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C-O- N-G-R-A-T-U-L-A-T-I-O-N-S

Cowgirl, when I was researching how to file a claim, I read several times that it is best to do it in person. Now after I did mine, I think this is true, but I would suggest you fill out the paperwork on line after you get the appointment with SSD. I knew the computer app did not show or demonstrate my medical condition. After I made the appointment, all this guy did was put it in the computer, but I had a good repore with him and he worded mine using "SSD" key words. Then he gave me a copy of what he did.

New twist, hope someone has an answer. Recieved a letter in the mail on Friday saying I have a "mental exam" on March 25. yada yada. Those of you who have applied did you do the mental exam before the physical exam? This makes me believe they are denying my physical disability without sending me to a physican or obtaining my x-rays that show my disablity. In my letters to support my claim, I mentioned I was depressed and so did others, I never made depression an offical disease process that is making me disabled, I don't have any mental notes or exams to support this, other than pain makes you depressed. If they were going to approve my physical conditions, why would they send me to a psy. Williamn, thanks for the suggestion I didn't know I couldn't get a personal copy of the SSA physical/mental exam. I would like to see what they say prior to anyone else. If I send them to my VSO will they use those in my claim if I don't like what it says. I have to think about this, I don't have a private MD, I only use the VA. I have to mail this form tomorrow, hope someone can help me with this before I mail it.

Thanks to everyone for the support. It's taken me some time to come back to this thread. I don't think I can emotionally at this time take on something new. I am going to the inital visit, but I think for me at this time it would be best to let sleeping dogs lie. I really think that the young girl that was murdered by her rapist at Camp LeJuene hit home, I had some angry, regret and remorse issues, that I didn't do anything more than I did, not that it would have prevented this from happening. Who knows, I keep flip, flopping on this issue. I guess I will know when I do it.

Cowgirl I have had 2 in the past year. The first one was by a neurosurgeon who was great. He looked at my xrays and said you need to go right now and apply for the rest of your body. He even mad suggestions as to when it something hurt when I moved it. It hurts now right. You can't do this right.--This guy was an exception to the rule, did I get a lot no but it was a start. Had I had the information about the exams I would have know what they were going to ask and how to answer it. My next exam was not that good it lasted over an hour. I got a 20% increase for pain in my hand and foot. I found out when I reviewed my records he was instructed to make an opinion if my claims for secondary were related to my sc. I worded my claim wrong to a point, but I could have and many still appeal, as my right knee is getting really painful, and it is due to the way I walk due to my sc left ankle and foot. He pretty much went by what they are suppose to ask according to the section on exams. If he had my C file or old records I didn't see them. It was me, him and the computer. I had to insist that he look at my xrays on the computer. I know he didn't know how to read them and was going by what the radiologist wrote, which isn't necessarily correct. I have had a Rad say my xrays are normal and the same day a different Rad wrote how severe my xrays are. My xrays show how bad my disability is, my outward body doesn't. Without actually looking at my xrays I think they would find it hard to understand my pain level or inability to do certain motions. I do suggest you review what they are suppose to do and also review the section of how it is rated by percentage 38cfr. Whatever you do tell them your worse day. If you happen to be going on a good day, don't tell them that. When they ask how your doing, say, not good I hurt this or that. I went on a bad day which helped me. Had I gone on a good day, it would have been a disaster. I would have said I'm good today. When I was reviewing how to write my SSD claim, it was suggested that you look at the worse week you have had and tell them that. If you having really bad days write that down so you can remember how bad you felt on those days and that's what you tell them. Hope this helps.

If that happens and its more than you get now tell her to take it. lol you made me laugh. I called my rep and she said she would walk upstairs and talk to the person handling my claim, she even said they must be lazy, reading only that I have a cyst and didn't go any further in the claim. She said she would fix it so I am giving her some time to see if she can do that, if not, I will.

Its the VCAA notice on my new claim, I was going to sign it and send it back in. After reading it a couple of times, I'm thinking this is truly screwed up. No where in the VCAA papers does it say ReA secondary to HD. The medical statements says my doctor reviewed my records and more likely than not the cyst in the service was HD which is more likely than not the cause of the ReA. There is no mistaking what he said. I also have 2 more doctors saying I have HD. The surgeon may or may not have helped me she wrote: Recently started on doxycycline and feels that condition is much improved. Appears to have some association with "reactive arthritis" and HLA27. Residual scarring right axilla and bilateral groins, however no active disese. Based on scarring, the severity of her disease would not warrant surgery. I had the DVA at the regional office file this. I guess I have to go see her. Thanks Rental I will amend this claim to say that. What code does HD fall under, anyone know?

