Vync

That sounds like the old shell game from The Price is Right. The same thing has been happening here in Birmingham for years. - Robocalls happen only 50% of time - Received letters in the mail for an appt postmarked the same or next day of the appt - Was given hand written appt cards when leaving clinic. They never show up in the auto appt system. - The big surprise I got was an unsolicited appointment. I arrived and the doc said, what seems to bring you in today. I answered, your appointment letter. A couple of years ago, the VA had this big initiative to educate patients about no-shows. They setup these easels with charts showing # and % met vs no shows for the past month or so. Have not seen those out in force for a while. Someone in my VAMC took a marker and drew body parts on the charts. Not sure if that got rid of the easels...

I am also SC for migraines and don't mean to pry, but what type of over the counter migraine medications have you been prescribed? They send me imitrex / sumitriptan pills, have been give the same med by injection in the ER, but someone I know said I would get faster relief with something called Maxalt tablets that dissolve in your mouth. Not meaning to hijack this topic...

Nefera, I have had both occur. The VA may want to wait and approve all claims at once, or defer a couple pending results and approve what they can. thomasc, Ignore that FL lawyer. Some lawyers like to mouth off to get press, to get their name out there in hopes they will be picked up by some huge law firm. If you are thinking about the same one I am, this was the guy who tried to say that once you got the CPAP machine, you were magically cured and no longer needed SC! Like he would know anything about it. I am one of those cases that does not fit the profile. I am slim and tall, but diagnosed with SA and fibro, so they have my CPAP setup like a jet engine in BIPAP mode. If I wake up with it still on my face in the morning, I know I was lucky. For me, the mask is both potential relief or future migraine. What that lawyer did not indicate is the fact that the newer CPAP machines keep nightly logs on their memory cards. At your follow up visits, the doc can monitor your progress and adjust the machine. Untreated SA can result in an early demise.

Might be possible, but look at the mechanics. In SA, the tongue pushes the uvula closed. In GERD, you have acid regurgitating back up to possibly as far as your mouth. Imagine what happens to your esophageal tract after years of acid erosion. The trick is to get a well-written nexus statement written by a physician, preferably an expert in their field.

Congratulations! You should expect a nice deposit in your bank. Sometimes it arrives slightly before or slightly after you received the BBE. Be sure to change your %, if you like.

Hi Byte187, I have no idea if they are being compelled to discourage new claims. They could just be overloaded and burned out from the significant increase in people needing their services. I went to a downtown Birmingham VA state office and it felt like I was trying to register a vehicle. I went to offices in two adjacent counties and found the wait was much better. You have to realize that getting initial SC is often the toughest part of a regular claim. Putting in for an increase does not require the same burden. I don't see why this dude complained. I had one non-State VSO who was absolutely world-class, but she retired. I would use FanaticBooks guide here on 'how to assemble veterans claims' and make sure everything is clean and ready to go. I would then take it to the VSO for review and comment. I tried the same tactic with her replacement and was told I just needed to submit one form, no letters, no treatment records because they already have it. Very pessimistic. I fired him and went alone for a while, but went back to my state rep at the end. My local rep did not have much interest in verifying my documents, but the rep at the RO sat calmly and we went through everything page by page, and commented that if everyone had their paperwork together like that then he would be out of a job. I still use my local state reps for other things, like education, dependency, champva, etc... I realized that the only person who had a genuine interest in my claims was me. I did not want to trust a VSO to submit inadequate documents. I made the decision to spoon feed them what they needed and trust their experience and guidance on my submission. When a VSO sees a person come in with a 'ready to go' packet, it could be an opportunity for both to learn something.

