livingrock21

Alright, now I can see my non-narcotic RX's. I'm assuming since the other two are narcotics, I can't view them. Or, I could be wrong and their not in the VA's system?

Pete, I may just do that tomorrow. TestVet, Shouldn't I be able to see a script number on my healthevet? I couldn't see anything before the inpersonauthentication, but now it has like a search function available, but still nothing shows up? If anyone can anwser that question, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks Speaking Out.. I'm going to have to call them tomorrow. I believe their closed for the night now. What about on th MyHealtheVet.. Shouldn't I be able to see my scripts on there at this point? The inperson authorization finaly went through this mourning, but I still can't see any of the scripts or anything. Thanks for the help in advance.

Still no meds. They must not have sent them overnight. What are my options now? Please help a.s.a.p.

Anyone else have any input? Thanks Pete.

I guess I should also add that I was seen in one of the outpatient clinics, and not a VAMC (hence the reason there wasn't a pharmacy right there).. I believe mail order is the only way to go for the pharmacy. Thanks again in advance.

I just went to my first VA medical visit today. My doc put all my scripts in. I'm on two differen't blood pressure meds, and she said I would probably recieve those in about a week. I'm also on two different pain meds, hydrocodone 7.5/500 and oxycodone CR 20mg. She didn't say anything about the pain meds, she made it sound like I'd be picking them up today, lol, but there wasn't a pharmacy there. I made it clear that I needed a refill a.s.a.p. due to not having any. I've been looking around on here, and seems to me that when it comes to controlled substances, it's delivered by fedex overnight. Is that the case, or am I making false observations. I'm new to all this, and pretty frustrated with the whole process. I'm deff. willing to try and keep the VA as my primary care due to the cost factor. When I was being see by a private sector dr. I was forking out a lot of money for visits and scripts. Help Please. I need to get this all straightned out, and need to know if I have to call in the a.m. Also, today I signed up for the InPerson Authentication, but I still can't see my scripts online? Help please. Thanks in advance.

I contacted the Pittsburgh VFW rep today, and he couldn't help me. My file with the VFW is still down at Roanoke. As soon as I found that out, I asked for the Roanoke Office number, and contacted them. I spoke with the Roanoke VFW rep, and explained the whole situation. She said she'd have to take a look at my file and get back to me. I'm not sure if she's going to be able to help me. She sounded helpful, but at the same time made it sound like there wasn't much I could do. Needless to say, I feel like I'm back at square one where I was when I first posted. I'm very frustrated, and like a time bomb right now. I told my wife to stay away right now, and to keep my daughter away. It's not their fault, but with the way I'm feeling right now, I feel like I could just got off at any minute. :o

Taken exactly as it was writen on this statement, "This is in reference to my request to reopen my claim and for reconsideration of my rating for Erythromelalgia..." He wrote it on a form 21-4138(statement in support of claim). I believe this statement was to reinforce the "increase" that I already have in their system, as I stated before I believe they messed up putting in for that increase, I asked for a reconsideration. As a matter of a fact, I have the letter I originaly sent them per the reconsideration. Check it out below. "To Whom It May Concern: I strongly believe that I was inappropriately rated, and request a reconsideration of the rating per my erythromelalgia. I was rated by code 8515 which in reality for my condition I should be rated by code 7119. Why I was rated per 8515 is beyond me due to 7119 being present in the VASRD. If 7119 wasn't present then I might agree that the closest code to fit my condition would be 8515. In the rating letter I received, it's stated that my condition had to be rated analogously due to no code being present for my condition which is false. I would also like to add some medical evidence that may not have been considered for my current rating. I believe it's the first page in my original service medical record. It's a letter from my military "primary care manager" (Dr. ******** that diagnosed & tried treating me with/for erythromelalgia), stating the characteristics of my condition. I continue to have flares daily, which do not respond to treatment. I have been prescribed multiple medications & treatments with no response. The medications that I was, and am currently taking are for the treatment of my hypertension, sinus tachycardia, and for the pain that the erythromelalgia inflicts. The medication doesn't help with the duration, nor does it help with how often I flare up. I am submitting this evidence due to what I 'said' at my QTC examination. In the rating decision I received it states that I said, that I have 300 episodes a year which is not true. I believe when I was asked the question that represents this answer, I was asked to give an estimated number. I stated that I was unsure of a number, and that I had at least one per day. The examiner then asked me again how many times per year I had an episode, and I'm unsure of the number that I stated. Once again, to clear up the characteristics of my attacks, I am submitting this evidence." I put my claim in while still active duty via the BDD program, so my effective date would be either my release from active duty, or my effective retirement date, which would be 22 or 23 Aug07. I'm not sure exactly what date I recieved my findings, but the date stamped on them was 26Nov07. I put in my request reconsideration(sent the letter above the very same day I recieved my findings). All I have done to date is file my original claim (both compensation and voc rehab), sent in my letter for reconsideration, and this statement today. I'm loving the help so far tssnave, really appreciate the help. As I've said before, anyones insight is very welcome!

