shawn55

I recently moved away from my family in San Antonio, TX to accept Department of Army Intern Program and applied for Voc Rehab OJT Program. On 1/15/2019 I was denied because "Veteran is already in an Intern OJT Program (I think VRC meant to say intern program) and the VA rules do not allow us to create a VR&E OJT." I asked for a reference in an email and the reference was M28R, Part V, Section B, Ch. 2.08(a) - Validation of Facility Code: The VRC must ensure that a facility has been assigned a valid facility code prior to developing a plan of services with a Veteran. If the facility is already assigned a facility code, the VRC must determine if the program of training or course is also approved. My response to her was nowhere in M28R, it states Veterans currently in the Intern Program is not eligible for the program and asked to speak to VRO, three times. She ignored all three requests and asked me to come in for a informal meeting. Today I was told by the VRC, I do not qualify because: 1. I have MBA degree 2. I am 100% disabled (PTSD) and make more than the average person in Tulsa, OK area 3. I do not considered employment handicap because my organization accommodates when I have my PTSD episodes 4. She does not feel like driving to Tulsa, OK from Muskogee Regional Office (60 mile drive) 5. OJT Program is usually fro Plumbers, Construction and Truck Drivers 6. I am employed From the beginning she has been unkind, rude, and unprofessional over our conversations over emails and telephone. I would appreciate any assistance and advice I could get in this matter, talking to Voc Rehab is like talking to a brick wall. Thank you. Shawn

Hello, I just read the C&P note, this is confusing and I need an experts advice. In 2011 I hurt my left knee during PT (exertion). Shortly was notified for a deployment so I went to the doctor to get both my elbow and knee checked out and was told he doesn't have enough time so hurry and pick which injury I want to get checked out. Told the dr. I felt something in back of my knee tear so he literally looked at my knee and told me to stretch and take some Motrin. In Sep 2013, I separated from the military and in my separation physical all the injuries I told the dr. was not on the medical record and stated "patient claims his perfectly fine" however prior to the dr. appointment I had another appointment for my fatigue so I got my blood drawn. Why would I tell the dr. I m perfectly fine if I went in for fatigue prior sorry to get off subject when I filed for my claims in Dec 2013 claimed my knee was still hurting after I run, was told to stretch again. Finally after complaining for years got an MRI done. FINDINGS: There is a small joint effusion, particularly collecting along the lateral aspect of the knee, deep to the IT band. So I go to my therapy and was told it will be awhile before I can run again, I have to go to physical therapy 2x a month. I reopened my claim for my knee and this is what my C&P exam note reads from PA: Question: Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of (a) LEFT KNEE CONDITION that is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) incurred in or caused by (the) LEFT KNEE PAIN during service? Answer: The veteran's C-file was reviewed. Review of the veteran's available service and non-service treatment records issilent for a diagnosis for a left knee condition. He was evaluated (11/15/2011) for worsening left knee pain that was diagnosed as a mild hamstring strain. This was a onetime evaluation with no follow up evaluations or complaint of left knee pain until 2 years 0 months 4 days later. A hamstring injury typically causes a sudden, sharp pain in the back of your thigh or lower buttock and is felt when walking, straightening the leg, or bending over. You might also feel a popping or tearing sensation. Swelling and tenderness usually develop within a few hours. You may also experience bruising or discoloration along the back of your leg, as well as muscle weakness or an inability to put weight on your injured leg. The MRI obtained on the veteran's left knee (02/2016) is consistent with his complaint for posterior knee pain and not a typical hamstring injury. The veteran has an extensive history consistent with alcohol abuse with acute episodic alcohol intoxication and may have injured his left during one of these events. The veteran last reported alcohol use is (2013) the same time frame he voiced concerns to his Social Worker about experiencing left posterior knee pain. For this reason(s); it is less likely than not (less than 50 percent probability) that the veteran's present condition for left posterior knee pain is related to an in-service injury, event or illness. I no longer drink anymore, I quit in December 2013. The consistent alcohol abuse happened when I was stationed in Korea, I was uncomfortable being around people so every time I was around lots of people I didn't know I drank to calm myself down later on turned out to be anxiety attack and was placed on medication. What does alcohol have to relate to my knee injury? Thank you.