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My Monster

Second Class Petty Officers
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Everything posted by My Monster

  1. one step at a time...one day at a time.

  2. Finally got my C&P for what was just going to be for my deferred Migraines secondary to my SC'd Neck. Nope, it was for migraines, PN, and radiculopathy. I looked like a walking train wreck. SC Lumbar back has been killing me causing my leg to give out so there I am with a cane, I have my shades on due to a migraine starting to come on. Finally get seen, they note gross weight loss and my hobbling along. So we finally get to the migraine part of the exam, the examiner states she only sees my surgeon's notes and asked what he had to say about the headaches and the nerve damage. I told her he referred me to a neurologist and they both said that due to the damage in the neck and the length of time the nerves were pinched off that the damage was more than likely permanent. That the cervicogenic headaches/migraines from the neck surgery wouldn't improve and that we've tried 3 different meds to no avail either they work too slow or the rebounds are twice as severe. She said she didn't see any of the neurologists notes, showed me the file that the VA sent. I pointed out that I recognized the format and logo of my neurologists report, told her the referrering Dr was on the right and the neuro's name was on the left. That is would have how many, how long, how it impacts my life and how it is tied to my neck surgery. then the light bulb went off above her head. Holy smokes. I tried hard not to be short with her. She asked to see the meds I'm currently on. Some for tremors in right hand, some to try and prevent the headaches, something new for the migraines and then she saw the valium and asked why I was on it. Tried to explain that the flexeral wasn't working to relax the neck and shoulder muscles and they noticed I was a bit on the anxious side so they were trying the valium for a bit. I told her my head was thumping and just wanted to go home and lie down.... Next thing I know, I get a call from my local Out Patient Clinic for a MH appointment with a Psychiatrist. I had appointments last year and like an idiot blew them off. I have denied claims at the DRO for MDD and GAD currently. Just not sure what the hell to do at this point other than make sure I go to this appointment. Monster
  3. Thanks Hoppy! The Neurologist cracked me up. He took a jab at Neurosurgeons, saying yup they "fix" your neck but send you to us when they can't figure out why you are still having pain. LOL You're right there is nothing in my SMR about headaches, I never associated them with my neck. I always thought it was sinuses, dehydration or tension headaches. The VA made no mention what so ever about the radiculopathy claim despite several surgeon notes stating it. Maybe I need to resend those reports with the radiculopathy part highlighted for them?
  4. Nope. The legs and feet for me are caused by my lower back, lots of arthritis there. Not much fun.
  5. I'm rated at 20% for cervical DDD at C5-6-7. I had put in a claim for Migraines and Radiculopathy bilaterally at the same time. No mention of radiculopathy in the decision letter or SOC and the Migraines were deferred. For the Radiculopathy Claim will the following help my case? The Surgical Notes following my fusion state "POST OP DIAGNOSIS: Cervical radiculopathy with cervical degenerative joint and disc disease." It goes on stating levels C5-6-7. 3 months after the Fusion, the surgeon set me up for an EMG/NCS. The notes from that state "Radiculopathic process affection the left lower cervical spinal root levels (C8/T1). Evidence is consistent with pathology that demonstrates acute axonal denervation and is preganglionic in nature. I also sent in an EMG/NCS from last June stating the same results but bilaterally in both my arms and legs. For the deferred Migraine Claim will this help move the claim along? I've read the rating criteria and I'm not sure where this would fall. Neurologist Notes: Improved tremor with popranolol. Head aches not improved, migraines 3 per week. May awaken with headache. May or may no have neck ache first, sometimes head aches start from top down, in the crown. Postive nausea, feels tense, sensitive to noise and light. Experiences visual auras, sparkling white lights prior to onset of migraine. Sleeping somewhat better, but may have problems falling asleep. Sleep is interrupted, may have problems falling back asleep. Reports that migraines significantly worsened after his neck surgery Sept of 2010. When he has full migraine, he has to stop all of his activities, and lie down in a dark, quiet room. This significantly impacts his ability to interact with his family. Assesment: 1. Essential tremor, improved 2. Migraines, non-responsive 3. Sleep disturbances 4. Cerivogenic headaches which may lead into a migraine. I still have quite a few NODs awaiting a DRO. Who knows when those will get looked at. Any input would be appreciated! Monster
