Infantry1985

What's your guys thoughts on NOD.? Sould I get am imo filling out the DBQ, then send it in for dro review? Help would be approached ! Thanks again

Thanks Navy! Looking at my symptoms on the ratings scale, I think I'm going to shoot for at least 10%. Just not sure my next moves as of yet.. Thanks again for everyone's help

Was updated this morning with 0% service connected for GERD on it's own and 0% "not service connected" for hypertension. I'll wait till the packet comes in to read it over, but I know I should have been at least 10% for GERD based on rating scale. What would be my next step now? NOD stating C&P exam did not ask about symptoms? Or is their another form to fill out for an increase in rating? Positive side of things is that the RO service connected my GERD, so that's at least part of the fight done... Thanks again for everyone's help!

Yeah I'm on BP meds, but the thing that gets me is that she never took my BP, only my pulse by hand. Those readings listed are from another normal checkup listed on my records. Kinda a sham. This is the lack of detail that puzzled me from the start.

Thanks, Gaston! Unfortunately that was not 3 different days. That was readings from my last visit from my records and they took it roughly 7 times to get a lower reading. I've submitted a slew of other evidence all through the VA records showing my BP through the roof. This just happened to be a low day at resting, lucky me! I haven't been to an outside doc for a long while, so the RO should have all my files from the multiple state VA's I've been to over the years.

Even though I haven't received a rating, should I go ahead and write a statement up with my symptoms (That was never asked from the NP at the C&P)? My medical records show symptoms through the years, but I'm doubting the RO will do that much digging. Either that, or just wait to see what the RO states and file an NOD? What's your guy's thoughts. Thanks!

Based on this I would say, no go on Hypertension, and possibly a go with GERD... We shall see what the raters think.. TITLE: C&P STANDARD TITLE: C & P EXAMINATION NOTE DATE OF NOTE: JAN 06, 2016@12:30 ENTRY DATE: JAN 06, 2016@12:34:05 AUTHOR: REMES,VALERIE NP EXP COSIGNER: URGENCY: STATUS: COMPLETED Hypertension Disability Benefits Questionnaire Name of patient/Veteran: xxxx Is this DBQ being completed in conjunction with a VA 21-2507, C&P Examination Request? [X] Yes [ ] No ACE and Evidence Review ----------------------- Indicate method used to obtain medical information to complete this document: [X] In-person examination Evidence Review --------------- CONFIDENTIAL Page 27 of 53 Evidence reviewed (check all that apply): [X] CPRS 1. Diagnosis ------------ Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with hypertension or isolated systolic hypertension based on the following criteria: [X] Yes [ ] No [X] Hypertension Date of diagnosis: 2013 2. Medical history ------------------ a. Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's hypertension condition (brief summary): VET DX WITH HTN IN 2013 b. Does the Veteran's treatment plan include taking continuous medication for hypertension or isolated systolic hypertension? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, list only those medications used for the diagnosed conditions: LISINOPRIL c. Was the Veteran's initial diagnosis of hypertension or isolated systolic hypertension confirmed by blood pressure (BP) readings taken 2 or more times on at least 3 different days? [ ] Yes [ ] No [X] Unknown d. Does the Veteran have a history of a diastolic BP elevation to predominantly 100 or more? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe frequency and severity of diastolic BP elevation: LISINOPRIL 3. Current blood pressure readings ---------------------------------- Systolic Diastolic Blood pressure reading 1: 132 / 80 Date: 12-2015 Blood pressure reading 2: 138 / 80 Date: 12-2015 Blood pressure reading 3: 138 / 80 Date: 12-2015 Average Blood Pressure Reading: 136 / 80 CONFIDENTIAL Page 28 of 53 4. Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs, symptoms and scars ----------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs or symptoms related to the conditions listed in the Diagnosis Section above? [ ] Yes [X] No b. Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the Diagnosis Section above? [ ] Yes [X] No c. Comments, if any: No response provided 5. Functional impact -------------------- Does the Veteran's hypertension or isolated systolic hypertension impact his or her ability to work? [ ] Yes [X] No 6. Remarks, if any ------------------ HTN NOT FROM OR AGGREVATED BY HIS PTSD NO MEDICAL EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THIS CLAIM **************************************************************************** Esophageal Conditions (Including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia and other esophageal disorders) Disability Benefits Questionnaire Name of patient/Veteran: ASBURY TEJAY LEE Indicate method used to obtain medical information to complete this document: In-person examination Evidence review --------------- Was the Veteran's VA claims file reviewed: Yes List any records that were reviewed but were not included in the Veteran's VA claims file: CPRS CONFIDENTIAL Page 29 of 53 Diagnosis --------- Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with an esophageal condition? Yes Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) ICD code: Date of diagnosis: 2013 Medical history --------------- Description of the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's esophageal conditions: VET CLAIMING GERD STARTED IN 2004 WAS TREATED WITH MOTRIN FOR HIS BACK AND STARTED GETTING GI REFLUX S/S SO WAS GIVEN TUMS WHEN HE RETURNED FORM THE STARTED STARTED ON A PPI Does the Veteran's treatment plan include taking continuous medication for the diagnosed condition: Yes Medications used for the diagnosed condition: PPI Signs and symptoms ------------------ Does the Veteran have any of the following signs or symptoms due to any esophageal conditions (including GERD)? No Esophageal stricture, spasm and diverticula ------------------------------------------- Does the Veteran have an esophageal stricture, spasm of esophagus (cardiospasm or achalasia), or an acquired diverticulum of the esophagus? No Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs and/or symptoms ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the Diagnosis section above? No Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs and/or symptoms related to any conditions listed in the Diagnosis section above? No Diagnostic Testing ------------------ Have diagnostic imaging studies or other diagnostic procedures been performed? Yes Diagnostic Testing Preformed: Upper endoscopy Date: 2013 Results: ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX CONFIDENTIAL Page 30 of 53 Has laboratory testing been performed? No Functional impact ----------------- Do any of the Veteran's esophageal conditions impact on his or her ability to work? No Remarks, if any: ---------------- GERD DX IN THE SERVICE NOTE: VA may request additional medical information, including additional examinations if necessary to complete VA's review of the Veteran's application. /es/ VALERIE REMES NP NURSE PRACTITIONER Signed: 01/06/2016 12:34

