ruby

Went to appt, ask if comp rating had been updated (still waiting for them to put in the increase from a year ago) told your 60% ( I was 40%) I saw I was given 10% for pain in L wrist and 10% L foot. This means I was denied for my Right wrist, both knees, L anlke, SI joints, Right Foot and Ankle. I was also denied IU and depression. I never applied for either. It was stated in my letters that I was depressed and my doctor considered me P&T Oh I also noted that my rating of 20% was for cervical and lumbar arthritis it has never said lumbar before just cervical. This is obvious to me they were denying my claim from the get go. I called the 800 number on 12/18/07 and was told they just recieved my CE on 12/17/07 the decision was entered into my records dated 12/19/07 My comp exam was 11/28/07--they never did my SI's at that point so its clear to me they were denying this from the start. Can anyone beat my record? No, I don't have the decision yet but I am sure I will get it within the month. Here is what I think has happen and I need help in deciding how to handle this--Yes, I saw my rep today and he said when you get your papers put in a NOD but that wasn't my question, so hopefully someone can help me here. I was given SC for cervical arthritis ie degenerative arthritis--- remember my SI' were remanded 20 yrs ago and I didn't do anything. I have reactive arthritis and I am being treated for reactive arthritis.Now I must connect the dots and I can do this several ways I think. One is this new DX of hidrandiditis supportva (cyst in groin) I have a current rating of 0% for a scar from this. The scarring is worse of course as it keeps coming back, but I will have to connect those dots that I was misdiagnosised in 75 and this caused my reactive arthritis. My xrays in the service clearly show that I had SI irregularity indicating AS but could not rule out childbirth trauma it also stated that a dx by history would be necessary to determine. I never knew I had reactive arthritis until 83 when it showed up on xrays again, this time much worse then before and I was sent to a rheumatologist at that time. I had symptons of the reactive arthritis in the service, such as unknown etiology of cystitis, pink eye (which was really iritis) vision impairment. When I was discharged within 6 mos I was seen frequently in the VA for leg and back pain, carpal tunnel, uveitis, iritis. I have evidence of food poisioning which causes this type of arthritis. Do I do a reconsideration pointing out these facts again and saying look guys SI joints would required someone to fallen extremely hard to cause any trauma-this is in the CFR 38 under sacroiliac joints. It was noted my si joints showed some irregularity in 1977 either chidbirth trauma or AS-it was confirmed in 83 by lab work and xray that I am HLA B-27 positive (indicates an auto immune gene) and they only way to get this type of arthritis is by some form of exposure to a bacteria and the fact I am HLA B-27 positive that would confirm the DX of reactive arthritis vs childbirth trauma. The agent most suspicious at this time would be the cyst in the r groin that was missed dx 30 yrs ago. Or I can apply for an increase for the scar and the cyst returning, which the VA has records that they saw me for this also. Or I can apply for a new sc for reactive arthritis (losing all my past due money if I do and win) Should I apply for aggravation or new injury's to my right wrist, foot, elbow, ankle and shoulder due to me falling and fracturing my elbow due to my arthritis in my foot. I am stiff in the morning and I can't walk well due to the stiffnes and pain, I woke up one night with IBS problems and had to run to the bathroom--I don't run so I didn't make it to the bathroom, of course I slipped and fell tothe point I fractured my elbow. No, I didn't get it treated, I was actually really sick with another flare up of my arthritis and IBS I was to sick to leave my house and I was by myself at the time. I just grinned and beared with the pain, it did really hurt. Finally I told my primary that my elbow was waking me up at night and the pain was bad, she got xrays of my elbow. About a week later Ortho calls me and said I had a healed fracture and now there was a chip bone. I could come in for therapy or splints if it doesn't go away I could have surgery. I chose to get my own splint and live with the pain. I could go that route and try for a new disability that way. Please inundated me with your opinions.

Pete, Just didn't want to offend anyone, there are exceptions to the rule. While you didn't see what I was originally trying to say is don't expect someone to take an hour of thier time to do this if they aren't getting paid for it. For those that can't afford to pay for another opinion the quickest and fastest way to get an answer is to do all the leg work yourself and do everything they could possibly ask for at the beginning. If I was willing to take the chance they would write something in a timely fashion, I am positive it would be more compelling then what I wrote. While I am probably being naive I think my SMR and VAMC clearly shows my condition is service connected and I don't need an outside opinion. The more I read, the more I am thinking perhaps I should cover all the bases before I am denied and I have to appeal. Should I take that route, what do you do ask for an appointment for a second opinion-In my area that will cost 275-375.

