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Thanks philip, I am afrais to try and file anything, as I have an appeal on a 0 percent for my stomach issues in right now. It could slow things down to a stop. Especially since I am about to enter the MEB/PEB phase of military medical. I was put out due to ptsd in 06, rated 70% retro back to 05. ABCMR decided I should be back in to go through meb/peb.

I have a letter from my employer to go with FMLA paperwork. I am going to try and get into MH today to get it signed and start the process of Medical disability from my job. I should have done this along time ago, but I kept trying to hold out. Since June, I have been having more stress problems that have been effecting everything. I am in the beginning process of getting MEB also,(Been out since 06) I had to sign an extension to go back in the National Guard for 1 year to get it completed. Can someone tell me how this will work. I am 70% ptsd from the military since 06. I went back to my old job after Iraq, but I have difficulty maintaining.

Thank you carlie, I didnt know if my PCP or mental health doc could sign those forms for me.

I am trying to get some information about the VA mental health Drs' ability to fill out a required form that my company requires for medical disability. Can they and would they fill out this form? It is from the state of Florida. I do not recieve any medical from outside the VA, and the form is required to be filled out by the treating physician. I am 70% ptsd. I have a letter from my employer stating that I have become somewhat of a liability. They gave me the paperwork to give to my doctor. The risk management department brought me in last week and said that the side effects of my medication (ptsd), which makes me tired and drowsy is what they are worried about because my job requires driving.

Yes, It is typical VA to have to wait for a consult or flat out be denied one as was my case in 06 and 07 about my stomach ulcers. I finally got an appt with the stomach dr when I filed a claim. So I am thinking of opening a claim for CAD secondary to ptsd meds (quietipine especially) Thank you for your input. I am currently working, however I have been advised by my supervisor to try and medically retire from work. I work for the state. Between the heart problems, ptsd and stomach/ulcer problems I feel shot,finished with no energy. As i was typing this the VA called to schedule my cardiologist appt. Wow Nuclear stress test the 24th and follow up with cardio doc on the 30th.

Seroquel XR (quetiapine) is an oral antipsychotic drug prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia and acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Frequent adverse side effects of Seroquel XR include headache, agitation, dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, and stomach upset. More severe side effects of Seroquel XR include orthostatic hypotension, seizures, hypothyroidism, tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, high blood cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Individuals with diabetes should monitor blood sugar levels closely to avoid the risk of elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).

I am 47 years old and I have a question about high LDL, high tryglicerdes, low HDL and high cholesterol that was first diagnosed when I went to the VA, again nine months after discharge. It seems all of my disabilities that are SC stem from this time frame. This one is alittle different. I Had a heart attack in June this year, and was diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease. Had a Heart Cath done where blockages were found, no stenting, just meds. I finally have a stress test scheduled for this month....finally after complaining of more chest pains. VA is hard to get appts. I have/had a consult in with the VA cardiologist, but cant go UNTIL the VA nuclear stress test is done. Anyway, My real question is can this be service related/SC. I was very satisfied with the way the VA treated me when the HA happened (They sent me to a private hospital in an ambulance. My pcp said they did not have the facilities to treat me, but he would put a consult in with the VA cardiologist to see me when I got out of the hospital). Like I said the private heart doc did a Heart cath and said I had blockages, one was 100 % others 40 and 50 %, but did not want to stent because of its location????? I haven't seen a heart doc since then so I don't exactly know what the deal is. However based on VA Progress notes, blood test and VA medication list from December 2005 to present I have always had high cholesterol and high hdl with low tryglicerides. I believe this has led to my HA. I am SC for ptsd, GERD and ulcer,tinnitus and other unspecified injury to finger. ICD 9-cm-414.9 was the official dx by the VA Any comments or helpful advice would be great. I know the VA does not grant service connection for high cholesterol, however if it led to this I wish to be SC at least 0%. I am not overweight, I have Sleep apnea and wear a cpap at night,(most of the time at least 3 hours). I am OIF vet. I do take ptsd meds that make me tired and have no go power. Have been since 2005. I have been also trying to locate the date I began taking high blood pressure meds and it seems to be in 2008. BP meds changed from prazosin to hydrochlorithiazide to lisinopril to lisinopril,carvedilol,prazosin and clopidogrel bisulfate at the same time now. Have been doing some research on what causes Cholesterol levels to rise as well as tryiglicerides......quitepine!! I have been on this since 2005-2013 prescribed for me by my VA MH doc.

Yes, me too, how can I get an exam?

You are more than welcome Hoppy, Thank you!!!

Here is the BVA descision http://www.va.gov/vetapp13/Files2/1315830.txt It got me SC at 0%. I have a NOD in now. Thanks to Hoppy, I wouldnt have anything for this. The VA tried to be slippery as an eel.

