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Andyman73
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Posts posted by Andyman73
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Vync, broncovet, Gastone,
If so, today I filed several Intent to File claims, which is less than 12 months after I went to PT for newly acquired low back pain, which was determined to be coming from the SI joint/iliac crest region. Same for the bunion on my R foot. How would JuanP or myself go about doing this?
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CC,
Onto the next thing, I just emailed the ortho's office requesting an appointment, as a new patient, for my neck and back. I think this will be my best and most affordable option, especially since they do take my insurance. Should hear back in the next day or two.
I'm sorry if I implied that you had said your pain was worse. Or maybe I'm just confused inside my own head(not lost in thought, just lost). I try to be very sympathetic to others pain, when my wife complains of her issues, I err on the side of caution and over do it. She was hit by a female driver who was reaching for a ciggy, at least that's what her 9yr old daughter said(she was in the back seat when it happened). More so than that, I NEVER EVER complain about my own aches and pains. But sometimes you just can't help making a pain face or keep a moan or groan of pain from escaping your lips.
I know I mostly just limp when I walk, and it comes and goes, so I don't look like how my body hurts. And I know exactly how I got this way, not on deployment, not in combat or a combat zone, or anything worth talking about...more of that guilt and shame mentioned earlier.
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Good evening Crabcake! I must admit, I am enjoying comparing and sharing our back/spine notes, especially since they are so similar.
Forgive my memory, it is a revolving door, most of the stuff doesn't stay in it. Been tested on that, no joke! I do recall that you had written that, after reading your re-quote. You probably wouldn't believe how much trouble it causes me at home.
I don't have anything in my record in regards to my SI joint. Mine would be secondary to the other stuff.
As for sharing, I really only talk to a young Marine at work. He was in kindergarten when I joined the Marines. He's been to both Iraq and Afghanistan and has some IED related injuries. So I tread lightly when comparing notes with him. But he's cool about every thing. He actually holds me in high regard, which just blows me away, cuz nobody else I know thinks that of me. I'm sure some of it is the Marine connection. It's quite surreal to me.
I know all about the guilt/shame that you speak of, that specifically is what kept me from seeking MH help for 23 years. That and the fact it was highly frowned upon and discouraged back then. Going to Africa was quite an experience I wasn't prepared for. Not the going, physically, but the mental impact.
I will contact the Ortho tomorrow about my SI joint pain. I didn't mention that to them before. I'll post what I learn from that contact.
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46 minutes ago, Crabcake said:
I also asked the PCM at both appts for referral to Mental Health for my anxiety (which is high - for me at least - while I'm dealing with all of this), and while she noted it both times in my record, I've yet to receive a call to schedule or an appt notification, so I'll call them today to see if she did submit the referral and if I can self-schedule. I'm having a hard time dealing with this - at each appointment, I end up in tears over my pain levels, not to mention the episodes of panic driving to these appts.
Hey, if you don't get no where with you PCP, in regards to a referral to MH, call the hot line...they will get you in PDQ!
May I ask how your back ended up in it's current state of affairs? Me, I fell down a flight of stairs, which I may have mentioned previously on your thread.
One thing I recall my pain management dr telling me, is that issues with the SI region are hard to come by, without serious hip joint injury, usually. He has been quite intrigued by my case, since I don't have a direct injury to that part of my body. He said that compression injuries to the lower spine can do it, too, but mine was mild to moderate at best, at time of initial injury, which was nearly 24 years ago.
I tried to get an appointment with a local ortho group that takes my private insurance. They told me that they don't do IMO/IMEs, so back to the drawing board for that idea.
Seems many of your symptoms mirror mine, some much worse, tho. I actually do not have an radiology report for my SI joint region, they just went off the images already in the system without generating a separate report for that area. Hmm....that may be my angle to use for a renewed request with that ortho group.
If you can't wait, call the hotline asap, even if you are in no danger of taking yourself out of the picture, give them a call anyway. Don't be like me and wait till it's nearly too late to make that call.
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CC,
I find it quite fascinating reading your image reports and comparing what was revealed and what you described as your symptoms.