I hope I didn't offend anyone, my post wasn't meant to do that. We are all human beings and to evaluate a situation you must look at human nature to see if your path coincedes with thiers, if not, don't be surprised that you won't get what you need, if thier needs are not met also. More you make, the more you spend, the more you need. If you interfere with thier needs it's just human nature you needs won't be met. I am pretty good at writing letters once I know what is needed. That letter I wrote wasn't the greatest but with the time I had, since I am going through a major flare up now, it stated the facts that are in my medical records with the wording needed for SSD to approve. I am doing most of this research to get SSD within the first 30 days. If you keep your letters to the point and truthful most docs will sign them. My letter was originally designed for SSA and not the VA but I thought if I can kill 2 birds with one stone, let me see how I can word this that the VA will accept this letter as proof. It was suggested to me to write he reviewed my SMR and based upon what he reviewed more ikely then not this is service connected. I didn't write he reviewed my entire file, as he didn't , nor would I ask him to, I already knew that answer, he already wrote in April 07 in his opinion I was P&T, this wasn't new, he then reinterated they could only inject my hands a couple of times, I had to stop repetitive motions and rest, basically quit work. My lab work and xrays support my condition, I didn't stretch the truth. He was comfortable signing what I wrote. I already screwed up with the VA and now I am having to back track to get it right. From what I have read about the VA they will send off for medical records or opinions, the doc has 60 days to respond, if he doesn't they send out a second request that gives them 30 days, SSD does the same thing. If I have obtained this info for them, I just cut out 90 days waiting period. If they are going to request a RFC, if I obtain that for them at the onset I cut out 90 days response time, if I give them my xrays, labs, medical records, mri's etc again I cut down the waiting period. Then I do matrix's to show in great detail what I could do before I quit work and what I can do now, it shows them that I am not capable medically or mentally to obtain gainful employment. I am going to copy and paste something that I got from an attorney regarding SSDI the steps your claim goes through and what they ask for. Perhaps if this is good enough someone will sticky it so others can see what they need to do to get it first go around within the 30 day window. Here is a sample time frame taken from a case I tried a few years ago: January 1, 2000 - Claimant files application by calling or writing January 10, 2000 - Social Security acknowledges receipt of application and schedules a phone or office interview. January 25, 2000 - Social Security intake clerk takes down information contained in formal Application for Benefits Form SSA-16-F6). February 1 - March 30, 2000 - DAS claims processor sends form requests for medical records to all doctors and hospitals listed on Form SSA-16-F6. The claims processor may also send you a Disability Report (Form SSA-3368-BK) and a Work History Report (Form SSA-3369-BK). ------DONT WAIT DO IT WITH THE APPLICATION THAT IS YOUR APP, MEDICAL RECORDS, WORK HISTORY, DISABILITY REPORT, MATRIX'S BEFORE, AFTER, CURRENT, WEEKENDS. LETTERS FROM DOCTORS, RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY FORM, GET COPIES OF ALL LABS, XRAYS ETC THAT SUPPORTS YOUR DX April 1 - 15, 2000 - DAS claims processor collects, organizes and reviews medical records, Disability Report and Work History Report. Adjudicator will also send your file to staff physician and/or staff psychologist for review. [if evidence supports a favorable decision, claimant is notified and claim is sent for payment processing.] April 25, 2000 - Claims processor issues a form based denial notice. You have 60 days to appeal. June 1, 2000 - you file your appeal (Request for Reconsideration form SSA-561-U2 and Reconsideration Disability Report form SSA-3441-F6). June 10, 2000 - DAS acknowledges claim June 15, 2000 - DAS claims processor reviews Reconsideration Disability Report and sends out form requests for updated medical information and records from any new physicians. If mental health or physical consultative exams are called for, the claims processor will schedule appointment and send you an appointment notice letter. June 20, 2000 - DAS claims processor sends you Daily Living Questionnaire and will request statement from a person who knows you. August 1, 2000 - Claims processor organizes file, reviews it and takes it to an in-house physician/psychologist for review. [if evidence supports a favorable decision, claimant is notified and claim is sent for payment processing.] August 15, 2000 - Claims processor issues a form based reconsideration denial notice. You have 60 days to appeal. September 15, 2000 - you file Request for Hearing (form HA-501-U5) and Claimant's Statement when Request for Hearing is Filed and the Issue is Disability (form HA-4486). September 30, 2000 - Social Security office issues confirmation of receipt of hearing request. November 1, 2000 - your claims file is physically moved from the DAS to the Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA). June 15, 2000 - OHA personnel unpack file and begin to organize it. August 1, 2001 - OHA finishes working up file and sends notice to you (and your attorney) that file is ready to be reviewed. September 1, 2001 - Case is assigned to a Judge and a hearing notice is issued for hearing on October 15, 2002. October 15, 2002 - case is called by Administrative Law Judge March 1, 2002 - Judge issues decision. That's over two years, if you were counting. And, unfortunately, this type of delay is more and more common. What can you do about it? As a start, you need to do everything in your power to make sure that your file is kept up to date. That means you need to keep a current list of all of your doctors - with contact information and a current list of your medications. Remember, Social Security speaks its own language. So, whether or not you order my book, remember to focus on the vocational (work) limitations that arise from your medical condition. Also remember to be very specific - a statement that I can't walk very far and my legs hurt a lot - means nothing. A statement where you report that 'I can walk no more than 30 yards before I have to sit down and my leg pain is a sharp shooting pain from my hip to my feet that feels like an 8 on a 10 point scale' does mean something to Social Security. THIS IS WHAT I CALL A MATRIX IF INTERESTED I WILL POST ONE WHEN I FINISH MINE And finally, as a last resort, if you desperately need to have your case decided, call your Senator's office. Every U.S. Senator has an employee who spends most of her time helping constituents deal with the Social Security Administration. Many of the cases deal with retirement or missing check issues, but these Senate staffers can sometimes cut through the red tape to get you a quick hearing. I hope this helps others it made me see that if I get everything they could possible ask for prior to asking for it, I just cut my waiting period down or I just sped up the appeal process. I have no hard feelings toward anyone, nor do I wish for others to feel ill towards me. I appreciate everyone's opinions.

