Sgt. Wilky

My private dermatologist put me on Turbinafine, and I took the Rx, however, it barely made a dent in the condition. I haven't been back to her yet, but that's why I was wondering if it could be something else. The examiner said that I had the 'moccasin' effect on the entire bottom portion of both my feet, with hyper (or hypo) pigmentation, peeling, and once the feet dried, the bottoms and toes of my feet would turn white and patchy. They would crack and bleed and hurt to walk on. The itching drives me totally crazy. I have in the past developed blisters, but the Turbinafine to this point, I think has prevented that from coming back. Thank you for your response! Sgt. Wilki

Hello Everyone! I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with being rated for Athlete's Feet and/or Tinea Pedis? I had a C & P exam today, and the examiner seemed a little "conflicted." She seemed to downplay the effects, while commenting on the 'extensive' nature of problem. I wondered out loud to her if I may have the wrong diagnosis. I am most curious if anyone is rated above 0%. I can't seem to find anywhere on the internet where the formula for figuring out the body percentages. Of course, I would like to be compensated, as the topical creams and the oral medication is not working, and makes me feel quite ill. I also have to change my socks in the middle of the day. Also, I have it on both feet, and I am rated at 10% each for two other conditions. I can't seem to figure out on the calculator how they would do that. Thank you for any input you al may have!! Semper Fi, Sgt. Wilki

Well considering I've been waiting 3 years for any resolution, what's another day, week, month, or year...

Hello All, I talked to my VSO and she said that since all my current claims are in the DRO review process, it shouldn't slow my claim to file a new one now. I have one more question, does anyone know how they calculate the "5% to 20%" on foot fungus? I didn't file for that only because I thought it was a lame claim, but since my dermatologist says it's not going away, it's on both the tops and bottoms of my feet, and since I've graduated to oral medications now, I think that I should. I have the SMR's and my IMO and treatment records, I hope they will at least pay for my meds... Semper Fi!

Thank you everyone for your answers and your support! I did write a letter to the VA, and faxed it to my VSO who will then forward it on the VA. IRIS told me my claims are still with the DRO and are in the decision phase. There should still be time to get this to the VA's hands. Hopefully, I will have a competent rating specialist who can see through the FUBAR mistake that was made. I wrote both letters in Barney-style, so that's my hope. I wish all of you well and thank you for taking the time to help me out!! Semper Fi, Matt

Oh, and Yes, I do have a Representative, a local VSO.

Berta, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! Your contribution is very much appreciated!! I hope that someday soon I will be able to report back favorable findings!! In the mean time, I continue to look forward to reading and perhaps contributing to the success of other disabled veterans!! Semper Fi!! Matt

"I found a glaring error by the VA when they 'mistakenly' assumed two different problems were one problem, and subsequently denied the claim because of this. I wrote to them explaining the two conditions were separate conditions, and very simply divided the issue using medical evidence. They still assert that the one condition is non-compensable because no rating schedule exists for the condition. My hopes are to take this condition, and ask them to assign a closely related diagnostic code so that I can receive compensation. " Can you tell us what the condition is? Hello again, the non-compensable condition (actually rated at 0% because they 'can't' go higher) osteochondritis of the dissecans. The way I understand it, it is a joint condition in which a piece of cartilage, along with a thin layer of the bone beneath it, comes loose from the end of a bone. Caused by reduced blood flow to the end of a bone, osteochondritis dissecans occurs most often in young men, particularly after an injury to a joint. I don't know what more appropriate condition this would be rated under, perhaps tendonitis or even arthritis? I'm not a doctor, but the condition is very painful, especially when I climb the stairs and walk for even moderate distances. This injury was diagnosed in February of 2000. And exactly what the claim is for as you mentioned two different problems? The two different problems are: 1. The exact same problem mentioned in the first question and 2. Right femoral fracture of the Lesser Trochanter (Upper Femur) diagnosed in August of 1999 (with the same problem in the left leg [rated at 10%] as well. I was in a wheel chair for 4 months, while in Boot Camp) The rating specialist and the C & P examiner actually combined the two conditions. The condition in question 2 is in the upper femur, while the condition in question 1. is the lowest part of the femur. I wrote a detailed letter to the VA, and as simply as I could. I certainly hope that I could be scheduled for an in person DRO hearing, or at least, another C & P exam. Semper Fi, Matt

Hello Everyone, I was seeing my Dermatologist the other day, and she told me that I should file for VA so that they can provide my medications. Back in 2003, we all took field showers while in Iraq, and predictably, I got a nasty foot fungus that the Air Force said would never go away, and my Dermatologist confirmed it to me twice now. I've had to go from topical creams to oral medications and it affects the bottoms and tops of my feet. My question is threefold: 1. Should I wait to file for that until my other claims are adjudicated, 2: Has anyone experienced the VA ratings on this? I would think that the tops and bottoms of my feet would be more than 5% of my body, but I don't know how they determine that. 3. Will the VA if approved, provide medications that my private physician prescribes, or will I have to use VA Doctors? Thanks and Semper Fi! Matt

Hello Berta, Thank you so much for replying, I apologize I haven't been able to get back to you sooner. I don't have my records with me at this moment, but if you're still reading this, I will post the information tomorrow morning. Semper Fi! Matt

