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Foxhound6
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Posts posted by Foxhound6
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25 minutes ago, Vync said:
Sometimes MH exams could take quite a while, especially if there is not much of a MH history in their records.
MH ratings are a bit strange though. It's not the number of MH diagnoses you have. It's how they impact your social and occupational life. If you get SC, they will give you a single MH rating. Here's a link to the MH rating table.
§4.130 Schedule of ratings—Mental disorders. You don't have to have every symptom to qualify for each tier.When the VA starts working on a claim, if they need you to sign a release to get the medical records from a non-VA provider, they will send you the form before scheduling you for an exam. I would probably go with this one because it covers both forms (4 pages vs. 2 pages)
https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-4142-ARE.pdfBring that MRI report with you. If you can get a disc containing the images, that can be helpful. Make a copy of the disc and keep at home. The VA may want the original with the proper labeling. Sometimes docs want both, while some just care about the report.
Sometimes they may want to request the report and disc directly from the location that made it. That's where the 21-4142 comes in handy.Understood. Thanks!
Yes, I did have quite a bit of MH history. However, I feel like I did confirm something C-File wise. It seems the VA just "throws" your C-File at the doctor/examiner. I showed her several documents that she had not seen because, alas, it was buried in the C-File. She stated she would absolutely add it into her rationale. She even went on to say that if the C-File would just be in chronological order, it would be much simpler for examiners to get an understanding of the veterans issues. I had to explain a few things to her and guide her some but in the end she had a very good picture of what was happening.
I do have the MRI report and images. Ill make a copy of it and bring original plus an extra copy in case they are picky. Ill also fill out the 4 page auth you linked over and bring with me just in case it is needed. Thanks for your assistance!
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On 11/13/2019 at 2:03 PM, Vync said:
One more thing. If you happen to have any non-VA treatment records which are pertinent to your claim, be sure to provide a signed release of medical information authorization form. That way the examiner can look at copies you provide plus they can request them directly from the non-VA doc (for verification). If you don't provide the authorization form at the same time, they VA will have to mail the authorization form to you and wait for you to send it back before being able to request copies directly.
Vync
Is this the 21-4142 form? If so, do I need the 21-4142a with it or can I just fill out the 21-4142, sign it and bring it with me to my exam? I have an exam coming up on 9 DEC to which I have an MRI report that the VA does not have yet. I had sent in the supplemental before the report was made available to me from my provider. Thanks!
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UPDATE: Had the exam yesterday. I feel it went well (but based on readings here, that generally means nothing lol). Talked for about a full hour. Didn't give any negative details on history or anything of that nature. She also didn't dig into any of the history details, just asked the question. She did dive into my issues and how they relate to home, social, and work life which I felt was good. At the end she even told me she felt she could opine in support of the claim, connecting it to my SC knee injury without trouble. I will keep an eye in the mail box for a decision letter and update again once I do. Thanks for everyone who has helped me. I plan on upgrading my Sub to the yearly and donating once I have an award to show my appreciation!
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3 hours ago, jfrei said:
It’s gong to be a long rabbit hole but you will come out my started in 2010 didn’t finish until 2016. I had many other self damages which prolong this but listen here and you won’t make the same mistakes I made. If you have a recent diagnosis or an old one gather everything about the instance. If old I would recommend hiring a doctor for a independent medical opinion before you file. If you filed already better get on that IMO. Seems like a high cost when you start asking for one I didn’t have one resulted in 4 tbi reviews and then 3 ptsd exams. They couldnt separate the issues I spent years of wasted time fighting for two ratings but now I just don’t give a F I’m 100% P and T how ever they want to call it whatever. Don’t get all caught up in the SMC game money wishing if you rate something like that I’d know about it or you would. I’m content with SMC S and if I ever get worse with my memory I’ll file for T but I’m caring for two children could always use money for them but I’m not so crazy I need a caregiver lol well just don’t ask my wife who works part time due to my health concerns but she doesn’t need to bath me or wipe my ass so then there’s that. I can walk you through the hole rabbit hole and VA bullshit I’m sorry everyone I’ve been away from had-it popping on here maybe twice a month kids got me going bonkers. Not sure but ask for my personal email in a message since I can’t post it for people that need help with a TBI claim shoot me an email I respond way the quickest . As you can see I run around in the rabbit hole allot get lost and