I have been in the VA system for 20 years, so I have a few tales to tell. I am not a lawyer, but have experienced numerous situations where VAMC personnel have been discouraging, lied, and potentially violated the law in some way, shape, or form. I am not sure if these fall into the same realm you need, but below are some brief, high-level instances of some of the problems I encountered. Primary care clinic refusing care They accept walk-ins until 3pm. I arrived at 1pm and was refused care by the attendant. I asked to speak to someone in charge and saw a nurse who refused care too. I went to the emergency room, sat for an hour, was triaged, then sent right back to the primary care clinic, where I was eventually seen by the nurse and doc. When I left, I asked the attendant for travel and they refused, saying I did not have an appointment in the system. Primary care nurse practitioner berated me After above visit, while waiting in NP's office with the door ajar, I overheard the NP proceed to berate me to other staff for not being considerate about her schedule, because she "had places to go and things to do". After that, I heard fingers snapping and giggles from others. Primary care clinic refusing care, again I arrived as a walk-in at mid-day with chest pains. Was told I didn't have a primary care doc and needed to make an appointment. I learned the doc had retired, a good thing. I told them I would go to emergency and they said I would just be sent back to primary care. The same nurse (from before) found me later waiting outside the patient representative's office and said I could be seen by the doc. HIPPA violations (reported, never fixed) - The VAMC blood draw lab patients sit next to each other. Techs ask them to say their SSN out loud for verification. I type mine into the calculator on my cell phone and show it. - Some VAMC clinics triage patients sitting next to each other. The privacy screens on the computer monitors help slightly, but you can still see BP, weight, on other devices and hear their entire conversations. - Some doctors do not close their door or tend to discuss medical issues in an open doorway or the hall. Everyone can hear what is going on. - The new check in kiosks also present violations. After swiping the patient ID card, the patient's name and DOB appear large on the screen. The monitor's privacy screen does little to shield your info from the dude behind you who is 2 feet taller. Innacurate records logged Intake nurses are supposed to ask a series of questions. After two or three, they peck away at the keyboard for a moment. Record review shows they answered the questions for me, but incorrectly. Medical records are legal documents and this is fraud. Patient Representative refused to act on my complaint After suffering an injury from negligence by VAMC emergency room staff, the patient rep wanted me to mail her a letter explaining what happened, instead of listening, taking notes, and pursuing my complaint. Primary care doc refusing to assess conditions I requested imaging studies of two areas so pain management could administer pinpoint treatments. The doc refused to examine either area, but did submit a request for one of them. I had one imaging study done, but am in waiting mode again. I have to wait for an appointment with a new primary care doc, wait for them to schedule the imaging study, take a half day off work, wait for results, and then wait for my pain management appointment. VA primary care doc lied I asked my primary care doc to note the status of my worsening back problem, including range of motion. They wrote "back pain". I confronted him on the next visit and he refused to look at the printout or look it up in the computer, but just insisted it was "in there". VA primary care doc discouraged SC increase The same VA doc who lied said increasing my asthma rating would be a waste of my time. His justification was I still would get treatment and medications, but it would not increase my rating. I went from 10% to 60% rating with help from Hadit. VA C&P doc discouraged SC increase A dental doc said I had quite a few SC conditions. I told him I was only there for a TMJ increase exam. While my mouth was blocked open for the exam, in excruciating pain, he explained the TMJ rating percentages were so insignificant that my exam was a waste of time. I went from 10% to 30% rating with help from Hadit. VA C&P doctors refusing to accept evidence I went prepared by already having gone through a copy of all medical records and my C-file. I found some pivotal evidence they did not have and brought it with me. The doc refused to accept it and wrote in the exam that the evidence on record did not warrant SC. This could have been resolved instantly, but I spent years in the NOD/appeals process. Bait and switch C&P exams A letter in the mail showed an upcoming C&P exam. I only had a claim in for my back, so I was prepared and brought only those records. I arrived and found out it was for something else. Explaining the type of exams so you know what to bring is very important. C&P exams & SC determination Regarding what Pete wrote, my C&P exams in the 90's always had the docs determine service connection. In the few I had, I must have been lucky. On the new DBQ's, I seem to not see any checkbox to determine SC. Administered incorrect injection dosage Took allergy shots for years. This nurse filled the syringe with the maximum dose from the strongest vial. After treatment, I asked the head doc to change policies. Signs were added to ask if you had your epipen and inhaler. They check for it every time too. Nurses are now required to have the patient verify the vial is theirs, that it is the correct strength vial, verify the dosage in the syringe, and the correct arm. The VA learned from a careless mistake and strengthened their policies. One VA doc actually did the right thing I had one specialist doc say my condition obviously needed to be SC, noted the correct SC language in to my records, and recommended I file for a claim.

