BernieB

I got back in the program, I think, due to the help of the Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs. You raise a great point about why I'm not getting interviews. You can bet I'm be making some calls today.

No offense take. I will say their contribution has been to send me literature on finding a job. They made an administrative error and removed me from the problem saying it was my request. Show me the proof? There was no proof because I didn't ask to leave. My counselor said they would help me find a job. That has not happened. Maybe that's not their job? Then say so. I check in with them about every two weeks. What more do I need to do?

Probably the counselor or it could be me. I've applied for about 8 or 9 VA jobs. (GS-4-5). I never get an interview. I expressed my concern to my counselor about two week ago. I haven't heard from him since. I said help me find a job, or help mr line up an OJT program, or help me find a new career and/or send me back to school - or say I'm unemployable.

Question for your guys. What do you think of the success of the Chapter 31 vocational rehabilition training program. I've had an interesting ride. I've applied for jobs with the VA Hospital in Durham, N.C. The voc/rehab rep said I would have a good shot getting a job in food service or housekeeping. These are p.t. jobs with no benefits? Who would you call to complain?

thank you. i will ask him or another doctor.

I am 47, 50 percent SC for major depression (ptsd) and gerd/IBS. Recently, I've been diagnosed with asthma. My private doc is iffy about GERD being the cause. Could PTSD be a cause or aggravating it?

I take Effexor, Klonepen, busbar, Celexa, lithium and temazepam daily for ptsd and major depression. And people wonder why I forget things. It is very said for these soliders to die like that.

The doctor's comments came from the MRI, but it was done on my back. I had it done at the Durham NC VA Medical Center. Sorry if I confused anyone.

Danville, VA.

I had a feeling I was going to ask a dumb question. The results of the MRI showed scoliosis, spinal arthritis, a benign tumor on a vertrbre or two, something called hypertrophy, two or mild bulging discs. The physical therapist said my left leg is weaker than my right because of my back/spine. He asked me if I had filed a claim. I told him I hadn't. He didn't say anything. They are treating my asthma. No COPD. My private doctor won't say if the asthma is due to my my reflux. My claim was left the rating board Friday a week ago. Should know something soon. Thank you all for your help. Please forgive me not keeping you posted. I had to get a new Internet provider.

Does anyone know what 638 mas and 88 kvp mean on spinal x-ray?

First, let me apologize for not updating. I had to get a new internet provider. There were days where I could not jog on. Update. My private doctor says I have asthma. He won't say right now if it is GERD-related or not. Stll waiting on the VA to set up an appointment. VA docs told me yesterday I have spinal arthritis. I have two documented service connected back injuries while on active duty. Another doctor in Salem made reference to a bullous skin condition. He said I should see a skin specialist. They're trying to a fee basis arrangement with an area doctor. My major depression claim was decided Friday and now it at the next level (???). As much as you want this stuff over, there are times you've got to walk away from it. I go to the mail box day after day looking for the brown envelope. It will get here when it gets here.

very impressive

I apologize for the delay in getting back. It has taken this long to get a tentative diagnosis. My primary care doctor says I have asthma. What level, I don't know. He didn't say if I have COPD. Nothing worse than that. He said it is too soon to say if this was caused by GERD, but won't rule it out. Any suggestions?

I do have problems with hoarseness. It feels like I have foam/stuff down in my windpipe. I clear my throat a lot. My teeth are OK. I'll ask my dentist about my gums. Never sang a lick. But I really can't yell anymore. Some folks would says that's a good thing. No voice box pain to think of. Thank you.