Thank you ask nod. I plan on getting the official word from VA, see what box they are coming out of, and attack. Well, with the master...Hoppy.

Yes sir, I have been. I actually had a endoscopic procedure done by a private Gastroentologist in april 2012. I plan on having another done this year. His report was submitted as part of my evidence to support my claim that was at the BVA. It was similar to the 2 endoscopic procedures done by the VA which were done in 2008 and 2012. That and the Upper GI's that were done (October 2012 as part of a C&P remand) that clearly indicated by the written report that I have issues. However, as the C&P examiner wrote, I have no current issues. I did go to the VA, found the C&P examiner and informed him (informally) that I won the Claim at BVA. The look on his face was priceless, and it did give me some vindication. However, the issue is, I am being lowballed and dismissed by the VA, which I do not appreciate. So, I will go for the throat now!

You know this is sad....I dont know what that code means, but that is shameful. No C&P since 12-10

Well, I have always been told a 0% rating is a win. Thats what I was awarded according to the DAV (who I fired 2 years ago). I got the DAV letter in the mail today and it said this was an unofficial notice that the VA had rated my Gastroesophageal reflux disease with esophageal ulcer is granted with an evaluation of 0 percent effective June 25 2008. So I guess I see how they want to do this. It just was granted Service connection on the 14th of May and this letter was sent to me on the 28th of May. Something smells fishy. With the DBQ my PCP filled out for me, this should have been rated 30%. This was started 25 june 2008, went to the BVA whom remanded it, then back to the BVA. The BVA granted Service connection: The BVA descision reads:Service connection for GI disability,including GERD with esophageal ulcer, is warranted. Waiting on the Official slap in the face from the VA. Should get it sometime next week I guess, then start all over with another NOD. Hoppy, thanks but we aren't done yet. BTW, My VA treatment records are continuous with treatment,endoscopies,medication that I am currently on for GERD. In fact, it is listed as chronic severe gerd on my problems list. Me thinks someone at the VARO is upset the BVA sided with me. They took all of 10 days to get it from the BVA,in process my cfile, rate it, and then send me a decision?? Really?

Well, according to the VA, I called yesterday to get an update, I was assigned a 0 percent rating. After 5 years of denials,BVA,AMC,BVA, and finally conceded by the BVA. I am happy it was SC, however, with the treatment records, multiple endoscopy reports, and the outstanding DBQ filled out by my PCP, I will get a 0 percent rating. I wrote my congressman, Jeff Miller< to have his office look into WTF. I have looked at the CFR to get an idea of how they should have rated it. If I understand correctly, there is no code for GERD. I understand that they rate it analgalously with Hiatal Hernia because the symptoms are so close. I was denied tha Hiatal Hernia claim by the BVA, but awarded GERD, and Gastric ulcer. Looks like this is going to be another 5 year battle. I want to also thank HOPPY, for all his help,experience and input into this claim. I dont feel I would have made it through the BS without him. Although this is a bit premature, as the guy at the VA said it was in the authoization phase, I feel LOW BALLED!

Thank you Hoppy for connecting the dots, in a way, a first grader could follow. Thank you for helping me. I will be sending the descision letter to you. Without you, Hoppy, I would have been another disgruntled vet that the VA swept under the rug. Again sir, thank you!! Thank you Hoppy for connecting the dots, in a way, a first grader could follow. Thank you for helping me. I will be sending the descision letter to you. Without you, Hoppy, I would have been another disgruntled vet that the VA swept under the rug. Again sir, thank you!!

I guess, I am asking should I just wait to see what the RO rates me for? In the descision it has ulcer erosive gastritis mention all through it. Would I need to file a seperate claim for that?

Yea, T8r, I seen that but it is confusing to me. Hard to wrap my head around. So would that mean I would recieve 2 different ratings? After reading the descision again, It appears that the GE Ulcer, which was categorized as a Gastric ulcer was said by the board to be acute, and at some point it had resolved. However, medical evidence of last Endoscopy done by a Private Gastro Dr. said I had: 2 April 2012 Endoscopy performed by VA (Dr. Fabian)/Moderately severe esophagitis/34-37 cm level. Esophagitis; Hiatal hernia37-40 cm level; Erosive gastritis in Antrum 25 April 2012 Endoscopy performed by Dr. Denby (West Florida Hospital) /1 cm hiatal hernia; ulcererosive gastritis;mild antral erythema and erosion. The descision reads: Resolving all doubt in the Vetrans favor,the criteria for service connection for GERD with ulcer are met. The criteria for service connection for a hiatal hernia are not met. In the descision it refers to the ulcer as acute, and that it had resolved during the pending appeal. What the heck does this mean, I have ulcer erosive gastritis?

