Bonzai

Bergie, I noticed that you are rated at 60% SC, so your PCP can send you for ANY medical testing that needs to be done to diagnose the problem, at no cost to you; only billing to your insurance, if you have any. I know this because I am at 50%, and have been sent for tests and procedures that were not SC. If I am wrong, then I'm sure someone will jump in to correct me, but I would schedule an appointment with my PCP ASAP and speak with them about getting the testing scheduled. I hope this helps, Louis

I was NPO (nulo per ostum = nothing by mouth) from midnight, until after the procedure. And it was nothing but clear liquids the day prior to procedure. I think chicken broth was on the list, but am not entirely positive.

If I am understanding this correctly, when a claim is filed, then the SMRs are sent from St. Louis to the VARO, and kept there until two years have passed with no further activity. In requesting a copy of all my SMRs, I assumed that the RO would only get a copy of the SMRs, and the original file would remain in archives. If the original SMRs are sent to RO, then there is nothing to prevent them from removing/shredding/burning/changing/losing any SMRs that are contrary to the VARO's decisions. That's kinda of scary isn't it? We have no one to watch the watchers. And people wonder how medical records end up disappearing. Maybe they have a wheel they spin and it has slots that say approve or deny. If it comes up deny, then they just change the evidence to match the spin. They not only control the SMRs, but also the results of the C&P exams. Isn't there an oversight committee or something that an address can be posted about, so we can write and complain? If nothing changes, then Nothing Changes. One other thing... How can you request a copy of all your SMRs from the VARO, if they have your SMRs? Would it be a 21-4138 or Release of Information?

Thanks for the clarification on PTSD verification. I assumed the person had a dx of PTSD already, but in re-reading the thread, I see that is what they are asking for a dx of Combat PTSD. Duh, flat forehead syndrome strikes again. So would the best option be to see a different psychiatrist/psychologist (cheapest, but will take longer) OR to get an IMO ($2,500 is a number I see bandied about). This definitely s*cks...

I think I may be missing something, but why did you need the signature of a Veterans Service Officer?

In my case, my p-docs said I had PTSD without a verifiable stressor, so I should just stay away from it. However, they were able to get me Service-Connected for Bipolar Disorder, which was more difficult to do, IMHO. I ended up moving last year and got a psychiatrist I didn't get along/agree with. Do you realize that you can request a different psychiatrist? I just did, but I detoured around actually requesting a change until I was able to actually see a different psychiatrist. I had a fresh-out-of-college psychiatrist who wanted to see me every three months, and said all of my problems were a result of my home life - I was not having any problems at home, but I was having major problems with sleep and nightmares. So I called and asked to see my psychiatrist earlier than my scheduled appointment, but was told that she was not available. They asked me if I want to see a different psychiatrist, and I jumped at the earlier appointment, and brought my wife with me when I had it. After explaining everything that was going on, the psychiatrist prescribed another medication (they always seem to do that) and I then asked him if I could switch to him as my psychiatrist. He asked why, and I told him that the other psychiatrist didn't have a clue as to what I was going through, and just rushed me through my appointments. He agreed, so now I have a psychiatrist I am happier with, even though I still have problems with sleep and nightmares. I am not an expert, but if you have verifiable stressors, then those are the nexus needed to make a PTSD claim SC. Why don't you just file a claim with what you have? They will have to follow-up on your claim, and even schedule you a C&P for it. I'm sure others will have suggestions, this was just my two cents. Hope this helps, Louis

I believe that PF would be Psychotic Features, meaning that there were some hallucinations or delusions. I have had that diagnosis in the past when I said that I hear music in my head sometimes.

I had nothing to do with the VA during my first marriage, and the only information they received from me about it prior to my filing the VA Form 21-686c, was the fact that I had been married but was divorced. If I wasn't specific enough in making a statement to V.A. about when your prior marriage terminated as required by 38 CFR 3.205., then weren't they supposed write the reason, like they did with their request for more information of my wife's divorces. It just seems that there is no rhyme or reason in some of the things the VA does. I consider myself to be fairly intelligent, with multiple Bachelor of Science degrees. I realize that I have little chance at getting an earlier effective date, but I filed because they are not following their own rules again. Well, that is not exactly true, they follow their rules when it is convenient for them. Being the ever eternal optimist that I am, I figure they will deny the earlier effective date with a wave if their hand, stating that my 'good cause' is not good enough - of course there will be no example given of what the good cause would have to be. Thanks for your explanation of what may have occurred.

I requested a copy of all of my SMRs recently, and had a signature form to print off and send in. I received an email that they received my signature form. So now I am waiting to see what I get in the mail.

I found out that if you need more time to gather evidence, then you can ask for an extension of the time limit from the VA. It applies for the one year limit, but I don't know if it applies towards the 60 day limit. Hope this helps, Louis

Where would you look for the diagnostic codes of how they rated you? I am looking at my decision, but I am not seeing anything that resembles (####).