And here's why, my x-ray and MRI image and reports show more damage and wear than yours do, well, based on what they told us, and we all know how they sometimes can't "see" what is plain as day on the images. But your nerve damage symptoms as you describe them, seem much more severe than mine.
I do realize that we each feel our own pain the way we do, my own twin brother has a pain threshold far different than my own. And here's where I am once again fascinated, I've had the super fun EMG test done on both sets of my extremities, and know what the results are. Of course the results were negligible at best for the lowers and found carpal tunnel on both uppers.
Bad thing about those results is they were done while I was laying down. Most of my symptoms are enjoyed while upright, not laying down. I'm sure most of us feel our pain more when we are in every position but laying down.
Oh, before I forget, my radiology reports state mild to moderate degeneration at L2-3, and more moderate at 3-4, and moderate to severe at L5-S1. Also correlating narrowing of the neural foramins getting worse along the way down the spine. With severe narrowing at L5-S1, also central disc bulge with a line indicating a possible fissure.
And that doesn't even begin to cover the SI joint issues that have developed over the past year or two.
Now don't go telling folks, but I've lost about a half inch of vertical appearance. Shhhhh, it'll be our little secret! Lol! Who'da think it, to start losing height before I turned 43! Guess I will have start using my step stool more often.
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CC,
Quick response, as I am manning the grill right now. Yes, most definitely have your ortho fill out the DBQs and write a IMO as to why they think this is service connected.
I'll write a longer response soon, probably tomorrow.
Andy
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Not sure about the NOVA lawyer, but the other 3 are 20%ers.
Claim was filed in 9/15, I think, because the C&P was 11/03/15. So I'm thinking 14-15 months as of today, for retro. If I only get bumped to 90%, the retro wouldn't be much. But if it gets me to ?%, then the retro would be over 20K$ already. And that's only up till now, would be much much larger a few years down the slow-a$$ appeal road.
Not sure exactly, I think my actual rate is between 75-80.
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Yes, the bilateral factor does apply. But it doesn't show on your list of disabilities.
For example if you had something like this; feet -30%, radiculopathy lower extremities bilaterally- 20%, and both knees - 10%. The bilateral factor would be 5 added to the combined rating of 50% making your rate then be 55%. Which is a huge thing because you would then bump up to the 60% payout rate.
After the bilateral factor is added to your combined bilateral ratings, your other rates would then get added on. The next rate would add to the 55% not the 50%.
As I understand it, bilateral disabilities get added together first, then your others come after. But don't quote me on that.
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Hello Kinfolk, "Anyone Else" here, reporting in! Okay not really, but let me bend your ear momentarily, if I may.
I have pes cavus which is the opposite of planus, that is, claw feet(high arches), with bilateral plantar fasciitis. Because I don't have hammer toes my rate for my feet is 30%
I would hazard a guess that you may well be facing a 30% also. If this is your first rating, it's a good place to start. Keep in mind that feet issues always effect everything above them given enough time. For me, anytime my feet flare up, or my bunion does, within hours my knees, back and neck all begin to ache ?.
Hope this helps you, don't get too excited ? just cautiously optimistic.
Semper Fi
Andy
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Well, we all know that the appeals can take 5 years. So do I wait another 4 plus years, and then file new claims, which basically means suffer from these things while getting nowhere with no claims.
I do know I had/have constant ongoing sinus issues that started within the first 2 years of my enlistment, or about a year after beginning my near daily exposure to JP and exhaust. And I'm sure that also contributed to my sleep issues and hypertension as well.
This may well be my ticket to getting my SA SC. As it did for Hadit member EODOC, so it may well for me.
Gastone, I think you told me, way back, that sometime you have to go a different route to get the SC. I know I've been going about all wrong, hence all my claims being denied for the last 16 months, and getting turned down by 4 different lawyers. So what do I have to lose?
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I did just that, and read up on Nehmer. I saw that "they" are seriously considering hypertension. While Dad is 68, he's been dealing with it since his early 50s or younger.
Yes, I really do hope he and I are now making headway to a much better relationship.
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Oh, he made a comment about how the VA was a lot different then, than now. I said not really, and reminded him that I filed my first claim only 5 years after him. And I said now you have a powerful helper in your corner now. I told him what little I knew about the Nehmer ruling.