Sorry, I had to put that in Caps. It has been since june 2008 (claim filed) to BVA to AMC then back to BVA. Each C&P exam was heavily stacked against the evidence of record! Hoppy, the genius he is, saw right through the BS and assisted me. He deserves all the credit on this one. I originally filed a claim for GERD with esophageal ulcer secondary. My PCP ordered endo scope December 2005, (it was denied until I filed this claim in 2008) I got scoped in 2008, with a new finding of hiatal hernia. I filed another claim for that. So, I have 2 claims going that pertain to the same anatomical area. The Gerd/ulcer claim was denied and a month later the hernia claim denied. I filed a NOD, long story short, it ended up at BVA in 2010. Got remanded in 2012, then back to BVA 2013. And the decision was.....to grant service connection for GERD and Gastric Ulcer. Deny service connection for Hiatal Hernia. My question now for anyone who has experienced this, How the heck do they rate something if it isn't in the 38 CFR rating schedule? And are these two things considered 2 different conditions to rate? My Cfile was sent back to St. Pete for them to do what they do....whatever the heck that is. I called the VA yesterday and was told to keep an eye on ebenefits, for a NEW claim to open. I am guessing it is for this descision from BVA. Any input from the experienced ones would really be appreciated. This claim goes back only 60 months.

This is an update to this "debacle"....Pending Dispatch from BVA. It changed today...so I will guestimate I will have an answer in the next two weeks or so.. Get ready Hoppy for some good or bad news. Either wayand above all , I want to really tell Hoppy thank you for all you have done to assist me with this.

This is true!! It has been with the BVA since 2009. Claim opened June 2008.

Does anyone know or understand what this means..."Under final review"?? I called the BVA today to see where my appeal is at/how its going. Ebenefits showed it Pending dispatch, then changed the next day to "with VLJ". That is another reason I called. The lady I spoke with told me it was in a final review stage, and could take another month.

I had the same problem when mine first returned from AMC 3 January 13. First it said with vlj, then a couple days later it said with vso. I had to sign a paper that stated I was not being represented by DAV. I waited a couple more weeks after that until ebenefits said DAV is not your rep. I have been with vlj since mid february. The only thing that changes is the dat says 3-23-13 with vlj. Yes I say it is unreliable, as most things are with VA.

Berta, I dont really know what a peblo is, I dont have one. And yes, I get full va care minus dental. However, it would be nice to have the option to go to a civilian dr outside the VA when I am sick or emergency. Once I figured out I wasnt "medically retired" from the service like I thought, I researched what a medical retirement was. When i got back from Iraq in 2005, I transferred to a non deployed unit, as I felt that would help me. Along with that I began seeing a MH provider at VA along with going to the Vet center. Both Dr.s decided that it would be in my best interest to file a claim, and get medically retired from the NG. I did not attend weekend drills anymore, I recieved a p4 profile and my paperwork was sent to the state HQ, who placed me in the retired reserves with a 15 yr letter for retirement. That was in 2006. All this time I thought that was what happened to reservist that were not on active duty when something happened to them. My VA mh provider asked that I be retired and I took that as well being done with the service. After talking with the tricare rep and was informed I had to wait till I was 60 to enroll in tricare, I started researching the internet to find out if this was correct. I found out that I should have had a LOD done, placed back on active duty to complete an MEB. If I wait till I am 60 to draw my retirement, it will be offset by VA %. So, in effect I will get nothing. I found out that the army board of corrections was my only avenue to try and get this fixed. I submitted a packet to them last may 2012. I included my VA c&p in 2006 along with another C&P evaluation by the VA in 2008. Both evaluations rated at 70% ptsd. I havent had another evaluation but I feel like it will come again sooner than later. I also included stressors, Bronze star,ARCOM/w v, CAB and Letters from My Va MH dr. and the Vet center Psychologist. Both asking for a military medical retirement. I also with the help of my daughter submitted a timeline of events. The packet was kinda big, but I didnt know how else to pursue it. I understand that the NG wants me to come back on active duty now to complete a LOD. That was in the letter I got in January from the ABCMR. The way I am reading this....Is that I should be retired from the Army at least 30-50%. I should have been getting a retire check from them since 2006. Sorry not trying to hijack this thread, but if you have any questions cssamo, let me know. I will try and answer what I know. Try and get LOD before you get seperated. That is important.

Medical retirement is the same for ng or active if injury/illness happened on title 10 (active duty). I didnt know that until last year when i thought i qualified for tricare and was told no i was in gray area and could not get it until i turned60 and drawing ng retirement. I felt ripped off so after resaerching the dod regs reguarding a reservist injured on active duty i found out i was supposed to go thru med board and be placed back on ad for that. Instead i was booted with no LOD. I am waiting on word on what will happen now. But the abcmr sent me an advisory opinion from ngb as stated above. The abcmr said they could accept, reject all or some of opinion. It would mean:retirement backpay to 2006 and tricare which is all i was after to begin with. I was rated by va for ptsd all the way back to ad discharge in 2005.