start rambling on here. Back on topic so now you have the diagnosis you need to figure out if a LOD was one of so what was the outcome. If it’s was in the line of duty get the paperwork as evidence they are going to check everything about the issue whether they need to or not. Trust me they will do their own LOD even if you have one, don’t wait 5 years after a decision like me causing me to file CUE claims which a win like mine are few and far in between. If you don’t have LOD they will do one based on everything they dig up, was it willful misconduct or not, was anyone reprimanded during this so called examples of being knocked out, why did anyone get NJP or not. But you were cleared to go back to duty by a doctor or not, I’m sure or not little details like that can be missed. Not sure exactly where the issues happened here or abroad need more info to help out with the rest of the claim. Yes buddy statements are ok but doctor opinions are way more solid evidence to use. And yes it it’s kinda costly for doctor opinions but it does payoff with a finished claim in under 3 years give or take however new claims are moving even faster these days I haven’t filed for anything new since early 2016. So after you skim this book I wrote send me details about the claim like when who what where’s and why?? I have allot more stuff to tell you just wait to file unless you can get all this stuff quickly go Ahead and upload it all on the VA.gov website does save allot of time if you don’t have access to your RO with a fax unlike me I live 7 miles away so I pick and choice what I want faxed or uploaded in va.gov. The madness of the VA claims has drove me mad and anxious but I’m still breathing so I guess why I’m here helping out have a nice day....
Jfrei
Thanks for the info..aside from someone almost flat out saying I was bullshitting regarding the TBI thing, most have been helpful with it. Ill shoot you an email with full details at some point soon. Thanks for replying!
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1 hour ago, Richard1954 said:
Again I don't think that such a claim will go anywhere with out medical evidence... Unless you were in combat ( and it doesn't seem so) , the buddy statements will not mean much either. In my opinion as someone who suffers from a TBI and its residuals... I find it hard to believe that you were unconscious and were not medically evacuated back to the rear , or never got medical care during or after a 36 hour field exercise. What your saying doesn't fit the normal pattern of someone with a head injury. Any rater will look at such a claim and wonder too.
I think you ought to seek out an independent medical opinion before you submit a claim, getting a CT scan, or x-ray ( that shows residual damage) might help you prove your claim. Honestly, if I did not have proof of my left frontal brain damage upon CT Scan even with the active duty medical records, and after 30 years I don't think I would have been granted a claim either.
Roger that..
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2 hours ago, Richard1954 said:
I can say from experience if you had a TBI you would know it immediately upon waking up in a hospital, or in the very least if , you would have been placed under observation for a while.
If you don't have medical evidence it will be a hard fight.... I think You need something besides buddy statements in such a case . Has any doctor stated you had a TBI, have you had xray or CT scan confirmation of damage to your brain?
I was rated for TBI 30 years after the fact , ( just never made the claim until 30 years later) but I had the active duty medical evidence and I have brain damage shown on CT scan......in your case you can't even remember if you actually had a TBI....
If it were my claim, I would seek out a doctor and get a medical opinion before I spent time on a claim. Its not difficult to get a rating if you actually have medical evidence.
The TBI C/P exam is about memory retention and personal control issues mainly. The examiner will ask you questions or show you something to draw or memorize .. then ask you to draw what you saw, or repeat what you read.
It is more of a question of criteria rather than me "knowing I had a TBI". I believe, to the VA, any event where there is trauma to the head, causing unconsciousness (it sure did), headaches(understatement), etc. is considered a TBI. I have no medical because we were on a 36 hour exercise and well, it just never sits well with leadership when someone gets hurt and has to go to sick call.. I just pushed on. Had headaches for few days after, couldn't sleep the entire exercise. Just figured I was fine. I was young and very dumb. Small silver lining is the buddy statements I have is from the person who caused it and a person who helped me when I was unconscious.
I am really just trying to see if I even should bother. Like you said, hard to do much after the fact. I'll most likely add it to the list of things I need to try to see a specialist for and see if I ever get around to it. I do have memory issues, albeit more short term things, balance is off, things like that.
Thanks..
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7 minutes ago, Oceanbound said:
I had a MD that provided his signature on my TBI complaint because I reported my injuries while in the service and I'm currently fighting it and it will be a few more years until I get my SMC-T. As well as wasted many years going to the VA and getting no help for it at all because they swept it under the rug.
Likely not because it wasn't documented by a physician or you going to seek treatment after it occurred during service.
