oldman273

Hey I got a problem with the VA which is not that uncommon around here. I have a problem with the lenght of time the VA is taking with my claim for 100% following a SC surgery ( 3 level Lumbar Fusion) I am still under the same surgeons care who did the fusion. I did it outside the VA I had heard and seen some crappy work on some VA operations but I choose to pick the best man for the job. I have submited all of the records almost 17 months later I am still not able to get around without help and I am sure he did all he could but my back was so screwed up and the arthritis that had set up and the nerve damage are factors that I had claimed also on the claim but nothing has been done so any ideas? They have had all the information since the first date of claim after the surgery but still no answer to my letters or calls. I just asked the VA to call me about the status of my claim as I was told the VA should have made a descion by now according to the dates showing the information from the hospital records Surgeons report and all the required aid and attendance forms and letters stating I am P&T disabled due to the SC Back injury and surgeries 3 so far but I hope the last surgery. I am getting ready to leave the state I wanted to get the claim finished or at least moving again before I leave thanks have a great Thanksgiving to all.

Hey I got a question I am in a bind and trying to figure out where my claim is and where it will lead? I have a complex claim. I am SC for DDD of lower spine from a SC back injury. I had a lumbar fusion in May of 2010. I put in for Tempoary 100% based on the surgery which was documented service connected and I am still waiting on the claim after over a year my medical issues in the administrative review are all thrown in various dates back to when I made a claim and the VA appears to have just used the original claim date like a parking spot for all of my other claims. I have Aid and attendance, Mood disorder to include depression secondary to my SC Back P&T diability and several other claim issue which are the original claims that go back to 09. I have had 3 back surgeries prior to this one all for my SC back but at the time I was not SC for it. Any ideas or thoughts please let me know. I have noother issues for the claim for any C/P exams all are done as of September the VA said they do not need any more C/P exams. I had my claim bounce around fom phase 1 devolpmental phase to the next phase and then back to phase 1 when the VA realized that I needed another C/P exam so I went and had the C/P exam. I am trying to get the claims done so that when I move overseas I will not have to come back or if possible at least get the claim I have completed. Any ideas? I have 2 other claims going on and no idea how long they will take one claim is a remand from BVA that is still in the process of going through the claims process at the state level I also have a claim that I asked for a DRO hearing at my VARO I wanted the DRO to look at my claim which I appealed and I figured if I had a hearing to make sure everything I had submited on the claim for IU for my back operation that I had all of the information/ Documents and statements from my surgeon stating that my SC back that I had the 3 level lumbar fusion on is in fact the reason I am unable to hold or maintain a job. My back is eat up with arthritis which is listed in the notes as secondary to my SC back and I have been left with a quality of life I never thought I would have at my young age. It sucks to have to ask or depend on others to do normal stuff like tying my shoes or showering I have to have help every stinking day. I know I am off target with my original question but I am just frustrated. Adios and thanks I am trying to get moving here soon before the really cold weather gets here I can afford to have someone with me overseas here I wind up spending way too much money on paying others to come in and help. Again thanks and have a good day.

Thanks Carlie I agree I have been working on my 8 year old claim on my knees I got xrays and an MRI that indicated the VA was not really trying to provide me with any help. As usual but I am working with an orthopedic surgeon for an IMO based on my MRI which the VA did not feel like they needed so I went and had new exam and both xrays and MRI done here and I will get the VA to acknowledge the fact my knees are a result of my SC Back that the altered gait from my back along with the SC injuries in my SMR I should help me win the claim. I thank you for looking at the MH letter. Have a good day

This is what was at the end of the letter. Everything listed is what I am SC for my hardest to deal with is my back and Migraines. The heart I can do nothing about but watch what I eat and try to move around regulary and not become bed ridden or lay around watching TV. Moving is hard so I try to go swiming as much as I can. " Diagnostic Impressions: Mood disorder due to general medical conditions, Degenerative disc Disease (SC) Degenerative joint disease (SC) hypertensive heart Disease (SC) hypertensive retinopathy (SC) . Axis II no Diagnosis AXIS III Migraines (SC) Dejenerative joint disease (SC) Degenerative Disc Disease (SC) Hypertension (SC) Hypertensive Vascular Disease (SC) AXIS IV No diagnosis Axis V Gaf score 50. Diagnosis this Veteran is Presenting with mood disorder which is more likely than not related to his multiple medical conditions as described above. These are directly related to the pain and physical limitations associated with these disorders. currently his Physciatric presentation is resulting in moderate impairment in social functioning and moderate imparement in occupational functioning. His overall level of disability is moderate. The veteran is able to manage his funds." I knew I have issues and worry about things to that just keep rolling over and over in the back of my mind but after this exam I was told that no more exams were scheduled as the VA had all of my forms for A/A and for my other claims for IU and P&T. I have been struggling with a lot of things here lately so this was it. I hope I am done with the VA for a while. Now if can find a decent place to winter over I am looking forward to some rest. Have a good weekend.

