oldman273

I got a two part question. I put in in for TD once I got to 80% not knowing when my claim at the BVA would ever come back and the fact that my SC heart had gotten worse. I am SC for Migraines took me a while to get them linked to SC HBP (High Blood pressure) But the fact was that was one of the reasons listed for my original claim for disability through SSDI when I got disabled from my civillain job 8 years ago. I wonder will the time go back to when I apllied for TDUI or to the date I was having these migraines? I was curious my neighbor down the road got his and they went back like 15 years but his claim was different than mine. Enjoy the forum I get a lot of good information just sad to hear some of the things others are going through. Wish you all well have a good day..

Thanks As strange as this may sound I have had this Hypertension for over 20 years and it is a bitch let me tell you. I will ask about the Cuff when I go see my Civ Doc. As far as the Hypertension goes it is probally best if I go to Civ Doc as the Va does not have cutting edge meds. Thanks for your help

Thanks I will ask him this next week. I am up with my back tonight as this cold weather is kicking my but. If I knew I would have this problem I could make big bucks as a weatherman. I can tell you when a cold front is coming in. Have a good day........

Yeah you are correct I had got only the 10% on account of range of motion. I have 3 herniated disc along with Stenosis and artherittis in my back. What has happened now is my back has gotten worse and I did finnally get some help with the pain from the VA just took a new Doctor. Civillain Nuero Surgeon is supposed to meet with next week for IMO. I also am getting some help with pool theraphy as both the VA and Nuero surgeon said that there is nothing that they can do. I am also going to go try the injections in my hip from VA. Anything to get some relief. Thanks I am going to have everything documented this time. I can bend at the waist but ,y wife or someone has to tie my shoes and put on my socks. Adios and thanks again people like you and others make this group a learning experience...

Hey thanks I will try that any advice from a fellow pain eater is welcome. I have a claim also up at BVA I got a pro bono lawyer from the Veterans Legal defense fund. If you have a case that they think is a good chance on appeal they will farm it out. I got a call out of the blue thought it was a scam but I got here information and checked them out. I have not had an answer yet may not for a year or so but the skinny was the Lawyer worked them over the coals after the orignal VA Doctor stood up to bat for me. He was an ortho Doc within the VA and then their own hatchet PA got a hold of the case and it went to BVA on appeal. If you want I can send you the clain info with all of my stuff edacted so you can see the mistakes they made. I got two complete drafts of each brief submited on my behalf case has been gone for four years both knees been to civillian ortho guys documented and sent all infromation forwarded to Veterans legal defense fund. I wonder what a 4 year back pay for both knees will be? I may be down in the dumps somedays but it is good to have something to look forward to. Adios and I will try the fish oil and pills anything is better than having to take their medicine. I had heard about the Laser surgery but was not sure how I could pay for it thanks for the idea.... Have a good day.

I am going to try that one I got an appointment for an IMO with my Civillian Nuero surgeon who looked at their last C/P and siad they indeed low ballled me on just 10% I used the information on the way they rated it. I think they will try to ignore their own Doctors who used the X-ray and not the MRI I got from the VA also. I finally got the report from the C/P on my back to see how they were ignoring the Artheritis in my back as not connected to the orignal back injury 20 plus years ago. You guys are right to fight these people who are from the goverment and here to help. I think President Regan was right those are some scary words to hear from some goverment people. Adios and thanks...

Is it a rule or law that you have to be retired from your last job because of a service connected medical issue when applying for Unemployabilty? I was retired for non serivce connected issues 7 years ago. My heart started giving me trouble like 2 years ago. I am rated 60% on one SC issue and I got low balled on my last c/p on my back. I am thinking that I should go get an IMO on my back since my heart has increased in size from the last time they did an echo I am worried about my heart but not much that I can do about my heart they have changed my blood pressure medicine like 3 times in the last two years trying to reign it under control. Any ideas? I can tell you that this blood pressure thing effects every part of the body I have trouble with my eyes heart and maybe my kidneys as the last urine test I did said my levels were over the allowed ammount of protien in the urine. Doc told me they were going to do some more test last week. Stuff works on you so please if any of you vets have high blood pressure take you meds. My body adapts to the meds really quick they have to change them every so often. Adios and any thoughts welcome. Have a good day..

Hey I know this is kind of weird question but I was in the emergency room last year and I was having chest pains. A few Vtachs nothing other than what I deal with most of the time. Well the ER doctor Diagnosed me with PUlmary hypertension. I am SC for hypertension and hypertensive heart diasease 60% total for both. What if any thing if the ratting board comes down with a no answer on my claim for TDUI? I have so many things going on but I am trying to get my ducks in a row... Thanks...

