deyjason

How is this usually rated? I am at 0% for tendonitis but believe that the cartilgae is is more of an issue. I recently had an MRI and was considering filing for an increase but wasn't sure how this would be categorized; osteoarthritis, limited flexion? No clue here. This is the results from the MRI and X-Ray: MRI- thinning of ACL distally…articular cartilage of medial and lateral joint spaces demonstrate mild heterogeneity without evidence of thinning or defect… mild heterogeneity and thinning of the medial and central aspect of the patellar cartilage with no underlying edema……Synovial space-minimal joint effusion is present……mild chondromalacia involving the medial and central portion of the patellar cartilage and early degenerative changes within the cartilage of the medial and lateral joint space. x-ray-Mild medial compartment narrowing Anyone have a clue or a similar issue.

I have had some knee pain in the past and was orginally rated at 0% for tendoninitis (about 3 years ago) but I don't think this was the most accurate diagnosis or rating. I have been going to a VA doctor and have complained continously about catching, popping, grinding, and pain. I finally had an x-ray and MRI but am not really sure what it means and I definitely can't find anything in the schedule of ratings that matches.. Any help deciphering the write up and how this could possibly be rated (code) would be appreciated. MRI- thinning of ACL distally…articular cartilage of medial and lateral joint spaces demonstrate mild heterogeneity without evidence of thinning or defect… mild heterogeneity and thinning of the medial and central aspect of the patellar cartilage with no underlying edema……Synovial space-minimal joint effusion is present……mild chondromalacia involving the medial and central portion of the patellar cartilage and early degenerative changes within the cartilage of the medial and lateral joint space. X-ray-Mild medial compartment narrowing. Thanks for you help

More info: I filed my NOD and requested a hearing in Mar '09 and just received notification that my hearing is in Nov. I filed in WACO but have since move to OK so my hearing will be with Muskogee. I was using Texas Veterans but have to find out what I need to do since I'm in OK. I'm guessing I will have to find another veterans organization to assist me. I'm arguing that my service connected irritable colon syndrome initially rated at 0% should be rated at 30%. Obviously in the initial decision the VA service connected it, so that makes it a little easier. I had been treated for chronic diarrhea since my exit from service only on two occasions at the time of my claim. The C&P Dr. stated that I had IBS and had episodes of diarrhea 1-2 times daily or more with abdominal distress (cramping and pain). The C&P minimized what I had stated, on a good day my diarrhea was 1-2 times, average day 3-4 times, bad day 5 or more time. The problem with my orginal claim was that I didn't have much evidence since I had found any relief it was something I learned to live with without numerous dr visits...Since my rating, I've been to Dr several times, I had a PA diagnosis Severe IBS but I know that doesn't hold much weight. I've also seen a GI Dr. several times....had IBD/Chron's screening done with negative results,,,,had a colonoscopy done with polyp removed.......and received a diagnosis from the GI of IBS that is diahrea pedominant with abdominal pain. That my symptoms were severe and constant but that I have had some relief from the prescriptions. I have also submitted a statement from my wife in support of the claim and a statement from myself..I also found a case from the BVA where the veteran had the exact same symptoms and was awarded 30% through the BVA......someone from the Texas Veterans had told me that I should have filed for reconsideration since I had more evidence and it was within a year but the orginal rep from Texas Vet told me to go the NOD DRO Hearing route......By the time I found out about reconsideration, I didn't want to lose my spot in line and start over........So, far I have been preparing for the hearing on my own but am considering finding a VSO here in OK to help....guess I would need another POA. I thinking and hoping everything works out.....from a laymens perspective, I believe that I have evidence that proves my current condition is severe according to the rating schedule and should be rated at 30%. I don't know how they could say otherwise.

Good news, I finally got my DRO Hearing date.........That's exciting.....I believe that I have a clear cut case to have my 0% rating increased...I've gathered new supporting evidence where the Dr diagnosed me and described my symptoms using the same verbiage as the rating schedule.......I don't think there's anyway that can't rule in my favor............Has anyone had experiences with DRO hearings? How long did it take to get a decision after the hearing?..........I know each case is different but I was trying to get a general time frame........Thanks for your feedback

Thanks for all of the feedback, I know that each case varies as well as each regional office. Myround0- thanks for the info, I should be hearing something anytime if that is the case, but will make a phone call to make sure my file is still in that pile.

Thank you Carlie.

