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Andyman73
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Posts posted by Andyman73
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Ok, got a question for ya'll. I recently was awarded 30% for pes cavus(claw foot) w/plantar fasciitis. I am to believe that it is bilateral, since the C&P examiner stated it as such. I was looking at the CFR regs, yesterday for something else, and thought I'd look up this as well.
According to the CFR regs, it states the pes cavus, unilateral is to be rated at 30%, and bilateral at 50%. I first developed this issued in the 2nd half of 1997, whilst on AD. I don't have the exam notes handy, but will post them here ASAP. And same with award letter, too.
Anyone have any early guesses before I post the info?
Thanks,
Andy
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Congrats! That's awesome.
Andy
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Best of Luck to you, boomer2. As a side note it's better to show up, too, so they don't mark you as a no call-no show. Then if you get told they have no info, sure you wasted your time and gas to drive, but at least you were there.
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As for signing up, I didn't see any other options. I grew up 18years as an Army Brat, and have direct lineage back to the Inisskillin Dragoons in the mid 1800s. My Dad, his Dad, his grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. So I was kinda born into it. I was the only one at my school who had joined the Marines. And they thought I was crazy for choosing the Marines over the other branches. I said, I can't be like them and do the safe thing...even if my chosen MOS was a "safe" non-combat field.
When I meet those types who almost did but then didn't I just say "Oh", in a sorta flat monotone voice. However I do think that having served in any branch is worth more than not, versus those that kick the tires and walk away. My neighbor went to volunteer for Nam, and was medically denied for diabitis. He took his draft card with him so they could see he tried. He is super proud of his 2 Marines, grandsons, 1 a Vet, and the other just getting started. And he comes across the street to talk shop with me all the time. But he never boasts or brags about those boys, just is proud as can be, tho.
Andy
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Whymista and USMC_VET,
For me it's the exact opposite, I'm too embarrassed or worse to talk freely of what I did...cuz I was in the rear with the gear, or as my Dad's generation know it, a REMF. I feel that I don't even rate a seat at the table much less even in the same building. Yah yah, I know, we all must do something and every job is important...but still....my experience was nothing like yours, Whymista, and that is one of the biggest reasons I keep my mouth shut. I truly feel that to Vets like you(Combat and such) mine was a comparable walk in the park.
Here's 2 prime examples...I missed being deployed for ops relating to the civil war in Rwanda in '94, but then did get deployed for ops relating to same in Liberia in '96. Both were in support of refugees fleeing the countries, more specifically getting US Civs and VIPs and Fed Gov't civilian employees out.
As far as PFCs with a tossed salad, I knew a slick sleeve that had 14 ribbons. He was a S1 admin clerk, and worked 0800-1430. His section chief didn't like him very much, but tolerated him, he was 'the man' as far as knowing and doing his job. I don't know what went down that kept him a slick sleeve, but that Silver Star ribbon sure kept the chief off his back, though. And as far as talking, no one knew why or how he earned that SS, apparently that part of his file was redacted. Private Poole was very nice, when ever I had to see him for some admin questions.
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I will be honest with you, I have never claimed, nor will I ever, that I was near anything, doing anything with anybody, anywhere. My father spent 13 months in Vietnam, and is 60% because of it. My Grandfather, (dad's dad) spent a few years fighting the Nazi's in the OSS. I dare not ever disrespect them, or others that have gone on before me, or come after me, claiming something for which I do not have or warrant.
All I know is what I feel and experience.
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For sure, knap-sack, I don't want to talk about how I feel, I want to know why I feel that way to begin with.
Doc said something about tapes(he's kinda old school) like computers used to run on. When we went through our branch's version of boot camp, a tape was created and built upon and refined. That tape is always running in the background, automatically, it contains programming that makes us feel the way we do when we hear the National anthem, or Taps. It makes us react the way we do when certain things happen. Thing is....after we leave the service, the tape keeps running, it didn't come with an off switch, and it's as much a part of us as the tapes we're born with, like breathing, blinking our eyes, heart beating and so on.