Hey thanks I am going to wait I called and was told that my claim is at the rattings board so an answer good or bad will be here soon. I should have went to your spine link first. The VA will not tell you jack so it is such a great tool to have is this web site. I got to where I have to pay people to do the stuff I used to do on my farm so I got pissed off and started looking into maybe moving south or to a more warmer climate as I went to Mexico for a couple of weeks and the heat sure did help my back. I did note that if I had wanted to all I had to do was walk into a pharmacy and get my meds while I was there but I was too chicken and at that time I had Prescribed meds for my back. Now the Civillain Docs and VA Docs treat people like everyone of us in pain is a drug seeker. I will try to check into the infromation. You never know when your back will show out so any help I get I appariciate. Have a good Day and thanks....

Hey Guys I am rated at 10% SC for DDD (Degenatrive Disc Disease) on account of back injury during service. I got my ratting this year but my back has gotten worse. I have been to see Civilain Nuero Surgeon who agreed with VA surgeon that nothing surgicaly can be done for my current back problems. I wanted to know after reading through other post is there a way that other problems like Nueropathy from the nerves being pinched in my back (VA MRI Confirms this) causing numbness in my feet and toes ratted together or seperate? I have 3 herniated disc along with this and stay in pain and beding over to do things like tie my own shoes is not an option. I also have Artheritis in my back also. I am going through their Pain clinic but all they tell me is that there is nothing they can do for me. I had my CP exam on what I would call a good day and now my back is toast agian. I have been back to my VA Doctor and nothing for me other than the morphine which I hate. It pisses me off they treat everyone in pain like a drug seeker Hell I was turned away for treatment since My Doctor was out of town and no one would give me nothing other than call me back weeks later after MRI and the Doctor said per her looking at MRI that my Back was indeed messed up. I have not worked in a long time disabled since 2001 due to another injury not related to my back or any other service connected injury. Any advice if these things can be rated higher I am at 80%. I put in for Unemployability and it is at the review board now I am just planning on if they come back and deny me what are my options? Thanks for all your help.....

My CHF still is my opinion but I am scheduled this week for 2 C/P exams heart and back. Edema on my legs and breathing problems i what scares me. I do not want CHF there is something that can pull me off this path. Adios and thanks..

Hello I need some advice or suggestion. I am service connected 10% for my back disc injury that has gotten realy bad here in the last 6 months. My Doc at the VA who was my treating doctor stated to me why I had came off the oxaprozin I reminded him about the current old hole in my stomach from the pain meds and artheritis meds. He asked me why I had not put in a claim for a new cp I told him I had put in for unemployabilty I was at 80% with 60% for my heart and it is still giving me trouble. Is it true that nerve dammage (Noted by Civ Nuero Surgeon from DDD in Back) and artheritis could be claimed? I reallly do not want the Unemployability if I could finnish my claim out with those two service connected claims. I have two CP exams this month for my heart and my back so what would you claim I know that I have not worked since 2001 but it was for nothing related to my service connected claims. My heart was orignally an issue when it became enlarged due to years of hypertension. I started getting the swelling in ankles and giving out of breath as my heart got worse. I mow wease all the time when I walk down the road for a short walk or try to climb stairs or really just play with kids. It suks but now ith my back also I really never saw or uderstood why some one would take their life. My father was hurt in Korea and ended up shooting himself over his injuries but back then the vets did not talk about it like we do here. I am not into hurting myself but it has depressed the fire out of me not being able to do just ordinary things . For those of you out there I know it can be real hard but a good day will pop up there every now and then. I have not did an honest days work in so long my hands are smoother than my wifes. My kids have to put my socks on and help me put my feet inot the legs of my own britches. Now that is a reality check. Some peole may be able to take it but I guess I am lucky to have some one there. It really sucks but I give out of breath so easily now. I have the early signs f congestive heart failure from what I have read but I leave the diagnosis up to the docs. A blood testused to help with a diagnosis but at this point I am pretty sure I line up with it I hope it is something other than that. Adios sorry to be so long but I hope it helps somebody. Thanks for any suggestions or advice..

Thanks for the reply I recieve SSI for another totaly non related issue. I just get antsy when all of a sudden I get two C&P notices jsut as I put in for increased ratting. I hope they look at my back and my heart and see what both the civilain Doctors have opined that I am unable to gain employment based on each disability that is service connected. I wish I could do the VA math on the bills I owe each month how much more wealthy would I be then Have a good day.....Thanks

Thanks I was just curious I have been told that it si a no brainer since I have this beat up old body nothing that I can make up or fabricate just me. I do hope to get an answer after the holidays in answer to these claims. I learn so much on this board since I read all feed back thanks again for your input for my current anxiety... LOL have a good day...