He had never heard of it. I said that is why the VA is jumping through the flaming hoops to find out what ever they can, so they don't run afoul of Nehmer.
So, if any of you with good knowledge of Nehmer and stuff, have any advice to good words that I can pass along to him, please share.
I'm so glad that I now know why we hadn't talked well over time. That and that my Grandparents are nearing 90 years old, and their health has taken a decidedly downward turn. Dad is trying his best to be the best son-in-law he can, and to support my Mom however she needs as she comes to terms with this. Dad's mom passed 16 years ago, and his Dad passed 43 years ago.
So that weighs on him as well. But at least he and I are making some inroads towards a better relationship.
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Ok, this whole thing took a 90 degree turn!
I wanted to try something different so I texted him, but he didn't reply, and several days went by. I figured maybe they were on one of their camping trips, where they were just out of signal range.
On Friday, my son's elementary school had a Veteran's appreciation program. I had invited my dad to that, but didn't remember if he was coming.
So I met up with him, and first thing he said was "sorry for not texting you back". Whoa, what's going on? He then says he wanted to talk face to face, and knew he would see me there.
Okay, now here is where to 90 degree turn comes in. I asked him how things were, and he said not super. Said they been messing with his meds because they aren't working.
I said "oh?" He said they couldn't figure out the right meds for diabetes. !!!!!!!!!? And a giant lightbulb went off in my head. I just discovered the reason why our communication had been strained. He was quite preoccupied with that. But got the right meds this past week, tho.
We couldn't talk too much due to the program, and lots of people around. So later I texted him, and we chatted a while.
I asked him about the AO presumptive list, and he knew about it and the diabetes is one of them. I said that's why they are running you through the battery of tests.
Then I asked about his other claims and issues. Not too close, just generally speaking. He responded that he is open to looking into them, just give him a little space to process those things. I asked him if I could pass on things I find out, that he could chose to take or leave, and he said okay to that.
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Gastone,
I went to sick call every time the OTC meds weren't cutting it. I think half a dozen times or more, not including bronchitis/URI and pneumonia.
But also my MOS would be the key, since being in the aircraft maintenance field sorta necessitated being where the birds were. That was how I got my tinnitus 10% right out the box, first try.
I think I've gone to my private dr for same, once or twice a year ever since. Again only going whenever OTC meds don't work.
That should be enough of a paper trail, that and the paperwork from the ENT specialist in early next year.
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Buck
I copy that! When I called the ENT clinic, when asked, I told them I've been dealing with sinus issues for over 20 years, and I'm tired of treating the symptoms. And that I would like to know what's going on.
It helps that I had gone to my family dr for a sinus infection and was RXd antibiotics. So this ENT guy will be able to see that I do have issues. Also when he checks me out, he should be able to see my inner nasal passages are inflamed.
I will have copies of all my private dr sinus treatment records, so that should give the specialist a starting point.
Should I bring my SMR entries too? Should I bring all entries having to do with breathing related illnesses like URI, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia?
Andy
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Buck,
I feel the same. When I had asked the doctor what caused my SI joint pain, was it my legs, was it from my fall, or what? That was when he said he feels it is my DDD and DJD and such. I saw on his notes nothing referring to claims or such. So...I think I'm good there. I had told him I just want to know what is causing this problem, I said I have no DX but am getting various treatments that aren't providing any real relief. Now he has me going to a chiropractor, where I am getting some very limited relief.
Funny thing that, the chiro straightened out my hips, so my legs were equal length again. 4 days later at the next chiro session, he had to do it again. I told him that I have problems with both feet and knees. He said, yeah, they are going to have some effect against your upper body no matter what I do.
As for my January appointment with the ENT specialist, I'm going to tell him that I've had these problems starting within my first year of service. Going to tell him that I was exposed to aircraft exhaust and JP fumes nearly every day for 6 years. Most likely developed chronic non-allergic rhinitis, which is a known effect of both the JP fumes and exhaust. Probably caused some of my URI/bronchitis issues, and certainly didn't help prevent my pneumonia that made me cough for 6 months.