Hello All, I frequently read the forums here, being that I have several claims in the VA for, and am currently waiting over two years for a resolution. That being said, I wanted to get your opinions about a subject that I was just reading. I just read in an opinion rendered by the BVA, that, "The veteran and his representative have not suggested that another diagnostic code would be more appropriate." I read this several times, and was astonished that this would be acceptable. Unfortunately, I have a condition that was denied by the VA, because they said they had no rating schedule for the paticular diagnosis. But when I saw that a veteran or his representation could 'suggest' a more appropriate diagnositc code, my hopes were somewhat revived. Has anyone ever 'suggested' a more appropriate diagnostic code and won? I found a glaring error by the VA when they 'mistakenly' assumed two different problems were one problem, and subsequently denied the claim because of this. I wrote to them explaining the two conditions were separate conditions, and very simply divided the issue using medical evidence. They still assert that the one condition is non-compensable because no rating schedule exists for the condition. My hopes are to take this condition, and ask them to assign a closely related diagnostic code so that I can receive compensation. I hope that perhaps somebody has some experience with this issue and can give me some insight! Thanks and Semper Fi! Matt

Hello all, Call me a man of little faith, but I kind of had a feeling that it would go down this way. I received in the mail the brown envelope, that awarded my shoulder injuries "directly related to military service" and a whopping 0%. I made the mistake of not letting the examiner know that I did have pain while in motion, but I did tell her that I have pain when I perform activities above shoulder height. (I.E. getting items off of shelves, reaching up to change the oil filter, etc.) and that I cannot weight lift anymore. The examiner noted that there was crepitus. X-rays I was told, did not show any abnormalities. The letter goes on to state the only rating that could be warranted is 20% for limited range of motion. My range of motion IS limited, and especially so, when I'm holding anything in my hand while doing it. Does anyone know if this is compensable? 10% would be satisfactory to me, but making the jump from 0% to 20% is almost impossible at my age, right now. Second, I was denied bilateral knee conditions. The record states that 'evidence of record does not show that a chronic bilateral knee disability was incurred in or caused by your military service, nor does the evidence show that a knee disability exists which is secondary to any service-connected disabilities...Therefore, service connection for bilateral knee condition is denied." I in fact DID incur bilateral knee injury while in service. I was diagnosed with bilateral ITB syndrome, after I had lost control of my legs during a run, and landed on both knees. That was ten years ago. I have had, and currently have pain in both my knees that my primary care physician has stated that are a result of military service; and, that are symptomatic of the onset of arthritis.The injury itself is also noted in my SMR's. Did the rater just decide to disregard this information and ignore it, or should I give them the benefit of the doubt that he didn't see it? When I had my C & P exam, the examiner only asked me to lift up the back of my leg. She never asked me to squat and stand, climb a set of stairs or any other set of weight-bearing exercises. It honestly wasn't painful to stand and hold my foot. But it would have been impossible to squat and do everything else. And I live with constant pain in my knees. So to those of you who read this, here is my proposed plan of action: 1. Make an appointment with an Orthopedic Specialist, be properly diagnosed with the condition that affects me, and have him write a letter for me that uses the proper "Linguistic Artistry" that the VA requires. 2. Re-submit the exact SMR's relative to the injury, along with the letter from the specialist with the NOD that I am filing. 3. In the NOD request a DRO Hearing or Review. I guess I'll ask my VSO which would be better, but I wouldn't mind sitting in front of the DRO for a personal hearing. 4. I'd like to avoid the appeals process, being that I have another case in appeal, and I am out 24 to 30 months waiting for that to come back. By way of a little more insight on my part, I'm only currently at 20%. I have the feeling that the VA is going to do everything in it's power to keep me there. Thanks to everyone who has posted their experiences. I have learned a lot from this site and from the process of going through this battle. My sacrifices are miniscule compared to a lot of what you have had to put up with. Gratefully Yours, Sgt. Wilky

Maybe it's new benefit...

Hello All, I've been on this forum for a little while, just reading and reading. I finally decided to post, being that I'm not much into this kind of thing. I filed my original claim back in July 2008. I was granted 20% for tinnitus and another condition. Denied by the Denver RO on six other issues, so I've been fighting them up to this point. I've had help from the Larimer County VSO, and they've been good. They are extremely overloaded though. I imagine everyone-everywhere is experiencing the same thing. I can't imagine that some of you guys have had to wait so long for your claims to be decided. These wait times are criminal to say the least. I live in Colorado, and I haven't heard good or bad about the Denver RO, I get my exams done in Cheyenne. But I know from my experience that the VA will deny, deny, deny, and hope you go away, and in my case, low-ball you in hopes of you going away. I started out getting out of the Marine Corps, and knowing that I had a case, I didn't want to be one of those guys that was getting money and benefits for what seemed to me, minor issues, but when I finally went it to the VSO and then to my first C & P exam, holy crap, I knew right away I was in for a long fight. Then I found Hadit.com, and it's been a great source of information. Keep at it and Semper Fi! I'll post my updates, and hopefully, they'll be encouraging to me and everyone else!