Moved to Preparation For Notification today....

Thanks for the heads up Vync! I'm anxious to see how it plays out due to how fast and the lack of detail that was given in the symptoms. My ebenefits was updated this morning with prep for decision, so hopefully in the next month or so Ill hear something.

Just got back from my C&P exam for Secondary GERD and Secondary Hypertension that lasted all of about 15 min with a NP at Hines. She seemed to be a little ruff around the edges at first, then we somehow go on the conversation of the oxygen generating plants in her office which seemed to perk her up. She only asked a few questions: For both - Was I diagnosed in service?, was I diagnosed at the VA?, do I still have symptoms?, only treated at VA?. For GERD only - Did I have a upper GI? That was it..... Never deep dived into symptoms, but did shake her head at the end and tell me that my pulse was consistently extremely high and that the doctors should have been prescribing me a beta blocker..... After that, and about 15 minutes she said your done and good luck with your service connection. I've had plenty of exams with Docs, but never a NP for C&P; so I'm kind of just still in shock... I guess we shall see!

Thank you both for your fantastic Ideals... John- On the meds, would I put that in my current increase or would I make a new claim? Also, if I put that on their will they take me off of them? I know I would be screwed without them and not be able to get out of bed most days due to the pain.

Also, I do have an IMO coming from my chiropractor showing horrible ROM, decrease more than half of normal ROM.

Thanks John! I've been on pain meds (Vicoden and Muscle relaxants) for about 4 years, also, about 2 years ago I was prescribed adderall due to decreased focus due to the pain and pain medicaion. I have since moved around for the last year and not gotten the adderall re filled by a phyc doctor. Do you think I have another claim, John? Whats your thoughts on how to start this?

Also, is there anyway that she can reword anything to mean more or look better for my case?