  6. no updates from the VA. I finally got in to see a neurologist this week, he diagnosed me with migraines and prescribed Mazalt and Propranol. He said they were tied to my neck issues and not surprised that they have gotten worse since my surgery. I will swing by tomorrow and see how his report is written up, hopefully it is enough to swing the deferred status of my claim to an award. The migraines hit once or twice a week and luckily don't last but a few hours. He did give me more ammo for my CTS claim that the VA denied last summer, I still need to file a CUE for an EED of my retirement date. Monster
  7. Oh YES!!! I was lucky enough to get those tests done twice. Fun aren't they? Abnormal results for me...surgeon says PN, but I am not an alcoholic, nor a diabetic so who know's...I've got an appointment with a neurologist coming up to figure out what the hell is going on now. Monster
  8. Update time. I was awarded 20% for Cervical DDD with an effective date of April 2010 instead of my retirement date of August 2009. Over all rating of 50%. Migraines secondary to claim is deferred for further development, absolutely no mention of my Cervical Radiculopathy claim despite the EMG/NCV report I sent them in July or the terrible tremors I had during my C&P exam in Oct. The surgeon has since sent me for another round of X-rays, MRIs, and the lovely EMG/NCV due to my headaches increasing in duration, frequency, and severeity, my tremors still present, numbness in my hands still present, pain in my wrists, elbows, shoulders and some balance issues. The hardware is set perfectly, the MRI looked "okay", the EMG/NCV report states: 1. radiculopathic process of the lower cervical spinal roots at C8/T1. Acute axonal denervation is preganglionic. 2. concomitant mild compressive neuropathic process affecting the right median nerve at or about the wrist (carpal tunnel). Pathology affects both sensory and motor fibers and consists predominantly of demylelination. No idea what the above means, I have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow to discuss that. He did tell me after the fusion of C5-6-7 that I could have issues below those levels. SSDI is waiting on the doc's notes to make a determination. I was a little peeved he hasn't sent the notes in yet, however I think the latest EMG/NCV test will help with the SSDI claim. I think the only area I don't have the dreaded arthritis in my nose and that is only due to it being cartilage. LOL Any advice/comments? Monster
  9. Looks like some of the retro will hit tomorrow. It appears to be about half of what I thought it would be. I think the VA only backdated it to June 2010 instead of my retirement date of Sept 2009. I wonder how long it will take DFAS to pony up their part of this? Time will tell, but in all it looks like Christmas is saved!!! Monster
  10. Thank you all! I have been checking the account...LOL, if I forget the Mrs. reminds me.
  11. The DAV letter said...20% for Cervical DDD. I had C5-6-7 fused in Sept. I am deferred on my claims for bilateral radiculopathy and migraines that I had claimed at the same time. If there is a silver lining, I am now at 50% and that should be back dated to my Sept 2009 retirement date. My fingers are crossed that it will hit before Christmas! I haven't received any paperwork from the VA yet on this rating so we shall see. Still waiting to see if SSDI will be granted as well. Monster
  12. Thanks Basser! The surgeon, my PT, and neurologist said the same things about recovery that some of this just isn't going to go away. I just couldn't delay it any longer plus I got some really cool titanium parts. LOL I have a copy of the OR report and will be sending it off to the VA. The surgeon said the injuries and nerve compression looked like they have been around for a good while and asked why I never had them looked at before I got out. I never put 2 and 2 together until it got real bad and my PT asked a whole lot of questions and connected the dots for me as far as how the different headaches, tremors, shooting pains, spasms etc all were caused by my neck. I had a hard time getting my head wrapped around all that and the prospects of it not getting any better. The wife pushed real hard to get me to consent to the surgery, she's been great through the whole thing and is a lot less stressed now.