Got a question (s) for someone who has an idea of why I have 2 new CMP appoinments in November. I put in for Umempoyabilty due to my two highest disabaility rattings 60% for hypertensive heart disease ( I can not even walk up a flight of stairs wiithout wheezing for breath I Do not smokeor have any other breathing disorders and the edema is building up on lower legs so bad my shoes are hrd to put on. My other claim I am getting another CMP exam for my back recently cited as it also has gotten so bad that my wife has to put my shoes on and halfway dress me as I cannot bend over to my waist without pain. I have some nerve damage diagnosed by my civillian Nuero Surgeon who gave the opinion that I would not be able to work as my disc will continue to deterioate as time goes on. I take pain medicne 4 times a day and walk with a cane. Any ideas I do not think it is in my intrest that they re exam me as nothing has changed in eithier conditions they are both worse than they were before. I am seeing my cardiologist in the morning and he is to put it in writing also as to my current heart condition. Any ideas as to which way they are going? I was told my one veteran who stated to him it sounded like they were going for a hgiher ratting from what it sounded everything is service related. Thanks sorry it took so long wanted to describe everything as I have I think

Hey Thanks I am establishing all the criteria for the back and all my other problems as a whole person not that much left of me that does not hurt I will seek my Ortho Surgeon and see what he says My cardilogist said not wrote that all of my service connected injuries did not add up to a person who could hold a job. I will see him also this month. I just got a letter rquesting more info so I will send them what I get. Thanks for your help. I have been in bed for a while just getting back around to get on the computer. Have a good day..

Hello to all I have a question I have been having back issues again with my back (Service connected for Degenarative disc disease 10%) it seems my VA physician told me that he is under the impression that my biggest problem other than my back goign out all the time is arthritis setting up in it. I am appealing this as my civialian ortho surgeon has said there is noting he could do for me at this time. I was glad to have his opinion but what should I do now? I have recently put in for my umemployability I am at 80% but my heart and shortness of breath have also reared their ugly head so I went ahead and asked to be consideired. I do not like to put in any claims unless they are well grounded and should return a favorable ratting. Any Ideas. Thanks for all your help...

Hey thanks I meant to put in there as not to mislead anyone is that I was medically retired and now am on Socail security and the workmans comp cases was done ond over since 2001. I have the begings of congestive heart failure according to my civillian Cardiologist so I am hoping he can stop it where it is and the condition not get any worse right now I can not even climb a flight of stairs without getting out of breath do not smoke or have any breathing problems. I was real stright with the VA about what I was retired for and what my current claims were. I appriciate the advice since you have been where I am now. I hate to be under evidw but I guess that is where you have to be sometimes. Shoot if the good Lord would hela me they can have their little dab of money each month. Adiso and thanks again

Hello I have one question kind of simple but I need to know. I am currently disabled at 80% total ratings I wanted to know who decides if all of my conditions are permaent and total? Reason being I am at 80% and had thought about puting in a claim for total disabilty unemployable due to my service connected disabilites which include migraines at 30%, Hypertensive heart disease 60%, 10% Hypertension, Degenarative disc disease back 10%, Hypertensive retionpathy 0%, Tintunitis 10% hearing loss, so this is where I stand. I have been disabled from a workmans comp issue totally unrealted from any of my service connected disabilites since 2001. I recnetly got everything done and over with so here I am. Any advice sure would be appriciated. My back has gotten worse since I got my 10% and I am doing some physical theraphy right now but the guy at the clinic where they do the theraphy on my back said there was nothing that he could do I handle it pretty well but I cannot unerstand the rating schedule when I have to be in bed for 3-4 days at a time recently. Again thanks and I look forward to all replies....

Hey thanks for the rating info. I had orignaly rated for 10% but my back went out I was seen by the VA Doc at ER and scheduled for MRI I had been in the bed for a week at one point. I have been having trouble getting on my socks and it is a real pain having to get some one to put them on. I have trouble bending over I wil look over the rating schedule. Thanks for your help

Hey I need some help I got my last update from Nuero Surgeon. From the results of MRI I have some nerve dammage that is the reult of repaired Disc from previous back surgery. Is there a seperate ratting for nerve damage? I also have another herniated disc which is going to require surgery to repair it. Any Ideas or a what I should exactly apply for such as a ratting increase for the current 10% for DDD and a seperate claim for the nerve damage. Thanks for all your help

Yes you are correct I knew there was a name for it. Thanks for your help with it.

Hey I am in need of some advice from those that are already there. Do I once I recive notice that I was rated TDUI and rated at 100% does that let me enroll my family into tricare? My only question I am about to be rated but nothing is sure until the paper is in hand. I am currently at 80% but I applied and wanted to know if I had to go out and find a policy for the family or are they able to get into tricare. For what is worth if anyone has an Idea on what alternatives that worked for them as far as family Inusurance. I do thank you for all the help

You are correct this information is rock solid unlike my Back. Thanks for solid advice....

Hey I am in need of where to look for the following scales or rules that they rate by. I am looking for the code or rule that governs Degenartive Disc disease, Nerve dammage resulting from the DDD and what rating are there for stage 1 Kidney Failure. Also anyone that had been awarded Hyptensive retinopathy could ask a question if I may I got turned down for it even though it is bilateral in both eyes. I have 20/20 vision but I see all of these white spots or wool spots from time to time. Any help would sure be apriciated.