tom91

Where can I find in the 38xxx (forgot official title) can I better understand how they evaluate secondary conditions..is there anything besides the pyramiding paragraph?

I'm probably 50-60 lbs over. Again, inability to exercise does not help that either.

Neither is the case.

Previous notes I have added included mention of my back injury and subsequent award from 10% to 20%. I did not originally file a claim on my diabetes but plan to do so as a secondary condition to my back. Why? I'm not physically able to exercise, which anyone with diabetes can tell you is vital to achieving and maintaining good sugar levels. Has anyone filed such a claim and were you successful? Any suggestions as to my approach?

Heard today that the VA will increase my back disability from 10 to 20%. I mentioned it on previous notes that it was initially a result of a herniated disc. Need advice on whether I should file a new claim on spondylosis, which is spinal arthritis, since it is a result of the back injury. They should have seen this in the files I provided but I did not specify that I wanted disability for arthritis specifically. Don't have the VA letter yet to know how they made the decision for increase of 10% but don't think it is arthritis related as this would not match with the comp schedules I've seen for arthritis.

Rentalguy - We're actually still in TN but not home in JBO. Thanks for the info and offer!! B) The 1991 report from ARMY has recordings that range from @500-15 to @6000-40 on my left and right @ 500-10 to @ 6000-10. Further research online shows that average hearings should be 10-20; however, my 6000 range was 40 and the dr noted that I demonstrated hearing loss at the 91 discharge exam with these results. I noticed today that the VA only goes up to the 4000 scale based upon the info Berta directed me to. High pitch noise (6000+) is what I was exposed to as a diesel mechanic. My current dr. (civilian) audio report showed right - 25 SRT, 88%, 65 HTL/MCL and left 25, 88%, 60 HTL/MCL. Again, there is a difference in how the dr.'s documented the results so I can't figure out the difference between the two. Maybe somebody out there can. What is your opinion on them asking for me to have another exam done by the VA? Atleast I didn't get a straight out denial of claim.....

Thanks Berta, I'll take a look at it. Spoke to the regional office today and found out the letter of my rating on all claims was sent out today. They have not denied the portion for my hearing but want me to have another audio exam -- not sure if it can be a private doctor or theirs. I plan to get it done asap. Any idea after that how long it takes by chance? Since it isn't an appeal (not yet anyway).

I actually have a copy of the exam but can't make heads or tails of their findings...as far as the audio readings. The doctor note written states that hearing loss I demonstrate hearing loss and need further evaluation -- which never happened.

Which diagnosis code would patellofemoral syndrome fall in?

ANother question on my hearing claim. In 1991 my rating docs state the following: Exams in xx 1986 and xx 1986 show veterans hearing to be within normal limits. Discharge exame of xx1991 shows hearing to be within normal limits within the speech range for which service connection can be granted. It goes on to say: Service connection for hearing loss must be disallowed as the veteran's hearing is shown to be within normal limits, for which service connection can be established. Are these comments not contradicting? Should they have not given me sc rating? The exame dated in 1991 by the Army states - service member demonstrates hearing loss and needs further evalution. I have the audio tests results from the exam but not sure how to read the findings.

I forgot to ask if they would rate osteoarthritis for my knees as a rating seperate from the cartilage wear or are they combined?

Thanks so much Berta for the input, I was hoping you would pick this one up. The tinnitus and hearing loss was denied in 1991 and 2003. Would they not have to go back to 1991? Would the VA recognize this and maybe go ahead with backpay? The dialogue between me and their offices does seem favorable in some way....could just be ratings though or bs for me to go on. This is going to sound really ignorant on my part, but what exactly do we mean by bilateral rating for my knees? My assumption would be seperate ratingx...? No I was not in Vietnam and I will definately seek a claim for my diabetes. Initially I thought I would go ahead and include it but was concerned they would think I was being overly aggressive which could hurt my case. Any chance the VA may go ahead and recognize this without the need of a another claim? They have been treating me for this at least 2-3 years. My bipolar was diagnosed in 1998. For anyone out there with bipolar knowledge, it is a disorder that is apparent from childhood up but goes undiagnosed -- often never diagnosed. There is nothing recorded in my records but I did seek medical care at one point for my temper and depression. I was told 'just divorce your wife and everything will be okay'. Unfortunately, I was not able to locate anything in my SMR to substantiate my visit on this topic. Yes, I'm currently working and actually want to continue as long as possible. That's not to say it hasn't been difficult at times. At the very minimum, I hope to get a rating of 50% as this would cover my extensive co-pays. 100% employable would be wonderful but I don't think likely. Thanks again Berta!

