oldman273

Hey what is E benefits? i would love to be able to track my claim to see what they need and get the real truth. I also have had good results with the Cleavland office every time I called. They are in my opinion a good call center they have took the time to actually look up my claims (2 appeals 1 for SMC) and every time nice. I am what you might call a frequent caller to see if my claim has went from ready to rate to being rated. I appreciate any advice I will go look it up also on the forum. Adiós Happy Thanksgiving to all..

Hey I am on 2 different pain meds 3x a day loritab 10 and 30mg Morphine sulphate. is there anyone out there that was on loritabs and had their meds switched to Percocet and it worked for them? I am at my witts end dealing with VA I went through all the crud they make us vets do when they opened me up and saw my whole back was eat up with arthritis I was and am under a civ Nuero Surgeon but I am thinking the VA is going to drag tail and keep me trapped here in South For the winter. The cold is what I am worried about as the temp drops 20 degrees at night is starting to work on these bones. I had a 3 level lumbar fusion in may 2010 any thoughts on what would help with incresing pain. I take so much meds I am giving birth some days constipation is hell, About the best thing with taking meds is my winter sallad patch Lol. i just hate putting more meds in my body but old man winter kicks my tail every year. Any thoughts please help. I had thought that I would be gone by now but no not with the VA. Thanks for any advice I have did everything I can do right now but with back spasams keeping me up nights it really sucks to be me. Adios..

Nope I was treated for Jeep wreck on Okinawa at Camp Schwab in Japan. The shower unit exploding sucked as I got blew through the shower tent and was not able to finish my shower I hurt for about a week after that but on ship all the corpmans did for me was bed rest which helped but no documentation other than bed rest chit wish I had kept them. Thanks for the thought I was so happy to leave that cold country you have my respect... If anyone worked at Camp scwhabb in December 1986 in the medical unit with first tracks or in 1987-1989 MCAS beaufort in theedical field I have my medical records but now way to identify the individual persons who worked on me. Have a good day and thanks...

yes i did I was hurt got blown up in a shower unit in Korea on operation Bear hunt in 1986, In my medical records. I slashed my hand with a meat grinder cut both my hands pretty bad had to run across the way to the base Medic clinic. I just seemed to always be the one who got hurt. A jeep wreck on Guard duty in 1986. I was driving across the yard at 1st tracked vehicle Btn and hit one of those concrete barriers just caught the tip of the front bumper but it was hard enough to bend the bumper into the wheel. I was knocked out. The duty Officer came running up and found me. I was like the cartoon beatle bailey. I apriciate the advice i am grateful for my children they help me get dressed when they come stay with me. I always feel like I get the shaft when submiting a claim some people in the VA will word a claim just plain wrong or what they want it to say not what you mean. That is why this time i came to the experts. Thanks have a good weekend.

Thanks I will look into the claims. It is sad to hear you have migraines I wish them not even on people i can not stand. I have been in and out of Emergency rooms for close to a decade. On the hypertension the VA said that my heart has gone back to normal. I am going to get it checked here soon. I just do not trust the C/P examinations. I can tell you and all others 1 thing the VA has done to help me with Migraines. It has not cured me but oxyegen helps me not have a full blown migraine. It has worked about 4 times out of 12 headaches last month but I was under a lot of stress/pain my blood pressure was through the roof. I am going to have injections and try them next week. I honestly do not know what I would have done to myself having the migraines week after week if not for my kids. Migraines are just evil. If i can offer another thing to try is up your daily intake of magnesium/ water intake is supposed to help but I drink about a gallon a day. Adios have a good evening thanks for the post...

Thank you so much you offer reliable infromation for those of us veterans I really appriciate it. I am having a rough time but this does help me word this claim. Thanks