Oh, another thing that really got to me. He said since I put in a request for reconsideration, and they put it in their system as an increase, I would only recieve retro pay from the date of them recieving the faxed reconsideration letter. This is BS! I didnt asked to be rated by the wrong code. Can someone give me some insight on this (what I should be doing, advice, ect.), please!

Oh, another thing that really got to me. He said since I put in a request for reconsideration, and they put it in their system as an increase, I would only recieve retro pay from the date of them recieving the faxed reconsideration letter. This is BS! I didnt asked to be rated by the wrong code. Can someone give me some insight on this (what I should be doing, advice, ect.), please!

I went to the RO today down in Pittsburgh today, thats why I dont have any posts as of yet today. First of all, I want to tahnk everyone for their help, and blessings. I dont know whether to consider today a good day or not. Usually if your undecided and unsure, it probably wasnt that great of a day. On with the RO counselor visit. I didnt tape it like I should have, the guy seemed nervous enough (a little high strung), and I didnt want to add any stress to the situation. When he first asked me why I was there, I told him I believed I had a CUE case. He looked at me as if he didnt know the acronym, and I started stating the words. As soon as I got to the second word, he knew exactly what I was talking about. He went on to say how they dont get granted very often, ect. (this is before I ever had a chance to explain my situation, actually it was before I ever even gave him my social).. I started explaining my case, pretty much everything I've stated here, and his attitude started changing, as mine did. Everytime I talk or think about any of this, as I've said before, it gets my blood pressure going. I stated all the facts, proved everything to him (I had a copy of the cardiovascular subsection from the VASRD), and he stat there and pondered for a few minutes. He then went on to say, I'm not sure why the examiners would have done this. I said the same thing, and I told him I found my rating code and criteria through google. He then went on and asked him self, I wonder if I can find it. Sure enough the first link that poped up was what I already had printed out. It was at that point he understood my frustration, and went on to say he coulnt believe the examiners over looked this.. At this point I guess he felt bad, and helped me write a statement for my increase/reconsideration that I already have put in the system. He said it should help it move along more quickly. He put stuff such as the criteria for my condition, and helped me dress it up a bit(thought a service officer was only aloud to do that, he actually wrote the statement also, so there wouldnt be any errors). He then went on saying I should add everything that could possibly be in my SMR. I was feeling pretty decent at this point, after he got done doing all that(it's about 4:30 at this point, and we all know how hard it is to try and get help from a silly villian when their supposed to be off {his office closed @ 4}). I asked him again at this point the faq's about a CUE, and if it pertained to my claim. He said it looked like I would have a pretty good shot, but that I should talk to a service officer (VFW) with help/info on that. Thats pretty much all I got out of him. He almost made it seem like I wouldnt want to go that route, even though I kind of stated what other peoples time frames have been on getting those threw. It really seemed to me like he just didnt want to talk about it. That just makes one think about how much trouble they must get in(whether it be the examiner, councelors, ect.). Does anyone know if its a big deal? I know one guy on her said that he had a CUE go through in a few weeks, anyone else have any experience at this? At this point I'm going to call a VFW rep's number tomorrow to see about a CUE. One more thin about that visit today that I left out. He made it sound as if me putting a CUE in would only get the code changed, and the'd be less apt to change the percentage along with it due to the wording of the CUE statement I'd have to write. Well couldnt I state it to where it would address both issues. The diagnostic code, and percentage. They made errors on both. Obviously if they rated me under the wrong diagnostic code, then I have the wrong percentage. Under the diagnostic code I have now (8515, paralysis of the sciatic nerve), it's rated by limb effected, and severity. Under the code(7119, erythromelalgia) I should be rated, it's rated as a whole. Any insight would be greatly appreciated! I'm still thinking about contacting the media(I sound media happy) if I do fil a CUE. The public should really know about how the VA treats us, and how we have to deal with them (when there's a problem and they want us to fix it, it better be done yesterday. when it's their fault, they'll get to it when they want to get to it).

