chiefhouse00

Greetings To all, I do have one thing that I want to bring up during my VA Traveling Board Meeting and please let me know if I'm going around it in the right way. During my C&P, the examiner stated that I was first diagnose with Diabetes Type ll in 2006 but it was only back dated to 2008 as Diabetes Type l. Yes, I was misdiagnosed. In addition to requesting an increase for "regulation of activities and diabetic ketoacidosis," I plan to request that my Diabetes effective date be changed to 2006. Any recommendations? Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings All of the advice and encouragement I receive from you will help me better prepare for the upcoming board. Everything is factual and well documented. I appreciate everyone for taking the time to provide their support. Thanks Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Awesome advice. I have copies of all new medical records (MRI, CT Scans, doctor notes) supporting my claims. I will bring copies of all denials and have everything organized to the best of my ability. I'm a little nervous because I really want this to go well for me. I will stay focus on the task at hand and hope for the best results. DAV Rep and my wife will be there. Many Thanks Chiefhouse

Greetings I will meet the VA Traveling Board Judge next month for the following contentions: - LEFT ARM NEUROPATHY DUE TO EXPOSURE TO AGENT ORANGE HERBICIDE - DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE II DUE TO EXPOSURE TO AGENT ORANGE HERBICIDE - BILATERAL BIG TOE CONDITION - LOW BACK PAIN WITH MILD DEGENERATIVE CHANGES - LEFT LOWER EXTREMITY RADICULOPATHY - RIGHT LOWER EXTREMITY RADICULOPATHY - CHRONIC ARTHRITIS - ISCHEMIC STROKES AND SEIZURES How should I prepare for this once-in-a-life time meeting...I've wait nearly four years for this day. Please provide some pointers because I want to win my case. Thanks Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Greg88 I test five times a day and my reading are sporadic most of the time. I plan to submit for an increase because my claim is less than a year old. My DM1 was back dated to 2008 with a 20% rating. Thanks for the advice about the test strips and your experience with DM1. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Berta I was rated with DM Type l and take insulin daily and on a restricted diet, and recently received the "regulation of activities" statement in my VA medical records. I also spent time in the ER and hospitized three times for episodes of ketoacidosis and hypoglycemic reactions over the past two years. I'm also rated for PN. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Just got the statement below added to my VA medical records by my VA Primary Care Provider because I'm still having major problems maintaining my uncontrolled Diabetes which has already landed me in the ER more than three times over the last two years. I'm currently rated at 20% for DMl (overall 90% for other aliments) and taking over 180 units of insulin daily. Can I submit this statement to request an increase to at lease 40% for my Diabetes? 08/14/2014 ADDENDUM STATUS: COMPLETED "Per discussion with Mr. X, I recommended promoting life habits that would improve his diabetes in form of daily cardio exercise and good diet and if possible, to avoid work and home activities that would adversely increase his stress level as this would cause his Blood Sugar to remain in hyperglycemic episodes. He agrees and we will continue to work on this as well as the pain in the knees, back, feet and lower/upper extremities. Signed: PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN" Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I received the following options in a letter from the VA today and need your advice. - Continue to wait for a Traveling Board (2010 and 2011 Appeals pending at BVA, both appeals submitted to BVA May 2014) - Request a Video Conference (much quicker than a Traveling Board hearing) - Request a Hearing before BVA in DC (much quicker than a Traveling Board hearing) - Withdraw my Hearing (withdrawing my hearing request could result in a quicker decision by BVA) VA received my notice of disagreement (NOD) on March 8, 2010, for the following issues: -left arm neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange herbicide -diabetes mellitus type II due to exposure to Agent Orange herbicide -bilateral big toe condition VA received my NOD on August 12, 2011, for the following issues: -low back pain with mild degenerative changes -left lower extremity radiculopathy -right lower extremity radiculopathy -chronic arthritis -ischemic strokes and seizures Your advice good or not-so good is welcome Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Well, I will have cataract surgery on my left eye Wednesday morning. I have diabetes and currently rated zero percent for bilateral cataracts. Only one eye will be done now because it is in bad shape. Should I wait until the surgery is completed before putting in a claim for an increase? What would the rating percentage be? Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings The statement and claim decisions I received from the VA. We (VA) made a decision on your claim for service connected compensation received on April 27, 2012. Although we have not changed the way we consider and decide claims, we have changed the way we inform you of our decision. This single streamlined notice includes the essential information previously contained in a separate rating decision. This letter constitutes our decision based on all issues we understood to be specifically made, implied, or inferred in that claim. This letter tells you about what we decided. Medical Description: Headaches Denial Reason: We did not find a link between Headaches and military service. The evidence does not show that your condition resulted from, or was aggravated by, a service-connected disability. Explanation: While your service treatment records reflect complaints, treatment, or a diagnosis similar to that claimed, the medical evidence supports the conclusion that a persistent disability was not present in service. There was no continuity of symptoms from service to the present. Although your service treatment records show one complaint of headaches in December 1969, there are no other records of headaches in service or following service until September 2011, which shows headaches due to elevated glucose; there is no indication that your headaches are due to a service-connected condition. Medical Description: Neck stiffness Denial Reason: We did not find a link between Neck stiffness and military service. Explanation: The VA medical opinion found no link between your diagnosed medical condition and military service. While your service treatment records reflect complaints, treatment, or a diagnosis similar to that claimed, the medical evidence supports the conclusion that a persistent disability was not present in service. There was no continuity of symptoms from service to the present. Although service treatment records show evaluations for neck stiffness and pain in service, the examiner opined that your current cervical spine degenerative changes diagnosed in 2004 is less likely as not incurred in or caused by the neck pain and stiffness in service and more likely a consequence of aging. Furthermore, it is not related to the recent fall in 2013 because degenerative changes existed prior to that fall. Here is the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's cervical spine (neck) condition: 5/22/70 - note that states still painful and ordered c-spine xrays. 