Hello I was medically retired from my Civilian job as a result of SC condition. I have SC hypertension. My PTSD which is non SC, but the migraines that I was retired for in addition to PTSD I am SC for. What I know is that under Chpt 38 if a SC condition is aggrivated or worsened by a non SC injury or disease that the non SC issue may be rated ? Am I reading that correct? It is my understanding I can make the claim but not being a Doctor how do I get that in writing? My mental health counselor told me that he could see a relationship to things or situations that cause my blood pressure to increase. I have chronic pain from my back My mental health Doctor suggested that also was a source of increased anxiety. I have an appointment at the end of the month but things for me have spiraled out of control. My wife left me as I am too much trouble in her words which I am. I cannot dress myself without daily help i am not on a pity kick it is just know what the VA can do. I have to wait on the VA to get things straightened out that is an impossible dream. That being said I have some claims in right now but i am waiting for them to get through before I apply for anything I am only looking at this claim should the VA deny my other claims. any advice or thoughts I really need to figure out how to see if i have standing to file a claim. Mt time line is as follows medically retired in 2001 hurt in 1997 but continued trying to work until forced out. i was diagnosed with PTSD/Migraines but was only SC for migraines a few years back. I applied for benfits in 2002 for hypertension. My issues were since I was SC for Migraines secondary to SC Hypertension which was thrugh the roof with the things I have had in my life. i have learned that keeping to myself helps a whole lot the less I have to deal with people the better. I tried to list everything so that you could get the picture of what I am up against.

Thanks I will look into that grant. I may be putting the cart before the horse but I get confused on what to ask for? My situation is that I am currently rated at a blazing 10% for my back prior to my surgery in May. I got my Surgeon to give his opinion of where I am. He wrote that I am unable to lift anything over 15lbs. I am unable to sit or stand for any length of time I am bedridden a good bit of the time. I suffer from constant pain and back spasms. I do not sleep much I am in a plot of pain right now with the weather changing. Cold weather kicks my tail. I can promise one thing just as soon as I can afford it I am moving somewhere warmer. The surgeon wrote that my SC back and its current arthritic condition make me unemployable. I applied for IU lost i and it is on appeal at the state level at this time. I have looked at the law and I am not sure what I can apply for but the grant I will have to look into. I am on a walker/crutches before and after surgery. I need help to get out of bed into out of shower. Transferring from the house to vehicle is tricky. I have to get others to drive for me as the meds I take I dare not drive. I cannot bend to wash and clean myself without help. Tying shoes socks is a thing of the past even though I am impressed by the tube with the rope. I could go on and on but what I need is help around the house. My wife has since left and I am really wanting to get some paid help rather than depend on any of the people I know of. My left leg is in serious atrophy as I fall a good bit for some reason the nerves spasm and the left leg shoots out from underneath me. If any SMC/Aid and Attendance experts can tell me which way they would go? I am probably right about waiting to see which way to go after the rating board goes. If my claim goes ahead and clears the rating board I will advise. I know this was a long post just frustrated a bit hope you all can relate....

I had 3 level SC lumbar fusion and am currently on appeal for TDIU Surgeon supported my claim for IU and Severe Arthritis secondary to SC IVDS. I applied for Aid and attendance since my ability to do task like bathing hygine and lifting/bending are limted. My nuerosurgeon also stated the arthritis was advanced for my age as secondary to my SC back. I did get the neat sock apparatus but I still need the help with dressing and trasnfering in out bed/bath. I read the SMC and do not know where I stand. I had the surgeon do the examination for AA and sent it off. I am still waiting on VA as predicted but I cannot afford to pay for someone to come in everyday. I am at the mercy of Freinds and family for time being. All documents sent in and all records recieved from all sources. My surgeon who got on the ball after seeing the atrophy of my left leg and increased the muscle spasm medicine sugested I ask for theraphy. I laughed told him I was lucky to get the sock device. I am waiting on these claims to go through but is there a way to get my house adapted like ramps and moving stuff up high? If it falls it stays there until I can get the grabber or someone comes over.I know there are others out here who have the same problems so any advice on what any of you did in my shape. I am 60,30,10,10,10 % wise equals 80%. I have not been rated for my current fusion or arthritis, nueropathy, sciatica and atrophy of left leg TDIU. Just figured I would throw that in those are my claims right now at the rating board since October 19th 2010. I have a lot of records/evidence to go through that is why it is taking so long. I knpw the wording of the claim hurts a lot of veterans as the VA will ignore what you meant to claim and deny a wrongly worded claim. Have a good day

Hey i googled this just to see what the average time it took for my claim to get to the rating process todays date is 10-29-10 2 years they are still hacking me off. I wish i had not looked this one up LOL...