Exactly from what you wrote you must have had back trouble or lived with someone who has. I have tried living by myself just cannot do it anymore without help My surgeon filled out the A/A forms and the help from my family is stretched about as far as it can go. I am moving somewhere warmer year round the summers for me are better but other than mild fall weather I am done. I am trying moving to warmer climate and giving my family a break. I leave first thing Friday and will be gone about a month to find a place where I can get along better, Thanks I hate the thought of living in the city or a subdivision but with my back and other problems I have to look at moving somewhere for the winter. I am flying out and looking for a winter place I can still have a better life than last winter. Thanks Carlie I will post where I wind up and what the claim runs out to be. I thank all of you for the help.

Thanks Pete I have been around and around with the VA about so many of my issues. I knew I had depression problems but I feel like this when it comes to things I have no control over, I just pull over and let someone else drive. I admit the VA has me chasing my tail sometimes. I am coming out your way this month to scratch around. I might pm you if you got time and see which areas you would look at. I am going to Grand prarie for a few days to see some relatives I thank you for the advice. From all my other postings I have fought and fought now I am kind of tired. Cold weather hits SC for me around Thanks giving and does not let up till late March. I will pm you to ask a few questions have a good day.

Hey I was wondering I just had a C/P for depression secondary to my SC back which I claimed a chronic pain issue are they all rated together or seperate? I am waiting to see what the raters will do. I am leary of the raters as most of the ones I have had ignore what surgeons and Doctors say and I believe that they (raters) will decide based on their opinion not my Doctors. Anyone got an idea? I just got off the phone with the VARO telling them that I was going out of state to find a place to live and I would not have acess to my PO Box should they send anything in the next two weeks. I have tried sending messages to VA within the system IRIS but I can never get one through. I am also writing a letter to them as well and asking for a signature upon receipt. I have heard way too many times a veteran gets the shaft when he never recivied the letter or hearing notice. I got my C/P results back and the Mental health Doc put my GAF score at 50 but stated I had the ability to handle my own money. I do not know what the GAF score means I looked it up and again it is based on the raters. I am going ahead and move before the cold weather gets here this fall. It looks like Arizona or Texas just not sure yet. Thanks have a good day

Hello I can advise you what the VARO told me that at about 2 weeks prior to your move contact the VARO and give them your forwarding address if you have someone there to check your mail and a way to contact you in case you get a letter. I am moving for the winter to the Philippines myself this fall. I am only staying the winter. I know they have a VARO in Quam and a clinic in Manilia but waiting on the VA is something I would never do. Try to get a hard copy of everything you need as well as scanning stuff onto a hard drive that you can take with you. Not having made the move that is all I can tell you other than wish you luck and hope you enjoy your trip.

Hey I might be posting this twice but I had my C/P exam yesterday and I had my exam for depression and met with examiner. I was asked the general questions and and was told while in active duty I was told by examiner did I recal being diagnosed with systemic Hypertension I looked it up and but I am stumped how it relates to my depression for what the C/P exam was for. I had hypertension on active duty. I have a realy hard time under stress and on active duty during inspections I would do well but I could always tell my blood pressure would spike and I would have migraines afterwards. I would like to hear any ideas also as my wife was with me but I asked if he needed her after the exam but after the exam he said he had all he needed. I am stumped as to what it had to do with depression/chronic pain maybe hypertension was a key factor I am not sure, Thanks again have a good day

Thanks I am seeing the VA mental health Doc for my epression and my civilian Doc for my pain. I had all I could stand with the VA and their treatment of pain. I know there are some good docs out there I just have not seen them. My Civillian Surgeon wrote in 2 letters I suffer from chronic pain and I was treated with Opiates to treat the pain. I take so much crap now I do not drive a buddy of mine got a DUI last year for being in a wreck, Medicine will cause you to have a delayed effect. Adios and have a good day