Pete, there is nothing wrong with having a high regard for doctors, but you have to remember we are all human. While you may not like that I said no money honey, no papers it's a simple fact of life, if they did fill out RFC's and write letters in support they won't make any money. Health care is not and never will be what it once was, its a business, while before the existence of HMO's and DRG's came into play, insurance companies were paying good money to the Doc's and they could charge for filling out forms, now they can't for most gov forms. In most offices they will say we charge 50.00 to fill out simple forms, and the office does those, that 50 is for him just to sign the form. RFC's are not simple. If a Doc had just 10 patients a week to fill forms out he would be losing 5-10 hours of income per week, and he isn't going to do that-human nature. Doctor today have up to 500 patients esp if they are part of an HMO. Just remember that doctors, nurses, tech's etc are people who work with people and they a no different then anyone else. Yes, they do say comments about people when they are out of sight and hearing distant of other patients, but they make them.--Human natu I have kept my distance from them as a patient and I limit what I tell them. I am in the field and have been for 30 years. I prefer not to be the brunt of thier jokes or sick humor which you must have to work in health care. If you have good working relationship with a physician that helps, if you do the work for them they will pretty much sign anything for you unless it is a direct contradiction. While the most intelligent thing for anyone to do is to fill the forms and/or letter out and then put it on a disk, give it to them with instructions on what and why it must be in that format and should they feel the need to change it, they can. Then all they have to do is print and sign-your still taking a chance they will remember to do that. To ensure that I get the paperwork, I do the work and ask them to sign it, right then and there. Unless they truly disagree with what you wrote, your are assured to get the paperwork you need to support what ever you may be doing. I hope this can help others in how to the make the system work for them. Thanks for your reply

In my other post I wrote about a new dx that might be the caustive factor of my arthritis. First let say I know for a fact lab test to prove I was exposed to 2 other causative factors that produce my type of reactive arthritis now there appears to be a possible 3rd, however I believe it could be caused by another disease process-but thats a different story. Here's my question. I developed this cyst in the service, it was treated in the service and by a private MD along with other treatments along the road by the VA and by me. Now it appears the cyst wasn't a cyst but this hidradinitis. I am SC for a scar due to this cyst that never went away 0%. Would I apply for a new SC disease related to a misdiagnosis or for an increase in the 0% or secondary due to the arthritis. This is all very confusing to me. This condition is extremely painful when active. I just lanced them myself and they would go away then come back. Now this is normally found with people who had acne, I didn't have acne, I just had the normal zit here and there. Etiology is unknown but can cause reactive arthritis or be associated with it and also DM. I have both, I think the rheumatogist is wrong on this being the causative fact but it makes some sense. What do I due, not to cause the rater more confusion then me in reguards to this issue. Is there a section for weird diseases and symptoms, from my understanding this is kinda rare, but its believed to be rare becaused its misdiagnosed. I am pretty much an expert on reactive arthritis and my symptoms as I have had all of them.

