Ken Dillon

I have the following disability's 40% ivds, 20% RT foot drop, 20% Rt lower radiculopathy, 10 % lower radiculopathy and a few other for total of 80%. Ever since I had my last surgery for lumbar fusion I have nothing but chronic pain in my back, legs and hips. Does the above percentages cover the pain, of is Chronic Pain something different to put in for. I have tried drug therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy, and chiropractor. Still no relief, this has been going on for two years no since surgery. Thanks for all inputs. Ken

Good morning, my case on my Cervical spine has been sent to BVA judge. I have submitted all my Evidence, so my question is this I have more appointments with a neurologist at the VA well those notes be submitted or looked at When time comes when the judge reviews my claim? Thanks

Hi all, I put in a claim for over active bladder secondary to my lumbar. So a company called LHI got in contact with me about C@P exam. So it gave me a PA name no address or number, so I called LHI, I was told that the C@P exam is record search and if anything was needed the PA would call me. This seems little strange to me, and thoughts? Yes my Lumbar is service connected. Thanks

I put in supplement back in Sept 24, on Jan 5, 2022 I had a C@P exam that lasted longer than the 10 min one I had a year ago. But anyways today I see my claim is closed, I guess I have to wait 10 days and see if anything shows up in them mail.

VA seems to have lost my NOD on my Cervical Spine, so I put in Supplement claim. As of two days ago I am schedule for another exam by LHI this week, its states for Cervical neck and a new IMO that I submitted, so my question is why would they state in heading new IMO. This makes 3 IMO I have submitted, one from family doctor and one from the surgeon that performed the fusion, any ideas? or am I looking to deep in to this? Just one more question for you, on my last exam performed by VES on my Cervical Spine I have copy of exam but the Heading States Medical opinion disability benefits questionnaire , when I look online there is a Cervical questionnaire that has range of motion.The one I have does not just his opinion. Thank You Ken

Quick history I was a crew chief on CH 46 for seven years with 2000hrs of flying. I put in a claim for my cervical spine since I had neck fusion from C4 to C7. My claim was denied I put in NOD 8 months ago or long have no replay VA can't find it, I have copy. I put in Supplement Claim, after 4 months I am being schedule for another C@p exam, I have my flight log, and NATOPS jacket and my maintenance training jacket should I bring those with me, One reason it proves my flight hours, and equipment I worn and tested body armor. Show also heavy maintenance that I perform, I have also sent in 3 medical opinion letters from 3 different doctors. Any put would be greatly appreciated.

I am trying to understand my case, I filed a claim for Cervical Spine and it was denied, then I file a NOD while within the timeline. it was fax to the VA. No notice of them receiving it, never saw it posted on my online file at VA.Gov. I waited about 4 months because of Covid, figured people were out. I called 1-800 number got no where. I talk to my local Va Rep in town and got no help. I filed a Supplemental claim back in Sept of this year, it says in currents events We don’t know your status. Last week I sent by Fax's a new medical opinion letter in does not even show up in my online line file at VA.Gov. I did kept the copy of the Fax paper work saying the Fax was sent, and ideas or suggestions on what I should do next or just wait? Thank you Ken

I had a claim denied, I submitted a NOD with in a few months of claim being denied, on VA.gov never showed it was accepted, so I waited, finally called 1 800 and sent email . I was told to put in Supplemental claim which I did, I also included a copy to the NOD that I signed and dated. Now VA,gov shows the supplemental claim but it says status unknown. So I am now in a holding pattern for how long. Anyone have any suggestions? Thank you

I put in a claim for cervical spine, I had neck fusion in 2019 L4 to L7. My claim was denied because nothing in my medical records. I currently have rating in Lumbar spine. I was crew chief on ch46 helicopters and we worn NVG’S a lot. Yes I did have neck pain did not run to sick bay every day sucked it up. My surgeon wrote a lot of stating in his opinion my neck problems for a doodle wearing NVG‘s. So my claim was denied and I put in Notice of disagreement. It’s been a year since I filed that, I have call 1 800 number can not find anything on that. Any ideas what I should do? Or would it be best to refile this under secondary claim? Thanks for any and all information. Ken

My question is this, I applied for disability of my cervical spine, I had fusion from C4 to C7. My application was denied about year last, Sept 2020. After a month or two I received a copy of c@p exam and found problems. I put in a notice of disagreement probably by early Nov 2020, and as of this date I have heard nothing. When I log on to VA.gov site shows nothing. Local VSO I contacted told me they have it, but no movement. I have faith the notice of disagreement will be denied( just a impression I have) and this will go to BVA. SO my question is this how long does it take to get any movement for this, I can not track it? Thanks for your input

I got hurt in service and did not apply for VA benefits until 30 years later, and I did succeed in getting compensation. As I read for this site about 5,10, 20 year rule. Does that rule still apply to individuals who won there case even when they are in late 50's and 60's ? Thank You Ken

On this pass Friday I had a C@P exam done at local VA hospital, would that exam results be in my health file on Blue Button? Or do I have to request that file? Thank you, Ken