EEOC disability discrimination claims can be tough to win, but might be well worth it. Keep in mind that the amount of time it takes to get an EEOC claim through the system can rival a VA claim. Sometimes they do come down to "I said" vs. "they said" situations.

Mikemmlj's advice is great. Not every doc or counseler is best for each patient. Some of the VA MH docs try to make you see a resident psych doc first, who presents to the attending doc. If you don't want this, tell them. Keep in mind everyone takes notes differently. The C&P docs I have seen (within the last 10 years) also entered directly into the computer probably because they didn't have time to transcribe or dictate due to high patient load. The psychologists/social workers are supposed to be there to help provide counseling. The psychiatrists can do the same thing, but are there to prescribe/tweak meds to try to help you overcome your symptoms, which could mean a lot of trial and error to help get it right.

Because the VA will only give one MH rating, I think they do us Veterans a disservice in situations like this. It's the "You say po-tay-toe, I say po-tah-toe" routine with MH claims. This sounds like it could be worthy of a CUE and/or a backdated effective date. PTSD is an anxiety disorder. The DSM-V was released in 2013. I'm no MH expert, but there might have been some changes to the diagnosis rules. Don't get too worried over checking the daily status of your claim. On ebenefits, mine was never right. Good luck!

If they SC you for it, in my opinion, the rating will likely be based on the box they checked. The "frequent episodes" box = 10% and the "more or less constant abdominal distress" = 30%. I also believe the way they rate this one is kinda stupid. Where will you be when constipation/nausea/diarrhea strikes? If they deny your request for SC, try to find out if any medications they give you to treat your SC conditions cause constipation. If they do, then file a quick reconsideration for secondary SC, but don't forget to turn it into an appeal/NOD before your time is up. If it gets worse, you can always request an increase. The ratings for gastro are found in: 4.114 - Schedule of Ratings - Digestive System http://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/docs/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_114.doc 7319 Irritable colon syndrome (spastic colitis, mucous colitis, etc.): Severe; diarrhea, or alternating diarrhea and constipation, with more or less constant abdominal distress 30% Moderate; frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress 10% Mild, disturbances of bowel function with occasional episodes of abdominal distress 0% Good luck!

Navy04 is on the money. I filed for both back in the 90's and my award letter said allergic rhinitis/sinusitis, but today it just shows the allergic rhinitis because it legitimately has a higher rating than the sinusitis. They considered it pyramiding. Tell your neighbor not to give up!

Quite often the VA RO tends to be the place that stores your service medical records. Sometimes they don't have them at that specific location, but may keep them in long term storage at a separate location. You might also consider putting in a government archive request for your records. You never know, but they might have a copy. http://www.archives.gov/veterans

No idea here either. What does the VASH acronym stand for?

Congratulations!!! In addition to the great advice from everyone, definitely look into the Chapter 35 education benefits for your wife and kids (if you have any).

Welcome to Hadit. Carlie's advice regarding Vet Center's is very good. You can see them separately from the regular VAMC docs. A lot of Veterans find help by visiting them. They are not located everywhere, but hopefully one is located near you. It is also a different setting from the VA clinics. Regarding your sleeping problems, you might try to see if the VA can do a sleep study. Keep in mind it might take a while to get one scheduled, but it is helpful to know if there are other factors. For example, sleep apnea can be treated with a CPAP machine, restless leg syndroms can be treated with some medications, etc... Getting a better night's sleep can help a lot. Hang in there! Good luck!