  13. I was trying to put off my surgery until after my C&P for my neck but my symptoms were getting worse and the surgeon advised getting it done ASAP. Figures my notice for the C&P shows up days before I go in to get 3 vertebraes fused. Surgery went well, Doc told my wife and I that it was much worse than the MRI's were showing and that it was a damn good thing that I had it done when I did. That was 3 weeks ago, most of my symptoms are still present and a little worse than before but I am having an easier time telling the difference between hot and cold with my hands. Some of the pain in my right shoulder is gone but now I have the sharp pains in my left. My C&P for my neck and radiculopathy was today and seemed to have gone well. The examiner went over the questions in great detail, actually measured my ROMs ( no more than about 5 degrees in any direction ), noted the tremors in my hands, the pin prick test up and down my arms, noted the headaches, the muscle spasms, and of course how that all impacts my daily life. At the end of the exam he goes over exactly what he typed into the computer, that it was "at least as likely as not", and that he didn't really see much in my medical record pointing to any one traumatic event to cause the severity of my arthritis but that there is no way it happened in the year since I retired. So sounds like this might be a "win" for me. I am currently at 40% not sure where this will put me or how long it will take the VA to make a determination on whether or not they feel it is SC. Fingers crossed. I wonder how the radiculopathy will be rated, it is bilateral, and I already sent the EMG results to the VA (TRICARE doc did the test in June)? Will the fact that I had the surgery 3 weeks ago factor into the decision? Monster
  14. UPDATE: I had my consult with the neurosurgeon I wanted. Looks like I am going to have my C5-6-7 fused. Radiculopathy issues at the C-5 level and at the L4-5 level. I have a claim in with the VA for my neck, hopefully I'll hear something soon on that. I sent the VA all of my PT, Neuro, and radiologist reports, for my neck, you would think that would be enough for them but I am still waiting for them to schedule a C7P exam...
  15. I have finally figured out that I need to get more involved in my case. Here is my NOD that I am about to send to the VA and my DAV. Please feel free to give me some feed back on this. Cliff notes from my last "chapters": Retired: 20090831 C&P exams: 20100208 Decision Letter: 20100507 NOTICE OF DISAGREEMENT Request Review by DRO I do not agree with the decision letter dated April 7, 2010 in regards to my VA Compensation claim. I request a review by a Decision Review Officer. I wish to add the following to my current appeal: Bilateral Hand Condition: Diagnosed as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Flight Surgeon,backed up by Neurologist, 26 May 2010. Nerve Conduction Velocity Test and EMG scheduled. Examiner's notes from C&P exam stated "patient was ableto tie shoelaces…" I wore sandalsthe day of the exam, the examiner helped me get my socks on. Right Shoulder Rotator Cuff Strain: Primary Doctor, Ortho, and PT diagnosedArthritis, Separation, Rotator Cuff tear on 12 May 2010. These should be 3 separate claims forthe shoulder. Nexus letter andreport submitted with this NOD along with ROM's and comment of Cervical Spinefrom both Ortho and PT. GERD: Diagnosedby QTC C&P exam by means of Air Contrast Upper GI. Prescribed Nexium by Primary Doctorshortly after C&P exam. In order to help with symptoms of regurgitation,chest pain, "burping" and general discomfort associated with GERD. This should at least be secondary toNSAIDs and pain meds prescribed over the course of active duty for SC'd LumbarDDD, along with other ailments incurred during my active duty time in theMarine Corps. General Anxiety Disorder: Diagnosed by QTC C&P exam by means of Psychiatrist whostated directly connected to active duty service. MDD: Diagnosedby means of Psychiatrist who stated during the C&P exam for MDD that thisis directly connected to SC'd Lumbar DDD and knees. Condition worsening, MH appointments scheduled through VAclinic. Lumbar DDD: ROMwas not adequately measured by prescribed method spelled out in CFR. 38. MRI from December 2009 was ignored, SLR