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Andyman73

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Posts posted by Andyman73

    So Confused Of Whats Going On And It Started With Nod And Visit To Ro

    in Appealing Your Veterans Compensation Disability Claims NOD, DRO, BVA, USCAVC

    Posted

    lynnga,

    Welcome to the VA roller coaster! Apparantly you are on the one that gets you awarded. Most of us are not. I don't have enough knowledge or experience to even begin to tell you where to go or what to do and when to do it. Except this...email allison.hickey@va.gov, she is the undersecretary of VA. She can help you. When you email, politely explain the severity of your situation. Let her know that you haven't been able to view anything on ebenefits, and no one seems to know anything when you call. I suggest you email ASAP, like today, even. So you can give her the most time to look into this for you. Most on here who have emailed her have been quite surpised at the turn of events.

    I am praying for you and your family.

    Semper Fi.

    Andy

    C+P Timeline

    in Veterans Compensation & Pension Exams

    Posted

    Well, let's see. I filed a few claims at the end of January, and had the C&P's for all but one in March. The other one I didn't get scheduled until the end of April for a May exam date. Also in May I filed another one, got called by the VARO a few weeks later, and now it's the Oncet of July and no C&P yet to be had. The VARO just wanted to verify the claim before sending it on to my VAMC to have the C&P scheduled. It's been 2 weeks since that phone call. However others here have had much different experiences.

    Secondary Claims

    in VA Disability Claims Research

    Posted

    I think that you got to stop crushing sparrow's eggs between your thighs! Lol! But seriously it is beginning to appear to me that you may need to email allison hickey ASAP. "Allison won Kanobe, is your only hope!" Let her know what you've been dealing with, as far as they have been disregarding your PCP DX and service connection.

    From what I've learned from here, you don't need to be actually DX'd while on AD, just symptomatic. Like for me, I mentioned several times over my enlistement, that I was experiencing sciatica type sensations. While it doesn't show a DX, it does show I was suffering from it whilst on AD.

    Radiculopathy Progressed Into Neuropathy?

    in Eligibility - Veterans Compensation Benefit Claims

    Posted

    Andyman I understand , read you Lima Charlie. My leg pain is getting worse, numbness and tingling is happening in most positions, either standing or sitting and it's quite depressing. I had an EMG done last year, but it didn't reveal much other than mild neuropathy on both legs however other exams such as private exam from physician, specialists, and functional capacity tests indicate otherwise. The evidence is there and I'm not too concerned, just needing people higher than the regional office to actually weigh and give the evidence and symptoms it's proper weight and relevance, oh and applying the proper laws and regulations. All I keep saying in my head is to keep moving, keep hurting, when things start to stay numb and tingly is when I start to get edgy. Sucks all to desert sands.

    I have an EMG scheduled for July 13th. Not too sure what to expect.

    Va Clinic Diagnoses Ptsd On It's Own

    in PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims

    Posted

    So.. I am new to posting here but a long time reader of this site - awesome work moderators and subject matter experts .. your efforts are much appreciated.

    I had a routine VA medical appointment for a general health check up in early April of this year and during that exam the doctor and I got to talking about my prior service. I mentioned to him a few things (I don't talk about my military history much with anyone) about my middle east service including intrusive dreams for years about a bomb attacks including a bomb (IED-timer) that destroyed my vehicle (unoccupied) and came pretty close to taking me out. He probed further and after answering his questions openly and honestly he referred me to the VA mental health team for evaluation.

    Now I have a VA medical diagnosis of PTSD secondary to my military service and a diagnosis of depressive disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder on top of that. I am prescribed anti depressants from the VA and am taking them. I am participating in group and individual therapy with a goal of diminishing my symptoms which quite honestly I have lived with seemingly forever. The VA psycologist and pychiatrist have both documented the diagnosis and nexus to my military service in my VA medical records and file. Both encouraged me to go see my VSO. I feel a bit like a dumb ass for living with these syptoms for many years and not considering my options. It surprises me that the doctors did all of this without any encouragement from me - Frankly I wasn't even looking for an increase in my disability (20%) benefits.

    I gathered up some buddy letters from veterans who were there and had personal knowlege and put together a binder of news articles and related military service records along with the medical stuff I have so far. I consulted with my VSO who copied my entire binder and immediately filed a claim (fast track).

    Some of the issues I have suffered with for many years include; sleep deprivation (nightmares, night sweats, insomnia); social isolation (few trusted friends, estrangement from family, avoidance of middle eastern people; hyper vigilance (chair/back against the wall always, forever alert, suspicious of damn near everything and everyone); little to no outside activities increasing over the years; anger outbursts,

    agitation and impatience among others.

