Jump to content
VA Disability Community via Hadit.com

VA Disability Claims Articles

Ask Your VA Claims Question | Current Forum Posts Search | Rules | View All Forums
VA Disability Articles | Chats and Other Events | Donate | Blogs | New Users

dclayton57

Seaman
  • Posts

    15
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by dclayton57

  1. Thanks for your reply and input Berta. I don't need to work anymore, now that I've got my 50% + retirement, I'm making just a little more than I need...to put into savings for when something big comes up. I wasn't lowballed for my TBI. I don't even want to try for K award because I can use my hand...just not for very long. Thanks to all members of hadit for guiding me in the right direction, and for just "being there" for me. That's a comforting feeling when you're doing it alone. I will continue to monitor the forums, and offer any advise I can. I feel very blessed, and wish all vets can get a claim/increase as easy as I did.
  2. 10 months ago I requested that my file be reopened because of significant worsening of sc hand injury. It was from a jeep roll over that injured my skull and also caused a de-gloving of my L (prominent) hand. I was initially assigned 0% for hand injury, but combined rating of 40% (for TBI, siezure disorder) Re-opened my file 6 yrs ago asking for an increase of hand injury rating and it went from 0% to 10%, which kept me with a 40% combined. This recent request for increased was almost denied because of an A#$&% dr that did my c&p exam. Without even looking at it, she wrote that my hand injury was only 'superficial' and didn't warrant an increase. I prayed and prayed and prayed for an increase, and the craziest thing happened when I got the "Infamous Brown Envelope". I was given an increase, but for something I hadn't even asked for: 10% for residual scar from hand injury! 50% combined!! I'm not trying to push my religious beliefs on anyone, but I can't explain this in any other way than a Devine Intervention. In any case, I no longer have to worry about having to work with a hand that barely works anymore, or pay for prescriptions. I hope this helps somebody. Thanks Hadit, you're forums helped me get through this ridiculous process.
  3. T-Mobile gives discounts according to the plan that you have. I got an 18% discount! You also have to renew your contract 2 yrs. Call 1-877-453-8824 for assistance.
  4. Wow. I'm glad this was posted. I was a little unsure of reopening my claim on my own, but now I'm glad I did. I have found everything I needed (and lots more) on Hadit, or links to what I needed. Thanks to all posters on here! David
  5. Thanks again for your replies. I was furloughed, then took a package. All of those years I was able to use my head more than my hand...i.e. was supervisor (purser) which helped me get out of most of the "hands on" part. (sorry for the pun) :D It's just all been a progressive problem. I've done all I can do for now. Will just pray that the VA lean in my favor. Thanks for this forum, and I hope what I've added might someday help another. I'll keep you all posted. David
  6. Thanks for your replies and questions. Here's what I wrote in my 21-4138, should answer most of yr Q's: I initially received a 0% rating for "RESIDUALS OF A LEFT HAND INJURY" 02/08/1985. In 2003, I requested a reevaluation because of a markedly decline in the function of my hand, and was awarded an increased rating of 10% for "RESIDUALS OF A LEFT HAND INJURY". Since that time the productive use of my left hand has steadily deteriorated. My left hand remains painful and rapidly fatigues during normal use. My fingers goes numb after a few minutes of trying to firmly hold an object including pens, pencils, stylus, toothbrush, eating utensils, steering wheel. Also using hand held tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, power tools such as drills, saws, etc. This usually results in dropping the device. This disability greatly effects my performance of normal activities of daily living. Effects of employability: In general, all occupations that I have previously held require the full use and strength of my hand. I am currently unemployed. Relative work history: Quality Control Enumerator - U.S. Census Bureau 5-6/2009 (temporary position) Chauffeur - 3/2007-3/2008 Flight Attendant - 11/1985-3/2007 and 3/2008-11/2008 Medical Service Specialist 03/1974-02/1085 I am including copies of the following documents to support substantiation of request for rating increase: 1) Nerve conduction report performed on 7/20/2009 showing left side is worse than EMG study done 5 years ago. 2) Nerve Conduction report performed on 10/14/2004 (for comparison to new study.) 3) Progress Notes from my PCP at xxxxx OPC on 8/25/2009 stating that "It is possible that left hand carpel tunnel could have been exacerbated by his injury in service". Any further information may be found in my medical records at the xxxxx OPC. Been complaing of the pain & fatigue/weakness for <5 years. Was never offered to see Hand Dr or any remedy. No wrkmns Comp. Thanks, David
  7. Carlie, Saw my PCP yesterday and asked her (re: above) and showed her the verbage of "is due to", "more likely than not" etc. asking her opinion of where my relationship btwn CTS and my SC residuals of L hand injury would fit. She said she would "put it in her own language". So exactly what she wrote in my records: "It is possible that left hand carpel tunnel could have been exacerbated by his injury in service." I feel pretty good about this now, and feel like it falls into the "at least as likely as not" catagory. Do you agree? I sent that off to Oakland RO with my new and old EMG reports and my 21-4138. Thanks for any response. David
  8. Carlie, Saw my PCP yesterday and asked her (re: above) and showed her the verbage of "is due to", "more likely than not" etc. asking her opinion of where my relationship btwn CTS and my SC residuals of L hand injury would fit. She said she would "put it in her own language". So exactly what she wrote in my records: "It is possible that left hand carpel tunnel could have been exacerbated by his injury in service." I feel pretty good about this now, and feel like it falls into the "at least as likely as not" catagory. Do you agree? I sent that off to Oakland RO with my new and old EMG reports and my 21-4138. Thanks for any response. David
  9. I see my PSP next week. Just trying to stay a step ahead of her. Have been scouring the internet for causes of CTS, and have only found that "CTS [also] occurs as a consequence of a traumatic injury event like a car collision" (cause of my originial injury 30 yrs ago) but looking for something more specific like how long after the injury would one develop CTS. My recent EMG (last month) revealed a 50% worse than an EMG done 5 yrs ago. This is frustrating me bc my hand goes numb any time I use it...writing, eating, driving, even just trying to hold a bar of soap in the shower.
  10. I am trying to find a nexus btwn my recently diagnosed "moderately severe CTS" (carpal tunnel syndrome) and my 10% sc "residuals of L (dominate) hand injury". I am trying to get my rating increased for this.
  11. Yeah! I think I've narrowed it down to 1 issue: -I was 0% for "Residuals of left (dominant) hand injury Feb 1985. -It was increased to 10% from reevaluation Oct 2003 -I've been having worsening of problems w/left hand: numbness, weakness, trouble holding a fork, pen/pencil,stylus, writing using handtools, etc. Went to my VA provider complaining of above symptoms. She ordered EMG. That test (on 7/20/09) revealed "Abnormal EMG study" "Moderately severe bilateral CTS - Left side worse than previous 2003 study. No CuTS (don't know what that is) or polyneuropathy.(I asked the testing Dr "how much worse" and he told me 50% worse) So now I think I have enough evidence for another reevaluation. I have a consult scheduled with surgery clinic. I DO NOT want to have anymore surgery on my left hand, but want to see if they can find a connection to my initial s/c left hand injury. My goal of all this is to get at least 50% s/c. (an increase from my current 40%.) My other s/c are -skull defect: 30% -post traumatic seizure disorder: 10% -post traumatic headaches: 0% Any input would be appreciated. Thanks, David
  12. No to all of the above. Normal blood sugar levels during time in service.
  13. How can I make a connection between my DM2 and S/C?
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Guidelines and Terms of Use