I did not recieve my stimulus payment and called the 800 number and reported it. I was told there was a committee that was hadling these claims and my information would be forwarded to them for review. I was called a few days later and told that I was entitled to the payment and a notice was being sent to the Treasury Dept to issue my payment. I am thankful that they realized there was an error and they are trying to fix the error. However, I still have not recieved anything. Is there anyone else out there with a similar situation and have you received your payment yet? I'm trying to get a feel for how long it should take as well as let other Veterans know that the issue is being fixed.

I filed my NOD and requested a DRO Hearing and haven't heard anthing back other than they recieved my NOD. I filed this with the Waco office. I wanted to ask folks who have been through the process how long it took them to get a hearing. Or if anyone has experience with the Waco office specifically what the timeframe is like dealing with them. I was given the impression that a DRO Hearing would typically be completed within 4-6 months but that doesn't seem to be the case. Anyone have any idea?

The reason I was considering withdrawing the NOD is because my VSO rep told me that the NOD was what was slowing down a decision and that the new evidence supports my claim to a higher rating. He said "that I should withdraw my NOD and request an increase based upon the new evidence, since it's still within a year of the orginal decison". That I made a mistake by submitting the NOD in the first place. What was really funny is that it was my VSO rep from the same organizaiton that told me to file the NOD. This made me very sceptical about this and I wanted to get opinions of others who have more experience than I.

Pete, What they do with the test and colonoscopy is basically rule out everything else which leaves you with the diagnosis of IBS based upon symptoms. The test I had done was a genetic marker test for Irritable Bowel Disease to rule out other stuff first, i.e. Crohn's, UlcerativeColitis, etc. I have run into the same thing with the doctors, they are usually very vague. I have been prescribed imodium, some steriods, and lomotil in efforts to slow my down my bowels but, it hasn't helped. I've heard the same things about the diet but have not been able to identify any foods that make it worse, I basically get it from anything and everything. I have to eat! What I'm attempting to do,after the colonoscopy, is have the Doctor describe my IBS in the exact terminology the VA uses to rate it so hopefully there won't be much room for interpretation. As far as the NOD and new evidence goes.......I think I will just wait it out with the NOD and DRO hearing, I would hate to lose my place in line.

I filed a NOD and requested a DRO hearing through the WACO regional office... it was for a 0% for irritable colon. The C&P service connected and diagnosed IBS. I'm assuming that I got zero because I only sought treatment on a few occassions even though my symptoms are moderate to severe. There's not much they can do for you. Since, I have been treated several times in attempt to show proof that my symptoms occur more frequently and are worse then the orginal picture painted. My primary care physican has describe my IBS as Severe, but he was a General practicioner. I am working with a new Gastrologist since I moved, he has stated diharea with abdominal pain but will not rule IBS until further test are conducted. I had a Promethues Serology 7 screening for IBD that was negative so the next step is colonoscopy . Then he should be able to give me an accurate diagnosis that should point to IBS. I have sent in additional evidence from these appointment that I mentioned and after the colonoscopy anticipating the new Gastrologist to diagnosis moderate or severe IBS. Is the DRO process slowing down my case? Should I continue with DRO or should I remove it and ask for higher rating based on new evidence? The NOD and DRO hearing request was submitted the middle of March.

I was never said I was told that I would get it at a later date.....I was just told that I did not get it........In no way was I intending to sound mad....I was just telling people what I was told by the representative at the 800 number..........I guesss I made a gramatical error and should have put a question mark instead of an exclamation point at the end.......However, I don't need a lecture from you......I am blessed that I recieved benefits and am not disgruntle.

I called today and was told that I will not be reicieving a payment. I was just recently awarded my compensation back in March 2009 however my entitlement goes back to July 2008. Even though I was entitled to benefits during the required period I will not receive payment. This is because of VA processing times and the fact that I didn't acutally recieve a check during the required time period. Is this not a bunch of BS!

I have recently moved and getting new DR's here.........I had C&P DR said IBS but didn't list severity.......So he left it in the rater's hands and he determined mild.....I have seen a general practicioner and he diagnosised "severe" IBS..........I have sent that in since filing my NOD..........I also seen a gastrologist and he would not diagnosis me without a chones test and/or colonoscopy.......So I'm waiting for my VA primary care appointment at my new location to try to get a VA gastrologist so I don't have to pay for test.......but if I have to I will..

Thanks for the replies.......I have recently moved and have my first appointment with my primary care physician at the VA clinic at the end of the month.....I'm going to go from there to try to get a referral and have these test done......if not, I will go to a private DR and let my insurance handle it.