    I am a work-a-holic often burying myself in my work and was a high achiever until my memory started to fail (mostly short term - forgetting names, dates, appointments etc).

    Having given that background does anyone think I can get rated for the issues I didn't ask for to begin with? Any other similar experiences having the VA push a PTSD diagnosis on a patient during a routine exam? Any help is much appreciated.

    MV

    I say go for broke. I only just begun my MH healing/treatment journey, as I've had my initial MH eval/consult just last week. I have many markers and byproducts of ptsd/and or MDD. As far as gunownership is concerned, that more so goes with being a danger to society, if you are deemed mentally unstable, or something of that nature. I don't believe it's an automatic thing. At my eval, the doc told me that they only have to report(mandatory) if they feel you are in immediate danger of suicide or homicide.

    I would think that you should go through your SMR for records coinsiding with your incident and put together a claim package for the PTSD. I'm sure you are a solid 50% rating easy. And maybe 70%. At the bare minimum you will end up right where you are...20%.

    Semper Fi.

    Andy

    Initial Mh Eval

    in Eligibility - Veterans Compensation Benefit Claims

    Posted

    Buck,

    I was telling the MH doc that I often "see" people on the side of the road, at mailboxes, that aren't there, but then as I drive by..there they are! Scares the crap outta me, but when I check the mirror or turn my head, it's always just the mailbox. And as I was telling him that I suddenly remembered the incident I think caused that. One night I was driving home for a 4 day weekend, I was only 30-45 minutes away from base and I nearly hit a person standing in the middle of the road! It was a 55mph posted 2lane country highway. He was wearing all black, and not moving. My highbeams didn't even pick him out, it wasn't until I was close enough for my orange running light/blinker light to illuminate him, did I even see him! Basically it was only as I was passing him did he even become noticeable! I nearly crashed while trying to get stopped to check if I hit him. But when I reversed to the spot, he wasn't there. I had forgotten about this until the other day.

    Initial Mh Eval

    in Eligibility - Veterans Compensation Benefit Claims

    Posted

    Buck, Jerry, and John,

    Youse guys are chock full of usefull info, thanks for sharing with me.

    I know that I've been dealing with physical pain for 23 years, I fell down a flight of cement stairs on my 5th day of boot camp at MCRD San Diego, November 21st, 1992. And ever since that day I have been taking either Tylenol, Motrin(aka Vitamin M) Ibuprofen, Naproxin, and so on and so forth. I can't really take narcotics, because they disrupt my daily life. And cause stomach/gastric issues as well, which is also documented in my SMR. My alcohol abuse is documented in my SMR because they eval'ed me to see what level of Substance Abuse Counseling I required(L II, a 3 week outpaitient program). And the official questionaire that went along with same.

    I know that medical science has documented long term use of the aforementioned meds are known to cause or increase depression. Add that with drinking to excess(which means till I passed out), stress from work, and untreated suicidal thoughts and such...it's no wonder I haven't gone completely outta my mind.

    According to the PTSD quiz on MyhealthyVet, the 17 question one, I have all the signs of PTSD. When I submitted my answers, it came back saying "Seek help from a MH professional ASAP!

    When the MH guy asked me why now, after all these years, I said, I thought I was the only one, that there wasn't any thing to be done for me. I knew all about the PTSD and MH treatment for combat Vets and such, or guys that were obviously having problems. But for me, I just thought "screw me, I'm stuck with the voices in my head" . It's only since I came to Hadit that I learned that there was help for Vets like me. And I told him that. He did say he was glad that I found Hadit, because it led me to seek MH help. And that's why 17 years after my EAS I am only now seeking help for my MH.

    Why Diagnosed With Symptoms But Not Ptsd

    in PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims

    Posted

    Don't talk about your childhood or anything that happened before the military. Don't talk about alcohol or drug abuse. If you have been in car crashes or situations that might cause ptsd after service just don't bring it up at all. You were fine before the military and now you are messed up due to you military service and only your military service. This is the safe way. If you bring up other stuff to the VA it will come back and bite you. If you were molested as a child don't talk about it. If you were robbed and beaten after service don't talk about it. They will use it against you when you go for that MH rating.

    If you were ever suspended from school or arrested don't talk about it or mention it. If they cannot prove it then to the VA it is just your mouth that will sink you.

    John

    My alcohol abuse and subsequent alcohol related NJP happened while on AD. I kept my nose clean since then, mostly due to fear and shame. I have been deathly afraid, ever since, that someone might find out about my inner demons and out me. And that my world will implode and I just cease to exist, to become even more invisible than I already am.