I had the dva at the regional office file this claim. Here is what I wrote: I am currently sc for "cyst". Please see the attached statement from my doctor in which he says that my cyst condition is more correctly diagnosed as "HD". I am requesting that you grant service connection for HD. I have also been diagnosed with ReA. Please see the attached statement from my doctor in which he says that my reactive arthritis is due to HD. I am requesting service condition for ReA secondary to HD. The DVA wrote: Entitlement to SC for HD, Entitlement to sc for ReA secondary to HD. Attachments: Claimants statement, doctors statement, progress note, test results. Here is what I recieved from the VA today: We are working on your application for sc for HD, reactive arthritis and increased service connected compensation for cyst right thigh. What we stil need from you? We need evidence showing that the following conditions(s) existed from military service to the present time: HD and reactive arthritis. I am reading this as they are not looking at the reactive arthritis as secondary to the HD which is the cyst that was misdiagnosed originally. Am I reading this correctly and if I am how do I fix this before it turns into a nightmare. I have an appointment with the Rhem doc tomorrow, any suggestion before I see him to see if there is anything else he can write. Thanks

I went to the orientation today, thought it was an interview, apparently they do an orientation to explain the program to see if it fits your needs. The minute they said group therapy I was ready to walk out the door. While I don't know if this is even remotely normal, I had a true panic attack. It was unnerving. They said what and how they run the PTDS program then talked to us individually. I immediately started to cry and went into a panic attack, my heart was pounding, I thought I was going to jump out of my skin. I finally told the Psy that I couldn't do this and no way would I ever do group therapy. I said I wanted a referral to the main hospital psy. dept I have problems that needs to be addressed but not in group, she ask me if it had to do with my stressor in the service I said I don't know that's why I came here. She ask if I would return for an initial interview and if she felt that I needed to see the main psy dept she would arrange that for me. I told her I would, but I just don't know if I can do this. I only have panic attacks when you say MRI, give me major drugs. I know that part of my problem is the fact I never faced my issues with what happened in the service, but that's my fault for not addressing the situation years ago. I am too old for them to fix part of the problem. I just want to figure out how to let my family and close friends in and stop alienating everyone. Again this is my fault, I know I am doing it, but I just can't stop the behavior that I know is an issue. The problems I had when I was working is mute since I can't work anymore. I just don't know after the way I felt today if its worth going through it all. Is this normal or should I really re evaluate if I want to put this additional stress on me at this time.

Recieved a call from the case worker today. He wanted to know if I sent out the paper work they sent to me. I had more than a week ago to London KY. Then he started asking me question regarding pain and depression, which I answered. I told him that my arthritis is what is crippling. He asked me if I felt I could work if I didn't have the arthritis, I said yes, cause its true. I can work with the asthma and arthritis. I asked him if he had my computer x ray records that show my arthritis, he said no, I asked him if he wanted me to send him another copy to expedite my case. He said I don't think that will be necessary. If we need xrays we will send you to get them at our cost. I said I was hoping to save everyone time and money as my x-rays clearly show the severity of my arthritis. Should they need them I will gladly send them to him directly, again he said I don't believe that will be necessary. Then at the end he ask me if I would be willing to go a physicial exam if they requested one, of course I said yes. The sooner the better. I also ask him if he had any idea of when I my claim would be decided, finanically I am having a hard time making ends meet. He said as soon as they get my medical records, which they VA hasn't sent to them. I ask for a copy of them a month ago and recieved 2 copies, I think I got thiers, so out to the mail they go tomorrow. Anyway does anyone have any ideas or thoughts regarding his statement, I don't think your x rays will be needed.

Supplemental Social Security (SSI) has a limit its less than 900/mo Social Security Disability (SSDI) has no limit. I recieved my notice I didn't qualify for SSI when I applied for SSDI.

I don't know anything about IU---but you can work with SSDI, the amount is minimal. You can do the program where you can make as much as you can during a 9 month period within a 5 yr period---you can work for 2 months in one year then 5 months in another then one month in another up to 5 yrs. Based on this program you could literally make a million dollars and still collect as long as you do it within the time frame and notify them you are trying to go back to work. You can make and this sum is not for sure 900 a month without penalty on SSDI. Some say the amount is 600-others say 900. There are 2 different paragraphs in the rules that apply to SSDI so it can be confusing as to the amount you can make and still collect without reporting to SS that your working. I know someone who is working part time, no more than 12 hours a week and getting SSDI. They only make 10/hr so they are well beneath the allowable amount. I have called SS to verify they could work per thier request.

