oldman273

Any Thoughts on why the VA is dragging its feet getting medical records as well as SS records my claim is at devolpmental stage. I submited myself stack of paperwork as well as recent Doctors letters about my surgery. I refuse to get stressed out so you guys if you can any thoughts on what to do next. i have a Law office up in DC did free work for me on Multiple cue on a 8 year old claim that got remanded to the state. What was strange to me no new C/P exam other than the one we got originally. I was told to just start shipping paperwork they requested from Hospital myself is that a good idea? I am not altering anything and even after I put into hardship paperwork back at the beging of summer they seem to have lost that also. I put in for aid and attendance in August as I need the help everyday my back is worse and I am having hard time being alone more and more. Does anyone out there have an idea on Aid and attendace and how fast ( I hate to ask that about anything VA Does) they move on claim. I had wanted to try and get my claims through to go overseas but the way I hurt last year I refuse to live here during another winter with my back. Adios and have a good day...

Nope not at the time it just freaked me out how the usual migraines turned into really agressive overnight, I am happy I go for the MRI next week I checked today and was put on list in case someone drops out. I am rated @ 30% now if they persist like they are and do not go back to how they were yes but today was a good day I will take this one I got away from 2 of them by lying down with oxyegen I just woke up and it is like 0130 I am going back to bed but thanks for the question I was kind of freaking out after it seemed like it was doing it everday...

Hello Been a while since I have came to ask Medical opiniom buth this is a plea I am SC for hypertension/migraines what has happened is that for the last few months my Migraines have gotten aggressive. No changes in diet enviroment etc. MY pain level used to be I could take a shot pop on a pheneraghan and ride out migraine in dark room. Now thw migraines are coming on into a full blown migraine on from start of headache 5 minutes. I have been to Civ and VA ER both results blood pressure through the roof voimiting whole nine yards. Anyone out there got any thing that has helped I am now on VA home oxyegen scheduled for a follow up MRI next week but the migraines are so agressive I was sweating overcome with pain I thought I had a bleed up inside my head. I know others on here have wifes, husbands family who have these damn things but I was told by nuerologist that "Maybe" since my Lower back being all screwed up ( I had 3 level lumbar fusion in May) and changes were noted last year in my upper spine and neck area artheritis could be effecting me. I am using oxyegen and keeping dairy but I really need any thing that you might have heard that helps others with migraines. I was retired from my Civllian job on account of these things back in 2001. I am not kidding around to me a migraine is right up there with being shot You cant breath whole world slows down and you are not sure what is going to happen. Not being dramatic but anything I am open to trying. As to oxyegen so far I can say it has helped some if I start using it wide open right when pain starts also my High blood meds have been increased and I have increased my water intake. Thanks again....

Thanks for both post My PTSD is non Service connected but I was told that if my Blood pressure is effected when I am having problems, stress, aniexity migraines do come on. I am not sure if it is a valid claim That is why I come here as to get my claims straight, thanks for any help. James Owens

Hello I am SC for Hypertension with Migraines secondary to the BP spikes. When I go through someting that triggers my PTSD bam I get a migraine but stress also sets me off I take like 3 BP meds now. I was told that I could claim the PTSD even though it is not SC but does cause onset of Migraines and HBP. I am considering applying for PTSD that aggrivate the SC Hypertension. Any thoughts send yhem my way Also my wife is having Brain surgery thursday Morning at Emerey so any prayers just think of her. We have 2 children I need her aroundl Adios have a good day I considier you all my extended family you put up with me when I get a little loopy...Adios... I forgot to add that I was medicaly retired on account of the PTSD with Migraines but I had one rep who I realy did not get along with told me the claim for Disability back to the date I retired would do me no good. Any thoughts? Thanks adios.....

You are correct I was admited to ER at local Hospital my BP systolic was 186/110 after they gave me injections. I would gladly give them the 30% back if I couod get them to ease off. I wish you luck I am expermiting with a chiorpractor as my life has been hell for over 8 years the migraines pop up anytime so it is like mowing grass in a minefield LOL. I am also keeping notes on my BP as well as duration of headaches dates times meds taken. Good luck and get your medical records copied now while you are in. I wish you well and hope they go away for you as mine are killing me. James

I am SC for Degenatrive Disc disease and for migraines. I am not able to dress myself without help and when I am down with the weeklong migraines I am pretty much an invalid. Most of the time my migraines last a day or two but here lately it lasted almost a whole week. I was admited to Hospital ER and knocked out with meds which is what happens when I cannot just lay down and get away from the migraine. Where I live right now I have some help that will come over but I am planning on moving overseas this fall to get away from the cold. I do mean to put the cart in front of the horse but how is Aid and attendance paid and is it to me or individual or agency I hire out? Also I am in need of anyone who has moved out of US drawing VA disability and how was their opinion of Veterans clinic in Manillia? Adios and have a good day....

