devildog1978

I do not know which is the best forum to post this question in. I received my paperwork from the Marine Corps today placing me in the PDRL. I was rated at 40% for rheumatoid arthritis. I got out as an E-4 with 5 years of service. I currently receive 60% disability from the VA. How does being being transfered to the PDRL affect me? I have done several Google searches and I have been unable to find anything. On a seperate but connected note, last year (while on TDRL) I received paperwork from DFAS of retirement pay I supposedly received. I never saw a penny of it in my account. Is that because my VA rating is higher? I apologize for my ignorance, but I have found this disability stuff to be extremely confusing. Semper Fidelis 'Coop'

In regards to the RA, they have increased the strength and quantities of my medication. I have less flareups and reduced morning stiffness. Is it possible that they would reduce my rating? I mean you increase the meds...the symptoms should be reduced right?

To everyone..thanks for the info. Where can I find the ratings table? Bigoc My range of motion is pretty much the same with some mild improvement in the morning stiffness. However I have decreased stanima in those joints. As for the medication as I am sure you are aware...it is more toxic to the body and they had to put me on it to keep everthing under control. They had me on sulfasalizne too but took me off because I kept getting mouth ulcers. Carlie I think it is just the part where I explain to them what is wrong. I am pretty sure it is with a VCO or VOC not sure what they are called.

I have a claims appointment for next Wednesday in Beaufort. I am nervous and do not want to be unprepared for the visit. I want to have my Rheumatoid arthritis rating changed. Since my discharge and initial rating of 40% for bilateral hands, wrists, and ankles I have had my methotrexate increased and Humira added to my medication. I was rated at 10% for tinunitis but even when the ringing is not there I have extreme difficulties hearing out of my right ear. I was also rated at 10% for depression and with the increase in medication and the loss of my daughter, I struggle. I do not know how to express this...not good at the feelings stuff. Any advice would be appreciated.

Stimulus payment? This is the first I have heard of any such thing. What determines if you are elgible?

I am in a similar situation. I was awarded 40% for bilateral rhuematoid arthritis in hands, wrist, and ankles. I am on Humira, 5x 2.5mg methotrexate, an 2x nabumentone daily. How do I get the VA to correct this? I am lost on how to get any of this accomplished.

Thank you for your suggestions. I was reading a couple of other threads, and I too am on Humaria, Methotrexate 2.5mg 5 pills once a week, folic acid, and nabumentone 2x a day. I read a couple of posts about bilateral arthritis but I did not understand them. I have RA bilaterally in hands wrists and ankles. My rating for RA is currently 40%. How do I get a service officer? I now live in Bluffton, SC and work in Beaufort. I know their is a VA clinic there but I have no clue how or what to do.

Hello. I am a Marine Corps veteran that was placed on the TDRL due to rheumatoid arthritis. The Marine Corps rated me at 40% disability and the VA has me at 60%. One of my major complaints is they diagnosed me with tinitius in my right ear at 10%. The ringing is not always there, but I ALWAYS have a very difficult time hearing out of that ear. I need to get that fixed. The other problem is while I was in my wife gave birth to a premature baby girl. She was 1lb and 11inches long at birth. She passed away after 6 months in the hospital. We finally had to tell the doctors to pull the plug because the machines that were keeping her alive were also slowlykilling her. I still have nightmares and I can not stand to be in a hospital. The VA gave me 10% and said I was greiving...2.5 years after my daughter had passed. I do not understand that. The rheumatoid arthritis is bilateral in my hands, wrists, and ankles. I am only 30 years old and I can not just go out and run or ride a bike all day without thinking about how I will feel tomorrow. This has caused severe depression which is evident in the 30 pounds I have put on since being retired. I am limited in my job due to the damage that the RA has already inflicted upon my body. I have a wife and a child to support and do not know how much longer I can work if my RA stays active. I am no looking for a handout, but I like many of you made many sacrifices for this country and I would like to know that my family will be taken care of when I can no longer work.

I just recieved my med board back today. I have been found 40% disabled by the Marine Corps and placed on the TDRL. I was told since my rheumatoid arthritis is not stable, I have to go to doc's for the next 5 years before they make my medical retirement permanate. How does this help with my VA case? I heard that I can not accept the VA and the Marine Corps findings it is on or the other. So do I have to give up the medical for my family and exchange privileges if I go with the VA? I still do not know what the VA will rate me at, is it safe to assume I will be found at least 40% disabled? Thank you in advance for any information provided. Semper Fidelis DevilDog 1978

Does anyone have any idea of what disability rating I might end up with? I am concerned about my ability to keep a job when the rheumatoid arthritis acts up. It would be nice to have an amount that would pay for monthly groceries for a family of three.

Thank you all for your advice. I will be checking in often as I go through this process. As an active duty member I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your service to our great country. I look forward to joining your ranks as a veteran of this country.

Good Evening, I am pending a medical discharge for rheumatoid arthritis consider adult onset still's disease. The arthritis is active bilaterally in my hands, wrists, and ankles. In addition, I have loss of hearing and tinnitus (sp?) in my right ear; bilateral release in my right knee with 15% loss of function (as per ortho surgeon); I require orthopedic inserts in my shoes; recently diagnosed with asthma; and some mental trauma as a result of my daughter being born at 1 lb 11 inches long and passing away after six months of life stuck in a hospital hooked up to various machines. All of this in 5 short years of service. I have no clue what to expect going through this process and I have heard numerous horror stories. Can someone give me an idea of what I can expect from the VA in terms of help after I depart the Marine Corps. Any information would be greatly appreciated.