Hey Man it is funny you should mention selling evrything as I had a $20 gold coin i had held onto that bad boy for 4 years had to make a house payment as the VA does indeed take its time. I do look at my claim as a retro savings plan no intrest just cheaper to buy than a lotto ticket. I used to buy a $2 ticket to draw 3-4 weeks in advance just so I could rub that ticket. see the VA has saved me so much money in Lottery tickets . Thanks so far my claim has been going on for close to 2 years for TDIU. I appealed it kept it going until I had back fusion and now the surgeon stood up for me and told the skinny on my back but you are right the VA will probally ignore my evidence. Adiios and have a good day..

Thanks I knew it was a shell game of sorts but I have the claim on TDIU on appeal if my Surgeon who handled the operation as well as the Aid and Attendance do you think the VA will have to pay me the 100% rate from date of claim? I am 80% but I have no idea what kind of rates I will get for my back Nerve damage arthritis of spine, tempoary 100% was what I was hoping to get us caught up with the house payment and some other bills but I was being crazy to think the VA would do something sensible. Thanks I was told even though the VA got everything they needed from the SS and My employer. Anyway thanks but i should know the VA is set up like a hustle just too bad for those of us Vets who die waiting on their bebfits. I am no where near death just mule headed and stubborn to roll over for them and quit. Adios have a good day...

Hey can anyone explain why the VA lumps all of the claims and waits for the claims to be in a holding pattern? I ask as i had put in on a financial hardship (wife had brain surgery and her income was cut in half) she came out okay thank God but we like a loft of others in the US are having a rough time. I had thought that even looking at the evidence for the financial hardship that the VA would pass the claim for when i had surgery for SC back in May hospital/recovery by statement from surgeon at least 1 year. It just took me about a month to catch my surgeon for a sit down to explain what the VA required. My whole back is eat up with arthritis and i claimed that prior to surgery just did not know how bad it was until they got in there during surgery. Also if you talk to the any VA people on the 1-800 line check out what they say I was told that opening up a new claim for aid and attendance would not pull my claim out of the ratting board. That was wrong. The good part is once in a while you do get some honest reps one guy in Cleavland who took the extra time to look up all my different claims was awesome. The other drones that you talk to may give you bad advice. I am still figuring how i can pass an a good word onto the guy who worked my claim out of Cleavland. Just a few questions and my thoughts. Thanks have a good day..

<BR><BR><BR><FONT size=5>Thanks Yes My nuerosurgeon stated in his letter to the VA as a result of my SC injury to my back, the arthritis had progressed and my back was 20 years advanced past my age <BR>Due to the original DDD rated @10%. He did state in his letter to the VA that went along with my Aid and Attendance forms that I needed daily help with several issues and that with the Letter I hope i can get some help. I am not expecting a whole lot based on my past experinces with the VA I continue on. Thanks for the reply<BR><BR>I have applied for arthritis as secondary to my SC back that I had surgery on in May. My Doctor has been very supportive of me and has helped me more than<BR>he will ever know. I put in for Aid and attendance as the surgery did not go as far as he or I wanted it to go. The arthritis is all the way from the base of the spine to my upper neck. I am waiting on the rating to see if I will make the TDIU. </FONT>

Hey here is the deal, I am currently 80% been Unemployed (non SC ) since 2001. I got hurt but nothing related to my SC Back. MY back had gotten worse had surgery 3 level lumbar fusion May 2010 I listed on my claim for TDIU without a Surgeons opinion behind me but the claim got turned down. I appealed had surgery once they got in there my back is horrible "20 years advanced due to SC injury to lower back") now my letter sent in i applied for Aid and attendance as I am unable to do certain hygiene task as well as am considered housebound my surgery did not do everything that the surgeons thought it would. I suffer like a lot of you with constant pain, but considering the severity of the arthritis by 2 other neurosurgeons I am done. i asked the surgeon for his opinion of my ability to return to work he wrote that I am unable to maintain gainful employment . I turned in my Aid and attendance form submitted by surgeons any ideas of what else I can do? I was told submitting the VA form if my case was at rating board it will go back and start over? I also submitted statement I had no other evidence to submit with the Aid and attendance letter. I also had an MRI last week and now i have Arthritis setting up in my upper neck I was told the stability of the lower spine with three herniated disc led to the 2 bulging disc in my neck. I am not going to file but have any of you all have a case similar? frustrated but hanging in SC

