matt

PR and John, thanks yeah I wish that PF was actually better understood, it is quite debilitating. I am not near the wheelchair bound level, but pretty limited. I am aware that I have pretty much completed my own surgery by rupturing the PF, however, there are some long standing effects from rupturing it. especiallyt he planter strand that i ruptured which is the one directly under the arch. so there are some problems that I am sure to expereince....but we shall see unfortunately, i am going to have to figure a new way to burn calories....

So I am service connected for Aquired Planter Fascitis as well as Flat Feet for both feet. 10% for the right, 10% for the left and 10% for the bilateral factor. appx 5 weeks ago, I ruptured the planter fascia on the right side and have had a cast on my leg. does anybody know if you can be awarded more that 10% for each foot for planter fascitis? feels like the left is getting ready to rupture as well....pretty stinkin debilitating for sure.... thanks matt BTW the reason i ask is the fact that last year when i was awarded the 30% for planter fasiciaits is on the paperwork i got back for the award told me that this is the maximum i could be awarded, but that has to be hog wash, since if you are having trouble simply walking, it kinda is more than 30%, regardless if you have your mind. if you can't walk, then you are pretty house bound....

Got the dreaded envelope in the mail. When I have time, I will type it out but here is the outcome: right foot ples planus 10% left foot ples planus 10% bilateral factor 10% PTSD increase from 50% denied bilat knee problems -denied(again) lumbar ddd -denied(again) IU -denied looking at NOD for the PTSD increase and shoul dhave submitted the knees and back secondary to the feet....but at least it's a step in the right direction 60% to 70%....however, i was hoping for a lot more for the feet as I am having trouble just walking.... Matt

Thank you to all that commented, I as well am able to pull all other notes except Mental health, however my VSO, keeps all the records and he asked me to go puick them up...I just don't think it right to withhold specific documents. Actually, the PTSD is for an increase. the feet pes planus, was a new claim...i am wondering if they will low ball me with a 10% or award me what i think would be acceptable compensation for not being able to walk correctly and without pain for the rest of my life. trust me it isn't going away....but hopefully due to it being bilaterally they may jump me to 30% for it...but is pes planus, flat feet as well as the spurs all rated as one? or are they broken out for each.... Matt

Josephine, Harmful to me....hmmm, i wonder how they come up with that...but then again it is the VA...I ordered a copy via the va toll free number, hopefully my claim will be completed soon.... Matt

So had a C and P for PTSD and Feet back on June 24th. Called and asked if I could pick up copies of the c and p, they said sure. I went to the Va where the C and P's were conducted. I was told that I could not have a copy for the PTSD, until the Dr released it. I was like huhhhh? Didn't make any sense. But ehy did give me the one for the feet so here it is: Physical Exam: Patient can wiggle his toes without pain. There is no foot edema. Gait is normal. He has mild bilateral heel calluses. Peripheral pulses are grade 2+. he doe snot have hammertoes. he has mild flatfoot, both weight bearing and non weightbearing, bilaterally. Achilles tendon are mobile and nontender to palpation. he has a mild amount of midfoot malalignment and no forefoot malalignment. This is true bilaterally. He has 10 degrees of hallux vargus bilaterally. He is tender to palpation under his heels bilterally and mid arch bilaterally and under the 4th metarsal on the left. impression: bilateral planter fasciitis bilateral pes planus X-rays show left foot pes planus hammer toes and posterior continual spur, right foot shows pes planus posterior calcaneal spur and possible old trauma to the lateral malleolus. Opinion: I have been asked for an opinion if the patient's current bilateral pes planus is at least likely as likely as not a continuation of problems in the military. the patient was seen for bilateral pes planus in 2001 and planter fasciitis is listed on is report of medical history dated 2005. the planter fasciitis is noted to be chronic. Given this, i would state that his current foot pain is most likely a continuation of the foot pain noted in the military. So we shall see what comes of this..actaully i was happy that at least the VA can see that I do have feet problems....i would love to just start over with a new set of feet, but that isn't an option, but at least the examinier can see the problems I am having and x-rays don't lie..... Matt Matt

okay ya'll, just got back from the C & P's... Turns out the first one was for PTSD increase. This time, the Dr, informed me that we had a lot of questions to go thru and to respond appropriately, as we only had 1 hr until my next appt. so off we went. it was basically the MMPI questions relating to how things have been since my last C and P in March 09 for PTSD. I told her everything. So, we shall see.... The second C and P was for my feet, the dr examined them, sent me for X-rays, asked the basic questions. the reason they called and didn't send a letter is apparently they had some cancelations and they worked me in. The sad fact is I put the claim in and it was accepted on Nov 1, that is almost 9 months...a little backed up ya think....the first time around i thought took long, it's now that is taking longer. i thought the VA was working on reducing the back log, guess that idea looks better in press releases than actually in reality.... So, now I am waiting for a couple more C and P's and then a rating. Matt

just called back as i was not satisfied with the answer i got. spokw with the same worthless person from before. Asked if the appts where c and p or means testing. he assured me they were c and p's. apparently they are not alloweed to discuss the type of c and p over the phone, but i am sure they are both for PTSD one is at 1 and the other is at 2:20...i would like to get to 70% ptsd, we shall see......