Yes Sir I submited all notes and records from my Civillian Nuerosurgeon He even went so far as to write me his Opinion to the fact the Artheritis was 20 years advanced beyond my age and was a factor involving the need for surgery for my service connected back injury. I also asked him to send in a letter about my ability to gain meaningful employment but based on my 3 level fusion and the damage the arteritis has done it wasnot possible for me to work. As to the 2 year wait on IU I have had trouble with my back since I hurt it in service but this current surgeon I have been with 7 years with my current surgeon who at the time of me putting in for I/U had wanted to wait and see if things got better or worse. I had a lamenectomy in 2001 with my first surgeon and thought it would help instead it made my back worse. I started having more and more problems I finnaly got SC for my back and they lowballed me@10%.I then went and had an implanted stimulator (2009) trying to aviod surgery and keep from being tied to meds for the second time and had went ahead with current fushion. Now I am worse off as I am falling more but at least I am not urinating on myself as I was before surgery. If i had it to do over again I would have had fusion instead of laminectomy the nerve damage would have not been asa bad as it is. Sorry to ramble but the IU was appealed and letter from Surgeon as well as 2 other Doctors were on file considering my not being able to work. I am only 45 and I hope to be able to keep my wife from loosing her job as we need the insurance for the kids. I am 80% been that way for 3-4 years withe the right % to qualify for IU VA just doing the deny deny deny routine. I hope the Aid and attendance will not take as long as IU. I got the idea for A/A from the hadit crew I am at least looking towards that as relief the wife and family are great it is just I need help dressing everyday and washing/getting in and out of shower. Small things I never would have thought of before. Adios thanks for any advice I think I am going to make it I have to keep telling myself that everyday. Positive wins the race negativeity nevers finnishes it..

You might be right as of right now I am awaiting to be rated on my current claims for an increase in my back, artheritis of the lumbar spine, Bilateral neuropathy secondary to my SC back and Bilateral Knee injuries and artehrits in both of the knee joints. I do not hink that will get me from 80% to over 160% I will look up Aid and Attendance. Thanks...

Hello I am new to this area of the board I am currently rated for DDD of the lower back and had a 3 level lumbar fusion for my SC injury that has left me with nerve damage in both Left and right legs both feet (toes burn) and I am unable to do daily personal care. I had surgery on May 5 2010. I had surgery outside of the VA but it was granted fee basis but VA never would return surgeons calls or mine so I used my own insurance. I am unable to get around the house without help it is terrible in the mornings as I am unable to dress myself ( I am unable to bend anymore since surgery without pain I cannot put on my own socks or shoes other than flip flops without help). I have artheritis that is advanced more than 20 years my age in my lower back the surgeon noted for me to submit to the VA secondary as a result of the DDD of the the spine. I am married but my wife is unable to lose any more time from work as she has been warned about further loss of work due to being out with me. Do I qualify for SMC to get some help for me in the mornings? I currently have applied for convolesecance pay as I am still waiting to be rated for IU now for over 2 years. I am 80% with 60% 30% 10% 10% 10% and several 0% but the DDD was only rated at 10% by the VA. I am not able to get out of bed withouth help and have to keep a bed pan should I get stuck alone in the house without anyone here. I asked the Primary care Physcian about getting me one of thsose bed devices to help me get up alone but his answer was to call in and make an appointment to go to VA orthapedics where they hand out the prostectic devices. I have called them waiting on return. Any adivce look forward to hearing from you. My Civillian surgeon said that he did all he could but the nerve damage and the limited motion are about as good as they get. He also said the artheiritsi is advanced on account of the injury and resulting deteriation of my lower spine and the numbness in my hands and fingers are in his opinon lookign at the MRI I now have movment in my upper spine on account of lower spine instability. He is hoping that with the fusion it should stabilize my upper back. I am stil thankfull for what I do have but my disability is effecting my family that is what hurts the most. Thanks adios..

Thanks I will ask the powers that be today what the deal is as I have to be down in Columbia to see about getting me something like a hanging bar or something to help me get out of bed when I do not have no one here to help. I can always slide on my flip flops by using my feet but flip flops in the winter sounds like the title to a book if it was not true. Adios and thanks for the regs I am sure I made the cut on them. Have a good day...

