oldman273

I am still confused about the effective date of TDIU. I was retired in 2001 from a Civllian Job due to SC migraines from hypertension and a non SC conditon as secondary to the Migraines. I had to fight for like 3 years with sporadic results until I was granted SC for migraines secondary to hypertension 30%. I was missing a lot of work from my job with migraine headaches emergency room visits the works. I applied for TDIU in 09/2009 I had my two CMP exams right off the bat and it has been hurry up and wait. I had thought that since I was retired from work for the SC condition Socail Security records show that it was migraines that was one of the reasons my last day worked statement is May 10 2001. I will be happy with the effective date of Novemember 01 2008 as an effective date but I just wanted to nail this down. Thanks so much as my back has gotten worse and I cannot appply for an increase in benfits until this is over a mute point if they grant me with TDIU but I do belive that if I submited my claim on my current back condition would put me over the to regudless of the TDIU with the Artheritis/nueropathy and range of motion that I am dealing with now. Thanks for your thoughts as I am a little squirley here lately. I am 80% right now but from what my civilian Nuero surgeon has stated is that the nerve dammage as shown on MRI by the VA and my back and 3 heriniated disc. The way it is I will only get worse as time progresses. I am 60% for my heart with really bad shortness of breath and no energy at all. My mets are rated at 4 from my CMP exam in 2008. I just wanted an answer or opinion from you guys.. Thanks...

I thank you for the reply and here is the skinny. I was retired from Civ Job in 2001 for Migraines and PTSD. Migraines relating to SC hypertension and the PTSD was not connected to SC . I was missing days from work and had been going back to ER for migraines for treatment on a regular basis. You were right about the heart I have hypertensive heart disease secondary to SC hypertension. Ejection fration is at 45%. I know that my claim has been at the Rating board since Jan so at least it was not a quck reply in the negative but I try to stay positive. I do think the best I can hope for is when I filed my claim which was October 2008. It would be nice if they would go back further than that but that is the way things go. SS says the same thing as to when and why I was retired and the Hypertension played a role as when I get stressed out my blood pressure which is normally hig anyway goes through the roof and bam I get a migraine. Funny I go out to my farm for weeks at a time and it is so good just to get away from the world. I did want to ask what in your opinon do you think the date fo claim would be? I had thought it was the day I last worked as a result of a SC condition that was in part the reason but I could be wrong have a good day, adios and thanks.....

Hey just wanted to chime in. I have DDD in my back from an old injury in service. I had the nerve dammage diagnosed by both VA and Civ Doc but they lowballed me and skipped over the meat of the claim. Do not get mad Just hang in there if you do not get the % you deserve. I had went back to the Clinic today and asked that I get another MRI as I got Nueropathy in both legs and Numbness in feet. I would say also that just keep making sure you get your symptoms documented. I was happy my Doctor agreed with me but I am waiting to see what the MRI says. It is a hard journey but hang in there I wish you luck...

Hello All I have a buddy who I talked into going to the VA to see if he can qualify for Healthcare. My buddy served in the Gaurd for both his basic training and AIT. He served from 1981 t0 1987. I do not recal any deploymnets other than summer camp. I was told him I had a vast network of vets who could help him he is going to his local VSO and get a copy of his DD214. Adios and have a good day

Yes I was awarded service connection for migraines secondary to hypertension. What I am thinking is that they are doing the figuring since I wa retired from my civ job in 2001 in part for migraines. I do not know how it works out until I get the letter. Me myself I am just tired from the battle but not giving up. I had also the SS award letters submited to the VA that in fact part of the reason I was retired. I have been reciving benefits for about two years at 30% for just the migraines. I would be happy to see the migraines leave all together as those bad boys come up and put me down in the bed about 4 times a month now. Thanks though for the question to help me work out the thought process. Any help is welcome....