the means test, can they also conduct a c and p exam at the same time for one of my claims or is the means test seperate from open claims...thanks

huh,,, b/c i am 60% SC, i am priority group 1, so if my income and networth is above the the medium, they can drop me to priority group 7...go figure....

Had a Voice Message Yesterday informing me of an upcoming Appointment at the Winston Salem VA outpateint clinic or June 24 Tursday at 1:00pm. I wasnt;'t sure if I had set one up. I have yet to receive the usual letter explaining the appt. I was told to bring in social security numbers for my wife and children as well as marriage certificate and annual household earrnings and health insurance information. I called this morning and apparently i have 2 C and P's for tomorrow. they just told me on tuesday....very frustrating. I am total of 60% 50 for PTSD and 10 for tinnitue. I currneyl have a claim for orthopedic as well as to up my PTSD. has anybody ever experienced this, or had the VA ask for SSN numbers for all fmaily members, sicne they already have them as well as health insurance information and total household income? thanks matt

Question, regarding this issue, I was disqualified for military service based on the premise that I had PTSD(which right now is service connected at 50%) and knee and back problems. Would I fall into that catagory, being in the national guard? Matt

Gent68, I was part of the Gulf War Study, starting in 1993 at Salisbury VA, NC. I have on multiple times attempted to locate my medical records from this study, to no avail. I have requested several times for that site to look through archived files and they state they cannot find them. the funny thing is I still get the Gulf war review publication, however nobody shows that i was part of the study...very frustrating. I feel your pain. most of my symptoms(rashes on chest, swelling hands and feet, etc) are well documete dint he file. however, at the time i was a young dumb kid and did not think to make copies or knew how to file a claim.... Matt

Regarding this thread, I too have been at odds with calling the hotline. I have been severely depressed the last few months. i have not been active on this board and even stopped seeing my shrink at the VA. why, it is easier for me to deal with my situation, by not dealing with it. everytime i saw my shrink all she wanted to talk about was my job capabilities and i am not just at that point in my life. I hate to disapoint, so i just stopped going a few months ago. i am trying to gain enough strength to go in a dn tell her to her face, but at this point haven't built up enough courage. I have often contemplated just ending it all. the one reason i haven't is I have small children and that would be the most selfish thing in the world to them. So i don't, but that doesn't stop the ideation's i have and the morbid thoughts. I also, stopped taking the meds they prescribed for me and started self medicatiing deaily, which by the way seem to help me sleep better. Just don't know what to do at this point. matt

Well the funny thing is if the Doctor diagnosis me with something other then TBI, then I will just claim that as well. The are opening up a giant can of worms. I hate to add something that I think is probably false, but to just play the game i will. I have learned a bunch from this website and i was pretty much just venting on yesterday. Also, i am pretty happy right now due to when i originally filed and won my 60% claim, I never submitted copies of my childrens SSN cards, which I submitted on July 23 and just received the award letter in today's mail that I should be getting that check for back pay for $110 for 18 months. Now we have christmas money for the kids. you all have a good weekend. Matt

So I previously had a TBI C & P for TBI and a few other things. Denied for TBI, due to not having a diagnosis. Today, I had an appt with a VA DR for TBI at Rehab Management at the VA. After the pokes and prodes and the evaul, the Dr told me I do have some problems. More likely than not they are due to vitamin D defincencies. He told me that TBI should only last around 5 years and start to see improvement, instead of getting worse. Also told me his thoughts that Gulf War Syndrome is due to all the Vitamin D deficient Marines, soldiers. Apparently, I have an inner ear problem that is from the natural viruses we carry in our bodies is not reacting correctly due to the defiencies. For that my jaw dropped. He prescribed with a 90 day supply of Omaga 3 Fish Oil as well as Vitamin D supplements and put me on a Purine Diet, which limits certain types of foods mainly beans and othe things. whelp he talked so fast, i caught about 100 of his 10000 words. He said the vitamins would eventually help with my memory and thought process. But at the least on the diet I should loss some weight.....lol any thoughts, Matt

whelp the closing date of the VA job has come and went a week and a half ago, no call fromt he VA except to set up my colonoscopy......go frigin figure that one........so yes i get screwed again by the VA, this time literatelly.....lol(BTW that is not a joke, the appt is for real) Matt