I so wish we didn't have to fight so hard, to prove our claims. Even those charged with crimes are innocent till proven guilty. But not us Vets, we're guilty till proven innocent.
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If they rate you according to the chart, your suicide ideation will net you the 70% rating.
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mrthing2000,
Welcome to the hurry up and keep on waiting club. For your feet, your claim should go like this; foot conditions to include(what ever was already DXd by the VA or on AD.) I had mine written up by my VAMC benefits counselor, he wrote foot conditions to include plantar fasciitis, which I had DXd on AD and by VA. Won that claim, got 30% for pes cavus(claw feet...high arches)w/bilateral plantar fasciitis. However it was noted on my MEPS exam that I had high arches, but no issues at that time and I was good to go to enlist.
Tinnitus is fairly easy, it goes by your MOS, and then if you were in a combat zone, or some other noisy area, and were exposed to a lot of very loud noise, which you were.
Keep this in mind, the whole VA claims process is designed to break us, to drive us crazy, to encourage us to give up and go away. The VA does not want to grant and pay you any compensation. IT is nothing personal, it's a matter of course. Most of us have been denied way too many times. Some of us(me)have seriously contemplated giving up and/or suicide, as a option of ending the pain and stress. Many of us have been fighting with the VA for near 2 decades, some much longer.
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Welp...got a call into an ENT specialist's office. They want to get my records from my family dr. and see what's what. Booked out till January sometime, so no rush there. Should I go ahead and file an "intent to file" ?
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Okay, that's what I was hoping to hear, Buck. I'm getting so dang tired of this seemingly endless cycle of sinus infections and irritation. I know I went for treatment a few times while in service. Also URIs and pneumonia as well. And have been dealing with it ever since. I'm going to make an appointment with an ENT specialist to get an official DX, and hopefully get a good IMO/IME nexus too.
I'm sure breathing exhaust fumes from T-56 powered KC-130s and everything else in the Marine Airwing, did nothing to alleviate my sinus situation.
Andy
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Question for you smart folks. Do you recommend I wait to file new claims till after my appeals play out? That would mean waiting 3-5 years before filing new claims, right? I am looking at filing for SI joint pain, secondary to other issues as noted by my pain management doctor at my VAMC. I have been in treatment for this almost a year now, did PT, got pain mediating injections, now getting bent by chiropractor, got appointment scheduled to try accupuncture..as well. All this at my VAMC.
Also looking to file for breathing issues as related to chronic sinus problems..which started shortly after reporting to my first duty station...just loved breathing aircraft exhaust every day.
Thanks,
Andy
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As far as I understand, yes. It is sorta similar to worker's comp, where you have your waiting period before they issue you any $. That is why it is so important to file your intent to file asap, to get the earliest date, since the VA screws us out of the first month or two of comp because of the way they do it. Sucks to be us, as far as this goes.
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The VA doesn't prorate comp pay, regular or retro. Your claim date of May 4th will get you June for 1st month of pay, which comes at the end of the month. So the VA comp check you get on July 1st is for the month of June.
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Berta and Buck,
I think maybe it's that he doesn't want help from me, not that he doesn't want any help.
As for the career and education, that maybe be reasons why he may want to talk to other people.
And since I'm one of his 3 sons, as opposed to a trusted confidant, I have to tread lightly. Can't risk upsetting the family dynamic. My folks adopted 2 of their grandkids and I know he and Mom's focus is on them. That has certainly had a huge effect on the whole family.
I'll give it a few weeks and then test the waters again.
Opinions please
in VA Disability Claims Research
Posted
Odds are you will most likely get 10% for each knee, which will garner you the bilateral factor of an additional 10% added to the knee rating. That looks a little something like this;
10% + 10% = 19 + bilateral factor 10% (1.9, rounded to 2) = 21%
May not mean much now, but can make the difference in pay rates if you're just below half way, since the VA rounds up or down from 5. So 15 rounds to 20 for pay rate, and 14 rounds down to 10% for pay rate. If you have a couple rates that add up to just under 5(14,24,34,44 etc) then that 2 from the bilateral factor would put you over the hump to bump up to the next higher pay rate.