I have been reading that it is difficult as the VA still understands very little of it. Well, I can just submit it and see where it goes! Couldn't hurt. Thanks for sharing your experience.
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Evening all!
Having been going through my records awhile for my current claims, I found another claim I may be able to pursue. However, I am unsure exactly how to proceed with it.
Possible TBI in service (Unconfirmed medically as it happened during an exercise and I did not go in, but have buddy statements confirming event for another claim on back).
The VA treated me for Depression and Anxiety for several years, as well as during my Reserve time after active duty (have claim in for this, exam on 11/19)
I was also diagnosed with Bipolar Mood Swings later in 2014 by a non-VA psychiatrist. I submitted this DX as a claim at that time as well when I didn't know what I was doing. It was denied, obviously.
My question now is: Should I file as TBI and TBI Residual Bipolar Mood Swings OR file the TBI by itself and file a Supplemental for the denied Bipolar claim from 2014? The only "new and relevant" evidence would be the buddy statements of the TBI event in service?
I was thinking that since it may be listed under TBI-R coding, I should file it as TBI/TBI Residual Bipolar Mood Swings?
Any input is appreciated! Thanks!
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Vync
I was thinking they may just be merging a condition into it as I pointed them to the insomnia in my STR. The odd thing I find is how it is listed in the claim. My depression and anxiety show as "SECONDARY" while the Insomnia says "NEW" as if I was attempting a SC for it. Could just be that they added it so it displays as "NEW" but I am not sure.
I have looked over the DBQ for the other than PTSD. I need to take a peek at the rating formula itself still but will do so soon.
I will also bring my STR, profiles that support claim, and my Health E Vet Blue button report that will have my VA treatment records over the years.
They technically should have everything I am bringing but on the off chance they don't, I will have them all with me.
I'm just waiting for the packet to come in the mail with the appointment info. Thanks for replying! I appreciate it. It helps to know I am doing the right steps.
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I was just contacted by VES regarding my secondary claim of anxiety and depression due to my SC left knee. I had used my DX of insomnia from my STR in my statement I submitted with the claim to link to the time frame of my knee issue.
The VA seems to have added in Insomnia to the anxiety and depression claim? Not sure how that will go, but I am just waiting on the paperwork in the mail to tell me the date and time of appointment now.
The last time I did any C&P exam was in 2012 or so at the local VA hospital. This VES contractor is new for me. Anything I should know/bring going in? Thanks!
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UPDATE: So I went thru the process of Medici and the app. It was very simple to use and the concierge was great. The provider I spoke with that was trying to get me to a specialist was very informative and personable. Great chat experience really.
The unfortunate news is that after a good long wait (but great conversation about Vet struggles with claims and getting outside medical help at lower cost), the rep informed me that disability forms or those alike are not a part of the emerging tele-medicine world quite yet... So if you had some small hope of that on this initiative, it doesn't seem to be the case. However, they do provide excellent services today for those who don't need the DBQ's and opinions. Definitely a nice initiative, a better one I have seen for vets in some time to be honest. Free food is great but this is probably much more beneficial.
The rep even went as far as recommending what Oceanbound has regarding Psychical Medicine and Rehab and provided a nice link to look up board certified PM&R providers in your area:
https://members.aapmr.org/AAPMR/AAPMR_FINDER.aspx
The rep is actually still messaging me! Even after we have fully established that I cannot be assisted. They stated they work with a great PM&R physician and may interested in seeing if they would like to try and form a network of PM&R physicians to deal with our highly sought after DBQ and IMO/E dilemmas at a discounted rate. I told the rep that this would be FANTASTIC. He informed me he already put out the feelers with their physician and some sort of networking platform for PM&R physicians!
Right now, the rep tells me if they get traction they will connect me directly via the app chat. I will follow up with more!
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GBArmy, Broncovet, and Jfrei
Thanks for the replies! I had assumed as much. Being on this forum has opened a lot of different doors in my memory; like an information overload lol. However, I am tracking the process. The TBI, based on my reading, seems to clear a lot of "odd" things I have noticed with myself over the last several years..The depression and anxiety, the ease of becoming very irritable, high sensitivity to loud noises, all odd things I never had a problem with before the event and now thinking about it, it all makes much more sense. Ill do some more research and probably add that to my problem list with this Medici Operation 11/11 event. See where it goes with the VA.