Even those with no Military training who suffer PTSD, don't have those tapes running, so that is something unique to Veterans.
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iceturkee,
Ok, now, how did you go about filing that? So far, I have had equal success with both eBennies and using the Benefits Counselor in person.
Andy
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Buck,
Yeah, but I'm hoping the doc will be willing to talk about my service issues sooner, rather than later.
The meds I was referring to were for pain, not MH. I've been taking pain meds since late 92, when I first got hurt. Some of the narc types are what caused me problems. I could take them when I didn't have to get up for work the next day, otherwise, they were a no go. And some of them made me sick to my stomach and interfered with my "regularity", if you know what I mean.
At my last session, the doc related one of his own issues he still deals with, so it eased my mind a little, to know he is human just like me.
I do have my C-file, and already went through all 1090 pages, everything was there that I expected, plus some interesting other items. Such as exam notes from late 99 and early 2000, where the one doc wanted to operate on my knee to clear out some cysts, as she thought they were the actual cause for my pain. I never knew that, and she thought they may be the result of trauma(duh, when I fell down the stairs at boot camp). That is info I coulda used for a claim 15 years ago!!! GRRRRR!!! Sounds like a secondary to SCD claim to me.
I will keep on going, only got my life and my family to lose. Don't want to end up going there. I really appreciate your words, Buck! They help me to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Semper Fi.
Andy
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Berta
I checked out that link but other than being in it doesn't look like I qualify.
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What I meant by everything started with the fall down the stairs was that it made me a target for DI ridicule. Then as it caused ongoing problems during the 6 years of my AD, being harassed and threatened because of falling back or out of unit runs. Not that I was singled out, but the constant threat of being put on report or written up was always there. I even got to enjoy remedial pt for a month at a time, more than once. Which we all know is the cure for slow run times due to injury.
Add to that trying to do my job while my knees and back hurt. I'm quite sure if I had served ten years or more back in time I would have been drummed out for malingering or worse. On top of that nobody cared that my body hurt. I wasnt injured in any glorious fashion, combat or auto wreck, or crazy ex-wife, so it was dismissed.
Berta,
When I was reading your post about the Marine and his reaction to the boot camp book, my heart was racing and my breathing was increasing, and I could feel my stress level shooting for the stars! I didn't even realize how it was effecting me till I saw my hands shaking. Even now typing this is effecting me I keep misspelling the words.
Andy
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Berta,
Ok, thanks for the info.
Now then, could I file the contentions as SC?
As for the NSAIDS, I took them nearly the whole 6 years I was on AD, before the VA took over.
I will look at the Gulf War regs, but not sure if I qualify, my years of service are 11/92 thru 11/98.
Andy
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Hello all, got a question,
I have been dealing with multiple issues that are stress related, for over 20 years. During my 2nd year on AD I began to develop sleep issues, and from there I had sinus infections seemingly on a monthly basis. My bowels also began to be grumpy, resulting in diahria 3-4 days a week and stomach cramps. I also started consuming mass quantities of alcohol, mostly Jim Beam, till I passed out. I even enjoyed a NJP courtesy of said Jim drinking. I'm sure my MH problems began shortly after I fell down a flight of stairs during Boot Camp, in November of 1992.
I do have a printed list of all my VA prescriptions for various NSAIDs over the years, which are medically proven to cause or increase depression.
I was looking on eBenefits, trying to figure out how to file for these contentions. So..my question is, should I speak to my local VAMC bennies counselor, and have him file the claims? He's been pretty good to me so far(got me bumped from 60-80%.
Any guidance suggestions clues or hints would be most welcome and greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
Semper Fi.
Andyman
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Buck,
Thanks for your support. I guess what I'm trying to figure out is what is the best SC to claim, for me.
I have a small list of SCDs, 40% low back, 3%0 bilateral foot, 10% bilateral knees(low balled) 10% tinnitus, 10% hearing loss, 10% L ankle. And I currently have claims in progress for secondary for bilateral hips, bilateral radiculopathy and R ankle. I mailed out my evidence and statements for those just yesterday. Next is will be MH, maybe the Depression due to chronic pain as secondary SC might be the best bet for me. And then sleep apnea, alcohol addiction, IBS, and chronic sinus issues.
