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oldman273
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Posts posted by oldman273
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Well had my C/P today my file was huge. I have IVDS and now am on the waiting list for Surgery (If I have it) was curious about some things come up need some advice. My left leg is noted by C/P Doctor to be showing atrophy due to my back (his words) and left leg is weaker than the right muscular leg. I could not harldy bend to the front or much to the right and left due to the pain. Leg raise was killing me even to raise them off the exma table. I was told that the fact that my IVDS is affecting my upper back with MRI findings and with numbness to both hands by the C/p Doc. I was informed that I needed to file a claim on it but do I wait on this claim to get done before I submit or do it now.
I am at 80% at the moment but I think that with the exam for I put in for IU on account of my SC back injury and the resulting decline of my back after two surgeries what do you guys think about the chance that my IU claim will go through as my the ROM and constant pain meds will do anything to help. I did make the point that the pain meds make me unable to drive when I take them but who knows if he writes everything I say down. Adios and have a good day up late with the back just thought I would chime in. Thanks for any ideas on what or when to file on this.
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Thanks did not know the Cue could be set off while it was open. Another example of the knowledge I have on this board
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Oldman,
I'm sorry that your having this trouble, I know what your going through. I currently take 45mg 3 times daily and fortunately have no cognitive side effects. Have you tried other narcotics that are not as strong as morphine. What about anti-inflamatories, muscle relaxers, TENS unit. Being in constant pain is not healthy, maybe one of these suggestions is an option. Or, maybe you could try a lower dose of the morphine in order to function and then the higher dose when your home for the night.
Good luck, hope this helps,
Bergie
I have one of the implanted tens unit in my back to help with the nerve pain. I was up late last night with my back so maybe I was just frustrated. Only people with chronic pain understand what another person with pain is going through. My Doctor is of the same thinking that the VA is doing, they are slowly switching many Vets I know from hydrocodone over to morphine if the can handle it. I think it is the VA way to help curb the sale of prescription drugs that flow out onto the street. Thanks for the suggestions.
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Oldman273,
As April is right around the corner I have 2 questions.
1) Did you ever apply for reconsideration and recieve an answer ?
2) If not - have you filed a NOD yet, as your one year to
appeal,is drawing near.
carlie
Hey Carlie, I do not know what the difference is between reconsideration or NOD but the American leigon rep at local office filed it for me to keep the claim alive. I was told that I had an upcoming c/p exam but just like the "check is in the mail" I have heard that one before also. Thanks
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I am in need of any advice on traumatic artheritis in my entire back which I am SC for due to injuries that occured during service 20 plus years ago. I had a MRI that showed my whole back is eat up with artheritis and I did not need an MRI to tell me that but I did the blood test Doctors evaluated the back and MRI and called it traumatic artheritis. In the VA C/P examainers opinion he stated the Artheritis was not service connected of course I was in a jeep wreck during service hurt my back during same time frame backs been nothing but trouble. I started out with a back strain/ Jeep wreck herinated L5 S1 now they are replacing the very four disc from the sacrum up and putting in rods and screws and fusion in May. What do I do to get a Doctor to say that as the progression of the deteriation of my back from then to now is the direct result of my SC back? I am scheduled for surgery but for the last 4 years my back has really been steping out on me. Any thoughts let me know I am sure some of you may have the answer I need just not sure how explain it to them that makes sense.
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I had a claim back in 2002 for both knees and hip SC claim on my SMR which clearly showed history of injuries during active duty and surgery after service RO claimed that my workmans comp was reason for knees and hip claim. Never checked with SS or My last employer just "assumed". The list of errors the pro bono (?) lawyer listed is just error after error. Now that the case was remanded back down to the same hospital I am sure to get the same person who screwed up the first time. I have had every one of my claims go through this guy and he always low balls me on my claims. Frustrated as I am happy with Lawyer who won the case but the Lawyer is not that familliar with VA system. I am pretty sure the claim is coming up this year sometime but who knows how long the RO will get the file moving.
