patient is alert and oriented. There is no cognitive impairment. Speech is clear without dysarthria. There is no aphasia. Pupils 3/3 RLA. Full EOM's. There is no nystagmus. Fundi: normal with direct ophthalmoscopy. Visual fields: full to finger confrontation method, bilaterally. The face is symmetric. Facial sensation is normal. Tongue, gag, and palate exam is normal. Muscle bulk is normal; there is no atrophy. Strength is full in all extremities. Normal muscle tone. DTR's: 2 to 2+ and symmetric. Plantars downgoing. Normal rapid alternating movements and finger/nose. Normal gait, balance, and station. There is no ataxia. Romberg is negative. Sensory: no losses to LT, pin, vibration, nor proprioception. IMPRESSION: 1. Recurrent Headaches. 2. Hx of Sleep Apnea. RECOMMENDATIONS/PLAN: 1. Increase Topiramate to 50mg bid. 2. Add Esgic i po q3-4 h prn. 3. RTC 6-8 weeks. *Tobacco Use Screen: Lifetime non-tobacco user. Never smoked and never used tobacco in entire life. Medication Reconciliation: The patient was given a copy of their medication profile. The medications were reviewed with the patient and also evaluated for polypharmacy. No medication discrepancies found No changes are indicated. 40 years old male USMarine veteran from 1996 to 2000, is here for an increase C&P evaluation on his headache condition. His last C&P evaluation was in 12/24/2013. He is currently rated at 30%. Per recommendation by Dr. X Neurologist in 3/6/2015, he had increased his Topiramate to BID. He was also given Butalbital PRN. He said that his symptoms doesn't seem to improve. It is not any better. He described bilateral pain over both temples, which comes at least 2X-3X/week. He described his headache as throbbing and at the same sharp in quality, average 10/10, light sensitivity, nausea. With Butalbital and Naproxen 500 mg po qd PRN, the headache gradually diminishes in30-60 minutes. His headache frequency has decreased from 3-5X/week to 2-3X/week X one year since he has been placed on Topirate daily. b. Does the Veteran's treatment plan include taking medication for the diagnosed condition? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe treatment (list only those medications used for the diagnosed condition): Topiramate 50 mg BID; Butalbital PRN; Naproxen BID PRN 3. Symptoms ----------- a. Does the Veteran experience headache pain? [X] Yes [ ] No [X] Pulsating or throbbing head pain [X] Pain on both sides of the head b. Does the Veteran experience non-headache symptoms associated with headaches? (including symptoms associated with an aura prior to headache pain) [X] Yes [ ] No [X] Nausea [X] Vomiting [X] Sensitivity to light [X] Changes in vision (such as scotoma, flashes of light, tunnel vision) c. Indicate duration of typical head pain [X] 1-2 days d. Indicate location of typical head pain [X] Both sides of head 4. Prostrating attacks of headache pain --------------------------------------- a. Migraine / Non-Migraine- Does the Veteran have characteristic prostrating attacks of migraine / non-migraine headache pain? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, indicate frequency, on average, of prostrating attacks over the last several months: [X] Once every month b. Does the Veteran have very prostrating and prolonged attacks of migraines/non-migraine pain productive of severe economic inadaptability? [X] Yes [ ] No 5. Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs and/or symptoms ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the Diagnosis section above? [ ] Yes [X] No b. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs and/or symptoms related to any conditions listed in the Diagnosis section above? [ ] Yes [X] No 6. Diagnostic testing --------------------- Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings and/or results? [ ] Yes [X] No 7. Functional impact -------------------- Does the Veteran's headache condition impact his or her ability to work? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe the impact of the Veteran's headache condition, providing one or more examples: The severity and frequency of his headache despite of the prescribed medications led him to decide to STOP working the past 28 months. Also, he feels that due to the headache, he seems to dec. in his memory and/ or concentration ability.

Congrats, It is great to here that a Veteran can take a sigh of relief, a fresh breath of non frustrating state of mind. I hope that the biggest fight for you rights to benefits are coming to a close and that you can put this chapter behind you. It's amazing how Veterans who understand each other from battlefield to Civilian life and reach out to lend a hand to one another, it is truly awesome and amazing. I have to say that if everyone from state officials, Reps, RO's and on would keep this emphasis then there would be less Veterans suffering. I really hope that this new VA staff changes things across the board were there is more direct empathy and support to our Veteran instead of scrutiny. Not only K9MAL but everyone on this Forum and who has helped out should pat there self on the back, i know that some of who have posted have helped me through your unselfishness. Great Job on helping Veterans Everyone.... Spread the knowledge...

I agree Tanker, VA system moving a lot faster in the claims process, mine is in the pending decision approval phase, I must say... Quicker claims don't mean quicker approvals. To comment on C n P examiners, i wish you could read what they comment on and rebuttal to them direct, because many times words are twisted. Ebene's has improved and you can see comments from Exams rather quickly which is helpful with the " My blue Button" Good luck to you, Patience is a virtue.

Peggy....LOL

FYI.. I take all 3. Finasteride, test cyp and cialis 5mg.

Pending Decision Approval.....ugh!!! nail biter.. what could it be , i hope not a big fat 0