Hey got good news out of the 1-800 call center out of Cleavland ( Guy was awesome) best person I ever talked with about my claim. I had put in for Temp 100% since SC Back surgery Surgeon said my recovery time from Surgery would be up to 1 year but right now I would be happy just to get paid. Like a lot of others I am In a mess with about the only ones calling me are the many people I am in debt to. My question is have any of you that have been through this. I look forward to hearing from anyone that has been in my situation. I know the limits of the time I can draw Temp 100% but my Doctor has already gave his opinion as to my back I am unable to seek or maintain gainful employment. Adiós have a good day

Hello I had a claim that went to BVA lost case applealed it with help from a veterans legal fund (pro Bono) the claim was won on appeal after the facts were clear on about 14 points Clearly the VA assumed a lot of things we all know what happens when we assume correct? Is there a reason now that the case has ben remanded back to the state and is at the ratting board I submited new evidence also with a couple of IMO. Is it odd that the VA did not schedule a newer C/P exam prior to the rating board? Yes I am dreaming but It is cheaper than buying a lottery ticket. I would have thought that the initial orthopedic surgeon who said my injuries were SC at first would have won it but a PA shot me down claiming it was an Injury at work. Way too many things to list good bad any thoughts? thanks I really would love to win the case I kept the claim alive it is now 9 years old this month. Again have a good day...

Dorn VA wants to try theses on me to see if the shots will slow down intensity frequency of nigraines, MRI results reported "Annualar bulging minimally encroaches oupoun anterior aspect of central canal at C3-4 through C6-7 levels but does not compress the cervical spinal cord. Degenerative stenosis involves the interverterbal nerve root canal bilateraly at the C3-4 through the C5-6 levels no other abnormalities are at the cervical spine. " not with this i already had 3 level lumbar fusion in may of 2010. I have had nothing but hell with the arthritis in my lower back will the arthritis move from my lower to upper back? I am looking at moving to get away from cold that comes even here in the south this year but the shot thing or the moving for the winter thing anyone chime in on. Look forward to hearing from you have a good day...

Yes Thanks for the reply I had fusion in May I applied in May after surgery with the letter from surgeon who also wrote that because of my SC back injury I am not able to seek gainful employment as well as the advancement of the arthritis beyond my years due to traumatic injuries I received from SC injuries. I also put in for hardship listing statements from BOA about wife loosing time before and after surgery with my back. I am going tomorrow to see pain people at VA Hospital about my neck. I have put in enough evidence and claims if they would just act upon the claim would help me. We like many others are so far behind with bills and such. At least we still have a home I can find something to be positive about. Adiós

Hey I had told you guys about my increasing aggressive migraines. I had these for a long time but for last few months they had gotten worse for no reason. results are according to the MRI is that I have arthritis from the very first vertrabrae all of the way to the bottom. the good news was that it does not show any pinched nerves but stenosis is present in entire spine. I am hoping some of you may have an idea on what the VA is offering me? Injections and neck massage along with traction/theraphy? Ideas/ i just got my paperwork for Aid and attendance sent off so I am asking that they look at the MRI results also as a factor of the advancement of the arthritis and yes i am not crazy I have been trying to get the VA to look at my neck for over a year as it has been killing me, Again any thoughts advise. I do not want to apply for an increase due to the fact we are in final stages of my claim for IU. I had thought finnally I was vindicated I am not crazy or a drug seeker. I look forward to any thoughts I am 80% with 60% 30% 10% 10% 10% as a breakdown. I should have been drawing convolessance pay from 3 level lumbar fusion from surgery I had in May since it was SC. Just thought I would share it with you all and ask what you would do. so far i have seen nothing but wait/no wait/still working no/ you get the idea. Adios have a good day...Oxyegen has hepled increased my water intake but to relief still having about 5 a week for last 2 months, That has been the worst...