John, I sure hope your right and Pete is wrong. Thanks

Pete, What I have found with most Dr's if they don't get paid for it they don't do it. This clinic runs short on help everyday, if I had ask for him to take the time to compose the letter and send it to me, I never would have gotten it. In order to get a physician to sign anything they don't get paid to do, you must do the work for them and say here it is. If it doesn't fly then they will have to get something from him directly which means I am screwed and so are other patients waiting for a doc to do anything without compensation. I typed the facts and took my SMR for him to review, he read what I wrote (based on his previous notes) and agreed to sign it. The verbabe I used is what I understand needs to be said to show cause and effect for the VA and SSD. Thanks for your input but I hope your wrong.

Ricky; From 78-86 when I got out of the service I was seen by the VA for low back and leg pain, even hospitalized for the pain and a repeat myelogram was done. Findings were normal with the exception of SI joint narrowing. The medication they had me on worked but they took it off the formulary. I didn't want to take the substitute drug so I went back to motrin. Had a fight with a doc concerning another issue. I just walked away from the VA and never went back. From 1986 to 2005. I only saw one doctor on a rare occasion but I hadn't seen him in 7 yrs and all his records were destroyed in 2002. He destoys them after 3 yrs. of not seeing a patient. I have treated myself, if I needed anything being a nurse I could get it from a doc I knew, but there are no records of this. I had one inject my elbow free on 4 occasions, no notes, just doing me a favor so I could work. I knew that there really is nothing they can do for my arthritis so running to a doc is a pain in the arse and just putting money in his pocket to tell me try this drug. My asthma I had to get letters from friends and family that said she borrowed my inhalers or nebulizer. However over the past 3 years I was seen in the ER for severe attacks and 3 times in the VA ER within a couple of months so they increase the asthma to 30%. They increased the neck arthritis to 20%. It was the comp doc who said you need to get the rest of your joints rated as residuals, I am amazed you can still walk. He even had someone help me- guide me on where to go to apply for residuals. I have a rep but he doesn't seem to be interested enough to offer information on what and how to do something, I pretty much have done all this on my own. Thanks for your reply.

I don't know how to correct spelling errors (edit my post). It should read. More likely than not the patients arthritis is service connected based on the information I reviewed. I don't care if it goes back to 79, 86 or 05, or today I just don't know if I lost my rights since I walked away from the VA in 86 and never responded to thier request. To the best of my knowledge I never recieved any denial of claims, but that was 20 odd yrs ago. My arthritis is reactive which means I carry a gene and when exposed to the right bacteria at the right time my body will react and cause other problems and not due to any type of injury.

I have been reeading a lot of stuff on this site and I thank all you have contributed to myself and others. I went the VA doc today and ask if he would sign my papers and and RFC (residual functional ) He did. I didn't read everything and just found where it said I should have state with a doubt, instead of more likely than not--I hope that doesn't hurt me. Here is his note, that he suggested I get today and the letter I wrote that he signed. What is your opinion on how the rater will respond? 57 yo WF nurse with reatice arthritis since 1977. Shas radiographic sacroilitis bilaterally. Now she reports hydradinitis in groin for 30 yrs. Now she has axillary pustules as well. Her thumb has been become swollen over the past 4 wks eam sausage right thumb 1+ ankles, right knee, laet axilla and right groin active pustules IMP: reactive arthritis (supected due to hydradidinitis supportiva) spondyolarthropathy. Plan: depo medrol injection 40 mg along flexor tendon sheath. Pt is completely physically disabled permanently Try doxycycline for pustules 100 mg bid rc 3 mos This a rare form of arthritis that is supported in my SMR that I had a "cyst" right groin in 76 and have a 0% rating for scar. I was also seen in the VA shortly after DC for a flare up. I also have lab work that supports another form of arthritis that can be connected to the service. It is thought that I was exposed to 2 possible 3 bacteria's that caused different infection while in the service. In 30 yrs no one has ever ask about this infected sweat glands that occur primarily in the groin and axilla, so it was never investigated. He also wrote completley and permanently disable in July of 07 Here's the letter I wrote and he read and signed. To Who It May Concern: I am writing this letter on behalf of my patient xxxx. I first saw Ms. xxxx in 1983-1986, then from 2005 to present. I have reviewed parts of Ms xxx service medical records, specifically her enlistment physicals dated December 24, 1974, April 02, 1975 and September 24, 1975 and VCUG note on August 3, 1977 noting irregularity in the sacroiliac joints. It is my opinion that more likely then not the patients arthritis is service connected based on the information I reviewed. Ms xxxx symptoms have been steadily increasing in magnitude since 1977 when it was noted she had reactive arthritis in her sacroiliac joints, Ms xxxxx has progressively worsen over the past 2 years. It is my opinion the arthritis in all joints Ms xxxxx suffers from is related. I would consider her to be permanently and totally disabled due to her arthritis as dictated in my notes. Due to the magnitude, scope and complexity of this patient’s condition it is unreasonable at this time to expect that she will be able to work at any time in the near or distant future. At best, medication can only decrease the rate of progression in this chronic arthritic disease. In my opinion, this patient would be a liability to any employer, and would be unable to sustain gainful employment of any sort, due to her physical, mental, emotional and psychological limitations. Sincerely, I don't know if this helps any but he is the director of the department. Thoughts anyone, I really hope this good enough. I would like to get it mailed tomorrow to the VA rater if it looks like it will help me. Should I send copies of my smr showing when I was treated for the cyst in the groin?