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Hello any of you guys (chronic pain types) ever had trouble with Morphine and not being able to drive? I got increased to 3 30mg a day and now the stuff has been in my system for like 3 months driving now is a choice hurt now wait till I am in for the day or night or take a chance and really hurt myself or others. I use my head but now I cannot be relied on to go get this or pick the kids up at school so with that choice alone I gladly hurt till I get home with the kids. I am just burnt out as my Doc must belive this stuff is the answer to everything. Morphine is good for some people but I am about tired of this stuff. I am scheduled for Surgery in May for my back so maybe I can step down a dose I hope after they do the back. Any ideas or thoughts please let me know. I have found for me what helps with my back is the hot tub but not owning one myself am at the mercy of others. Adios and have a good day.....
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Hello I know it is logical but would PTSD affect a persons Blood pressure? I had a guy in my group the other night who is SC for PTSD and he said he got his Hypertension connected to his PTSD. Any Ideas of if this is logical? I know that if something that is not SC and it agrivates a SC condition it is rated as if the Non SC were SC. Am I right on this? Have a good day I was wondering if anyone had heard of it.
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Why did your doc say your PTSD doesn't warrant service connection? just wondering. You can only get rated for one mental disorder so I'm not sure if your future intent is to get your PTSD as aggravated (secondary) from your depression.
Good luck on your IU claim. You definetely have just as good of shot as anyone being already 80%.
Yes thanks even doing VA math I knew that my back being worse to where I could not get around without crutches and not being able to bend over at the waist hardly. I put in almost 3 years ago this coming fall was turned down once at the state level for IU and I asked for reconsideration showing the MRI results from 4 years ago and the one that I had done prior to submiting for IU had 3 more disc ruptured and the EMG test showed severe nerve damage in both legs. I had been being see through the VA for PTSD from a civ job and the depression from the change in my life not being able to dress or interact on the basic level had got to a point I had lost about 40lb and my nerves had gotten really bad again. I had hope the VA would look at my current condition but they cherry picked a few things and never even looked at my back or the increase in meds that leaves me with the option of taking the pain meds or putting them off until I can get back from the Doctors office until I can take any pain meds. Only good thing is I had my other case for bilaterial knees and hips remanded back down from the BVA to the state again to reopen the claim for them that has dragged on for 8 years.
My currnet claim is that my SC back condition has increased the depression and with my wife leaving me on account of the inability to get around and not be so dam ill all of the itme has been a kick in the head let me tell you. If you or anyothers have some insight let me know as I have given up on getting my local rep to help most of the stuff I send from his office reguarding my claim gets "lost" funny how that happens. Have a good day and thanks for the input.
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Here is something you guys might know something about. I have PTSD but it is not SC, However I am diagnosed with a GAF score of 55 with the VA Mental health Doc. He put down on my records that my current PTSD is not service connected but the fact that depression secondary to my SC back disability is affecting my non service connected PTSD. I have had a claim in for IU on account of the SC back disorder rated @10% and 1 other SC condition rated @60% along with 30% and a few 10% that adds up to 80%. With all of that said I have read where when a SC condition affects or agrivates a non SC condition the VA must evaluate all connected disabilities. I admit I am kind of worn out fighting the VA like all of you but I have been scheduled for Surgery on my back and I know that I will be rated for IU for the period of surgery and the time it takes me to heal. What I am wondering is there a claim here? I am just agrivated but you all know how that goes dealing with the same people. Have a good day..
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Thanks J I am not all of that keen with the back and the fact you about got to be a Doctor with all of the terms used. I keep it simple pain lowballed goverment medicine when I look at my back and the VA. I have been looking at the best avenue I can go with my back just do not know. I really got to hit the other Nuero Doc up for what he thinks is the best way and if the artheritis in my back is SC. Not being a Doc myself I have no say in it. Like I put in before the pain is a big part of my life right now if I let it be but it is becoming harder and harder to have a reason to get out of bed here lately. You have a good day and adios and thanks for your advice/help....
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Oldman
How many opinions have you gotten from doctors on the need for a fusion. I know that it is not minor surgery. I think it is a last resort type of surgery. Also, the surgery may be successful, but you continue to have serious pain. Have you tried every other option? My back doctor discussed it with me. I decided that as long as I could walk I would not have it done. I hate the idea of being on dope for the rest of my life, but at present I can walk and I do have some hours of the day when I am not in persistent pain. That is only due to taking percoset 4 times a day.