I'll try to keep this as brief as possible but I'm looking for any advice out there on how my claim will likely be handled. I was medically discharged in 91 with 20% - 10% right knee and 10% back (herniated disc). In my SMR's there is further notation of medical care for my left knee and hearing test (for which I requested) that states 'soldier demonstrates hearing loss and needs further evaluation'. Neither hearing nor left knee was approved for disability at time of discharge. I filed a new claim to add the hearing and left knee in 2003, with requests to increase the back and right knee due to my conditions progressing. I was denied and without proper guidance, did not file an appeal. I have resubmitted my claim in March of this year and based upon follow up last week, was informed it had gone through the rating board and was approved. During the follow up stages, I received comments that made me even more curious of the outcome --Initially, I contacted the 1-800 # and the rep informed me that the rating board was finished and it had been sent for approval, indicated 'yours will have to be looked at closely' -- not sure what she was trying to say. At that time, I contacted my rep at the regional office who confirmed it was up for approval but he could not see the file but was informed it was 'promising'. This previous Friday is when I confirmed with the 1-800# that approval had been completed earlier in the day but the computer was not updated yet with the details. He went on to inform me that back pay is quick if you are on direct deposit (which I am). I feel it sounds promising but some of you may have experienced this before without a good outcome. Advice? Background - I included lengthy documentation from my SMR and reports from my personal physicians. For my back, the MRI states multilevel spondylosis with degenerativ disc disease. Based upon various responses on your site, it sounds like they will sustain my 10% rating with no further increase. However, wouldn't spondylosis (arthritis of spine) be a result of the prior injury (heniated disc that was combat related) and be considered for a secondary rating? My hearing tests both recently and in my SMR reflect tinnitus and hearing loss. Would they not owe me back to 1991? Someone at the 1-800 # indicated it would only go back to my claim in March of this year (if approved) as I did not appeal it in 1991 or 2003. My thought is there was an error on the Army's part. Would that be a CUE? Same for my left knee? CUE? Further records show osteoarthritis and cartilage wear in both my left and right knee. How would that be considered? And, do they give you a rating for each knee or combined? Although I did not claim either, I have been diagnosed as type II diabetic and bipolar. I made reference to the fact I cannot exercise which does not aid in losing weight and improving my diabetes. Should I have claimed it as a secondary condition? Sorry to be so lengthy but want to be prepared in advance of the outcome. I'm certainly ready this time to fight if necessary.

Not sure what they measured but not able to bend very far. Would they not also give me a rating for the spinal arthritis (which is what lumbar spondylosis is)? Nice to talk with a VET from my hometown area - Jonesborough.

Question to anyone out there that can advise me on this. I have an outstanding claim that when we followed up with VA Friday, was informed it had been approved. It was with the rater until the Monday prior, forwarded for approval, and now complete. I am very anxious for the outcome. Anyway, I was put out in 1991 with 20% - 10% right knee and 10% back (herniated disc). I tried to also get comp for my hearing but was denied. I put in a claim in 2003 to add my left knee, hearing, tinnitus, and increase to my right knee as well as my back. The claim was denied and I (without proper guidance), did not appeal. I put a new claim in March of this year, which is apparently completed. I included documented findings in my claim of my most recent civillian doctor exams/test(s) that included a diagnosis for my back of 'multilevellumbar spondolysis with degenerative disc disease' (spinal arthritis), osteoarthritis and cartilage damage on both knees, hearing exams with tinnitus and hearling loss diagnosis(s), as well as copies of my service medical records that included 1991 - soldier shows hearing loss and recommended for further evaluation and another that shows my medical care for the left knee. Does anyone have any idea what I will likely get for my back (the charts are very confusing)? Also, how far back would they go on back pay? At minimum, I feel they owe me for the oversight on my hearing. Also, in speaking with the VA over the last few weeks as I've followed up with them, a rep that informed me the rating board was done and it had been turned over for approval, made a comment that they would probably need a while based upon the results of my file. Another rep told me that back pay would be done sooner since I was on direct deposit. Yet, they all said they couldn't see my results. Anyway, can anyone provide me some ensight on what I should likely expect?

I'm actually awaiting a response from my claim to increase my rating. I was put out with 20% in 1991 with 10% due to my back - herniated disc. I've continued to get progressively worse and had an MRI in the spring that I submitted to the VA in my claim. It is similiar to yours --moderate severe disc degeneration L5 - S1. Annular bulge and central disc protrusion crate mild canal encroachment without significan S1 nerve root impingement. Moderate left foraminal narrowing due to spondylosis with mild left L5 nerve root impingement in the intervertebral canal. Mild annular bulges and disc desiccation L3-L4 and l4-L5 without significant nerve root impingement. Mild multilevel facet hypertrophy. The doctor's reading summarizes as "multilevel lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease at L5-S1. Don't know if this helps you any but am curious if anyone out there has dealt with the same diagnosis and what the VA rating result was.