test wasignored, I was unable to bend forward and no mention of my diagnosed thoracickyphosis. EMG/NCV Studies state"L4/L5 radiculopathy bilaterally". Study submitted with this NOD. Request new back evaluation. Bilateral Hip Strain: Should at least be secondary to the SC'd knees and Lumbar DDD. Right wrist strain: On retirement physical, Flight Surgeon erroneously lumped this in withsuspected Carpal Tunnel. Bilateral Elbow Strain: Again, Flight Surgeon erroneously lumped this in withsuspected Carpel Tunnel. I was stationed on Okinawa, Japan for my final year onActive Duty and was informed by the VA at a Separations Class, that we couldNOT file for VA benefits prior to retirement while stationed on Okinawa. This was explained that it was due to theVA not having the means to conduct C&P exams. It is my understanding that had I have been able to file myclaim while on Active Duty that my claims listed above would, without a doubt,of been SC'd and granted. I feelthis is unfair not just to my case but to other veterans that must endure thesame outcome. I currently have a claim in for Cervical DDD, to that claimI would like to add, Bilateral Radiculopathy, and daily Migraines associatedwith the neck issues. Thanks! Monster
  16. I had another visit with my Primary doc today. I asked if i am premature in considering filing for SSDI considering my ailments ( neck, back, shoulder, hands, arms, knees ). Her opinion was no, to go ahead and file as she doesn't think I would be able to work any time soon. She confirmed that my neck is causing enough problems on its own. Good news is she put a consult in for the Neurosurgeon I want. I have decided to start taking some pain meds ( Percocet ). I haven't had any bad tremors in a week but the numbness, shooting pain in my hands and arms, pain between the shoulder blades and waking up 6 times a night with numb-claw hands have gotten a lot worse. How do you cope with sneezing and feeling like you are going to black out from the shock and pain? My EMG, NCV study report is finally ready for me to pick up! Who do I send it, my PT report and MRI report to for my open VA claim? How do I address the envelope to the VARO? Finally got an appointment with MH through the VA, my family will be grateful for that. LOL I have an appeal in for depression, which was denied last month due to "nothing in SMR". Finally thank you all for the encouragement and allowing me to vent. Monster I will post up my EMG/NCV report tomorrow ( sorry later today, I guess ).
  17. I've got Tricare and they sent me out in town to see the specialists. I have a particular Neurosurgeon in mind if it comes to surgery. He takes a very conservative approach to surgery, won't cut unless it is necessary.
  18. I retired in Aug 09. I filed a claim for arthritis in my neck in April so I am not SC'd yet, I wasn't aware of the nerve problems at the time. My doc started asking questions and sent me for an MRI, PT, and to Neuro, that is when I found out I have nerve issues as well as the arthritis. From what the doc's are saying I have severe issues with C-5, C-6, and C-7. That is causing the numbness, tingles and burning pain down my arms and into my hands. Hell I just thought I was getting clumsy by dropping stuff all the time. Evidently the straightening of my neck is causing balance issues too.
  19. I have decided that an EMG and Nerve Velocity Test is kinda fun, not something I want to do again though. I asked the tech for some info on the results and got the "you REALLY need to speak to your doctor" answer, so I pushed a little further. He came right out and said that my last 3 vertebra a trashed and pinching off the nerves to my hands and arms. I am going tomorrow to get my report to send to the VA. I don't see the neurologist for another month, I still have my overnight EEG to go. The holding pattern continues, coming up on bingo and need to refuel. LOL So my question now is... my neck is effecting my hands and arms, EMG-NCV study backs that up, what else do I claim besides, DDD of the neck, and Khyposis? Monster...fueled by bourbon
  20. Blackbird, The neurologist is waiting for the test results before we discuss what we are going to do about it. I can't believe how fast my body has gone downhill, I haven't even been retired a year yet!