I know it's nothing to truly be ashamed of, but that doesn't change how I feel. I have told my MH about that, as to why I took so long to even look at MH treatment. You never hear anything about Vets like me, who don't have any combat or other type of traumatic experience, seeking treatment.
Basically it was a combination of things, Unit deployed(but not me) Commanding General's Inspection(for which I was a part of the uniform issue insp. part, that was micromanaged to death by a control freak E-8), personal relationship issues, and work ops tempo, and health issues due to lack of sleep, chronic IBS and sinusitis, and alcohol on top. Brain went into overload meltdown and out came the box cutter with brand new blade.
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Buck,
I am already seeing a MH doc. I called 1-800-Peggy back in May, and they got me intouch with the care line folks, and I started seeing the MH in June. I've been to 4 sessions, so far.
I know you've been following my posts, as I have yours. So you may recall that I have said previously that I don't have any typical PTSD causative event. But I did experience enough stress that lead me to nearly end my life and also begin drinking alcohol like a fish in water.
I haven't drank to get drunk since I left AD, but now I drink to get to sleep. I found it's so much easier than popping sleeping pills, which I've done in the past while on AD and after. And the alcohol doesn't leave me feeling foggy when I get up for work. Even if I took the pills early in the evening I would still feel groggy in the am.
I truly dislike being in social situations, even when it's my own extended family. Most of them have little clue to what I am about. I grew up as an Army brat, and then did 6yrs AD USMC. So most of my family doesn't really know me. I'm always trying to get out of going to other social events with my wife, but sometimes I'm not so successful. And I end up standing in a corner or near a door way, avoiding people like the plague.
Buck, as always I appreciate your view on things, since you are going through the whole MH deal as well.
Semper Fi.
Andyman
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Bluevet,
I appreciate your opinions.
Buck,
That's the problem I'm faced with, which way do I go. The only official thing I have is my brand new dx of MDD. There is o e or two entries in my STRs mentioning that I was under a lot of stress at the time of the entry. And I suffered from TMJ pain symptoms for years, that the Dr's and dentists couldn't find any physical causes of it. Methinks it was/is caused by stress. I know I was constantly gritting my teeth.
I was a moderate bodybuilder for about ten years, during and after my service years. So I know about gritting my teeth. I would catch my self gritting my teeth all the time, usually at work. Or whenever military aircraft fly over. And I frequently caught myself holding my breath while trying to shrug my shoulders into my ears. Guess I was subconsciously waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Matt,
My doc has noted the suicidal thoughts, I've seen it on my visit notes through myhealthyvet. And he asks me about it at every visit. But I am too afraid to tell him that sometimes the voices are screaming in my head. I have nightmares about being locked away in a hospital type setting. I even get visions like that during the daytime.
Self preservation keeps me from talking about it. My wife already thinks I'm wasting my time, and hers, with the VA in general.
I will check out your link as soon as I post this.
Andy
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Buck,
My doc wants me to think about whatever is on my mind the moment I begin to feel different. When my ears start burning, I'm not usually thinking at all(see, I am brain dead afterall!). When I see a C-130 flying over head my heart just starts beating faster, before I start to think of anything.
Most of the time it is an automatic response. It happens before I realize it.
Don't see how this will help me to stop hearing the voice telling me to check out. Don't see how it will help me not need a stiff drink to fall asleep at night. Or stop the night sweats. Or always seeking out the farthest corner or chair away from people.
Wonder when he wants to talk about my military experiences? Or why I feel guilty or ashamed or undeserving.
Andy
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Matt H.,
Ok, so file for ptsd and use the alcohol related incident(that got me an NJP and outpatient treatment) as the nexus? Still drink, mostly to help fall asleep now .