Thanks Yes this next opinion will be my 3rd go around to see if it is worth the risk, I cannot dress myself socks shoes or pants. Last year the surgeon told me that there was nothing I could do right now other than have a stimulator put in. I did the trail and had the stimulator put in me and it worked for a while but the pain is horible. I am also being treated for depression put a claim in for it along with IU but have not heard anything on the reconsideration based on my current condition. The VA sure is quick to take stuff away but slow in getting it out as one older Vet down at the hospital told me last week. I have been at applying for IU only about 2 years the first turn down was expected but my claim is complicated. I am going to the last surgeon this next month for his view on it. I was trying to get the stuff I needed done here before I move. I like what I hear out of the Medical University there but I am going to try and make it to charleston this next week and go down there and poke around. I want to see if what they say is true. Thanks I am not going into this lightly. Have a good day...
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The back will still be rated on the range of motion post fusion.
The Nerves will berated separately. They are supposed to do that according to the regs. I have seen some serious lowballs with back claims.
The Max you can get is a 60 for the back not including the nerves.
J
Post fusion rom I have no Idea about what that will be I am just looking into that aspect of the surgery right now. I do have some people that are supposed to get back to me about their opinion of my spine. They are Docs who are going to look at MRI for me as a favor. What I do not get is how the rater can say that a 20 plus year old injury would not be the cause of artheritis in my lumbar area where the injury was in the first place.
I did want to ask you or anyone out there If a SC condition cause or agrivates a non service condition that non Service condition is supposed to be rated as if it were SC? I have been having some problems with my upper back that shows some problems with the spine that are affecting my nerves in both my hands. I was told on the phone htat if they were asked about this that the lower back problems would be causing stress on my upper spine that could be as likely as the cause of my upper back C12 -C14 problems. I have had no injury to my back other than SC injury. Adios and have a good day I will have to do some thinking as the back issue is a hard one to look at. Have a good day....
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Helo I am 80% now total SC but was told other week I am now faced with an option of Surgery with 3 disc replacement with hardware and screws and fushion of the disc. I wanted to hear others thoughts on what they have had with back surgery as this is also SC but I am really not sure if I want to face a 6 hour surgery. I had put in for IU in 2008 and it was denied and I asked for a reconsideration based on the fact that my back had gotten worse and now I can not get around with the two cruthches. I had some nerve damage show up on MRI and followed up with a EMG test which showed chronic nerve damage in the right leg. Any ideas or thoughts as I think I am on the slow boat to disaster. I know everyone has problems but I am afraid to have and not to have it at the same time. Have a good day.....
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What exactly does your "denial" letter say?
What are their reasons for denial?
What do your VA doctors say?
Are you currently "employed"?
What are you taking, medication wise, for your back?
What about other conditions? And, what of medications for your other conditions?
Thanks the denial letter I cannot remember but it said since my heart had improved somewhat that a new cmp woul be scheduked in the future. I was fine with my heart getting better who would fight that one? My issue was the fact my back was the reason I could not work. I also submited evidence (MRI, Emergency Room visits) for my back as well as tgeir own VA Doctors saying there was nothing they could do for my back. I also got a second opinion that my back was toast and Surgery would not help me at that time.
I was told that my paperwork was lost several times. I was employed but retired from my job as a result of non SC injuries. I explained to the VA rep that my back was a problem for me as the medicine (morphine) I take a good bit each day to help with my back. I had one Doctor who recently did the nerve stimulator implant state that my Back could have been the cause of my knees going out after 7 years at BVA I won the reprimand back to the state and they have to figure out another way to beat me out of my back pay. I also cannot drive or stay awake while I take my meds I have asked the Doctor about other meds each visit but the VA uses the chaepest drugs they can. I do not get to go with my family much on trips due to the way I fell when I do not take my meds. I am seeing the VA shrink who is treating me for increased anxiety due to the back being a constant source of miserey. Tried everything, any thoughts are welcome
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Hello All I have a few questions. I am 80% now prior to the VA doing surgery and VA tells me even though I am SC to 80% with at least 1 SC that is 60% for 4 years I have been refused IU. I am going to have back surgery on my back which the VA has not considered since I am low-balled for 10% they do not considier me to be unemployable due to the Back and heart issues as I have claimed. The surgery told me "If I wanted to try this" I am having the very bottom 4 disc replaced fused and rods and screws in the my old broke down back. I am also having some nerve damage in my legs and my fingers are going numb from some disc problems in my upper back. I just tried a nerve stimulator but my back kept going out so now after all of that they want to try surgery. This will be third surgery on my back any suggestions or advice. I know that I can apply for IU for the time it takes me to get over the surgery. I have been trying to get the VA to considier the current condition of my back for 2 years but no luck. The medicine I take for my back has been increased 3 times in the last 2 years alone. Again thanks for any advice you could give me....