Thanks Ricky I was dx with reactive arthritis in 1977 while on active duty by xrays and it is documented in my records- but no one told me. I was service connected for degenerative in the neck, wrist and foot. I didn't know I had reactive arthritis until 1983 when it was dx by this same doctor. I just went through my records and it showed xray are worsening of the SI joints in 5/79. I was seen for back and leg pain on several occasions in 79. I was DC 9/78. If I had minimal changes noted in 77 and 16 months later its much worse according to xray report, it would appear to me if I had this before I went it I could not have passed the PFT and I would have sought trmt for low back and leg pain, which I didn't At that time 1985/86 I applied for an increase they remanded it for more medical evidence--I didn't have anymore evidence to give them so I walked away and said the heck with it. From 86-2005 I didn't see a doctor for this, I took 2400 mg of motrin for the past 20 years it helped most of the time. If I screwed up by not doing anything in 86 regarding this REMAND, then I lose everything, except my orginial 10% they gave me, its been 20 years. In my ltr of support I pointed out to the rater that I was dx with this 2 yrs after I went into the service and I managed to pass my PFT's the entire time, if in fact I had this prior to the service it would appear to me I would not have been able to pass the PFT. I also pointed out that I had 3 entrance exams due to the delayed entry program all 3 said no problems. I admitted being hospitalized for headaches and that I had childhood asthma, why would I lie about this, it makes no sense. I really need help on how to write this for both the VA and SSD. I will re do and ask for help on the new one. I have an appointment with the rheumatologist on 12/26 I was hoping to have this done by then so he could sign it.

Trying to make this usable for both SSA and VA any opinions would be nice, do you think it covers both service connect (active 75-78) and depression due to condition. I am writing this letter on behalf of my patient xxxxx. I first saw xxxx in 1983-1986, then from 2005 to present. Ms xxxx symptoms have been steadily increasing in magnitude since 1977 when it was noted she had reactive arthritis in her sacroiliac joints, xxxx has progressively worsen over the past 2 years. It is my opinion the arthritis in all joints Ms xxxx suffers from is related. I would consider her to be permanently and totally disabled due to her arthritis as dictated in my notes. Due to the magnitude, scope and complexity of this patient’s condition it is unreasonable at this time to expect that she will be able to work at any time in the near or distant future. At best, medication can only decrease the rate of progression in this chronic arthritic disease. In my opinion, this patient would be a liability to any employer, and would be unable to sustain gainful employment of any sort, due to her physical, mental emotional and psychological limitations. I have included a residual functional capacity form to help further assist you in your evaluation of her claim Sincerley,

In July 07 when I got my VCAA forms at the back of them another form 119 was sent to me by error, regarding another individual. I called the VA and told them what I had they were suppose to send me something to send this back to them they never did. I forgot about this form until I pulled it out to see what it said so I could ask for advice--should I call this person since I have his info to see if they are still waiting for this form to rate his claim?

Thank you all for your opinions. I am probably the VA's best friend due to the fact that I am not prone to go to the doctors for anything. I know I have arthritis and going to the doctor isn't going to change that, for years I have been able to take 2400 mg of motrin a day to keep the pain at a level I could work at, now that has stopped working and the other 4 meds they have tried me on don't work either. I am taking the max dose of sulfasalazine, methtrotrexate, leflunomide, etoladac-I occasionally throw in motrin which is a no no, but I have to take something for the pain. I guess the depression started about 3 yrs ago when things started going down hill quick. I don't have a private physician, didn't go to docs just grinned and beared it, said thats life get use to it. I have an appointment on Dec 26th with the rheumatologist to get my hands injected so I can use them. I will ask him to write a note that my arthritis is interlinked. He already wrote in my records he feels I am permantely disabled but I guess that isn't worded properly. For SSDI I was going to ask him to fill out a RFC form to save time at SSA Does anyone know how it should be worded? Is this good enough: It is my opinion that the patients arthritis in all joints are interelated. Due to the patients decline in her health status it is of my opinion her depression is related to this condition. I guess when they offered me the psych consult and pain management consult I should have taken it.