Hello I am SC for Back issue DDD. I had Surgery on my back for 3 level lumbar fusion. I put in for the Convo since I had filed a claim for IU two yearsprior to it as my back had gotten worse and it got so bad I had to have surgery it was effecting my ability to control my bladder. The surgery fixed it but still have nerve damage down both legs and feet. I was approved for Surgery through the VA so that I could get it done outside the VA so I had it done but used my Insurance as the VA drug its feet never would return my calls. I am now under the civillain Surgeon care who wrote a letter with the records of the surgery and that in his opinion I would be under his care for atleast 18 months as the artheritis is severe in my back that is also a factor from my SC DDD. I had this put into writing so that I had an ongoing claim with the VA for artheritis secondary to my SC back injury. I like a lot of others are in the hole financaily my wife has lost so much time for the surgery and having to stay out of work even 3 months after the surgery I am stilll unable to dress myself or get around in out of bed without help and showering. I had a Primary care appointment today and my VA Doc told me he looked at notes and was surprised that I had not heard anything about the Convolesance pay until they made a descion on the IU. Any ideas on how long it takes to have the claim go through for the Convolesance pay just to get some relief with my house being behind as well as many other bills? I put in May of this year all records are recived but are they waiting to adjudicate all claims? I also put in for the hardship claim as my wife has and still losses time from work having to help me I am still falling when the back spasams hit me. I asked the civilian surgeon who has took care of my back since 2001 and he wrote that my back is 20 years advanced my age due to the state of artheritis secondary to the Degenarative Disc Disease has done to me. I just turned 45 this sucks I am also 80% total with several claims being 60% 30% 10% 10% 10% and several 0% so this is my rant sorry just wanted to lay it out. I understnad that I could be a lot worse but money problems compund the pain and general mood around the house that affects everyone. I have had a vehicle reposessed but heck I am unable to drive it the way the Meds leave me all drugged up. If I do not take them to drive to the Doctor I am in pain and it is just not worth it. Adios and anyone with suggestion on what if any thing I can add please advise I know things are bad everywhere but some relief would help. Thanks you vets on this board are about the only ones who understand what I am into.

Hello I had a case that went to BVA up in DC NP or maybe a Nurse opinion that over a Orthapedic surgeon who said my knee injuries were at least 50% cause of my current bilteral knee problems and the resulting Arteritis. I had a pro bono law firm contact me after it got turned down first time at High Court in DC won to have it remanded for CUE by the nurse that still works at VA hospital in the C/P exam clinic. It is sad to hear others have same problem. Also when your case gets back on Remand like mine is right now it seems like everyone adjustor or what ever titile the people who reviews the claims seems to know more than the real Doctors also. If anyone had their case remanded sure would like to hera from them I am crossing my fingers anbd toes to get my claims done so that I can move overseas this fall I hate the cold. I wish everyone luck adios......

Hello I am so happy for you and not having to keep being pulled in time after time for exams. I am not sure but if it applies to you when you get the paper at the end of the year for goodness sakes make triple sure you fill it out and get a delivery signature on it and keep copies. A freind of mine living overseas did everything right but the last part (signature) had a heck of time getting his benfits back to 100% Congradulations take the pack off and rest for a while.. Enjoy your summer

If that is the case I amy just end up staying at the beach it was wonderful. I am stressed to the point at home not being able to do a darn thing with a beautiful farm got kids I cannot play with you guys understand what I am getting at. I even checked my blood pressure several times and you had a point the BP was even low. Adios and have a good day

Thanks I am wanting to get all of my claims finnished before I leave the states.

Hey got a question for you that have artheritis. I went to the beach for ten days and I do not know what it was but my back and knees did not hurt like they do at home about 1000Ft above sea level. Is it being at sea level or the heat or what? I know I am leaving the south this fall to stay away from the cold but I was really surprised as this was the second time this year that i have felt better on the coast. Adios and have a good day

Hello I started this claim in 2002 for my knees. I injured them on active duty in boot camp and later on in the fleet several times as listed in my SMR and support letters from fellow service members.I was retired from my civillian job having nothing to do with my Injuries from Service. The case went to local VA Surgeon wrote that my injuries I had in USMC were consisteint with my current problems but a second nurse with VA decided the surgeon made the case without my smr there and denied and then went to DC BVA. I was lucky and got a good group of pro bono lawyers> They Cued the case and won after my SMR were produced and the VA remanded my case back to the state and now my case is about to heard but my question is since they won on cue why did the VA not have a new C/P exam? I have been told in latest letter to get in all of my medical evidence in 30 days I hope they are close to being done. Have a good day thanks for any help

Yes Thanks my back is SC just had 3 level lumar fusion so far the pain is about the same but I used the advice on this forum to get my Surgeon to stand with me and he wrote about me not being employable due to my SC back. This Cardiologist was the same who said nothing was wrong with my heart prior to my being awarded 60% also. I just want a solid diagnosis for my heart if it is better I will take a better heart rather than any amount of money the VA can give me. Ijust do not belive my heart is better I will go to a civillian Cardiologist as soon as I can.

