parsavers

Guys and Gals, My decision is at the rating board. How long should it take to get at this stage?

Well, I went to my exam today. Now the waiting game...I'll keep everyone posted.

I went in 1991 but I had little to no relief from the drugs that the doctors gave me. Basically, I figured that I just had to deal with it. I went back in 1998 after getting married because I was freaking out my new wife. Again, drugs prescribed but not real relief. Basically, I have found that I aviod situations that make me uncomfortable (bathroom availability) and I eat about 4 immodiums a day. Again, just figured it is what it is....

Guys and Gals, Quick question based on your experiences...I recently filed for disablity due to IBS. This is a presumptive condition base on the Gulf War. My first doctors visit was in 1991 and another in 1998. I just filed this as a service connected because I just found out that this was a presumptive condition. What should I expect???? Would they possibly back pay the disability back to the first doctors appointment??? I don't expect that to happen but they did back pay my previous disability claim. If they did, WOW...that check could be huge... Let me know what you think will happen and I'll do my best to keep all of you updated. I go Monday for my C&P exam...any advice?

Guys and Gals, Background on myself, 20% for DDD after 2 back surgeries, 10% for Siatica. Last C&P exam, examiner told me I had signs of drop foot and atrophy. Final decision, same disability ratings. I'm left handed and now my left calf is smaller than my right. Sounds like atrophy to me. Should I get be rated higher than I am. I'm getting ready to file another claim for Irritable bowel syndrome do to Gulf War. Any advise on this IBS, in order to maximize the %. Dang, it sucks getting old.

Hello all, My rating decision was as follows: 1. Evaluation of sciatica, left lower extremity, was raised from 10% to 20%, basically due to muscle loss. 2. Increase for an DDD with posterior herniation of L4-5 and L5-S1 was deferred. After reading the case someone posted, it seems to me, they should have used the old criteria for IVDS, since my initial claim was granted in 1991. What so you?

Alright, let me see if I understand this correctly. My initial rating was at 10% in 1991. If this is the case, should the old rating system be used, if it is to my benefit, even though the claim for increase was started in 2004 and 2007?

Does anyone know when the new rating schedule started for back injuries and if so, how do you access the old schedule. My disability started in 1991. Just curious if it applies in my case....

All right guys/gals, here is the deal. I got my letter today about my increase and while the increase was good, it make me question the whole VA process and I really am leaning on contacting Dr. Bash. To give the whole history, I had a Laminectomy in March 05 and a Discectomy in April 2005. In September 2005, I had received an increase from 10% for DDD to 40% from Jan. 2005 and then decreased it to 20% in May 2005. I can't really explain the decrease as of May 2005. If my memory is correct, May 2005 was when the C/P exam took place, which was one month after surgery. I surely wasn't in any shape to be touching my toes. Why wouldn't 2 surgeries count as incapacitating episoded? Anyways, I had another evaluation in 06 at the VA's request and they dropped me back down to 10% for DDD. That being said, this new evaluation kind of looks suspicous to me as well. They increase the sciatica, due to muscle loss, from 10% to 20% but said an increase for DDD with posterior herniation of L4-5 and L5-S1 was deferred until they could schedule me another evaluation. What's up with that? Didn't the previous C/P exam provide them with adequate information. This is the second time they have asked me back and the first time they did it, it cost me 10%. Am I wrong in questioning the VA? Surely they wouldn't intentionally try to screw an honorable veteran out of what is rightfully his, would they??? Guys/Gals, let me know what you think....I don't feel like I'm in it for the money but I don't like to be stepped all over either. Thanks in advance guys/gals....

I'm sure that this information is available somewhere on one of these forums but was is the SMR's and C-file? By the way, as soon as I get the letter in the mail with more details, I will be picking your brains for advice...

Could this be one of them situations where Dr. Bash should be used? I'm not sure what options I have as to what specialist that I am to see. It could be one of them where I have to go to a VA specialist.

Guys and Gals, I got a call from the VA today and he stated that I had been approved for a 10% increase (will be 30%) but also said that they are sending me to see a specialist for something. Have any of you ever heard of this? I wonder what else it could be for? My previous disability was at 20% for DDD. I can only speculate that is potentially isn't a good thing. From my experience, if they want you to see a specialist, they are usually trying to avoid giving you a higher rating. Please comments people....

Guys and Gals, I'm new to the board but I thought that I would jump right in with a question. I am currently rated at 20% for a back condition. I have had two back surgeries, one laminectomy and one discectomy. During my last event, either during surgery or the injury itself, I suffered nerve damage. One year after surgery, the VA didn't think the nerve damage warrented anything. I requested another exam (about three years after surgery) because I feel like I'm losing a lot of strength in my leg. That being said, during the C/P exam, the examiner stated that she notices a slight foot drop during walking, loss of some reflex and also noted that my left leg (dominated side) thigh was about two inches smaller than the right leg, calfs measured the same in diameter. Anyone have any idea what I should be expecting as far as a rating on this? Apparently, my information went to the rating board on April 24 and still no decision. Like most of you, the waiting is brutal.....