I ahte the vet is having the problem but my question for you guys on this AA subject is I had surgery for SC back 3 level lumbar fusion my surgeon wrote letter for me that siad I am unable to seek gainful employment as well as he wrote a second letter to the fact my arthritis was davanced due to the nature of my injury and also submited my paperwork for me for AA. While my claim is pending for IU and my wife also wrote to the effect she has missed work and we needed to be able to hire out some help for me as I cannot dress care for myself or transfer in and out of shower much less properly attend to some of my duties. putting in for AA is humbling but for the veteran and his family i suggest that you stay on it and get as many health professionals as you can. i honestly do not know what is going to happen to us as we will probally get denied which is a VA product these days. What suggestions can you advise for me I am 80% 60% Hypertnsive heart disease 10% hypertension 30% migraines 10% Tinunitis and the DDD is 10% but after syrgery for my SC back I asked for TDIU and also claimed arthritis as secondary to my DDD. I got a denial but I went ahead and kept plowing forward so ahng in there we all have to belive there is a rightoeous person within the VA who will discover some of our claims. Again many thanks to all who could offer any help or advice. My motto is never give up that may change to regroup this fall as I honestly fear the upcoming winter ahead. Have a good day

i am with noth you and carlie as i am disabled myself but the VA continues to say no to my IU as i am already disabled. The pain disorder makes sense (but we are not qaulified LOL) to diagnose it ourselves. I may look at this one myself. This is the biggest reason other than each of being veterans together we have seen and heard it all. adios...

I have same problem as we both have trouble with our backs mine is the fact after 3 surgeries I am still not able to function on account of pain/my migraines are horible brought on by increasesed blood pressure secondary to pain levels that most people would not function at all. that was my nuerologist opinion which has been sent to VA. My advice as I suffer from some of your problems is set down with a good mental health practioneir both VA and Civilian I find having one of each helps you more than having just one if you can afford it. explain the effects your body forces upoun you and family if you have one? Mine resents the fact I am unable to vacation with them. Do the fun stuff and basicaily be a man. I am unable to do many of those duties but I refuse to allow the VA to degrade me more than my own family does to me. I hate to sound so self centered but I feel for you if you have the agony I go through with my SC back. If i ac offer anything shoot me an e-mail off line I have had 3 surgeons work on me do not expect or depend on any help with C/P best you get your best civillian Docs Just my Humble opinion I had one good Doctor rest are company men they are not with you. Adios good luck,,,

here is the lick I was retired from my Civilian job in 2001 from an injury in line of duty 1997. I was retired for migraines (hypertension) and PTSD. I am SC for for Migraines and hypertension goes through the roof when my PTSD acts up. I guess that is why I live where I live out in middle of nowhere. I get better results living alone believe it OR not but my family has to drive out to check on me. Now my back went out on me from SC injury to my back end result 3 level lumbar fusion VA approved neurosurgeon who did surgery opinion was I am unemployable due to my SC back as range of movement constant pain and arthritis from injury years ago to my back make me again unable to maintain gainful employment again. I put in for IU last year denied kept claim alive now it is waiting game do you think if VA will try to say I am disabled from 1st job so IU is not valid claim? I am thinking/ preparing for the VA worst case was to apply back to the time I retired on SC but only if I loose the claim for TDIU I am trying to get insurance for my Family through the VA under TDIU. I am only in favor of applying for claims I have a chance of winning. I am not able to care for myself at this time with my back my Neurosurgeon just sent in paperwork for me for Arthritis as well as Aid and attendance. I have a hard time mostly getting my family to understand constant pain and me not able to do common task like dressing myself or household cleaning. VA has given me the bed device to help me pull myself out of bed and the really cool sock tube that allows me to halfway put my socks on but only works half the time. I am 80% now I am hoping that increase in my back arthritis lumbar fusion will at least help me catch back up with the house payments we are behind as the wife has lost time from work prior to and since operation with being out of work with Migraines and my back going out on me leaving me bed ridden. Dint get me wrong I am still happy to see the sun each day but I cant go on with what little help i get from my family. As soon as i get the claims and all settled i am moving out west or to Asia for the winter to hell with the cold we had last year. Today has sucked it rained happy to see the rain just my back started hurting yesterday I knew it was coming. As usual any thoughts ideas accepted. I am just trying to weigh all of my options, My migraines have took a turn lately for the worse so it is not that I try to get into arguments or get my blood pressure up I am trying to lay low examine what i an do myself or at least with some solid advice I get here. Have a good day