Hey I appriciate the question I was being treated for depression for about 4 years I am caught in a never ending circle it seems. I have been on everything it seems I dont sleep well even more know with the back waking me up. I wind up walking the floors at night and napping in the afternoon. I wasnot treated for the back injury or depression until years later my back started going south on me and it just keeps getting worse as time goes by. I am taking the bull by the horns this fall I am leaving the south for the winter and headed west. Knowing my luck the weather will flip and I will have white outs in the gulf of Mexico this winter. Now my knees are giving me fits I went today and tore out the walker from the closet. I wish you well it sounds like you have been through a lot yourself. I tok an old vets advice at the VA hospital. He said life is too short when it got too cold for him he headed west and came back in spring I am going to try that this year, See how it goes. I got one more C/P this next week then I am letting the VA know where to forward my mail. Adios

Hey I have read several claims on the forum and have a couple of questions. I have chronic pain from my back which is service connected I thought my last surgery would have been the sure thing a fix to my issues of my back. Well the fat lady has finnished her song and I am in worse shape than I was before the surgery. I have had my claim at the decison phase for the last three weeks and then on the 1st of August my claim was moved back to the devolpmental phase and I got a letter in that I have another C/P exam less than a week away. With that stuff out of the way I have been through the VA system for counseling and I get my pain meds from my civillian Surgeon and the stuff is so strong I am unable to drive. Is it a common practice for the VA to go back and ask for a C/P at the last moment? I am probally being paranoid but dealing with the VA can make anyone paranoid. I had put in a claim for depression as the chronic pain and my inability to do even the simplest task like dressing myself and showering I am not able to do these task has really been degrading I am not that old. At 46 I have the back of an 80 year old my surgeon told my wife. My Daughter age 13 has been my biggest helper with out her I probally would have been in a nursing home by now. My wife wants to come with me as she is so angry at the VA I did not want her to go off on the C&P examiner. She has to work for the kids insurance and has missed work on account of me being unable to get out of bed and after I have fallen a few times going outside. I have been able to pay a guy to come do some things for me and my family comes by everyday to help me get around and do some light house keeping. The C/P exam is not something I can get ready for it is what it is to coin a phrase. I guess I am just tired but I do not have any thing else to bring with me other than the things I have went through. Thanks for any ideas or thoughts. I did want to add that I am not discouraging anyone from surgery everyone is different but my case is that I need more help daily I was not expecting the way it came out.

I agree 100% I can tell you reguardless of what you tell most VA doctors chronic pain patients who are young as well are labled as drug seeker or they think you are trying to play the system. I have had 3 surgeries on my back but I have lost touch with almost all my friends who are still active and still able to get around. I have some claims going on right now I have to get done but I am going to claim chronic pain in my next claims. I retired as sheriffs deputy and I always had my own theory of people buying drugs off the street but The Good Lord really woke me up with a reality check I walk with crutches even in the summer and come winter I am housebond. the cold weather breaks me down. I know why people snap and understand now not to judge others at a glance as I am on the other side of the glass. I do not wish this pain and daily living with pain on anyone it is hell most days but at least I can still do some things but it sucks having to depend on others It takes an act of congress for me to get stuff done and catch a ride to the VA Hospital. I am moving this fall to somewhere warmer. I just cannot stand the cold any more. I live more than 70 miles away from my VA hospital and with the meds I take I cannot drive any more while I am on them. I hope you can catch a break here and there. I got lucky and my civillian Nuero surgeon still manages my pain meds the VA at least where I live needs some guidance on the way they treat chornic pain. I gladly pay the $140 a month out of my pocket for the meds for my SC back but it is worth it not to deal with the VA. Adios hope others who do not understand chronic pain will one day understand what we go through.