You guys/gals really are awesome. Everytime I read on of your posts, it calms me down a little bit more. This sounds bad, but I guess knowing I'm not the only one in this boat. I am an OIF/OEF vet. Hopefully this will help, I hope. As I stated before, I'm headed to the RO tomorrow to speak with a councelor face to face. I still think I'm going to record the conversation. I guess I'll explain to the person the reason why (differen't story every time I call) before hand. That wouldn't be out of hand right? I didn't know they could call a CUE on themselves. How would that work? What do I need to do to make/pursuade this happen? As I've stated, I really do think this pertains to me. For some reason, they overlooked my condition in the VASRD. They rated my under a different code. It states in my findings that my condition was not in the VASRD which is false. That sounds like it fits the description of a CUE. Wow, that's what I should be hoping for I guess. In your opinion, how long would you say that would take if they decided to do that? Would it be faster for a NOD? I'm really appreciative of all the responses so far! Keep them coming please. You all are keeping me saine right now! Thanks again.

I really, really appreciate everyones help so far! You guys are great. I've calmed down a little bit for today after reading everyones responses. Keep the responses coming please. Any positive info, help, advice is very helpful! I think some of you have it wrong though. I have gotten a final decision on my findings (once, just not for my reconsideration). So I should be able to take those findings to court, esp. with this CUE law, which I really feel pertains to me. As I stated before, my case is all black and white, no grey. The VA screwed up, and now I have to pay by waiting for them to fix thier mess. There's no way I could have prevented them from rating me under the wrong code. Ricky, you were saying it's crazy to think the VA should get my claim done in a couple weeks. It's been a couple months, and their just re-opening it. It should be done by now, esp. considering the conditions. Betrayed, you know, there was a few conditions I didn't feel the need to claim, but I'm def. rethinking that. The conditions are legit conditions, but I felt like I shouldn't be getting compensation for them. I'm def. rethinking that decision. I know quite a few people that have worked the system over with BS, and had a smother process than I'm going through. Like, I really feel like I'm getting the shaft here. I'm not trying to get anything but what I'm due, like not anything extra. Per the VASRD, and one of the conditions I have, I should get 100 percent for just that condition under that rating criteria. I've always told my self that I didn't want the 100 though, so another vet might be able to get what they deserve easier. Thats not the case anymore, and if I took this to trial, I'd fight for the 100 all the way. Like... I don't know. I'm just that frustrated at this point. I'm heading to the Regional Office tomorrow to get some straight anwsers. I feel like it'll be harder for one of those councelors to BS me face to face and with a tape recorder right there. Thats how I'm going to start conducting all my business with the VA. Then if I ever do go to court, I can also point out how I always get a dif. anwser for the same question. Sorry if I sounded hostile towards anyone. As I stated before I'm just really frustrated with all this, and any time I think about it I can feel my blood pressure go through the roof. Thanks again everyone!

Thanks Manitou Sprgs. I really believe I have a case. It doesn't get any more black and white with me. It states in my findings that my condition isn't in the VASRD. So they rated me off a similar condition. That's BS. My condition is in the VASRD and I have the code. I could represent my self. That's all I want done. It's not like I'm asking them to do anything above and beyond. I just want their mistake fixed and I shouldn't have to wait 4-6 months for them to fix it. Thanks everyone. If I'm wrong, tell me. I really believe I could get this handled quicker in court than I will with the system they have in place. If I did go to court, I would def. contact the media. This is unacceptable, and veterans shouldn't be treated like this.

I found the definition of a "CUE", and if deff. pertains to me. He's the deffinition from a judge in a case. Clear and unmistakable error is a very specific and rare kind of error. It is the kind of error, of fact or of law, that when called to the attention of later reviewers compels the conclusion, to which reasonable minds could not differ, that the result would have been manifestly different but for the error. Generally, either the correct facts, as they were known at the time, were not before the Board, or the statutory and regulatory provisions extant at the time were incorrectly applied. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1403(a). .... So I could def. take this to court if not resolved here soon. So if I start doing some threatning, I should have this handled correctly. If what I'm talking about weren't so black and white, then I'd calm down a little bit. Why should I have to pay for them screwing up. Not once, but twice. With my compensation, and voc rehab. I've wasted a year of schooling that I could have gotten out of the way. I've had to deal with moronic VA "councilor's" (on the phone a coulple times a week).. It's just getting out of hand. If I were trying to work the system over like I've seen a lot of people do, and get away with. That's one thing, I just want what I'm due.

