Hello to all. I am new to the board. Just to start off Thank you fo rsuch a wonderful board. "Veterans helping Veterans", what a concept.
I know, that I know, I don't know enough to speak the lingo for alot of this. So, here we go.
I, like others on here have had 3(three) surgery's to correct DDD/DJD. Anterior fusion (C-3 thru C-6), Posterior Laminectomy/partial Discectomy, also c-spine and then same "Lam/Disc" (L-3 thru L-6). All with in a year. Rough year for self and family. All was done while I was on Active duty. Still tried to "Board" me, before I retired.
I know that I have been lacking in trying to get an adequate C&P or a Doctor to write more than a note in my clinical files. Example: I kept complaing that the numbnes/tingling and down right pain was now on my "left" side; majority of motion and motorfunction was primarily right side (dominant). After much argument I went from Texas Vet to DAV and three different Doctors; military and civilian. Ortho spine to Neuro. Each had varying opinions of what to do or not to do. I know, must sound so familiar to all. Enough of the background for now.
I had request for a BVA through the DAV in Texas (Waco). I ought to tell you before I go further. I did get to retire(2005) and am now a "civil servant". I finaly recieved notification that I had a board hearing, video tele-conf. At the time I had to deny it due to the fact that I was reassigned to Oklahoma. After multiple atemps to contact the DAV in Waco, with no return calls or e-mails. I gave up and contacted the DAV in Lawton/Muskogee. Was told by them that I would have to contact Waco since they are the one's that started the appeal/claim "run-a-around". Now like most here on the board, I am thinking of a lawyer. I'm no different than most, I just want the to recognize my disability and their mistakes for not listening to me at the beginning when I started pointing out the numbness/tingling on the left side. Oh, because the "QUACKTIONER", raised her voice to me about my condition and I raised mine back, I am now in couseling?????? Long story...
Question: Will it hurt my case by signing this letter, "checking" the box, "I may decline this hearing and wait for a future visit by a member of the BVA's Appeals"
Question: Where can I find sombody that is fair and honest that will help me along such a forked path.
If, I have surgery that they want me to have to fix there mistake I will be unable to return to my current job. I have been told that SSD will take dollar for dollar from me for my disability if I am unable to return to work. Is this true, also?
Thank you, all for you service and your time.
"I've got your six"!