I was retired in 2001 for a SC condition from a civillian job not knowing years down the road it would be SC. I had knew very little other than what I heard other vets talking at the VA together until I found this forum. I was retired in part due to Migraine headaches but I never even got the SC for migraines until 3 years after I applied intitaly witht the VA. Now My claim is at the rating board for TDIU. I wondered if the date they would look at would be the day I applied or the date I filed my TDIU or when I was retired in 2001? I am rated for 30% Migraines from hypertension bad episodes where I go to the ER often all this infromation is in their hands. Took me a while to think about this until I saw another post reguarding SSA and SC migraines. I was retired from both my job and SSA by this condition but like I said I must be dense as I know they have had my SSA records for two other claims in the past. It is a crying shame that in my case a VA Doctor was overuled by a Nurse Practioner in the C/P exam office I had thought that like poker the Ace being a surgeon overulled the Joker LOL. I do look forward to any suggestions as they have not made a descion I am hoping that the longer they take the more they have to ponder how to get out of paying always a good sign if you can wait them out. have a good day.....

I forgot to mention Yes I have the claim in it is at the rating board since December 08 so I guess I will hear something soon. I know they are working on it I call and check about every week here lately. I had thought about filing a new claim on my back as I have some nerve dammage and resulting Nueropathy in my left leg and foot but if I am successful with the TDIU I am not going to pursue them unless the award is not P/T. What is your thoughts on this? I already had all the C/P exams and the past employer and SS records that show I was retired part for the Migraines. I do not want to draw any heat from putting in claims but I want to have all of conditions rated so everything is noted and rated on. I had been advised by members on the forum and from the VARO that I should wait to hear on my TDIU claim as it would hold up my award if they approve the claim. I know it is complicated but I am pretty young but with my heart the way it is as a result from all the years of uncontroled hypertension I suspect that my heart will only get worse. Adios and again you do great work on this board and I appriciate yours and other advice.

Hello Berta, I was sorry to hear about all your troubles going on I hope you get your claims in order. We all get tired of the bull we hear from some agencies. I am 80% the break down is 60, 30, 10, 10, 10, 0, 0, and a few more but I think I will look them up. I had to retire in 2001 from the Migraines dignosed as "vascular in nature" from my flucuation of my SC High Blood Pressure. I got hurt and I have the PTSD from a civillian Job. I have never put in for PTSD based on my service records but I was retired medically in 2001 for the migraines and PTSD. I have not worked since then. I am on SS but was just curious it would seem like they would try and pinn everything to my Civillian PTSD so I guess an IMO opinion to reflect that is my only option. I have been down latley as when spring comes my kids want to run and play but I have this bad heart I cannot get out there and run with them like the other parents do. I do like throwing ball so I guess I am lucky there is no running involved. Have a good day and good luck on your claims....

Hello Folks I got a question for anyone with the answer. I have a SC condition High Blood Pressure that has done many malicous things to my body so far. I was with a shirnk from the VA who has helped me a good bit but she recomeded that I should consult with an Doctor to get an IMO that tied the High blood pressure that is driven higher sometimes with my PTSD. I am already rated for the Migraines as secondary and I have a lot of things that tend to cause my blood pressure to shopot way out the roof sometimes as a result of my PTSD. I have and continue to have a lot of problems with my PTSd but I understand completely how it gets in the way of normal life. I just wanted to ask has anyone heard of such a claim or reasoning? I do not intend to tie up the system with claims I have no chance in winning but just a thought. For the record my PTSD is not service connected even though I had a lot of harsh stuff I witnessed in service. I had a buddy fall off the tent and impail himself on them metal tent rods from the GP large tents fell off the roof of the tent right in front of me blood was spraying and then had to lift him up off the thing and airlift him out from the area. Lots more stuff than that but I was the one usally got the injuries my Medical file reads like a who who of the ER. Blown up in a shower unit in Korea, Tossed out of a moving amtrack, Jeep wreck into a concrette barrier on guard duty the list goes on and on. I just am waiting like everyone else on the last claim to come back. Adios and have a good day

I too agree with everyone that the VA and the the US goverment who sent people to war are the ones to recive us veterans for care. I just think a lot of pressure is on the Current Administaration for any money they can scrape up. I personally did not vote for him but my point is that we as veterans have to stick together where ever the challenge comes from. I also do not think it is a political issue more of a danger to all of us when anyone thinks that they can pass the buck on our helathcare. We all know the promise that was put into law so lets keep it to that standard. Politics is not the intent of this board helping each other is. I hope no one takes it that way as I see the Presidient wrong on this issue he can go find money within the socail programs or cut spending .........Adios..