Thanks for the articles and support to all of you. Maybe some of my ADD (self dx) long term and short memory problems is really MST and its fixable. Now I understand why I couldn't remember certain facts but I could remember others, it just didn't make any sense to me to be able to remember the name of the person I reported this incident too but not the name of the person who did it. I now know his name, the buddy letter person remembered his name and put it in his letter. How long after the intial appointment do you know if they think its MST. I have all my records should I take them with me.

Thanks for the support, it means alot. One minute I am very angry about it and then the next minute, its like, who cares it was 30 yrs ago, get over it. Even my roommate who doesn't understand PTDS after I told her everything they did to me today said no wonder you so angry and hate people in authority. Everyday for 2 years was a living hell I had more things done to me then you could imagine. She kept saying I don't understand why you didn't just quit. It was difficult for me to get her to understand, yea, I could have quit and then spent time in jail or prison for desertion and a dishonorable discharge. My options were not good. How I feel about authority and keeping a distance from any emotional attachement to anyone I think in retrospect is related to this ordeal. Emotionally it was to make sure no one ever got the upper hand on me again. That I would be the one in control at all times, you can't do that and have a relationship with anyone. I knew that and it was OK with me, I was in my safe zone. Part of my problem with talking to anyone about this is, I believe that whatever cards are dealt to you, at some point you have to take responsibilty for your own actions. Here I am 30 yrs later saying look at what they did to me, no one did it to me, I did it to myself. Is this normal to be angry at yourself for letting them get to you. I am more upset, angry, embrassed and ashamed that I let those SOB's get me in the end. By me not seeing the forest for the trees they won in the end, I'm the one with the screwed up life I can't get back. Thanks for the support and letting me ventilate.

I just relayed everything that happened tome as a result of me reporting this incident and yea I mad and I am going for it. I just needed someplace to vent. I don't want the stigma that goes with it but I don't care.

I called about getting an appointment to see someone a month ago, had the appointment, they got sick and cancelled the appointment said they would call me back at a later date. Got a letter in the mail with a form saying I have an appointment with the Trauma Recovery Unit. There are some forms for me to fill out, I don't mind filling out the forms and going to talk with someone about some issues that I have over the past many years to find out if these issues are related to this mst issue. While most the the damage is done esp at my age, I am not sure they can help me with anything other than perhaps becoming closer to my family that I am drifting away from if the drifting is related to this issue. Here is my problem with this and this will anger some and its not meant too. I do not want to be labeled with PTDS. I do not want notes in my main medical records saying I have issues. Many people don't understand PTDS and thier eyes roll and you have less creditability. While I thought at one point of filling for MST, I found the person that I reported the incident too and they confirmed I informed my unit and there was significant tension in the office after this happened. I have my SMR's that show that I was transferred and my proficiency and conducts marks were changed and also my SMR's that show my command started to go after me once my witness left the service. Its like one minute, I want blood from them, if in fact my lack of being able to be emotionally attached to someone for the past 32 yrs is a direct cause of this incident, as my life is been hell and its getting worse as I become more and more detached from others. Does seeing someone really help? I am not looking to file a claim at this point, I just want to feel better emotionally.. Do I keep this appointment and be open and honest or just say what I want them to know until I decide what I really want.

I had a Comp Exam Nov 28. I believe around Dec 28 I ask for a new whole copy of my records for SSD, they finally arrived yesterday. I looked through them for something specific and there was the entire comp exam. So FYI for others wanting the comp exam results, go to your VAMC and ask for copies of your records for that day about a month after your exam. While the Doc said I was disabled, it wasn't due to my current SC disability. He got a few things wrong. This will help me down the road, not have to get a copy of my C file right now.

I have no idea if its normal or not. I would think that he felt you might need help faster then waiting for a decision. I don't believe they can write any scripts for you at a C&P exam, perhaps he thought you would benefit from some meds and suggested you see someone that day. When you siad no he scheduled you for an appointment as soon as possible. Keep the appoint and take care of yourself.

I have been really sick for almost 3 months now, slowly getting better. I have been on antibiotics for the past 2 months continously. I have a standing scrip for them now that I have a DX of HD. For years I told my roommate that I thought I was loaded with infections. No one could find anything wrong with me. I have no choice but to take time as it takes me a long time to do anything, I usually type a sentence or two and go lay down. I now I can write a paragraph before I have to take a break. Thanks for the advice.