    I won't even mention the time I saved my father-in-law's life. Or how it just passed on by as if it was someone else who saved him.

    Initial Mh Eval

    in Eligibility - Veterans Compensation Benefit Claims

    Posted

    TexasMarine,

    I forgot to add sleep issues, that go along with the gastro and sinus. I believe the lack of quality sleep, and the stress, reduced my body's ability to fight off the sinus and gastro issues. Perhaps working around C-130s and CH-53s, soaking up lung fulls of T-56 exhuast for 5.5 yrs probably didn't do me any favors either.

    As for DX while on AD, I received exactly 0(zero), which is to say, no professional medical or psychiatric evaluations of my mental state of mind, after a fellow Marine inturrupted my suicide attempt. My deptartment chief spoke to me for a few minutes. Then he sent me over to the Wing Chaplain, who spoke with me for about 30 minutes. That was it, no follow up, no trip to base medical, or mental health, or nuthin. And I still had 4.5 yrs left of my 6 yr run.

    Even if I can't get a nexus statement from my VA dr., after I get a DX, I should be able to file a claim, and the markers should carry me over the line. As far as I understand, the VA changed their official position on PTSD back in 2010. We no longer need a clear nexus event. As long as we have documented "markers" it will qualify us.

    So, I wait till the next session to see what happens next.

    Semper Fi

    Andy

    Initial Mh Eval

    in Eligibility - Veterans Compensation Benefit Claims

    Posted

    File ASAP. But that means get your ducks in order first. Have you got your Nexus statement yet? For many, no mental health issues arose in-service. In these cases especially, you will need a Nexus statement (or IMO) from doctor specializing in MH (psychiatrist). Many posts here regarding format, content, and providers of "nexus" statements. Once you have your statement, file.

    Ok, when should I get the Nexus statement? Since it was only just my initial consult/eval, should I wait until a few more sessions? I know this, I was stopped seconds from attempting to cut my wrists(the long way), while at work, in my workspace. I drank to excess and was picked up for public intox, and had a 3 week outpatient substance abuse counseling. And many sinus and gastro issues due to stress, all in my SMR. Do these count as MH issues/symptoms? Thanks, TexasMarine,

    Semper Fi.

    Here ya go Andyman73

    click the link and print this out and just had your information & take to your Dr your VA Doc can sign it or IMO Doc

    http://usva101.org/nexus.html

    you can also print off the DBQ Form

    ...........Buck

    BUCK!!! Coming through like a Champ! I tried to print from work, but new systems still got bugs to work out. Will try again from home! Thank you so very much!

    Just remember when you talk to VA shrinks or doctors don't talk about your childhood except in the most rosy terms. Everything was great up until the military. Now since military all is crap. Your problems began in the military, and have been dogging you ever since. Anything you say can and will be used either for you or against you. Perfect honesty is great but not at the VA. If they or you can't prove it then it did not happen. They will damn you with your own words if you are not careful. You know since I got out of the Army in 1971 I have been in some kind of mental health therapy. I never let them forget that.

    If not for therapy from private psychologist I would be dead, in jail or a street person since they cannot just commit people to mental institutions and throw away the key like they used to do. Pour your heart out to private doctors, not to VA doctors. They have a conflict of interest as do you.

    John

    John,

    First off, I am so sorry that you've been running this marathon since then. I know my own father was in Nam from late '68 to early '70. And he stayed in until '92. I only answered the docs questions, as he asked, about my personal/family life. He was only asking the basic questions, not in depth detailed stuff. I will try to keep my focus on my AD years, and then the years since, focusing on dealing with the VA.

    Thanks, all of you, for your service, and for here, helping me, and all others. God bless you all!

    Semper Fi.

    Andy

    Secondary Claims

    in VA Disability Claims Research

    Posted

    Yes, it does. Essentially, rude as f*ck and minimizing your pain. About what I expected from the MRI report, but not like THAT! This is why I am not interested in any treatment thru those clowns, I would be down there choking the last breath out of whoever wrote that, after breaking all their fingers. P*sses me off just reading it. "Team 10" would be done to "Team 9" by now. A-holes!

    Why would the MRI report even have that, is what I want to know. The radiologist's job is to read and report the findings, not make treatment recommendations. Things would be so much different if they had to face themselves to get their much deserved treatment and comp, like we do. They wouldn't like it if the shoe was on the other foot, that's for sure!