Thanks again for the replies everyone.
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So I have stumbled across the TBI section of the forums and am realizing my back claim, or at least the event I am claiming cause my back and neck problems, turned out to be a TBI event...Should I try to submit for a TBI claim or just ride out my back claim and see how they code it? The "new and relevant" evidence for my back are buddy and lay statements (it was initially denied due to no in service event).
One of the buddy statements from the person who knocked me out with an up-armor hatch, and the other buddy statement from a squad mate who helped pull me down from the vehicle when I was out cold. I have heard of the VA slapping additional claims or terms in with decisions. I am just curious if I should just file for the TBI with that evidence or not. I do have residuals I believe (have secondary claim in for depression and anxiety based on SC for knee, concentration issues, etc). I do not have any medical evidence except for the Depression and Anxiety diagnosis I have from my VA doc, the buddy statements and any other lay statements I can get. Thanks!
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Just a side note: I am attempting something a little radical during this event.
I just picked up a digital goniometer and I am planning on asking for DBQs and IMOs for a couple claims I plan to make. Seems too simple to work but if these docs really are willing to play ball AND its done over a video chat session, I don’t see why it can’t work! Will update..
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UPDATE: I did my periodic check of Va.gov and found my supplemental claim was received on OCT 16 and is under review with a "We don't know your status" so far. Took 22 days for VA.gov to get the update. They didn't kick it back; so far so good. Will follow up with more as I get updates.
20 NOV 2019 - Received call from VA health care system. I have a C&P Exam appointment for my back on 9 DEC 2019
9 DEC 2019 - Completed C&P Exam for Back and Neck along with new Xrays of entire back at the PHX VAMC. Awaiting results of that and a denial/award letter to be shipped off...VA Examiner was a PM&R Doctor by the name of Edelson. He was OK. Older gentleman, seemed to know what he was doing. He did the exam by the book it appeared (goniometer, repetitive tests, etc) he also ordered new xrays to be done as the newer report done at a private care facility conflicted with what the VA had already taken images of and diagnosed me with. Will post the results of the DBQ once it is made available to me online in a few days.
12 DEC 2019 - Here is a look at the C&P performed Xray report
23 JAN 2020 - My supplemental claim has been closed and a decision made. Awaiting letter to arrive, however, no change to ebenefits so presume denial. Will update once letter arrives.
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Buck
Good to know! Have you used this service before? I wouldn't mind sharing my records with the doctor. I could use a nexus for bilateral knee. Eventually ankles too.
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Just to let all know, (Thanks to Berta and Stumpy for catching this!) Medici is offering free consults to Veterans this Veterans day. I signed up as I need a consult with an Ortho. My hope is that this helps us establish medical baselines for some of us so that we can proceed to get our IMO's or just to have a diagnosis. I am not sure how effective these consults will be with the VA process but it is worth a shot. For all those interested, head here and click the learn more link under Operation 11/11.
Then sign up, get app and wait for the day to arrive.
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Berta
THANKS! Having a need for an Ortho specialist, I signed up for this and will try to post the results here if/when this goes down. Thanks for the sharp eye!
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I am going thru something similar right now. However, I knew going into it that I will need more. I am still new here so bear with me. From my understanding you should be looking to do this:
1. Get to a doctor, one that is a specialty in that field. You will want them to do ROM measurements, the DBQ, imaging (bring X-Ray/MRI if you have any, etc) for your back.
2. Once you have the DBQ and measurements, head over to a spine-ortho or physiatrist and have them review your C-File, Images, DBQ from the other specialist and have them do an IMO/E (Independent Medical Opinion/Examination) for your secondary condition. The key there is the IMO. The doctor should state in his IMO that it is "just as likely as not" the secondary condition is caused by the service connected condition.
3. Once you have the IMO and the previous documentation, you can do a Supplemental Claim for your claim. Or just resubmit it from there. however, if you are less than one year from your initial denial, you can file the supplemental claim with all the documentation as the new and relevant evidence (make copies!!) to protect your effective date of the claim and get a little back pay for your trouble.
NOW with this being said I would like to reiterate I am new here and learning still. I hope everything here was accurate. Please correct me if I am wrong. This is essentially the process I am going thru now so I would hope it is accurate!
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1 hour ago, Oceanbound said:
If you go to the IMO section, you will see my threads that I started, for Haggard, L, and Steingart.