Depending on the situation, the VA MH psychologist/psychiatrist might need repeated visits to diagnose PTSD. They initially might diagnose you as having sometime like an adjustment disorder, but then over time adjust the diagnosis. It just depends on the person and the doc. Some docs are more apt to take their time than others. There are a lot of symptoms that overlap different diagnosis. I don't want you to get upset if you see them do that. Remember, you can file for MH conditions other than PTSD, like depression or whatever they diagnose. Maybe after a few visits to the doc you could obtain copies of your records and see what they think. This can also be helpful in providing personal insight and eventually help you try to get past it. Keep in mind that the records from each visit are considered a snapshot in time and possibly a comparison from your previous visit. When you go for the C&P exam, you should see a different psychologist/psychiatrist so they can verify PTSD. They are sticklers about believing one doc vs. two docs for unknown reasons. Refusing to go to regular doctor visits or take the medication they prescribed is not unusual. It is part of the ups and downs that many folks go through. Another idea is to try to think back and remember the names of some of the folks who might have been in your unit when the incident occurred. They might remember more details or maybe kept a diary or journal. Although they don't carry as much weight as a doctors diagnosis, you can get them to write what we call a buddy letter to help provide proof of the incident. If you remember the city/state and month/year of the incident, you might be able to try to get some old police records or newspaper articles. Google has scanned in a bunch of old newspaper articles and might have them. I hope this helps.

Welcome to Hadit! Your VA medical records and service medical records are two separate things. The "issues list" in your VA medical records refers to conditions identified by VA docs for which you have sought treatment. That list is not always perfectly accurate, but as you get more treatment from the VA they will add things. Good luck on your claim

These are measurements of range of motion Flexion = bending a joint/limb/extremity toward your body (like your bicep when showing off or back when bending forward) Extension = bending a joint/limb/extremity extremity away from your body (like straightening out your arm or bending backward) The are supposed to measure it properly with a goinometer (like a ruler/protractor, but to measure angles in degrees), but don't always do that. Extension limited to 20 deg when leg is at 0 degrees straight sounds like they are referring to your back, like when standing and trying to bend it backwards

Yes, fight the fiduciary

Hi DeadPlug! Welcome to Hadit! I have been to Camp Casey, but that was when I was a teenager. Really enjoyed living in Korea and eating tasty unidentifyable stuff. You should be able to get medical treatment from the VA under the 5 year window, that is if you were OEF/OIF., or under fee-based case. The beauty of that part is that when they SC your condition, they have to refund the copays related back to the date you filed. Wow, I bet they gave you Adderall and that helped boost your grades.

Johnjr, You need to become an administrator at the VA to implement those policies. Right now, what we have really lacks. I would be happy if I merely got a phone call to tell me my test results were in. The VA needs to change policies that allow Veterans to apply for positions currently reserved for Federal employees only. Veterans view each other as brothers. In that view, Veterans who need help can understand that they can see help from their brothers and trust them to deliver. The union that prevents that from happening.

They did the same thing to me, but my issues were GERD and IBS, even though they are on the opposite end of the digestive trac t. The TBI still exists, but the rating was overridden with the higher 70% rating. It's not like you would lose any special benefits of being a TBI patient. It does kinda does suck because 40% + 70% would have come out to an 80% combined rating. If you are not able to work, an option worth taking would be IU because you have a single rating >= 60%, which if granted could put you at 100%. Someone else with more expertise should be able to help.

Unfortunately, I think the VA is probably going to be on this route. As it is, they have the long ass DBQ's which ask questions that are 80% not related to the rating tables and literally intimidate doctors into not using them. If you turn in your claim on a DBQ, they say it will be processed faster. It's how things like this star. I can see the benefit of having commmon forms, but it is only a matter of time before they start forcing us to use them.