blackbird

Hey BrokenSoldier, They will ask you about where your pain radiates (if for some reason they don't, you tell them), then they will definitely measure your range of motion. Make sure you don't extend past where the pain starts no matter how far they try and get you to bend. They also may do the pin stick test on your feet if you have numbness. Hope this helps. Blackbird

Thanks for the responses, I think I understand now. Blackbird

Thanks so much for the replies, I think I've got it straight now. Blackbird

Hey Vets, I thought I had this clear but I read something that makes me unsure. I was 60% SC and then granted TDIU Which of course is 100%. I also know that I'm in category 1 for VA benefits. My question is can I now get care from the VA for non service connection health issues and perscriptions for non SC conditions with no co-pay? Any answers will be appreciated, Blackbird

I know it's rough. You always have this master plan that you will work until a normal retirement date and if you are lucky and plan well maybe you get to retire early. Then something like a back problem can change your whole life. I tell myself everday that at least I can still walk around a little and I get to spend more time with my kids. And no matter how bad it gets, I always remind myself that it could be worse, because I have seen people in worse shape. I hope things will start looking up for you soon, Blackbird

Hey Monster, Normally anytime you see narrowing, especially moderate narrowing of the neural foraminia, you have nerves that are being compressed. This almost always causes pain in the area controled by that nerve. You appear to have this going on from C2 to C7. The osteophites or bone spurs can also be a problem by digging into nerves, depending on where they are. I may have missed it but did your doctor you visited mention surgery or sending you to a neurosugeon??? Blackbird

The safe is a great idea!!! I have a nephew that has a great jobs, benefits etc. Well he was in a car wreck which fractured several vertibras so his pain level was pretty high for months. He started taking more and more pain meds for the pain so of course he ran out and couldn't get anymore until it was time for refills. So my sisters started missing pain meds. They thought no one could find them but he did and was caught. Rehab was finally needed, since my sister was married to a Lt. in the police department and they caught him. He's much better now. If this straight laced man could sink this low it could happed to almost anyone. The bottom line is that if you are a disabled vet the public pretty much knows you have meds and probably pain meds. That maked you a target anyway. Get the safe! Blackbird

Hello Vets, I recently had my initial visit with the VA medical center to enroll in the healthcare system. I met the doctor that was assigned to me and everything went smooth with one exception. His records show that I was SC @ 60%. I was granted TDIU in March retro to Aug 09 so shouldn't his records show me at 100%??? That's how I'm paid, or does it just show what you were rated at before the TDIU award? I also got my Veterans Affairs ID card. It just shows "Service Connected". Should it show percentages of disability on it? Thanks for you thoughts, Blackbird

Hey Monster, Talk about aches and pains! I can only imagine how uncomfortable you are. I have had each of the procedures you mentioned, just not all at once. I know I've had over a dozen epidural steroid injections just on the lumbar region alone. Had the left knee "cleaned out", both rotator cuffs repaired, 5 cervical fusions surgeries and 4 lumbar. Thats not all, but it's enough to let you know that I can relate to your pain. As far as what to do first, I would determine, with a doctors advice which problem can suffer the most damage by waiting. For instance, my Dad waited too long before having his shoulder repair so after he did have the surgery he was not able to get alot of his function back. The surgeon told him the tendon was heavily damage due to him waiting. Also if the nerve in your neck is being compressed in certain ways it can result in permenant damage. Not always the case but often is. It's possible that you could get quick relief from the lumbar shot. You want know till you do it. My advice is to ask a trusted doctor just what he recommends and charge ahead! I hope you will be able to get some relief soon! Check out the surgeons you are considering. You want the best you can get! It's like anything else, there are good ones and bad ones. Blackbird

Hey Jamessat40, Welcome and Congratulations!!! Job well done! Blackbird

Hey Allen, My claimed problem was a back injury, service connected. The reason I didn't reveal the Parkinson's was that it happened was diagnoised several years after the back claim and I didn,t feel like it should any thing to do with my claim. I was also advised by an Elder at Hadit to keep it to myself since I wasn't seeking treatment or compensation for the disease. Blackbird

Hello Vets, My claim for VA benefits was effective May of 2004. I won my claim in August of 2009, retroed back to May of 2004. In Jan 2007 I was also diagnoised with Parkinson's Disease. My tremor is mild and on medication, it's very hard to tell. When I had my C&P exam since I wasn't being seen for Parkinson's I didn't mention it to him and he didn't notice. My question; Now that I'm going to the VA on Friday to enroll in the VA health system, should I mention it to them now? Will it cause any problem if I do or if I keep it to myself? I will have to continue to see a private neurologist for the Parkinson's and I'm sure he will be writting the medicine prescriptions. Any thoughts would be appreciated, Blackbird ]

No I didn't seek care before March 2010. This particular visit was an emergency admission due to a possible heart attack. I was in for two days and nights for testing. It turns out that it was a lung problem that I'm still getting help for. They have already scheduled a CT scan for June to see if three nodules they found in January have grown any. The lung specialist really wants the repeat scan to be made on the same CT scanner that found the nodules in January. Another reason I didn't seek VA attention in January is that I was only rated 60% at the time. I wasn't rated 100% until March of 2010, then it was retro back to August of 09. So at 60% I didn't think the VA would pay for anything but the Service Connected problem? Blackbird

Thanks Commander Bob for the reply. I have a meeting scheduled for the 14th of May to meet my VA primary care Dr. and get enrolled in the health system. As far as how much, it would be a couple thousand and seems to be increasing due to current testing on my back being done by my neurosurgeon. I want to meet with the Fee Basis people also. Blackbird