  21. Update time. More tremors of the hands and arms. MRI report came in, my PT said that it is consistent with my symptoms. Report reads: Normal disc height, alignment maintained. Moderate endplate discovertebral degenerative changes from C3 through T1 with disk space narrowing, anterior osteophytes and multilevel discovertebral osteophyte complexes. Type II modic endplate degenerative changes C3 through C7, most pronounced from C5 through C7. No fractures or subluxation is present. There is an atypical hemongioma with in the T1 vertebra. C2-3 there is a focal small central disk protrusion which does not result in narrowing of the bilateral subarticular recess regions or the bilateral neural foramina. C3-4 there is a broad based disk osteophyte complex resulting in mild to moderate narrowing of the bilateral subarticular recess regions and the left neural foramina. There is moderate narrowing of the right neural foramina. C4-5 there is a broad based disk osteophyte complex resulting in mild to moderate narrowing of the bilateral subarticular recess regions and neural foramina. C5-6 there is a broad based disk osteophyte complex that effaces the thecal sac. This results in moderate narrowing of the bilateral subarticular recess regions and the bilateral neural foramina. Anyone know what the hell all that means? Neuro diagnosed CTS. Then we started getting into the neck exam. We started with motor strength and stopped as soon as I told him about my shoulder problems. Doc about freaked when I described my tremors along with the shooting pains, numbness, and tingles that go down my neck and into my fingersin both arms. He ordered an EMG, Nerve Conduction Study and an over night EEG to rule out seizures. Now I am in a holding pattern for the tests. Went to the initial VA intake exam...that pissed me off something fierce. Tremors started in the waiting area, I could barely finish the questionnaire. I was asked about 3 times if I had Parkinson's. I do not. Doc finally comes in notices the tremors and asks how long that has been going on. I told him about an hour, he said "we'll they are either legit or you're one helluva an actor". I wanted to kick him in the nuts. No offer of assistance. I moved my head around, cracked something in my neck and the tremors stopped. The wonderful doc asked what I did to make them stop, told him, he said I need to be careful with that because I could easily move that bone spur deeper into the nerves and make it worse. On a good note he gave me a referral to see a psychiatrist for my depression that is getting worse with all this going on. Monster
  22. I am trying to hang in there it just seems every time I go to the doc they seem to find something else wrong. I just retired Aug 09 and all the doc's are amazed these things were caught sooner. I am hoping to get the neck fixed first and for most. They don't want to touch anything until that is corrected. My shoulder pisses me off in that the VA denied anything being wrong with it when I went for my initial C&P exam in Jan 10.
  23. I just got the write up from the doc. Last page states: "HE HAS MULTIPLE OTHER PROBLEMS, KNEE, NECK, AND LUMBAR. HE WILL DECIDE WHICH TO TAKE CARE OF FIRST. HIS ROT CUFF PROBLEM IS LONG STANDING FROM HIS MILITARY DAYS. HIS CURRENT CONDITION IS CONSISTENT WITH AN OVERUSE TYPE PROBLEM SUCH AS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH ACTIVE DUTY." Generalized swelling of the shoulder. Mild crepitation of the subacromial joint. Trigger point present. ROM: active forward flexion of 0-90, pain elicited with active flexion. active abduction of 0-60, active abduction of 0-90, pain elicited. active internal rotation of 0-45 with pain. active external rotation of 0-45 with pain. Positive crossover sign. Positive Hawkins sign. Positive impingement sign. Generalized mild tenderness over the neck and shoulder girdle, generalized moderate tenderness over neck and shoulder girdle. Head held in a forward position, straightened cervical spine. Movement mildly restricted in all directions, movement restricted in all directions, pain elicited in all directions. x-rays findings: overhanging Acromian. impression: rotator cuff synd shldr and allied d/o SO...I have an MRI for my neck Weds. Neurologist appt the following Weds. Seems like the doc's and therapist is in concurrence that I need my neck fixed first, I need to get better ROM in my shoulder before they repair it and that I am a walking mess. I am looking to file a claim for arthritis, separation and torn rotator cuff of the right shoulder. I think is Nexus letter will support that, along with PT's write up. Cervical arthritis, and whatever the nerve study tells me in 2 weeks, but it looks like that will be a bi-lateral factor as it effects both arms and more importantly my hands. Tremors suck. This just gets more depressing as the hours go by. Thanks all for the input. Monster
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