Hello I was retired from my regular Job in 2001 for Migraines vascular in nature and wasted a lot of time until the I applied for my SC connected High Blood pressure that was the root of all my current problems. 60% Hypertensive heart disease, High Blood Pressure 10%, DDD SC (Back injury)10%, Migraines 30% hearing loss 10% and a few zeros in there for some other stuff. I put in for IU after about 2 years at 80% combined. I was wondering my claim is sitting at the ratting board much like everyone elses I belive LOL. What are the chances since I was disabled for Migraine Headaches way back in 2001 3 years before I enroled with the VA since it was part of my having to leave my job do I have a shot at getting retro pay for that period of time? If they rate me out on IU I am not going to keep putting stuff out there but I am thinking that my High Blood pressure of over 20 years is doing all of this to my body my heart has increased in size according to the Ultrasound and I can hardly do much more that walking to the mail box and back I just do not have an IMO stating that in any of my recenet records or exams. I just do not throw out claims for anything I try to only aplly much like everyone else for things that affected me or an end result of my service. Any advice or thoughts please offer them up. I have been hopeful that since my other Veteran but in his claim a month before mine he got his denial letter unfortunatley in Decmeber. I guess I have more issues but all the required evidence from the SS and Last employer was in there by November. Again Adios and have a good day it sucks to worry about stuff we cannot control...

Yeah I live in the south also I am just up a few states from you and the moment it starts to get cold I could care less what happens outside. I went to your state last year for a few weeks loved it but hated the roads there just too many people. I did like watching them aligators in the waterways. I am looking at staying with my buddy near Jacksonville when his wife goes back down there. Funny thing is I can handle flying no problem but driving kills me. I can set for an hour and really not be able to get up out of a regular chair. I am wondering if anyone has tried the deep tissue massage thing out there. I have had two back operations, nerve blocks and PT. Only thing left is like you said I am looking for anything or anywhere that would ease my pain besides the ever present pain pills. I am looking at one of them new beds with the air mattress where you can adjust the firmness. Thanks for all you guys help. It is about that time again have a good day........

Hey Doc thanks I am going down for a visit and it is going to be during the dry season so I will have to check into that. I do know I suffer more during the winter than anytime else here. The cold breaks me down even this little dose we get in the south. I guess I am just tired of hurting pretty much like everyone else. I have abiblity to live other places both outside the US and maybe AZ who knows if changing ones enviroment helps I will let you guys know. Have a good day...

Hey I know the feeling about the cheap stuff. I have had very little results from the morphine other than the side effects but that was helped my stool softner. Had the nerve block injection PT pretty much all you can do nothing helps nerve dammage like I have. Funny how one drug is helped or hurt by another. What I hate the most is how some Doctors get the feeling you are wanting the meds for resale or an addict. I got pissed off one day at the VA Hospital when one vet goes into the bathroom dumps his bag o meds in the trash after all he took was the nerve ills and apin medicine like 10 scripts down the trash. Hell I had just had back surgery and was told that I had to live with the pain while this jerkwad sells the stuff or just takes what he wanted. Hell I asked the guy at first if he forgot his meds he said I could have them. I took his meds to the pharmacy and there is kids that go into the rest rooms no need in somebody getting a hold of his personal infromation. I was pissed but I am belivier what comes around goes around. You sell your meds you go to jail just my thought on the subject as those people screw it up for the rest of us....

Hey you are right the US is the best place to live I am thinking more of the snowbird option as running from anything is not an option in my playbook but reloacting during the cold is open for me. I also wanted to put in there is from what I have read warm weather is good for artheritis and all other ils. I try to stay out of the pill popping arena as I do not have that problem yet. I do know may vets who use the illicit drugs but for me it is the true blessing not to have drank or used meds to abuse my body. I feel for those that are traped in that lifestyle. I unlike you do love the heat

Hello I like a lot of other vets suffer from chornic pain. I am at the point to go live overseas in like Phillippines or some other warm place where a person can go to a Doctor and get meds. I have a Doc which I belive is a good man but it seems like all of them are afraid to treat some of us with SC pain issues. I have SC knees hips and lower back disc disease along with nueropathy in my left leg and feet. I was just wondering how many of the Vets here have ever left the US and lived over in a warm climate and if it helped them. I live in South but this winter I may become a snowbird and go down further south or overseas if things do not pick up. I hate to rant or whine but a few bad apples got to selling thier meds and now us people who I dare say would shoot someone over their meds suffer for others. Just my throw on it have a good day...