Because I'm the one that continue to state we need to find more Vet friendly docs, besides the 3 known ones in Tucson, Oklahoma City, and Bethesda. They're getting old, can't do this forever, and need young blood today for tomorrow. For that it doesn't help if you're in BFE and the doctor is on Easter Island.
Have Haggard do the basics for you: meet and greet, ROMs, view the CORE Institute x-rays and scans, and then the knee DBQ. This will be your new current status.
Post on Haggard thread when you make the appointment, then, post again with the exam and your thoughts--so that these threads grow.
Then make an appointment to see Dr L. Take you c-file, Haggard DBQ, and CORE Institute scans dvd and record, to Dr. L. Have Dr. L do his IMEO.
What do you call an orthopedic surgeon that didn't go to surgery school? a Physiatrist - Physical medicine and rehabilitation. They're as competent and are specialist.
BTW 30% is pretty much the max for your knee. My ankle was injured in service, but the damage was later to my knee, and my ankle is pretty much fine and going through the appeal process right now for my knee as secondary to my ankle.
"Scans" mean x-rays and cat and MRIs, imagines.
Oceanbound
SOLID info, Thanks! I am about an hour to an hour and a half from Tucson (assuming you meant AZ) so they could be an option. I have been looking for a Vet friendly doctor but that has been about as easy as helping an LT thru the woods at night...
I have heard my 30% is pretty favorable. Im primarily looking for the bilateral issues. It has been almost 9 years and I am feeling it. I am hoping my back appeal goes well too. I do need to request my C-File (I know, I know, behind the curve on that but that's next step now).
This gives me a nice road plan to work with, I appreciate it. I will update as I learn more.
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2 hours ago, GBArmy said:
In any case, you are tuned in. You'll do ok. Keep at it; keep reading (and contributing) to Hadit. What you learn try to share so others can move forward too.
Absolutely. Only been on the forums for about a week and a half but already know TONS more than I did. I plan on updating all questions i ask with final results.
Also, any clue as to the final question? With my left knee being the SC'd leg, does the same ankle fall under bilateral OR as a secondary to the knee but separate from bilateral from the opposite knee and ankle? Thanks for all your input!
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3 minutes ago, GBArmy said:
Foxhound6
If you get a good IMO, as planned, you should be ok. I agree with you, do the ITF now and scout around for a good doc and an IMO for you. You may be developing additional issues, like hips, back or spine problems as well. So if you have any symptoms for those additional issues that can be secondary, pay attention to them as well. And then meds prescribed for pain, etc. Be sure to read up on the warnings for those because they can lead to stomach and GERD issues. It is a slippery slope you are on. Pay attention to what your body will be telling you.
GBArmy
Indeed. Thanks for the assurance. Fortunately, with the opioid problems in the states, I don't get pain meds, but I do take a muscle relaxer time to time. I am waiting on an appeal for my back as I felt its due to a trauma injury versus my knee (asked a question on that, will update once I know more on outcome as its pending in RAMP). My hips do hurt but I feel if I can SC the back, I can secondary the hips to that. But knee could also work I suppose. Hard to tell whats causing it lol. Just may be easier to secondary hips to knee instead..
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Hello all! I am contemplating filing my intent to file for bilateral knee and ankle. I have service connected Internal Derangement of Left Knee @ 30%. I have had it since I was SC'd for it sometime in 2012 after i exited AD. It has been some time and my other knee screams as well as both my ankles. My plan is to get an IMO done for the issues and submit it. My main question is: for the ankle that is on the same leg as SC injury, is this considered a bilateral secondary as well or is that a separate secondary claim for the knee? If there is anything else that I may be missing with filing all this correctly, please feel free to let me know! Thanks for all the help!!
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Thanks to everyone who left answers and advice. It has been helpful. I was able to reach "Peggy" and got to someone who told me the claim was in process as it was received on OCT 18. Ill standby to see what develops and update. I then plan to try for secondaries for my knee and back.
VES called for appointment - Insomnia, Anxiety, and Depression - What to expect?
in Veterans Compensation & Pension Exams
Posted
That is great advice. I am glad I brought all my things yesterday. The documents she did not see in my file were profiles for my anxiety and depression that spanned 2012-2014, leading up to treatment with a VA center 2015 to now. So it may have tipped some more favorability my way as well. I will be sure to bring "my file" with me to any exam..