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

Dave, Just to let you know, my C&P exam for PN consisted of the Dr, using his pen to determine where I had feeling or no feeling in both feet. The results for the exam was 30% PN for lower lt extremity and 30% PN for lower rt extremity. At my recent annual exam by my PCP, the nurse, after telling me to close my eyes and not cheat, was surprised at the small area of the bottoms of both feet that I was able to feel anything. Ed

To all, I am sc'd for DMII with PN in both lower extremeties. On Sept. 26, I had a C&P for Deputryne's Contracture and High Blood Presure associated with DMII. In my opinion, the exam went well for the Deputrynes Contracture part. The exam considering HBP was less favorable. As I usually do, I went to the Release of information office and signed the form to have a copy of the exam and associated labs sent to me. So far, I have received no info. A call to the ROI office on Oct 17 inicated that the person doing the C&P had not yet completed his report. After an appointment with my PCP on Oct 23, I went to the ROI office and inquired about my previous request. I was informed that the person doing the C&P had not yet finished his report. Seems to me like a long time to wait for a copy of the exam. Ed

pattik, This is what I was talking about. The head of the Urology Dept at Portland Va was asking that I be allowed the surgery on a "fee basis" to an outside hospital and it was turned down. Perhaps I was not clear on that in my last post. One thing for me to consider is that I am sc'd for DMII, and I am on several meds because of this. Some of the meds "could" lead to ED. There are no side effects of meds at this time! The implant surgery could be required in the case of ED! So, I could be skipping one step in the progression of DMII, and the meds associated with it, by having the implant surgery. My current thought is to go ahead and have the implant, thus assuring the sexual use of my organ for the foreseable future. (The VA doc said that I was still a young man.) This will be a decision to be made by myself, with the help of my wife. It falls on my (our) shoulders to make the final decision. I will be 64 in a few days, and know that I can have an active and pleasing future. It all depends on my attitude and my self worth!!! Ed

To all, First, the subject should be "Peyronies Disease". Now, an update. Because the proposed surgery could not be done at Portland VAMC, I was reffered to Spokane VAMC. This is well and good as I may finally be able to have something done. I had an appointment this last Saturday Oct 18th with the URO Dept. Now comes the problem. They do not do the surgery that was recommended for me. The only thing they can do to correct my problem is the implant! This sure "deflated" my hopes. I am not complaining as this will certainly correct what ails me. But, it is a much more drastic course to follow. Unfortunately, this is not sc'd and is considered elective. As I am sure most know, funding for the VA is really a problem right now. So, I'll have to wait until Dec or Jan, when funds are available, to consider this and make plans. Ed :P

To all, This has been discussed at this forum before. I have mentioned that I am seeing the VA about this problem and a suitable remedy for it. I have finally fallen into that void where I can get no solution following the instructions given!!! My local VA referred me to the Portland VAMC. I had 3 appts. Started with a PA, then resident MD, then staff physician. The last agreed that I was a good candidate for a type of surgery that included a skin graft and he would reccommend it for outsourcing to a Dr. at OHSU. After several weeks of no reply, I called the Dr and was told that funds were not available. BUT, he had talked to a Dr at Spokane VA and I was to call him and discuss the surgery. So I called and had to have a message. Time passes and I call again and leave a message. And more time passes and I call again. This time I am told that I was never refered to Spokane from the Portland VA and this would have to happen before I could talk to anyone!!!! Called Portland VA to advise Dr and have not heard another thing. I then called my original referring VA and had to leave a message as the PA was on vacation until the end of September. So I will wait.....! I must say that I have had nothing but good service from the VA since being service connected a few years ago. But, this is enough to make me yel!!! Ed

To cowgirl and all, Yes, I have always asked for a copy of my records from my Dr. In fact, the local Internist I now work with seems to always ask me first if I need a copy of his notes. I also make it a point to visit the Release of Information office at the VAMC after my appointments to be sure that they provide me with progress notes and lab notes. There have been a few occasions where my VA PCP has finished her notes prior to my leaving and had all ready made a copy for me. Since I seem to be a keeper of information, my home files are bursting with misc. paperwork concerning my health and medical care. It makes a real mess on the desk when I pull it all out to look over, much to the consternation of my wife!!! Ed

To all, I picked up the Dr.'s notes from my recent exam. He reports that the Dupuytrens contractures are bilateral and are "associated with his diabetes". Also, regarding the diminished ankle brachial index, "I suspect the lower value could be contributed to by his underlying diabetes as well as his hyperlipidemia". After talking about these problems, I thought that I might get the "at least as likely" words, but that did not happen. So, I will include this report with my new claim for secondary conditions and see how the chips fall. I have a good VSO in the adjoining county and will see her tommorrow. She has started with the paperwork to file for these as secondary conditions to my diabetes and is waiting for this report to file them. Ed

To all, I generally have an annual appointment with my private Dr to discuss my health and to maintain a local contact for medical care dealing with emergencies. My meeting with my Dr in 2007 was less than cordial for some reason. He was short with me, seemed iritated and not in the best of moods. I was not too pleased. My pcp at the VA asked if I had seen my local Dr and I related what happened. She thought that maybe he just had a bad day. I had an appointment today with the same Dr and what a difference. He was very interested in me and concerned about my health, specifically my DM2. We talked about some concerns of evidence of conditions that could be secondary to DM. He seemed to agree that there were definite connections and would so note in his report, all to my advantage. What a change in attitude. I now feel that last year he must have had a "bad hair day"!!! (And as usual for me, I had jumped to too quick a conclusion!) I await a copy of his report as I am filing for these conditions with the VA through my County VSO. Ed

Here is an update on the "bent member" situation started by rickzoo. The head Uro;ogist of the Portlnd VA finally advfised me that there were no funds to outsource a surgery for Peyronnie's disease. However, there is an NP and a Dr. at the Spokane VA hospital that are willi9ng to discuss this with me. The call is in to them and I am waiting for a reply. I suppose that I should start a new thread as it seems my involvement in his thread seems to hijack his. My apologies. Ed

rickzoo, There is the possibility that your "bent" member may be due to Peyronnie's Disease. I have a close and personal relationship with this problem. I am also sc'd for DMII. If you check some of the medical sites, they comment that it is "possibly" a side effect of DMII. However, the 2 NPs, a PA, and a MD, all from the VA, say that current thought on the cause of Peyronnie's is due to an accumulation of many small injuries. There is a surgery available to correct a severe bend, and I am trying to have it done by a Urology speacialist at OHSU in Portland, Ore. The head Dr. at the Portland VAMC Urology Dept. has asked for outsourcing funds based on my service connection. Apparently I can not receive SMC K as in their opinion, the ED is not related to my sc. Hope this helps. Ed