This is what they sent me in July 07 In all my letters from family, friends, neighbors, employers they all mentioned that I extremely depressed due to how the arthritis is effecting me and that I was terminated from a job due to a severe asthma attack. We are working on your application for service connected compensation for IU and depression--We need evidenc showing that the following conditions existed from military service to the present time. -----I don't have any, it is due to the years of constant pain and not be able to do anything but rest on my days off.---so no I won't get it for depression. In July 07 I also recieved this response--they granted my increase rating for the cervical arthritis and asthma 3. Eval of residual-left wrist currently rated at 0% (now claimed as arthritis is deferred for VA exam) 4. Eval of residual left ankle currently rated at 0% (now claimed as arthritis is defered for VA exam 5. comp for arthritis in right hand, knees,right foot, SI joints--the issue of comp is deferred is defered for completion of all pending development, prior to rendering a deceision. 6. The issue of whether or not the veteran is entitled to IU is deferred for notification of VCAA--whatever that means 7. The issue of com for depression is deferred for notification of VCAA-whatever that means also. My VSO doesn't really help me. When I went for my CE on the feet, wrist, hands and knees. They never did my SI's. My xrays alone show that I should be wheelchair bound. I called the VA and ask why, and they haven't called me back or written me as to why? Only my SI's amd lumbar will get me 100% P&T based on there criteria of how visibily crippled you have to be. I don't want IU, I want to work even if its a couple of hours a week. While others may not understand this is a biggie to me. I want to be the one to say I can never work again at anything. Can someone please give me an opinion.

No, they haven't denied the secondary, I am trying to get my ducks in a row should they, incase I have to appeal I want the info mailed to them the day I recieve the denial. They can only deny half, as I am service connected for half of my body, primarily the left side, so its the right side that is in question. This all goes back to whether they give me the arthritis as auto immune or degenerative. That's why my question about if they remanded my SI's 20 yrs ago and no decision was made and I didn't do anything else about it, did I lose on the SI as service connected as that clearly shows 2 yrs after I was active I had minimal changes noted in my SI joints and it clearly states its is probably auto immune. From all my research minimal changes can show as early as 6mos to a year but there would be changes for sure at the 2 yr mark. Here's part of what was written: The Board notes that the vet is currently reported to have ankylosing spondylitis and there was x ray evidence of si joint involvement in 1977 during service. There was also xray evidence during service, however of a prior myelogram and it was subsequently reported on VA hospitalization that the veteran had fallen into a ditch a number of years earlier and had been treated with traction. The Board believes medical records of all such treatment should be obtained before a final appellate decision is reached on this issue form the veteran's appeal. Accordingly, the claims folder is REMANDED to the originating agency for the following action: The vet should be asked to specify the dates and sources of any back treatment she received prior to service. Whith her permission, the medicl records of such treatment should be obtained and associated with the claims folder. When this development has been completed, the veteran and her representative should be provided with a supplemental statement of the case, if in order. The case should then be returned to the Board in accordance with the usual appellate procedures for futher review. The purpose of this REMAN is to obtain additional evidence. No action is required by the veteran until she receives further notice. I had no evidence to give them that many years later, the myelogram was done in the late 60's to early 70's. I didn't remember the doctor I saw for the headaches 15-18 yrs after the fact. I didn't know to get my SMR records, I just got those in the last 6 months it clearly states who I saw then, they had that info and could have obtained those records which would have prove my side(there was no such thing as HIPPA in those days). There is no supporting evidence I can obtain, except letters from my family. If they deny the degenerative and I lost my rights to file for the SI's/auto immune then I am screwed. I need to put my house on the market now, so I don't lose it by repossession. I have 6 months reserve, if I apply for SSDI and get it, it will only pay my mortgage nothing else. I didn't quit my job because I wanted to, I had no choice, I can't do it anymore period, especially when they hired someone that another person refuses to work with and I am told I have to work with this person now who requires twice the amount of physical excertion then others---I can't do it. Can anyone tell me what that REMAND means.Its driving me crazy, literally not knowing what may happen. Thanks for your help.