    Initial Mh Eval

    in Eligibility - Veterans Compensation Benefit Claims

    Posted

    Since you are reading this, you know I am not locked up in a rubber room! Anyway, went ok, doc seemed nice and truly genuine in his interest in what makes me tick. He wrote 2 pages of notes during the 90 minutes, and we didn't even really go into details on anything. I asked about the brain on fire sensation, he says that it's not very common, and most don't have it. But enough do that it's a legitimate thing. And he does have experience dealing with Vets with it. Told me it usually is associated with intense overwhelming anger, not of the short temper type. But more so with those that hold it in, for long periods of time. He did think it odd that I never had even a psych eval after my suicide attempt, while on AD, at work, in my work space! So anyway...

    Radiculopathy Progressed Into Neuropathy?

    in Eligibility - Veterans Compensation Benefit Claims

    Posted

    ANG11,

    I've been just doing the OTC meds, for many years. I had an 8 yr span of no treatment for my feet. I started getting billed directly from the VA, so I stopped going. Told them I should not be billed for SCD even if they dont see it that way. Said that they can forward my bills to my congressman. I got a letter from the VA stating that my plantar fasciitis caused heel spurs are not SC, so I was on the hook. I said the VA Podiatrist told me that the PF causes heel spurs, and that's why I have them. And, why after 3-4 years of steady treatment, now I get billed? The last orthotic inserts lasted 5 years. And I only just mentioned it to my PCP cuz I was feeling new/different pain in my feet. Long story short, back in early May the benefits counselor at my VAMC put in a claim for "foot condition to include plantar fasciatis." I sent the RO a complete copy of all VA treatment records,..about 25-30 pages worth. It shows multiple issues of custom orthotics, over the years, injection of meds in the foot, which then caused nerve damage. So now I am just waiting for the C&P to be scheduled for that. My undiagnosed MH issues overwhelmed me, so I couldn't even think of doing this, years ago. And I am only on Hadit a few months now...so...now I am learning to stand up again.

    Secondary Claims

    in VA Disability Claims Research

    Posted

    Here is my report for my MRI:

    "Report: Exam: MRI thoracic spine. Reason for exam: Chronic back pain. Comparison: None Technique: Multiplanar, multisequence MRI of the thoracic spine was obtained without contrast Findings: Minimal S-shaped scoliosis is seen centered in the upper to mid thoracic spine. The remaining static alignment appears anatomic. The vertebral body heights are well-maintained. Minimal multilevel degenerative changes are seen with height loss and mixed low T2 signal predominantly in the mid to lower thoracic spine. A few scattered hemangiomas are seen throughout the bone marrow. Otherwise, bone marrow signal is normal. No evidence to suggest fracture. The visualized spinal cord demonstrate a normal intrinsic signal morphology. The paravertebral and surrounding soft tissues are grossly unremarkable. No significant spinal canal or foraminal stenosis. No obvious disc herniation. Impression: 1. Minimal S-shaped scoliosis centered in the mid to upper thoracic spine. 2. No acute osseous, ligamentous or discogenic abnormalities. 3. Minimal multilevel degenerative discs without significant stenosis.

    Report: Exam: MRI lumbar spine. Reason for exam: Back pain. Comparison: None. Technique: Multiplanar, multisequence MRI of the lumbar spine was obtained without contrast Findings: For the purposes of this exam the last well-formed disc space is designated L5-S1. The static alignment is anatomic. The vertebral body heights are well-maintained. Minimal degenerative changes are seen most prominent at L2-3 with height loss and mixed low T2 signal. A few scattered hemangiomas are seen throughout the bone marrow. Otherwise, bone marrow signal is normal. No evidence to suggest fracture. The visualized spinal cord, conus medullaris and cauda equina demonstrate a normal intrinsic signal and morphology. The conus terminates at approximately L1-2. The paravertebral and strandy soft tissues are grossly unremarkable. A few small cysts are seen involving the kidneys that are too small accurately characterize. L4-5: diffuse bulging annulus with facet arthropathy is identified without significant stenosis. L5-S1: Diffuse bulging annulus and minimal facet arthropathy is identified without significant stenosis. Impression: 1. Minimal degenerative changes without significant stenosis or mass effect. 2. No acute osseous, ligamentous or discogenic abnormalities appreciated."

    Your thoughts.

    Hmmm, well, I know my MRI report mentions minimal to moderate narrowing of neural foramina at several locations, and moderate to severe of at least one, closer to L5-S1. Two of the effected disc locations are mentioned as bilateral, as well. I don't have any current rating for those, however I am getting a package together to submit for the DDD and radiculapathy, with the MRI report and SMR entries noting complaints of shooting pain down my lower extremities and such. I do have a current 40% for low back pain, tho.

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