Hey Sunfish I am happy for you I do not see a lot of people get their claim done that quick. You must be hitting it at the right time. I have had a claim going on for over a year for Tempoary 100% following a surgery on my SC back. I had a 3 level fusion and am still having trouble with it. Considier yourself lucky Let us hear how it runs out. I would ask for some of that luck you must have a good rep or good VARO or something most people I read are waiting and waiting I am sorry you had it done but stay on the rehab and try walking in waist/chest deep water for building up the legs when you can get into the water that is. I did rehab with a guy who had knee replacement he swore by it. Hope it works as well for you as the guy who had his right knee done he said the water took the weight off his knees and we would walk and walk in the pool. Have a good morning. Mine will be 19 months here soon. If there is a rule I would like to find it. Adios

Hey I got a qquestion for you I had my claims for P&T, A/A IVDS, Temp 100% following 3 level Lumbar Fusion from SC back inujury Sciatica and Depresion I saw today where My claim has been knocked back down to Devolpmental phase from where it was at the decision phase. I was told that it was where the VA had made a mistake as my Input was not reqiured. Any Idea on what the date opened is and what a suspension date is? I looked up some possible answers and I will just have to wait it out. I have already bought my tickets so I am not dependant on the funds just hate the thought of having to come back again this fall when the weather gets colder. Right now I am fine with the weather but I will just have to wait till they call me. Adios I tried to delete the original but from what I read before I posted I am just hanging around.

Enjoy that bundle of Joy I wish you happiness and I know how you feel after fighting the good fight. Buy something nice for your wife. Without that help at home I do not know when I would have given up. Along with the help I got from the forum here. Lots of great people here. Happy days to you and yours.

Hey congradulations to you I am happy to see some post from another person from SC. I currently am waiting on a claim to run its course and I am opting for the handicaped tag as I have trouble with my back and walking. I hope you enjoy your victory. Have a good afternoon. I meant to add I think that the County where you live it depends on the county they may go 1 year back and refund your vehicle and property taxes for the calendar year here in SC. Adios

Thanks Carlie your advice and others have always been on the spot. As you stated I claimed P&T based on what my Surgeon had written that I was P&T and I filled for IU but I slipped up and had my claim in the pipeline to go to the BVA before I had my ducks in a row. I could not understand why they bumped it up my claim was not even close to a year after they denied me for my claim of IU. I sent the Letters and the Doctors paper work for Aid and Attendance but I was told I could ask for a DRO hearing before my claim for IU went to the BVA I put it in writing and the VA now tells me that I have a video confrence. I thought it was a DRO at my VARO and not at the BVA. Am I missing something? I am moving out of state and if the VARO grants me P&T based on my medical evidence surgical notes how will that impact the previous claim for IU? That was my other question I hurt my back on active duty and it slowly progressed to the point it is today. After 3 surgeries I walk with cruthches when it is warm and a walker and house bond when the weather gets cold. I am in a real mess right now but I take advice from you guys and gals I have listened to others and I missed so many legal issues I quit asking others and keep my questions here. Thanks have a good day

Thanks I was not sure I had got SC for my back but the date I had claimed IU was before I was SC for the back. I got the worst luck of anyone I believe. I showed my Doctor the requirements that the VA required me to prove I was IU and P&T was his Idea after he was reading the MRI and he shook his head and said my back has changed after the surgery and my back was showing mild arthritic changes from my Surgery since the surgery in May of last year. I read where you live in KY I love your state but the cold weather I cannot take any more. I hunted up near Patudka(?) 20 years ago while I was in USMC lots of beautiful country women up there and the deer were huge not like up in IL all of that corn I guess. Have a good day and thanks

Well I have had a claim in for P&T for my back since 2009. I was granted SC for back in 2008 if granted does the original claim date go back to the date of claim or when I was SC for it? I had put in for IU but the claim is locked up in appeal it is supposed to go to BVA but I asked for a DRO hearing since I thought the claim of IU was satisfied with Doctors letters but the letters from Surgeon was not looked at even though it was submited prior to the appeal for IU before the claim was sent to BVA. I am told I have a video confrence this fall (I doubt it until I get the letter. Any ideas Thanks

Thanks cooter I have been in and out just not much to offer. I got a call yesterday the VA called me about my claims and said they were going ahead and sending it to the next phase after that it was the notification phase. I might have to follow up with another letter should they ask for it. I am trying to get my claims finished so I can be ready to move once the wheather gets rough for me. I hope it was enough. I am going to try and make it through next week I am doing some water theraphy to strenghten my left leg it is withering away. So far since my last surgery I have lost 3 inches in muscle tone compared to my right leg. My surgeon said it is my back favoring the right leg over the left from years of altered gait. I will wait this claim out and see what I end up with. I am thinking of moving out west for the winter to see how I like it. If I do get P&T I might move over seas I have some friends living in PI that love it for the same reasons I did many years ago. Well good to hear from you have a good weekend..