In Nov of 06 applied for increase. CE done late Jan 06 Filed for secondary early Feb 07 Submitted all evidence in support of claim Mid April 07 Notified in July 07 of increase in award for primary increase Recieved back pay retro from July of 05 (first seen by doc after 25 yrs) Secondary was remanded for further medical exam. Recieved CE Nov 28, 07. CE at Regional Office Dec 18, 2007. Does anyone know what the VA is doing such as agreeing that secondary is service connected? related to arthritis in all other joints How long it will take on the raters desk based on the above. What is the likely hood I will get an increase? Would they retro from the 05 date or the date I filed for secondary claim. I understand that your treating VA physician, stating that he feels you are P&TD isn't sufficient to the VA, is this in fact true. I know its a waiting game but I have limited funds and I am getting scared that I will be forced to sell my house if I have to wait. Any comments good or bad is welcome, I would rather know its really a game they play then false hope. On my last comp exam for the secondary conditions they used 2 yr old xrays, if my rating is denied or less than what I think the minimum should be, would I dispute this based on them using 2 yr old xrays. Thanks for any insight.

Just trying to get my ducks in a row and ready to go if my rating is poor. My last CE they used xrays from 2 yrs ago for some and for others they got new ones or new views. Would I request that new xrays be used to give a more adequate and complete picture if the rating is low for the area's they used the old xrays. Thanks

Berta, Thanks for the reply. On a site I can't find now it had the grid on it and you could use it either manually or automatic. I plugged in 57, skilled, educated- it came back as disabled. I am not sure if my skills are transferable. I am a RN thats all I have done for 30 yrs. In my occupation I can't work, but if they say I am trainable to do something what I don't know with the arthritis in all my joints but I am sure they'll find something then I am screwed. Also in the SSD blue book it says disabled if you have active auto immune arthritis which by xray is evident. My SI joints on a grade of 1-4 and 4 is complete fusion I am 3 bilaterally. I am trying to get it on the first attempt within 30 days and hoping I can write it up will enough to see if they will use the last 7 mos as the trial work period. That is when my rheumatologist stated I was totally disabled. While my hourly rate is more than most and I made more than the 900.00 I still have not been able to work full time I only worked part time due to the pain and the need to rest my joints in order to work.

I actually rebutted everything I knew to be false and showed them where this traction occurred in the service along with all other mis-statements and showed where in my SMR it showed otherwise and it corresponded to what I had said vs some resident who was tired and in a hurry to finish. The care in the VA in the 80's was horrible. While I think its better in some aspect today, they still have many problems with quality of care, esp documenting what is actually said vs thier interupretation of what they think they heard or wanted to hear. I even pointed out where I had my entire spine xrayed in Jan 76 after the neck injury and there was no evidence noted of any previous back injury, but in Sep 77 I now show signs of some form of arthritis in my back along with L4-5 changes. Its pretty clear to me but then I am reasonable person. Humm not there in 76 when on active duty but there in 77 on active duty-bingo its service connected. There were some things that occurred in the service that my medical records disappeared when my records reappeared many were missing. I know what happen to them I can't actually prove it but I sure can lead you down the path to show you how and why my records are missing. I probably should have filed a claim for PTDS with everything that occured. With this claim I gave them carte blache to get anything they wanted from anyone. Thanks for your help, I will file for the IU now.