I Just wanted to add in my claim status as it was explained to me today. It seems that the claim has gone through two boards as it went through a preliminary and then the final ratttng board. I was told this by the VA phone rep at our regional office. I am in a way optimistic as both myself and a freind of mine put in claims for TDUI at the same time he got his first letter in December and I am still waiting on their answer. I hope that mine is taking longer in the chance that my claim is approved as his was turned down. I am preparing for the worst but hopeful for the best. I do know my claim has been gone for 6 months all of my Social Security records and my current heart stuff was looked at in their decision process. It does work on a Veterans nerves though. Have a good day...

Hey There next time you call and check remind them that you are under a pain contract and unless it was a new change you are by thier rules supposed to get your meds reguardless of who is there that is what my contract says. I would also suggest that you get in touch with who ever is over the pharmacy the next time you call and explain that to them. I wish you well and I am sorry you have to put up with this.

Hey Just my 50 cents worth but I had the same thing happen to me. Here is what you can do if you are with the VA for pain managment their is a form you sign to participate with the Doctor it is a agreement. On the form it states that in the event your doctor is not there you will be or supposed to be took care of. I had the exact thing happen to me so do do not feel like it is just you. I can tell you I will not be treated that way ever again. I think the pain group on the east coast that overseas the VA pain managment group 7 I think is out of Atlanta. I will try to get some information for you in the AM. I can tell you that even with SC connected back issues and a MRI I was treated like a drug addict. I got lucky and got a reasonable Doc so hang in there. I can also tell you to be polite but but firm. If they do not remember to treat us vets like we are the people who pay them get names dates and times and start a paper trail. Adios and I hope things get better for you...

Thanks to all I tried your suggestion but all they would tell me was around 90 days. It has been 120 days so far but If I do not get turned down everything is fine I guess If I do get turned down I am going to look at the reasons why and go from there. Thanks for all suggestions. I am a worry wort I guess when ti comes to the VA. It should not bother me as it is not my first time at the dance. Have a good day...

Hey all I got a question I filled for Unemployability in septemeber had my two CMP exams in October of this year. I was urprised at the speed it sounded great. My question is any of you got an idea on how long it takes for my case to decided on? I am 80% total with the break down 60% 30% 10% 10% 20% and 3 with 0% but hey who is counting LOL? Any ideas I am thinking it is just around the corner but my last employer notified me the letter the VA would send out was the same letter like 3 times. My last employer just kept filling it out and sending it back. I am thinking that is what is holding it up but it has been at the board for over 2 months. Just curious as always thanks. I hate to call so I use you guys as a sounding board. Have a good day........

Well I probally screwed up the spelling on the Artherittis but here goes. I am SC for degenarative Disc disease after hurting my back in service. I am now 20 plus years later after a discectomy on my back I now have documented by MRI nerve dammage from the civillian surgery to try and fix my back. I have artherittis in my back but the C/P examinier noted in his report that he did not think the Artherittis was a result of my injury many years prior to the exam. I need to know what is any tthing that I can do as far as a claim for the nerve dammge and artherittis? I was told that Degnerative disc disease which I am rated under covers artherittis and the fact I have 2 herinated disc and 2 bulging disc. I lok forward to any help on the matter as I am no expert on anything but pain. Have a good day......

Thanks I put mine in after putting it off for about 2-3 months. I put mine in last summer got a C/P quick like in October and from what I was told it is att he rattings board 3 weeks now. I was surprised that I got a C/P that quick. I did want to add that a lot of veterans from up north are coming south they tell me that the VA moves quicker down here but I do not know how the VA works in other places. Thanks I am sure I will hear something pretty soon...