Thanks I am rated 40% for my back but my current ratting is for 90% my other claims for A/A, P&T tempaory 100% Bilateral nerve dammage SC from my spine injuries for my time in Hospital and recovery time 18 months and now I hope they read the letters. I am no expert but I also hurt my back but I had to go into corpsman sick call as I could not walk. I wil add from my own experience that a Doctor has to lay out your claim from begining to end. I feel for people with back injuries as it sucks. I just got off the phone with the VA they called me out of the blue and asked me how my back was and some questions about a letter I had written in about my condition and a question about why I had not been rated 100% since I had retired originally for SC migraines issues. I told the lady I was waiting to get these current claims out of the way and I wanted to get some help around the house. I was shocked the VA had never called me before. I really need to get my claims finnished as I am moving somewere where it is warm all year round. I wish you good luck with your claim If you ask around here others with more experience can help you out better than I can. Have a good day

Hey got a question for you all I have SC for DDD and the following Response from my surgeon is as follows : To whom it may Concern, This Patient has a complex spinal disorder. He has underwent extensive spinal surgery including a lumbar soinal fusion. He currently relies on a walking aide to Ambulate. He is unable to lift,push or pull. He continues to require management for persistent back pain. I belive this pateint is disabled and will be unable to seek any gainful employment. This is related to his service connected condition of degenerative spinal disc disease. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me. Next letter; Mr. X has been a pateint of mine for the last 4 years. This year we did a 3 level lumbar fusion that was preformed on May 5th 2010. He has a history of prior lumbar operations. back in 2006 during his first visit he reported he had injured his back while on active duty while in the Armed Forces. Since that time he has trouble with his back. In reviewing his MRI scans records and surgical findings this patient has significant degenerative arthritic changes. Since the inital evaluation of arthritic changes have been progressive. It is my opinion that his inital injury started the process of the low back pain and has accelerated the arthritis. Arthritis is known to be associated with age. However his arthritis has outpaced his current age. People who have suffered traumatic injuries typically will devolp arthritis earlier. this more than likely than not is the case with Mr. X. The last letter from same surgeon on my behalf: This patient Mr X who has a long history of lower back problems. He currently carries a diagnosis of degenerative Disc Disease. He has had extensive Lumbar Fusion from L3 to S1 in his lumbar spine. He is maintained on narcotic medication. We have treated him with surgery, bracing and physical theraphy. At this point it is my opinion that he is Permanently and totally Disabled. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. With all of this is there anything else I can provide? I have his opinion on the paperwork for A/A which he filled out I am not able to dress myself and need help around the house and help with bathing. The VA has had this information but the kicker is that I was already retired for another condition totally unrelated to my back. Under my State retirement I was bale to make 15K a year and still be considered retired under our state retirement. I am figuring the VA will argue that I was not retired for a SC injury. I have submited my Records from State retirement and everything but the VA ignores the fact that one of the issues I was orignially retired on was Migraines which I was not SC until a couple of years ago. I asked for a DRO hearing on the appeal based on my SC back issues and the SC Migraines secondary related to my SC Hypertension. while in Service I was diagnosed with hypertension headaches when my blood pressure would get high. I also have a SC for an enlarged heart but the VA says it is healed and I have made an appoitment with Cardiologist this week to rebut their claim but if it is healed one less thing to worry about. I have had this claim for 2 years I just wanted any of your ideas on what else I need. I was retired in 2001 from my civillian Job but not SC for migraines many years later. If you have any ideas please give me an idea.

Hang in there I am also going through same thing with a claim on my knees. I had a C/P by an orthapedic surgeon who stated that my knees were at least 50% related to my service connected injury and the VA got a "Nurse" to overrule the VA ortho surgeon. I fought it all the way for over 9 years remanded back to VARO which I got another hatchet job myself again. IMO are expensive but it is all you got to fight with but get a law firm to look at the facts us Veterans really do not have the ability alone let some of these people on the board look at the whole case and see if they can advise. Hang in there it will be better after you get a good idea of where you want your case to go. I hope this helped.