Also, can some one explain a CUE to me? I believe that may pertain to me. Thanks again.

I'm at 40% as of right now, but once my claim is ajusted, according to the vasrd (based off symptoms), I should be looking at about 70 to 100. I'm currently doing this on my own. I have the VFW listed as my service orginization, but haven't utilized them. I really just dont know what the next step is, and I need to figure it out. I really am considering a lawyer, and contacting the media. Any time you hear of a vet doing that, the wheels magically turn a million times faster. Any time I call and talk to a VA counselor, I get a different story. None of them know what their doing, and if they know anything about there job, it's specific. They know specific areas, but can only help you with that. The bad thing is, most of them are willing to admit that. That should tell you something right there. I've thought about recording my conversations with them. Would I have to let them know that I'm recording the conversation if I wanted it to be admitable in court? It really is rediculous the anwsers I get, and it really is different everytime I call in. Yesterday, they told me my claim would be done in a couple weeks, today I called in and they told me to expect another 9-12 months. I'm sorry for getting hostile, I'm just realy frustrated. I appreciate the input so far, if anyone else can help me out and give me advice, I'd also greatly appreciate it. By the way, I'm located outside of Pittsburgh, Pa.

Does this act effect the CRDP for medically retired vets?

Hello to all, I've known about this form since I was going to the Military DES, but forgot about it. I never joined until this week, just been kind of browsing around. As the topic states, I really am about to loose it. I know there are people on here that have it worse than I do right now, and I can't even imagine what your going through. I just need some advice on what I should be doing, if I've done everything right so far, what I should be expecting, ect. Here's my story. I was in the USN up until aug. of last year. I got medically retired from the Navy at 30% for my condition. I'm 23 years old, have extremely high blood pressure (heart attack range), tachycardia, and a condition called erythromelalgia (very rare). Never had any of these problems until about two years ago when they all started happening at once. The Navy service connected them all, but only rated me for the erythromelalgia (due to that being the only unfitting condition). I filed my va claim via BDD, and got my findings back at the end of last November. When I filled my BDD package, I also put in a claim for Vocational Rehab. I recieved my voc rehab findings back while I was still on terminal leave (about a month, month and a half of claiming). I was excited to see that letter, thought I'd be able to start school last fall(which I would have been eligible). I opened the letter, and found out that off an initial assesment of my medical record, the va was rating me at 0%(not elligible), now school's on hold. As I said I got my findings back in November. I also put in an appeal at that time for my voc rehab hoping to get into school for the spring classes. Yeah right, what made me thing things were going to start going right now. To this day, I'm still waiting to get into see a councelor for voc rehab. Thats the story of the voc rehab. Now on to my findings. I got rated at 10% for my hypertension, 0% for my tachycardia, and 10% for each limb for the erythromelalgia. The last part of the last sentence is the problem. Per the VASRD, my erythromelalgia (code 7119 in VASRD) is rated as a whole, not as seperate limbs. The VA when they rated me rated me under code 8556 I believe, which is paralysis of the median nerve. In the findings, they reasoned that due my condition not being in the VASRD (which is false, I just gave you guys the code for it, and when I called to tell them about this, I gave them the code also). When I contacted them to tell them about all this, I spoke to a real intelligent older gentleman, and he advised me to fax him in a letter of reconsideration. I did, and pretty much everything I stated here, I put in the letter (minus the voc rehab stuff). This was the same day I got my findings back. I found out a couple days ago, that they just reopened (they have it listed as an increase) my case a week or two ago, and haven't done anything with it. This is UNBELIEVABLE! If I were just asking for an increase, and that was it, it should be taking this long. I'm asking them to fix their mistake! Why should I have to pay for their mistake. Right now, I'm collecting unemployment due to not being able to get a job. Guess what, this runs out in about a month and a half. I can't get a decent job. Due to my condition (erythro), I can't use my skills that I learned in the Navy. I was an HT (welder), and can't be around heat or stress. The only position any employer is willing to hire me as is a welder. I haven't been able to start school yet (wasted a year due to the intial findings, and not being able to get in to see a counselor). Here's my questions. What are my options right now? Would I be eligible for unemployability? Did I go about all this the right way? Should I be getting a lawyer? Should I contact the media? Help? I'm really about to have a heart attack from this stress. It's not like one thing has went right with any of my VA experience, EVERYTHING has. It's like the see my name, and their like, "****, Man I'm really going to screw this guy.". LOL, that's how it feels anyway. Please help me.