paulstrgn

I had posted this under a different topic. I am looking for advice on those who may know about hand/finger flexion. I am currently rated at 10% for my thumb from arthritis. I believe that the VA did not look at the DBQ that was done by LHI for my C&P. It clearly shows that my right hand flexion is very limited for all five fingers. I am thinking it should be at least 20% or possible 30% for my right hand (it is my dominant hand). I have been searching and have not found a clear answer as to whether or not the limited flexion should be a factor in my rating. Am I wrong or did the VA just miss this completely? I am attaching a copy of the DBQ and relevant pages of my rating. If anyone has a reference I can look at that clearly explains the flexion portion for the hand when it is rated I would greatly appreciate it. I was also wondering if I am correct should this be a CUE. Thanks for everyone help and advice. RightHand.pdf

That truly is the problem, no one complains about a favorable C&P (myself included), but we really should. For as vets we deserve the best care and not some second rate/unqualified doctor. JMO

Do you work from home? If not I would think you would not qualify for SMCs for housebound. JMO

Does anyone have any recommendations?

I am looking for advice on those who may know about hand/finger flexion. I am currently rated at 10% for my thumb from arthritis. I believe that the VA did not look at the DBQ that was done by LHI for my C&P. It clearly shows that my right hand flexion is very limited for all five fingers. I am thinking it should be at least 20% or possible 30% for my right hand (it is my dominant hand). I have been searching and have not found a clear answer as to whether or not the limited flexion should be a factor in my rating. Am I wrong or did the VA just miss this completely? I am attaching a copy of the DBQ and relevant pages of my rating. If anyone has a reference I can look at that clearly explains the flexion portion for the hand when it is rated I would greatly appreciate it. I was also wondering if I am correct should this be a CUE. Thanks for everyone help and advice. Right Hand.pdf

Placed this in the wrong post

I had submitted a FDC @vetquest and I was really surprised how quickly it went. The exam was done via QTC and it was very fast. @GBArmy there was an exam. I must be honest I was surprised there even was one. It was a normal turn your head and cough exam. During the exam I did tell them how I got up several times at night to use the facilities, I had to tell here that several times so I am hoping she actually listed it (I met someone from the VA and they said they will mail me a copy of the DBQ). I am assuming I will need to file another claim for that since I did not see anything indicated on my list of disabilities.

GBArmy. My C&P was for ED, the doctor checked me and was asked also about three questions. The DBQ for ED also asks questions about voiding dysfunctions, they asked the questions and I answered them. But I was there only for the ED and nothing else.

I filed an SMC K claim on 5/15/2019, had my C&P exam on 5/29/2019. The case was approved today on 6/5/2019. This is the fastest I have ever had a case completed. Now I wish they would work this fast on all my claims.

I have faxed in claims, mailed in claims, and filed claims through eBenefits. eBenefits is the fastest since it is electronic, plus I always know they receive it.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Tbird! Hang in there for you will get better and things will get better for you as well!

I lost my sense of smell and taste after a cold, it has never come back. I saw an ENT about it and she told me it happens to some individuals. Most food taste bad now...it sucks. John I would do as Shrekthetank1 suggest and see an ENT specialist. I hope they are able to help you John.

I find that I need to call the 800 number to get the case out of the intake box. I usually give it two weeks, if I don't see anything I start calling.

Does your service records show bilateral or does it only mention the right foot? Shrekthetank1 is right, wording is everything to the VA. If you have a copy of your C&P examine what does it say?

Mine show the following: pes planus and metatarsalgia, bilateral feet (previously rated as metarsalagia, bilateral feet and now claimed as bilateral flat foot) 10% I see yours says "Right foot" Did they only rate one foot? If so that would explain why it's not bilateral. If I am reading this correctly you were only awarded flat feet for one foot.

I use this calculator to determine my ratings. https://www.microhealthllc.com/veterans-central/bilateral-va-disability-rating-compensation-calculator/ When I add your disabilities up I also get 46% which rounds to 50%. i am not sure why you only are getting 40%. Does eBenefits show your total at 40%? I would call the 800 number and ask why you are only getting 40%.

No, I have flat feet and I get an additional 10%. I actually have several bilateral issues and I get an additional 10% on the total. When I received a copy of my C-File it actually had the breakdown for all my bilateral issues and it showed the additional 10%. I hope this helps.

Shrekthetank1 is correct, what ever the total is you would get an additional 10%.

You would add 10% to the number, in this case 3% and your total would be 33% for bi-lateral.

Did you file a claim with the VA? If so, then yes. If not, why not? I am not sure what (if any) your disability rating is, but always file when you have a disability that is service related or secondary to a disability that you have already approved. By not filing you are throwing away money you are entitled to. JMO

I agree with you, I just think it is a shame we need to also have medicare B when we already have tricare. For me right now I don't spend that much on co-pay. I live near Langley AFB and Ft. Eustis my family and I are able to see the doctors there. My wife even had major surgery at Langley a few weeks ago and nothing out of pocket. But I know I will be required to buy Medicare part B when I turn 65, just another expense to look forward to.

You can submit new evidence anytime prior to final decision. As stated above upload your evidence quickly!

Congratulations!!!

When the VA did your sleep study, did they state what caused the SA? Did they do a DBQ when they completed the study? Have you gone on Vet.gov to see if you can download your medical records from the VA? I agree above that it is unlikely the VA stated it is related but you never know. You will need to get the IMO and unfortunately you will need to pay for it out of pocket. Make sure when you do that you take your medical records and a copy of the sleep study, the doctor will need to review those for the IMO. Good luck!

I think our wives must be related Shrek . My wife loves me and is always there for me and she is always will to listen, but I know she does not understand why I need and enjoy this site. It is where I can be with my brothers and sisters in arms, for we know what we went through and why we did it. We did it for the love of our country! It truly is a personal fight for we have all had our health taken from us at too young of an age. That is why I am for every vet being awarded every benefit they are entitled too. They are not being greedy, they just want what they have earned! I encourage everyone to always keep good notes and write down (in simple language) what your spouse needs to know and do if we should (and we all will) pass away. We also want our spouses and children to get the benefits they have also earned such as DIC. Make sure they know all your passwords! JMO