Tyler, I am thinking it could be a cue as they admitted I was physically sound on entry to the service, but due to this one statement they said it proved I had a problem pre service and since I wasn't seen on active duty for this it didn't aggravate it. I have all my va records except this one. I know I never recieved it, and the DAV doesn't show they recieved it either. While I would love back pay for 22 years, I just don't have it in me at this time to fight it. I am having the worse flare up I have ever had with my arthritis, hd and asthma its been three months now and I have only left my house to go to the doctors and I have missed 3 appointments to sick to try and find a place to park and walk to the building. If they don't give it too me this time I will try and read up on how to do a cue. I would just go to a lawyer for this one, as it is too complicated for me. I also have my old vamr's that are on paper not computer. I know how it happened and could probably prove it with reasonable doubt. I will wait till I am feeling better before I take anything else on. The stress is making me worse.

I am a non hep converter after 3 attempts (3 rounds of shot 3 seperate times). No one knows why, I have no signs of any liver problems, but I will be watching now. From what I was told they (medical field) has no clue if I am resistant due to a natural resistant or more prone, since I can't convert. In the health care business for 30 yrs and have been lucky.

New question, how do you overturn this 1990 BVA decision. Here is what they wrote on why they denied. Discussion and Evaluation Initially, the Board acknowledges that diagnoses of AS have been recorded subsequent to the veterans discharge from service, and that sclerotic changes involving the sacroiliac joints were radiographically demonstrated during service. We similarly note that, at entry into service, the veteran reported no prior hostory of a low back injury or disorder and that examination rvealed no abnormalities of the spine. However, we note that clinical entries recorded during service noted evidence of a prior myelogran and subsequently, during a September 1980 hospitalization, the veteran related a history of a pre service injury that occurred when she fell and sustained some type of lumbar spine injury. She further related that she had been hospitalized for approximately one month and treated with traction, and that she had experienced continuing low backache sime that time. Thus, in our view the evidentiary record, viewed as a whole, demonstrates that a low back disorder, stemming from an injury prior to the veteran's entrance into active service with respect to the existence of a pre service low back disability. Accordingly, we conclude that the sclerotic changes involving the sacroiliac joints during service, and the AS now diagnosed, are not attributable to a low back disability which was agggravated by service. Entitlement to service connection for a chronic low back disorder is thus not established. I just applied for a change in DX from cyst to Hidrandenitis suppurtiva with reactive arthritis secondary to the HD. Part of my problems is the SI joints. Will this denial affect this new claim. Can that last paragraph be my saving grace without having to go to a BVA 5 yrs down the road. Everything they are referring to is related to the neck injury while in service which is related to the 1 month of traction---the fall is from another incident in service where I broke my wrist or that's what I think broke my wrist or it could have been the car accident. Everything is so twisted. The rope I am hang by is getting shorter and shorter.

I read the denial, people just can't get what you say correct. I highly recommend that you always read what the doc writes. One of the reason's that my claim was denied back then is due to a idiot doc that wrote I said I fell into a ditch and I was treated with traction and hospitalized for a month. How many times I have had to tell the VA, I didn't fall into a ditch, a car I was in on base went into a ditch and my neck was treated with traction for a month, I have the records to show that.-----I will never be able to fix others mistakes. I never said I didn't have a myelogram,(someone is saying I said that) I said it wasn't for a back problem, while I have found something that indicates a ? back problem in some old records if my memory serves me right it was due to headaches which I claimed on my entrace exam. I think from this point on I will type my doctor notes for them to copy, instead of them writing whatever is the f------g convienent for them to write. Sorry for the lanugage, I so frustrated with the incompetency that is pretending to be compete. This is all primarily due to a single idiot resident. Thanks for having this board so I can vent.

I viewed my C-File and found some interesting things in it. It's too late to appeal. I think I am screwed. Some things I am going to say won't make sense unless you followed my first post about a claim that was remanded back in 86. Apparently, I have a BVA case that was decided in 1990, that I knew nothing about. I never recieved anything regarding this process. The last thing I got said until I did something this claim was remanded. So I thought. Many things were incorrect, but I don't have the stamina to fight it, I am just to sick at this point to try. It's been 18 yrs now, I doubt I have any recourse at this point. I did notice that no copies of this BVA denial were given to the DAV, as I asked if they were sent a copy. I was told no, unless its at the bottom of the page copy to. Is that a possible due process error. I was able to get some copies of the denial 20 pages only. I just don't feel good enough to look at them to see everything it says. I went in to get a copy of my C&P exam, instead I got copies of this. I am totally blown away with this new fact. Can you make another request to view your records again and get more copies. They told me it would be months if I ask for a copy, I just filed a new claim and I don't want to slow that down.

polyps are abnormal tissue growth that eventually turns into cancer if left untreated.---Does IBS cause them probably not. There are some know diseases that cause polyps IBS isn't one of them.