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my ex brother in law had the same surgery I have the same problem and I refused to have the fusion and bars put in, I have L3-S1 are shot my VA doc gives me the other pain candy perocets I haven't driven since 2002 my wife drives me every where between SSD and VA she doesn't need to work anyway she might make my income taxable and we have enough to eat and pay our bills so we are happy that bars and fusion didn't work for Rick my ex brother in law they did his in Augusta Ga the hardware popped and they had to go in and redo the screws, the VA ended up giving him 100% after the BVA appeal he was hurt back in the late 70s in Germany when a tank went off a cliff and he and the other men were left hanging upside down for 18 hours while they got a tank retreiver in to pull it out because of where it was they needed 3 of them to keep it from dropping farther into the canyon......it took him 2 years to get SSD and about 3 to get his VA claim dealt with.....
Thanks for all of you peoples advice. I am really not sure what I am going to do at this point I am going to get another IMO with another surgeon. I am angry in that doing the things they told me to do having the implant and still want to hack on me really bites. I know that the VA examineir will always side with the lower of anything he scores but I waddle everywhere I go and really am scared of having the suregery. I will have to pray on it and look at my options. I just wanted to add I have been trying to get my SSA records for my case went up to the window today got the word to come back Friday and the Super will look at my records to see what I need to send to my Pro bono Lawyer helping me fight the VA. Adios and have a good day and thanks for listening...
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The criteria for temporary convalesence and hospitalizations for SC disabilities is avail here under a search.
Also if you search BVA decision they often give key points as to how these types of claim are awarded or denied.
Also are you still within the appeal period on the TDIU denial letter?
If not you could re-open and with a strong IMO the TDIU claim might well succeed.
Make sure for TDIU claim you tell them of the side affects of any meds you take that make employability unfeasible.
Have you applied for SSA disability benefits?
Thanks so much for the advice on looking up the regs. Yes I am on SSA but it is not SC it was a Injury at civ job. I have discussed the posibility with Primary care Doctor about switching meds but the VA stands by their Vitamin M (morphine) as their go to for chronic pain. I ahd palnned to bring that issue up about the meds during the meeting with my rep. Thanks so much have a good day
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Hello I am SC for Back problems Nerve damage and recnetly had surgery (implant of nerve stimulator) I was wondering if I did it on a outpatient status I was under no lifting for 3 weeks anything larger than 1 gallon of milk and about 6 more weeks of guarded restrictions. I had this done at a civillian hospital.
I also had this done not to go through the 6 hour surgery that the VA Nuero advised me I could try this instead of having 3 disc replaced and bars, screws and fusion. Well it did not work out like we had planned now I am scheduled for surgery at Charleston in May of this year unless my other civillian Nuero surgeon says it is not wise. Anyone got any ideas if the one surgery would grant my the temporary convo rate for the first surgery? I am 80% now but since my back got worse 2 years ago nothing but denials from the VA to even examine my back. I was told that since I put in for IU and it was denied once to go ahead and get another opinion with a civillian surgeon. I cannot walk without canes as I cannot put any pressure on my back without pain. Any ideas please let me know. I am sick of this pain and the morphine makes me so sleepy I dare not take it and drive a DUI is about all I need right now. Adios..
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What locations are they discussing fusion with Hardware?
Be advised that After I had the fusions I waited 5 years only to have the disk above and below the fusion to blow out.
Exactly what happened to me after first surgery. From the Sacrum (?) very bottom L5S1 and the 3 disc above that. Also surgeon said that there going to be 4 rods and 16 screws I would think it would be at the very bottom where the problem is? I do want to add that the Doctor was honest with me more than any other Doctor has been and explained that my nerve damage in my hands and legs and feet probally will not be able to be fixed but he had to get in there to see. Thanks as I just had one of the stimulators installed in November If I had know this I would not have had it put in. It helps but not near as they said it would. Any other ideas or thought appriciated. I am going to do pool theraphy today. Have a good day...