Once I get to the point of a C&P exam do I mention the suicide attempt? Or that I regularly hear voices trying to convince me it's for the best? Do I even dare mention the demon that tried to kill me in my sleep? Or my sleep apnea w/cpap?
Thanks for chiming in, Matt. Your words are the answers to some questions I didn't know how to ask.
Semper Fi.
Andy
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I can't even begin to relate, since I was nowhere near anything. I figure something is wrong cuz I feel some of the things ya'll have mentioned, but I didn't get there the "normal" way. I haven't been able to explain what I feel like, to my MH doc, when the voices start screaming for me to take the easy way out. Wife don't understand either.
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Buck!!!
I'm behind you all the way! I'm standing in your corner!
As for memory, I told my MH doc that I can't remember what I forgot, that my mind is like swiss cheese! He said "ok, we'll work with what you got"
Andy
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Combat Corpsman,
I'm not an expert by any means, but here's my understanding of the whole mess. The VA pays on the first of the month for the month just ended. If you did file on March 1st, then your retro should cover 3 months worth. Judging by your figures, it looks like you received 1 month retro in June, and 2 more in August. What was the amount of your July check? What about August 1st and Sept. 1st? Best way to figure out is multiply your monthly amount times the # of months (4) you should be awarded retro for. The VA is very concerned with only the VA. Also, call your local VAMC and speak with the benefits counselor. Sometimes they can be very helpful.
Semper Fi.
Andy
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Ok, Buck, how would I do that? Since on eBenefits, it specifically asks for an incident or nexus event. And I don't have that. I don't really want to go down a dead end road, if you know what I'm sayin.
As for the others, I can file for IBS, chronic sinusitis, alcohol abuse/dependency?
I am currently DXd w/ OSA by my own Dr. But I can only recall 1 mention of sleep issues in my SMR. Would that be enough?
Thanks again, Buck.
Semper Fi.
Andy
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In the past 7 years, Federal employees, and sometimes military got raises while Veterans and seniors did not for 2 years, or was it 3? Vets can likely expect this to happen again where inflation the government does not admit to makes our checks smaller and smaller. We see that a lot with Seniors. My father got about $400 per month social security when he died.
When he retired, the $360 or so seemed like plenty to live on. Soon, inflation ate his paycheck away with not near enough Cola's to make up for it. My father did not have to live on social security alone, but for many this is their sole source of income.
In the same way, sure, for many people, the 3k per month seems like a lot..for some. That is, until inflation and low/no Cola's eat it away, so 3k per month seems like 300 per month.
My older brother had this to say about retirement. He says figure out what the minimum you need to live on. Then multiply that times 10 and you will be about right.
Not to stir up the pot or open a can of worms, but I must inform you that during those 7 years I went 3.5years without COLA increase. The first 2 were by "the person in charge" and the 3rd year due to congress. And then in 2013 I got to enjoy a furlough as well. All that fun as a Fed. Gov't. civilian. Only because of my VA comp were we able to survive.
Andy
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Bluevet,
I do not have a DXd history, but do have several different markers of depression in my SMR. I had an alcohol related incident that got me a 3 week all expenses paid vacation to the SACO for outpatient treatment. And at least one mention of sleep issues and stress. Also multiple entries for IBS and sinus/URI as well. Oh, and 1 attempted suicide.
Andy
Possible lowball
in VA Disability Claims Research
Posted
I tried to go on myHealthevet, from work, and it blocks me when I try to access the blue button. So it will have to wait until I get home tonight, or this weekend.
Looking at the chart USMC_VET provided, I think maybe I was mistaken in my understanding. I think I probably fall into the middle bracket, which would make my rating accurate, at least at this time. Either way, I do know that they did not separate the plantar fasciitis from the pes cavus. Ebennies shows it as one rating.
Question pt. II, they didn't ask if my Achilles tendons were bothering me, or not. Should that have been something included in the foot exam, or would that be a secondary contention claim on its own? I ask because they are sore! And I have developed a lump on both, right where a low back shoe would go. Both are tender when squeezed, too.
Thanks again, guys.
Andy