Part of my problem has been I don't go to the doctors, I just suck it up and go about my merry business. I left the VA system in 86 and didn't go back until 05. I never run to a doctor for anything, I knew I had arthritis when I had a bad episode sometimes bed ridden due to the SI joints I just laid there crying until it went away. If I got the flu I let mother nature take its course, an asthma attack, I had inhalers, my father had a nebulizer which I borrowed. I don't have any private medical records. When it got to the point I had to treat and acknowledge I had diabetes I went to a private MD, but the expense was to the point I couldn't afford the care. I was reminded by a neighbor I could go to the VA, which may be hard to believe I really had forgotten about using them, I wasn't happy when I left them in 86. In 05 I started back with the VA---My VA rheumatologist wrote in my VA MR's that he considers me totally disabled. I copied and sent all my military medical records and put them in chronological order for the VA, I copied and sent all my records from the VA, highlighting what was important to the VA. Here what is written on the remand from 86: The veteran and her rep also contend that the vet should be service connected for a low back disorder resulting from service. The board noted the vet is currently reported to have ankylosing spondylitis and there was xray evidence of si joint involvvement in 1977. There was also x ry evidence of a prior myelogram and it was susequently reported on the VA hospitaliztion that the veteran had fallen into a ditch a number of years earlier and had been treated with traction. The board believes medical records of all such treatment should be obtained before a final appellate decision is reached on this issue from the veteran's appeal. Accordingly, the claims folder is REMANDED to the originating agency for the following action: The vet should be asked to specify the dates and sources of any back treatment she received prior to service. With her permission, the medical records of such treatment should be obtained and associated with the claims folder. When this development has been completed, the veteran and her rep should be provided with a supplemental statement of the case, if in order. The case should then be returned to the Board in accordance with the usuall appellate procedures for further review. The purpose of this REMAND is to obtain additionlal evidence. The Board intimates no opinion as to the ultimate determination warranted. No action is required by the veteran until she recieves further notice. I was never treated for back problems, the idiot who wrote I fell in a ditch years prior didn't write what I said, I told this idiot that I was in a car accident on base in which the car went into a ditch, this was how I hurt my neck, possible broke my wrist, no one knows for sure as the pain in the neck didn't occur for a month after the accident and the wrist fracture didn't really bother me for 9 months after we think it was broken. It took almost 6mos to heal in a frigging cast. One day I woke up and couldn't move my arms above my waist or turn my head, went to sick call they ask me what caused it I said I didn't know but I turned in my chair and went to pull someting out of a drawer and felt pain. During one of my many visits for this problem I was ask if I had any accidents of any kind to cause this, I remembered this minor car accident at that point they said that is probably what caused this injury. There is no mention of this in my MR's. I have always said it was from a car accident. However the traction I was treated with is clearly in my SMR's. Due to this blundering idiot I am probably screwed. I just called the hospitals that I would have gone to and asked if they had any records from 68-71 and they said no. I ask if in 1986 if they would have had records and they said no. They keep records for 10 yrs. I think but I am not sure I did this in 86 also. Part of the problem was I couldn't find the name of the doctor I saw for the headaches, since it had been 15-18 yrs prior to this. It turns out his name was in my service medical records, that I just got a couple of months ago. He still would not have kept any records, so again no evidence. Based on the fact I had no records to prove my case, I walked away and said the hell with it. To make sure this is in fact service related I have asked and researched when does arthritis show up on xrays all answers have been no earlier than 6 mos to 1 yr. It was indicated by report in 1977, 2 yrs after I went into the service I had minimal changes noted in the SI joints and further investigation was necessary, which never occurred. I did this as to me it may be my only avenue to show it was in fact service related. Am I screwed with the VA in regards to my SI joints--the AS is not what I have, they didnt know at that time about reactive arthritis, they look the same on Xray's. Apparently I must have filed an appeal at some time. I am trying to figure out why this last comp exam didn't include my SI joints and what my next move is prior to getting my rating notice so I can submit what I need to do then and not 60 days later. Do I file out the UE they sent me in July 07 and submit it now or wait for this rating. Based on the previous time frames I should know in 3 months. I am filling out the papers for SSD only this time and I doing it right with alot of research on how to answer the questions to prove I am disabled. Thanks for your help

Yes, its reactive arthritis caused by a bacteria, which I can connect the dots to when I was exposed and the symptoms occurred. My problem is the myelogram, I need to find someone who knew me then and have them write something, the doc that ordered it is retired or gone. Medical records at that time were only kept for 7 yrs. Now they keep them 3 yrs in my state. Statute of Limitations in general is 3 yrs for malpractice. I am in the process of filing for SSD, but I am reading all I can to make sure I do it right the first time. What would I say to the VA to get them to review my case faster. I know the comp exam got to the regional office yesterday. Thanks for the advice

No, I haven't applied, I was sent those forms in July 07 but didn't fill them out since according to the rules I don't qualify. I even told the VA I didn't fill them out for that reason. I have read on this site that I should fill them out anyway and let them make a decision. I am using the DAV, but I am not happy with him, all he ever says is wait and see. I guess I thought he should have been telling me the stuff I am reading here or at least direct me to this site. If possible I will put something in the office to direct veterans here, so far its the best site I have found.

S & S= signs and symptoms. The actually lab copies I have all show that my blood glucose was elevated each time my blood was drawn. I am afraid if I educate the rating officers on what I really have vs "degenerative arthritis" I will get denied and possibly lose what I have until I can show them how to connect the dots. I am also going to apply for SSDI, my earnings have decrease over the past years, I can only work part time when I do work I am in severe pain. I have no personal life due to the pain and having to rest my joints just to be able to work a couple of days a week. Recently the arthritis in my dominant hand has worsen to the point my thumb is anklosyed (fixed) and I can't do my job. I am having to relearn ADL's using my left hand. Also, from my understanding I also have bilateral carpal tunnel (x30 yrs) and heel spurs from the arthritis, I didn't ask for comp for the carpal tunnel or heel spurs but I think the heels were examined with the foot and ankle comp. I did call the VA and find out they recieved the comp exam yesterday, hopefully I will have a decision soon.