I was diagnosed and treated for gastritis while in service and never for IBS. I was not aware of IBS at the time and did not regularly seek treatment for it. However, everytime they had asked me in an exam related to something else, I note that I had diharrea. I had accounted my IBS to regular dehydration, fast food, and lifestyle issues. Once my lifestyle changed and my symptoms remained I sought medical treatment. I was then diagnosised with IBS....the C&P Dr. said that I was diagnosised in service for gastritis but my symptoms more closely resembled that of IBS and that is was more likely than not connected. Hope that helps

I believe I have some nerve issues related to my service-connected DDD C6-C7. I have pain from neck to my shoulder and tingling down to my hand. These symptoms have really just onset in the last month...... I have not filed for this yet and am awaiting a proper diagnosis from my phisician. I do believe that it is a result of my DDD and am just waiting for my appointment to get it verified......... I was curious as to how it would be rated. I can not tell by reading the rating schedule because I see nothing listed for radiculopathy and neuritis is listed but without a compensatable rate. Could someone with more experience explain to me how this is rated.......I know that the diaganostic code will depend on the nerve affected.......thanks

I posted this question in another area, but then realized it was suppose to be in this area....So I applogized for the double post....did not get an anser in the other area.. Okay, I currently have filed a NOD and waiting for a DRO hearing for my IBS rated at 0%. I do not know what is required and don't have experience and was wondering if anyone could help me out. The rating schedule says: 7319 Irritable colon syndrome (spastic colitis, mucous colitis, etc.): Severe; diarrhea, or alternating diarrhea and constipation, with more or less constant abdominal distress..................................................................... 30 Moderate; frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress........................................................................ ........................................ 10 Mild, disturbances of bowel function with occasional episodes of abdominal distress........................................................................ ........................ 0 But what is more or less? What is frequent? What do I have to show. This is very generalized and seems like there is too much room for interpretation.. My condition was already service connected and C & P says I have daily episodes of diahrea with abdominal distress. Which occur 1,2, or more times a day. That atleast sounds frequent to me.....Any advice or experience with this type of claim would be greatly appreciated.

Okay, I currently have filed a NOD and waiting for a DRO hearing for my IBS rated at 0%. I do not know what is required and don't have experience and was wondering if anyone could help me out. The rating schedule says: 7319 Irritable colon syndrome (spastic colitis, mucous colitis, etc.): Severe; diarrhea, or alternating diarrhea and constipation, with more or less constant abdominal distress..................................................................... 30 Moderate; frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress........................................................................ ........................................ 10 Mild, disturbances of bowel function with occasional episodes of abdominal distress........................................................................ ........................ 0 But what is more or less? What is frequent? What do I have to show. This is very generalized and seems like there is too much room for interpretation.. My condition was already service connected and C & P says I have daily episodes of diahrea with abdominal distress. Which occur 1,2, or more times a day. That atleast sounds frequent to me.....Any advice or experience with this type of claim would be greatly appreciated.

Currently taken Imodium, yes I have gas and cramping as well. Normally occurs 30 minutes to 1 hour after eating. So I get diarrhea 2-4 times a day. The C&P service connected the IBS but C&P Doctor did not classify it as mild, moderate, or severe, just IBS.

I recently recieved a decision from the rating board and disagreed with one issue. My IBS was service connected, but at 0%. The decision said that I had loose stool daily accompanied by abdominal distress. However, for 10% I would have to have frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress. What is their definition of frequent? I filled out a NOD and asked for a DRO. Is this what I should have done? What happens next? How long does it take for somehting like this? Thanks in advance your help and responses.

Thanks for all the feedback. My claim is with the Waco Regional office. Hopefully they are not too backlogged and I will have a decision soon.

Can anyone give me a general timeframe in which a rating decision can be expected after nexus has been established, medical evidence collected, and C&P exam completed and results recieved?

First let me give a little back ground, I have had knee pain, ankle pain, back and neck pain, and a digestive disorder for about 10 years now. I just recently filed a claim with va 3 years removed from service. I was diagnosed in the military with numerous sprained ankle and later chronic ankle pain and attended physical therapy. I was also diganosis with ITB strain of the knee. Also was chronic mechanical neck pain which I also attend physical therapy and was given a TENS unit, and finally gastoenteritis. The va doctor for my C & P diagnosed knee tendinitis, ankle tendinitis, early degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and Irritable bowel syndrome. He said that all 4 conditions were at least as likely as not to be service connected. Are these conditions compensatable? Does it look good or bad based on the diagnosis? Thanks in adavance your your responses.