I hope someone could give me some advice, I was rated at 40 percent disability,right lower extremity radiculopathy at 10 percent.degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome (previously rated as degenerative disc disease, herniated lumbar disc) rate at 20 percent and bilateral tinnitus at 10 percent. and lumbar scar rated at 0. In July of 2020 I had fusion surgery of L4 to S1. I put in for rate increase for my scar, fusion, and rt leg Radiculopathy and last 100 percent temp disability I was out of work for 12 weeks. Today on ebenefits found my total new rating of 60 percent they increase my Rt Leg Radiculopathy to 20 percent I am guess for foot drop I have not and I use a cane to get around. No increase in rating for fusion ( QTC did not preform ROM test because I was 12 weeks post op) I received a 10 percent rating for surgery scar. and not a work on 100 percent temporary disability. My question is what do I do now. I still can not bend my back all, have pain in back and down the leg, I fell down the stairs at work, which I had statement from co-worker. Any ideas what I should do, or to proceed. Thank you Ken

I had a C@P exam for rate increase. The ex-Air Force doctor was great. Besides the original diagnostic codes, he added in other codes for problems he noticed during the exam. I had back fusion, he added in hip pain which i do, also Medium nerve along with sciatic nerve and copper tunnel syndrome all of this is my rt side along with foot drop, what happens with claim when a doctor adds more to the claim. Thank you.

Back in July of this year I had Lumbar fusion from L4 to S1, I put in for increase in rating and temp 100 percent disability since I would be out of work for 3 months. In the middle of Sept QTC schedule me a C@P exam, which I went to, the doctor said he could not measure my ROM because of my fusion. I can't move anyways even today. Then today I was told I have to another C@P exam for the same issues. Is this normal? Thanks Ken

Good afternoon to everyone, I was denied for Cervial spine after I had gotten it fused together, so I sent in a Freedom of Information request for my C@P exam. on VA.Gov it shows when it was received back in Oct. in the being of December matter of fact December 7, it was closed and stated I will see the information in 7 to days. I have not received a thing as today, so I called the 1-800 the young lady said I see that too, that is closed, so where is the information she said nothing for her to do, and passed me off to another number which was educational benefits. Does anyone have any ideas what I should do next. Thank you, Ken

Sept I went for C@P exam of my lower back, I had fusion done to me from L4 to S1. While I was at exam I had back brace on, and I was 10 weeks out of surgery. The doctor I had ex Air Force doc. He did not do a range of motion test due to the fact I was 10 weeks post op. Will this effect my rating? Before this I had a rating of 20 percent Lumbar, and 10 percent for each leg. I am still really messed up, I trip a lot, and now I walk with a limp, still have pain. I also can't move my toes or ankle very well any more, and now I have bladder problems, any ideas from anyone, or insight? Thank You Ken

Hay Brother I feel your pain, I just went currently back in July this year had fusion of L4 to S1 and I had C@P exam in Sept still in a holding pattern waiting for decision. I have degenerative disc disease rated at 20 percent, and 10 percent each leg, plus 0 for surgery scar. As for the fusion part I can not bend at waist anymore, not that I had a lot of movement before surgery. Currently I do have a lot more pain in rt leg from surgery and foot drop, but on the up side my back pain is more manageable. I hope this help you. Ken

Good day all, I have a question for you, BVA granted my claim in Feb 2020 for degenerative disc disease. In July of 2020 I went and had Lumbar Fusion from L4 to S1. I put in a claim to increase my rate because my conditions have gotten worst. I put in for 100 percent temporary for recouping from surgery. I also put in for increase in Lumbar degenerative disease, for scar from surgery, and last for Rt leg Radiculopathy. Now my question is if these are granted, would back pay go back to Feb, 2002 or July 2020 when I applied? Currently I am 20 percent Lumbar disc disease, 10 percent Radiculopathy, 0 percent for scar. Thanks for your input.

Good morning received letter from VA I was denied my claim for cervical fusion. First I am at 20 percent Lumbar degenerative disc disease, and 10 percent for each leg Radiculopathy. I was a crew chief on CH46 helicopter with about 2000 hrs of flying and at least 500 hrs on Nvg's I has denied no service connection, even when I supplied case studies from the Army and Navy on neck pain and shoulder pain from wearing NVGs for period of time. Second I prouder two letters from two different doctors that my current problem is due to military life. C@P exam lasted only 15 mins and that person said I could not fine any complains in military medical records, of course not If I went to sick call for pain I would get pills, a down chit would not be allow to fly, I would have lost pay, and be assign to other duties. My first case with Lumbar went all the way to BVA. So any ideas what I should do? Any thoughts on Lawyers? I appreciate all inputs. Thanks Ken

In Sept I had c@p exam for rate increase on lower Lumbar. On July this year I had lower lumbar fusion for 3 disc. So at the exam the Doctor looked at my scar on back, and at my legs, he did not take any reading of ROM measurements, because he stated I am not supposed to bend or twist my back. So now I wonder how the Rater will look at this, Yes it is service connected disability. Has this ever happen to anyone else if so what's your story for insight for me. Thank you Ken

Good afternoon to every one, my question as follows after c@p exam completed how much long will it be to get answer will it take to get up or down? Does it usually take 6 months to get 100 percent temp disability for surgery? I had back surgery back in July and I am still waiting, yes it is service connected, Thanks Ken

th175 for that article you have to down load it and scan it into you claim, since you flew Blackhawks I take it you also flew with NVG's? There are articles in Navy Times that will help your case. Have to do you home work, I flew Ch46's Ken

https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a568350.pdf this lower back pain for rotary crews US Army.

I don't know what you flew, but if you flew helicopters there is some studies both by the Army and the Navy stating how bad the vibration and seating in helicopter that is bad for your back and neck. If you used NVG's there are studies again in both Army and Navy how much stress that is put on your back, and neck. I know. There are also statements that will say pilots and aircrews will not go to medical help in fear of loosing flight status and loss of money. Ken