Toposurveyor

johnjjr, cooter, Thanks for the input. I will check security settings and call the number if I continue to have problems. Ed

johnjjr, When I click that option, the reply is "Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage" Ed

Maybe an easy question! I am not the best at computer speak/use but will try to explain. After finally being ok'd to use e-benefits, I established my user name and password. Then I tried to log in. I am sent to a page that says the security certificate is not correct and I should not continue. And I am not able to continue. I use Windows XP and Internet Explorer and have regular auto-updates. What have I missed? Appreciate any simple answer to help me get started. Thanks. Ed

Berta & john999, Thanks for your reply and information. I will see my pvt Dr in a couple months. (He is the Dr tht diagnosed my DM2 originally.) Hopefully he will write a favorable IMO and I will take it to my VSO. No, I am not working, having been retired since 9/1999. I have not filed for TDIU as I have a comfortable existance on my pension. It is probable that I could be employable, although not as a surveyor, which was what I was from 1964 until my retirement. But, I do have ED. However it is not from my DM2 or the meds I take. It is Peyronie's disease, and there seems to be no connection with my DM2. Ed

To all, I'm just looking for some information for now. Just over a year ago, I had an ankle/brachial index (ABI) done and the results were 0.93 lt ankle and 1.0 rt ankle. It was my impression that I was on my way to peripheral artery disease (PAD). Talked to my PCP at the VAMC and had another ABI done last October. The results were 1.25 lt and 1.33 rt. In a conversation last week with the technition who did both of these tests, she advised that I was looking at calcification, NOT PAD. My question, has anyone here with DM2 had this problem. And if so, can it be sc'd if my DM 2 is sc'd? For your information, I am sc'd for DM2, PN for both lower exremities, Deputeren's contracture for both hands, and HBP. My combined total is 70%. Thanks for your ideas. Ed

bob_abad, Yes, I was rated for Hypertension "associated with DM2 with mild diabetic peripheral neuropathy, bilateral feet" at 0%. This was a result of a claim made last July, 2008. The Reason for Decision included "... all supported by the V A examiner's favorable opinion that this disability is a result of the service-connected disability of diabetes mellitus type 2." I made a successful claim in October 2006 for PN and was rated at 30% for each lower extremity. Ed

bob_abad, Thanks for the help and the info. I have never been one to claim expertise with my computer. Those with whom I worked witnessed my attachment to the Monromatic manual calculator eventhough the company furnised us with new HP calculators. And again when we went from the "Lewis & Clark" age to the electronic/computer survey equipment age. My wife once questioned my objection to change. I had no answer to that one!!! Anyhow, back on subject. The C&P examiner and the rater agreed from the evidence that my hypertension came on after the diagnosis of DM2 and was secondary to DM2. The info you guided me to refers to diabetic nephropathy and hypertension. I do not have nephropathy. I do have neuropathy of both lower extremities and it is sc'd. Ed

USMC & bob, Thanks for your info. Bob, I am having a difficult time working with the info you posted. But, I will keep working at it. USMC, The 3 readings taken at my C&P were in the 130's/80's. Thus, they did not meet the VA Code 7101 criteria. Once I figure out how to make the link bob posted work, I will be able to progress. Ed

To all, As I reported in the C & P section, I was recently sc'd @ 0% for HBP due to my DM2. I understand the criteria for systolic and/or diastolic readings to be rated higher. My question: I had one BP recorded at an ER exam two years ago that was 165 systolic and that triggered my PCP to increase my Lisinopril from 5mg to 20 mg. Since then, I have also been put on 7mg Terrazosin. Is this enough information to NOD my 0% for HBP. Your input is appreciated. Ed

To all, Per my DD 214,"11c Reason and Autority .......SPN 411......". By my research, SPN 411 is "Early seperation of overseas returnee". Not too exciting!!! Ed

To all, Received a decision on my claim today. The claim for Dupuytren's contracture for both left and right hands associated with DM2 was SC'd at 10% for each hand. The claim for Hypertension associated with DM2 was SC'd at 0%. Also stated in the decision -"Your overall or combined remains at 70%." I found it interesting that the cover letter advising the decision was from the Portland RO. The heading on the attached Rating Decision was from the San Diego RO. The VA received my new claim on July 20, 2008 and the Rating Decision is dated November 26, 2008. Not to bad considering the timeline others are/have experienced. I will discuss this with my County VSO on Monday. Ed

To all, I had Saturday appointment at the Spokane VAMC in October. The travel office was closed. I was told to go to the Emergency Admitting and inquire what to do about travel. The lady there was pleased to give me the direct number to the Spokane travel office and told me to call them the first thing come Monday. I did call. The person answering looked me up on her computer, advised it took about two to four weeks to receive pay and that was that. Had a check in hand three weeks later. Ed

To all, I was not sure where to post this question. I am sc'd for DMII. I have also been rated for PN in both lower extremities. I had my annual physical at the VA near the end of last October. After discussing current leg pain, my PCP set me up for another ABI test. The test was done last week. The results, by the nurse's own admition, were not good. My question refers to what she called her "cheat sheet". She gave me a glance at it and I saw that the higher the numbers, the worse the condition. But that is all that I saw. I don't know if this is a VA form or what. Is it something that is available for general view? Does anyone here know what I am talking about? I know that I should have asked about being given a copy of this "sheet", but at the moment I was a bit distressed with the results. I also know that PAD can be secondary to DMII. Any thoughts? Ed

Jon and all, I just had my annual physical last week at the Walla Walla VAMC. While talking about some of my health problems and symptoms, she told me about the log jam at Portland & Seattle VAMCs. Because of the back up at those two locations, all Urology, Cardio/Vascular and Orthopedic requests for our area will be refered to Spokane VAMC only. Ed

To all, Leave it to me to complain a bit, and what happens, today I receive the ROI labs and notes for my C&P. And it was written by a Dr. other than the examining PA. The words "is as least as likely as not (50/50 probability) caused by or a result of DM2" are used in both the medical opinions for hypertension and Deputren's Contracture. Perhaps this is good news! Ed