Tbird also posted this, but I couldn't add a comment. This is a great decision, but I think that it will take time for it to be implemented. I am afraid that initially the raters are going to look for any little thing to deny the claim, instead of approving a claim, since it's easier to deny that approve. And they will be under pressure to clear the backlog... Wait a minute... Isn't that what happens now?

That is what I get for asking a compound question... It is my understanding that a claim under appeal to the BVA only addresses the conditions in the original claim, and any new conditions have to be addressed in a new claim to the VARO. But Social Security is different and looks at all conditions to come up with a determination. So how do I get the new conditions added to the SSDI claim? Or am I totally confused? again... Louis

I guess I wasn't clear. Can additional information be added to a claim that is in appeal for SSDI? BVA? Louis And how would it be added?

I applied for SSDI last year and was denied, so I got a lawyer and we filed an appeal. At the time I filed, I used bipolar and HTN for the reasons I can not work. Since that time, I have been diagnosed with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and mild peripheral neuropathy. Will Soc. Sec. know about the additional physical conditions? My lawyer has said that he would schedule an IMO about a month before going to the ALJ and BVA, but are the appeals limited to conditions in the original claims? It is my understanding that the VA looks at each condition individually for TDIU qualification, but that Soc. Sec. looks at everything and somehow combines the conditions into a gestault condition, which is used to determine if the applicant qualifies for SSDI. I am extremely annoyed with my lawyer, as I have left two messages for him to contact me in the past two weeks and he hasn't. I am going to his office tomorrow, and would like to be better informed than I am now. Thanks, Louis

In order to get a diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, one must have a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) done. This is done by having the patient come in fasting and having blood drawn. They are then given a high-sugar solution to drink, and blood is drawn every hour for the next three hours. If they have a blood glucose level above the norm for two out of three of the readings, then a diagnosis is given for Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. If someone has an HgbA1C that is over 6.5, then a GTT should be ordered. There are exceptions to the rule, among which is having an extremely high HgbA1C level; that is indicative of how high the processed sugars in your body have been over the past three months. Berta is completely correct, when she says no one dies of Diabetes Mellitus, they die of the complications. Diabetes Mellitus is a disease that affects all of the body's major systems, to include skeletal. Early detection is key to effective treatment. Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease, meaning once you get it, you will have it for the rest of your life. However, even though it can not be cured, the progression of the disease can be slowed considerably with proper exercise and diet. Sorry, but I worked with patients with Diabetes Mellitus for many years. I am getting off my soapbox now...

I can only add what happened in my claim for service-connected. I applied with a nexus, evidence, and statements, and was denied. I was told to appeal, and during my appeal, I was asked to provide two other pieces of insignificant evidence (which I did so), and was approved for 10% service-connected. I know now that I was low-balled, but I did not know that then. Thanks to many HadIt members, I no longer worry about being low-balled. When I was awarded an increase to 30%, I was low-balled, as well as when I was increased to 50%; however, I had learned about NOD by the end of my 1 year for the 50%, so I am now waiting for an appeal, as well as other conditions I have filed for.

I was prescribed Abilify about two months ago at 5mg in the am. I started noticing that I was disassociating more and becoming extremely tired during the day (out of the blue). Since I have OSA and had started using a CPAP machine, at the same time as starting Abilify, I blamed the CPAP machine. But recently I had an ear operation, and I can not use the CPAP until the Aug. 21st. Well, the side-effects did not stop and I called my P-doc, who told me to halve the 5mg to 2.5 mg. And I have done so. I have less disassociation now, but the daytime sleepiness still occurs. Has anyone else experienced this?

Here is a link for an article about today's broadcast: Linda May's Broadcast Now we know, and knowing is half the battle... G.I. Joe

I researched this a bit, and found the following from the CDC: Sequelae is defined as an aftereffect of disease, condition, or injury. Other sources recommend rest and OTC pain relievers for MTBI, and hospitalization for moderate and severe TBI. But these options are for recent TBI, and not for TBI that has occurred years ago. Hope this helps, Louis

bootstrap1, Since you have already filed the claim, the form you need to fill out is VA Form 21-8940 Veterans Application For Increased Compensation Based On Unemployability. If you have a printer, then you can find fillable form on the Internet. Then send it in to ensure that TDIU is looked when they make their PTSD decision. What exact reason did they give for denying TDIU for physical 70%. Hope this helps, Louis

Congratulations! Always nice to see a success story posted!

During the MH exam, I think that you can ask him leave the room for short period, and then come back and support you later. You would have to ask the examiner...

I remember Berta posting that the VA is looking for a Buddy statement with teeth in it. Meaning the buddy should be a witness or know of the event claimed by the veteran. The buddy statement you posted seem to meet what Berta had mentioned. Hope this helps, Louis

Here is a chart you can use to figure it out (scroll to the bottom) http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/ge...3&TYPE=TEXT Hope this answers your question, Louis