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JB3AFSP2

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Everything posted by JB3AFSP2

  1. Within all VSO's there are good ones and those that are lets just say "less than satisfactory." I've experienced both. Whichever VSO you choose, if you choose, you should talk to them and make sure you're comfortable with them. Whether you go with one or go it alone, what georgiapapa said above is absolutely spot on. You must be smart on the entire VA process to give yourself the best chance at success. No one is going to care about your case more than you. I've learned the hard way way and paid for it.
  2. Thanks for the reply. They definitely had my dependent records and I did not give them copies. The NP who examined me was reading things off of my records on her laptop and asking me questions about incidents in my childhood. I'll ask for my c-file and see what they send me.
  3. I was denied my claim for Allergic Rhinitis, Chronic Sinusitis and Asthma. I'm most pissed about about the Asthma being denied. They were denied based on evidence that those "asthma existed prior to service and there is no evidence that the condition permanently worsened as a result of military service." I had childhood exercised induced asthma. I was an Air Force dependent so they have my records showing that. It only occurred after physical activity. They also have evidence that it cleared up around age 12 which allowed my to enter active military service. After entering AD I start having issues with wheezing and was diagnosed with Reactive Airway Disease along with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. I had and still to this day have no issues with asthma after strenuous physical activity and at my most recent C&P exam, evidence was found of obstruction. Clearly, the condition has changed and in my mind made worse as now it can pop up at any time. Wondering if anyone else has had to fight the VA on something like this.
  4. I filed for an increase under FDC last April and had an answer within 90 days so it can definitely be done. I don't know how the VA tracks FDC's so it's hard to say if they have a process for overdue claims. I would probably check and see what's going on. The whole reason the FDC process was implemented was to speed things up. Since you're not adding anything to the claim, I can't see why it would take a long time. Having said that, your C&P is done so I doubt it'll take a year.
  5. Does anyone know the threshold of when GERD can be diagnosed as related to the use of an NSAID? Is it the cumulative use over a certain amount of years? Can intermittent use cause it or does it have to be constant usage? What if you haven't used it in a good while but all of a sudden you develop GERD? How many of you with GERD and/or chronic gastritis also have a hiatal hernia?
  6. rentalguy1, I believe that I need to go a similar route with my case except I'll use diagostic code 5003 due to traumatic injury. Is there a way that I can request and get a copy of my examiner's report? X-rays were taken of my hand and I'm interested in seeing whether or not any arthritis was noted. I have a suspicion that since I didn't specifically request compensation due to arthritis, even though I complained of pain, they may have ignored it and simply based their rating on what I put on the claim form...left hand fracture.
  7. I did fill out a questionaire but I didn't think to ask for a copy. The report is gone to the RO already so I doubt I'll be able to get a copy. Still, I ask for copies of what they have...I may get lucky.
  8. No code was put in my decision letter. They state, "This disability is not specifically listed in the rating schedule; therefore, it is rated analogous to a disability in which not only the functions affected, but anatomical localization and symptoms, are closely related." My range of motion was reported as 70 degrees flexion distal interphalangeal joint; 110 degrees flexion proximal interphalangeal joint; and 90 degrees flexion, middle phalanx. I don't have any problem with their determination that I have a fully functioning hand...my range of motion clearly establishes that. Where I have a problem is that I told the physician that I my left hand significantly weakened after surgery and I have intermittent pain especially during changes in weather. Since he was taking notes I assumed that would go into his report. I expected that he would have an instrument for me to squeeze or something to test my hand strength other than squeezing his fingers...his determination is completely subjective. Perhaps the problem is that I didn't file for compensation based on arthritis due to trauma? Maybe he would have had a different line of questioning? I claimed as a left hand fracture.
  9. I'm wondering if anyone has had their C&P exam scheduled through QTC out of San Antonio. Apparently they're contracted to do this since the VA is so backlogged. They got me a family practice physician to do mine and I'm pretty disgusted because I ended up with a 0% noncompensable rating for intermittent pain subsequent to hand surgery. I fractured my left third and fourth metacarpals and had surgery to place a metal plate and four screws in my hand to set it straight. I wasn't very pleased with the examination. The physician was professional and obviously following protocol, but I don't think the exam was indepth enough. I was done in about 10 minutes. Anyone else have issues with a contracted doc?
  10. I supervise in a manufacturing plant. Occasionally I have to do manual labor to help out, but it's not part of my normal day to day responsibilities. I think you might be right about what was on their minds as they made their decision. The doctor did ask what kind of work I did. As far as treatment I haven't do anything since surgery. OTC pain relieve if necessary, otherwise I work through it.
  11. My decision came today with both good and bad news. The good news is that they granted service connection for a "Fracture, left third and fourth metacarpals status post open reduction and internal fixation with scar". Of course, they couldn't deny that since I fell off of an obstacle during training and I had to have a metal plate and four screws put into my hand. So why am I infuriated? I got a big fat goose egg for my rating. They based it on range of motion and "Joint function is not additionally limited by pain, fatigue, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination after repetitive use." That is absolutely false. The Muskogee VA Regional Office is using a third party contractor to do the C & P exams. QTC out of San Antonio is their name and they contracted a civilian family practice doctor in Bixby, OK to do my exam. I specifically told him that I have significant muscle weakness in my left hand and frequent hand pain that comes and goes throughout the day especially during changes in weather. He tested me by having me squeeze his fingers and well, you've read what he put in his report. So, I'm enrolled in the VA until my combat veteran status expires in August 2009 afterwhich I'll be a Priority 8 veteran and I'll be disenrolled from the VA. I apparently make too much income to use what I've earned during almost 10 years of service to my country. Anybody else going to a contracted physician?
  12. I'm definitely going to put in for sinusitis compensation, but just not yet. I'm following the advice of Jim Strickland from the VAWatchdog website. I've got one condition that's well documented and I shouldn't have a problem getting at least 10%. I need the decision before August 31, 2009. That's my 5 year anniversary date of separation...I did a one year tour in Saudi Arabia from 1999 -2000 so if I read the rules correctly I should be a Priority 6. If I don't have a decision before that date, I'll drop to a Priority 8g and won't be able to enroll. I'm concerned that if I put in for my other issues, I may be fighting them well after that date, given how backlogged the VA is. Since I've separated, I've been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and GERD. I have insurance through my job but my medicines cost considerably more than if I got them through the VA. I'm trying to transition from Priority 6 to whatever priority my SCDs move me without losing my enrollment and having to go back to my insurance to pay for my drugs. Once I've got my rating, I'll go back and submit my other conditions. This way I'll at least be able to get the medicines to deal with what's bothering me the most now.
  13. In my SMR it was always in conjunction with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. I do much better now (been out almost 4 years) and I might use an inhaler no more than twice per year. This probably wouldn't be considered chronic.
  14. Does anyone know if the VA considers Reactive Airway Disease (RAD) as Asthma? I've heard that there is some debate in the medical community as to whether or not RAD is just a form of asthma. I didn't find anything in the VA ratings guide regarding RAD.
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