Hello I am SC for enlarged heart secondary to hypertension recently put in for I/U and had a C/P VA did echo/EKG "Their Cardiologist says my heart is normal I am wondering if I should go get an IMO as I read the test results and measurements of enlarged area of my heart have actually increased. Any suggestions? I get the feeling the VA is lining me up to reduce my present ratting but I am always ready for that fact. If I were getting better and felt better I would be happy but I had the VA tell me that my heart was fine but still have same problems Shortness of breath, edema on lower legs/ankle. I am going for IU now that my Back is gone out on me and Nuerosurgeon already put in letter for IU to the VA so any ideas? Adios and have a good day

Thanks I know myself but that is here nor there but I am going to talk with all 3 Nuerologist who have treated me about what their opinion is as well as my civillian Physc Doc. I made it clear to al of them I had trouble with my Headaches and Hypertension but the really crushing Migraines (blood Pressure through the roof ) result from getting upset to just coming on for no reason. I had an MRI of my head that showed all of these little dots or white sots it freaked the wife out she thought I had MS. Nuerologist told me that it was a result of prolonged hypertension. I was retired from my Civillian Job on account of Migraines and the PTSD PTSD of course non SC but the Migraines I thought since I was SC could be a reason to bring it in. as to the VA rated for NON SC PTSD My Gaf score last time was like 41 I think. If that is what rated means? I am getting ready to move overseas this fall so If I do not get it filled here I will do it through Manillia. My SC back has Artheritis so bad I can not stand the small winters here in South Carolina so I am heading to the equator LOL. I have friends there who let me stay with them over the winter. I have so many claims in now I just have to wait until they all get through then see what happens I guess? Any Ideas or thought s always apricitate the positive and negative it makes me think. Have a good day

Hello Up late again Had a question. I have been looking up claim history and cmae up with a question someone may have an Idea about. I have SC hypertension and am also SC for migraines secondary to Hypertension. What I thought of last week I got upset and bam I had my usual migraine followed by a good bit of sickness. Being I am not a medical Doc I cannot make this tie in is there any way to come up with a nexus between the two? My PTSD is not servce connected but the other 2 are SC. I am still waiting on several claims but the hypertension is from way back during service in the 1980s. I always have these crazy High Blood pressure reading during a migraine and the symptoms are the same after I get upset if I cannot get myself calmed down. Any ideas or your thoughts I really do not think the VA needs another claim into the system I try not to foul up the system. Adios and have a good day....

Thanks not a problem I posted to get some advice. I may have to get him to include it in another letter when I hear from the VA. The surgery itself was a result of my SC DDD to my lumbar spine from an injury in service. I brought him the SMR, Private Docs Records and about everything I could get for his review. I know he is one of the top Nuerosurgeon in our Area. Any ideas or thoughts of a better letter. I also think like you that anyway the VA can snake out of it by using regs one way or another is my guess. Have a good weekend thanks...

To whom it may Concern, Ive been treating (veteran) for Several Years. I have reviewed his latest MRI scan which shows 3 Level Degenerative Disc and Herniated Disc in his back. It is my opinion he will not be able to seek gainful employment due to his service connected back condition. It is also my opinion that he undego surgery. this would be a 3 level lumbar fushion with Decompression. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. Dr. XXX With this letter I submited it along with all of the surgery notes from the surgery I have had on my back. I wondering is there anything I should have mentioned to him prior to submiting this. I put in for IU but was denied I hope this will put the IU claim to bed. Any Ideas or thoughts please advise. Have a good day...

Well I had the 3 level lumbar fusion on my SC back. I have a appeal right now but I need to get your ideas on should I appply for Temp/Recovery IU (My healing time is 1 year) My wife has been out for the Max ammount of time and now shw is going on unpaid leave. I know that the appeal is at the ratting level and my Civ Surgeon just recently wrote me the letter stating I am unemployable due to my SC back. after fighting IU for 3 years I am not able to put my trust in the ratting board to go by their own rules. Have a good day..