Some of the posts below are spot on. I filled a claim for DDD and a few other things regaridng to my back a few years ago. VA Dr, only wants to treat with pain meds and TENS Pack. When i went to a local Ortho clinic on my former companies insurance policy, the prescribed rehab, after that faliled they did a steroid injection and are ready to continue treating it more aggressivley. So the point about VA doing it cheaply is correct. i wouldn 't wait around for the VA to act on your best behalf. The Dr. gets paid regardless if he does nothing or goes the distance for you. Matt

Ryan, While everyone tries to help you increase or figure out backpay. i will say congrads on winning a huge battle. Going from 10% to 70% is awesome.

thanks all, In the end my PCP gave me the referral after i told him my symptoms. i also told him that i think i had Irritable bowel syndrome and needed a referral it was another fight. dang, just wish they would do their job. i have 30 minutes total in the room witht he dr. 27 is taken up by his stupid questions going nowhere and i have 3 minutes to ask my wuestions hard to get the proper care in 3 minutes unless i camp out at the VA and see them everyday of the week. which i am prepared to do at this point. I may look into private TBI IMO just due tot he trust issue. i have dealt with some really helpful people at the va(unfortunately those instances are one-offs) Matt

Carlie, My 60 % break down comes from: 10 tinittus for hearing 50 PTSD

Pete, That is a good idea. he was actually assigned to me when i moved from the regional to a local VM outreach that has primary care dr's. How do i go about switching dr's? Thanks Matt

Alright, so i applied for a VA job, overnighted my stuff to the hr person and had my VSO make a call to them. said he did(well that can not be verified) hopefully something comes of it. I can only pray. The closing date was yesterday and they received my package that mornng. Seems the only jobs i apply for are usually hired from within. Hopefully the call from my vso who said he calle din a favor comes thru. Matt

So today i had an appt with my Primary VA DR, who by the way is from India and speaks with broken english. I asked him for a few referrals, one being a TBI referral. i was denied due to not having a professional diagnosis. The Dr. told me that a TBI, is when you receive a blunt force blow to the head hence the term Traumatic. So we went back and forth, and finally i had had enough and told him if i dropped a concussion grenage in the room with us and we sustain no physcial injuries if he thought his brain would be affected. The sad fact is he still did not understand. Frigin idiot. i am so fed up with this guy. But finally he added the referral to my list after i told him the symtoms i thought i had that are connected to TBI. christ, now i have to do the Dr's job... sorry just venting.. Matt

Okay, I have been a member of this board for some time now and haven't really chimed in when somebody has a problem, due to the fact that most old timers on this board are very wise and know the system. however in regards to Bob Barker's comment that he is currently in the IRR and received orders IOT support OIF. I finally can add my two cents as a former Company Commander that helped train up 2 units for OIF. Bob, You are currently in the IRR and received orders. I know it may not be what you wanted to get and trust me the unit you will be assigned too, has no way of knowing your physical or emotional status. You may wish to contact the unit you will be assigned too's administrative staff and notify them of what is going on with you. I can speak with experience when i say that if you are currently being treated for PTSD, they don't want you deploying. You will put everybody else in danger, slow them down. You don't have to freak out and certainly do not deploy, just because you don't want to make waves. Gather the documents you have from the VA that show your diagnosis of PTSD as well as other ailments. Make copies and certify mail them to the unit you will be assigned to with a letter explaining the situation. If you feel more comfortable, contact your congressman/woman and nicely and politely let them know the situation and show them the paperwork. They can help you. I can promise you at this point the unit you will be assigned to, has no idea who you are, they don't know you from squat. you need to be the one making contact. The more time you give them the longer they have to look for a replacement and trust me everything will go much smoother. If you wait until the last minute, you will be putting that unit in a pinch and they will do everything in their power to have you deploy as now the unit will deploy understrenght. If you shouldn't be there, they don't want you there. It was very hard for me to inform my Battalion and Brigade Commander's, that I should not deploy back to a hostile area and i was in the prime of my military career. You have to look out for yourself as well as the safety and welfare of others. Do you think you will do anybody any good deploying to a hostile combat area with a diagnosis of PTSD and a gaf of 52? Also, any funds you awarded from the VA for Service Connection will be paid back from your basic pay while you are deployed. Dollar for dollar. Maybe not at first they won't catch it, but sometime int he future, the feds will find it and request it back trust me. So do the right thing and contact the unit and inform them of the situation before you get yourslef in trouble...my 4 cents Matt