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Hello I had a meeting with My nuero surgeon at VA today and the surgeon told me he wanted an answer would I consider having 4 disc replaced and screws and bars in my back and fused I have really bad artheritis also. I just had a stimulator in Nov and after all of that now the Surgeon opts out for this. Me I told him I owuld have to think about it as the surgery is going to be a minimum of 6 hours and I am wondering who has had this with 4 disc being replaced? I know everyone is different but I am at my wits end with pain and the VA is not the greatest at pain managment. Any thoughts shoot me an e-mail. My hands are starting to go numb like my feet did so that has me wondering if nerve damage can be fixed. Have a good day
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Umm. a tens unit while using similar principal is not the smae thing. Sorry but the stimulator is a thousand times better, and I have used both extensively. The leads for the stimulator actually come into contact with the spinal cord. It makes for a huge difference.
Further I had the surgery mentioned below, and it did not correct anything. The nerve was already damaged. Nerves conduct their signal along the outside mylan sheath, and mine was severed. Nerves do regenerate but the process is amazingly slow... I'll be dead long before mine could heal.
Again..Im going to PM you with my phone number. Please feel free to call, no matter the time, and collect is fine. I will help you with understand how the control works, and we can work together on getting you some relief here ok? I am more than willing, cause I hate to see what could be a real benefit be passed over. My stimulator works incredibly well during low or even mid pain cycles. When the pain really ramps up it is useless to me, but it certainly gives me more bad than good days. I just had a new one installed a few months back, and since they are now rechargeable, and supposed to last between 10 and 20 years I am a big advocate of them. My old one was great until the battery died.
Bob Smith
Hey Bob Sorry I was off line for a couple of days I am seriously thinking about doing the implant only thing got me to thinking about it is being on the hook for drugs through the VA with everything I deal with I hate to be looked at as a druggie. I know us people with bad backs are looked at sometimes as drug seekers but I would try anything up until surgery myself. I have had 1 civ surgeon and 1 military surgeon both say my back is toast surgery cannot help. I am just at a point to where I have to do something else. I am sure many of you know what I mean. I am not into hurting myself not a shout out just angry tired and ill cause of this old broke down back. I sent you a message sorry for the lack of response but my mind has been elsewhere. Adios..
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Hello I just got a trail implant for a pain stimulator for my lower back today feels like 10000 ants or bugs traversing down my body. I suffer chronic pain as a result of SC back injury and am at wits end. Tired of going back and forth on the med merry go round. Any thoughts on what helped and did this type of procedure do you any good. I know everyone is different but witht he stonewall at the VA I had to try something. Adios and really would like to hear from others in the same boat. Funny I thought that the thing would help with ROM but I still am not able to bend hardly at all more like a half of a bow to another asian. I would be considered rude as the deepr or lower bow is a sign of rrespect I am glad I am still here in the US. Adios....
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And, get in touch with the SSA and get a copy of your "Earnings Statement", going back 10 years.
They'll send that right out to you, doesn't take but 3 or 4 weeks. You need it. You can use it to prove that you have not been gainfully employed.
And, like Carlie said, scan that rating decision puppy and let's see if it's got fleas!
Thanks I will make a copy and black out the personal stuff I know it has plenty of fleas LOL What really gives them a leg to stand on denying me is that one of the two reasons I was medically retired was NSC PTSD. I can understand that part but they are trying to say that that is the only thing keeping me from being gainfully employed not my current back condition. Thanks I try to stay positive just do not want it going north by any way shape or form. Have a good evening....
Had C/p Today So Much Info To Go Through
in VA Disability Claims Research
Posted
Well Pete thanks for the Vote but you know how the vote goes for us veterans sometimes. I am hoping that they lo9ok at the evidence I submited and not go through and cherry pick. Oh well at least I got a chance some people have nto got even that. Some guys whole records get lost. Adios and have a good weekend we are off to Charleston great for the kids bad for me I have to get out and stretch a good bit and pay for the ride the whole week ahead.