5/22/70 - xray with interpretation of no significant abnormality. 5/27/70 - note that states c-spine films negative, still painful. 6/12/96 - eval for neck pain/stiff neck x 1 week with assessment of cervical strain/sprain. 2/1/2000 - Rating decision denying SC for stiff neck. 6/3/01 - ER eval for neck pain x 3 days with assessment of wry neck. 7/29/04 - MRI C-spine with impression of degenerative disk disease at C3-4 which contacts and mildly deforms the anterior surface of the cord as detailed. 8/18/06 - eval for neck pain x 1 day with assessment of cervicalgia. 4/3/12 - CT cervical spine with impression of multilevel degenerative changes of the cervical spine without acute osseous abnormality. 1/18/13 - VA eval that reported of LaC while standing 1/18/2013, fell backwards and was out for 2 min with neck pain. 1/19/13 - MRI cervical spine with impression of 1. no evidence of acute ligamentous injury as queried and 2. multilevel degeneration of the cervical spine, most severe at the C3-C4 and C7-T1 levels as above. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I don't agree with the recent rating decision. What can I do? DBQ: Service Connect Neck Condition The claimed condition was less likely than not (less than 50 percent probability) incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event, or illness. Rationale: Review of C-file notes that veteran had 2 cervical neck pain evaluations during active service (1970 and 1996) that appears to be of limited duration as there are no ongoing complaints of neck pain after the evaluations. It was not until an 2004 when an MRI of the cervical spine was obtained due to arm pain/numbness that cervical DDD at C3-C4 was noted. On a cervical CT done in 2012, it noted of multilevel degenerative changes of the cervical spine that was reconfirmed on MRI in 2013. Review of medical literature notes that the degenerative changes are more likely as not a consequence of aging rather than the few documented neck pain complaints during service. Further, his fall noted in 2013 with complaint of neck pain was also not related to his complaints of stiff neck and neck pain during service as he had existing degenerative changes of the cervical spine that undoubtedly existed prior to his falls. Therefore, his multilevel DJD of the cervical spine is less likely as not incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event or illness of stiff neck or neck pain. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Happy New Years Greetings I have a history of micro-strokes but no major stroke at this time. I also have DMII and High Blood Pressure. Here is a copy of the MRI I had in Oct 2011. Procedure: MRI, TIA PROTOCOL (GROUP) Exam Date: 16 Oct 2011 Comparison: Brain MRI 17 September 2009. MRI BRAIN WITHOUT IV CONTRAST: Sagittal T1, axial T2, axial FLAIR, susceptibility weighted and axial diffusion weighted images. FINDINGS: Polypoid T2 hyperintense lesion is seen in the posterior left maxillary sinus and measuring approximately 1.8 x 2.4 cm in axial dimensions. This has hyperintense signal on both the FLAIR and sagittal T1-weighted image this most likely related to retained mucus. Superimposed polyp or fungal process cannot be excluded. CT scan may be beneficial and can be performed as deemed clinically appropriate. Scattered T2/FLAIR hyperintensities are noted in the bilateral periventricular white matter and are not significantly changed from the prior MRI, most likely compatible with chronic microvascular ischemic change. There is no acute infarct, hemorrhage, hydrocephalus or shift of midline structures. There is an unchanged hypointense focus in the subcutaneous tissue superficial to the right occiput compatible with scar vs remote trauma or calcification. Unchanged prominent perivascular spaces are seen predominantly in the posterior temporal and parietal lobe white matter. MRA BRAIN and CAROTID BIFURCATION: Axial 2D time of flight images through the circle of Willis. Subtracted 3-D reconstructions are also provided. 2-D time of flight images 2 cm above and below the carotid bifurcation, with 3-D reconstructions. FINDINGS: The distal internal carotid arteries are normal in caliber and signal intensity and give rise to normal bilateral anterior and middle cerebral arteries. The distal vertebral arteries are nearly symmetric and terminate in a normal basilar artery and posterior fossa branches. There is no aneurysm, flow-limiting disease, or evidence to suggest vascular malformation. Posterior eccentric plaque is seen in the proximal right internal carotid artery without significant stenosis. There is no significant left internal carotid stenosis. Degenerative changes of the cervical spine are incompletely imaged. Heterogeneous marrow signal is noted within the clivus however this is stable from the prior study and of doubtful significance. IMPRESSION: 1. Microvascular ischemic white matter change and diffuse prominence of the Virchow-Robin spaces is stable from the prior exam. No acute intracranial pathology. 2. Unremarkable MR angiogram of the circle of Willis. Mild eccentric plaque in the right internal carotid artery without significant stenosis. 3. Left maxillary sinus disease, slightly increased from the prior study. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I was in the ER last week for difficulty breathing and tension headaches. Here are the results of my CT Scan: There is no intracranial parenchymal hemorrhage, hematoma, mass, herniation, midline shift or extra-axial fluid collections. There is unchanged prominence of the CSF containing spaces and diffuse brain parenchymal atrophy with periventricular white matter hypodensities, consistent with chronic microangiopathic disease. There are atherosclerotic vascular calcifications of the intracerebral internal carotid and vertebral arteries.The calvarium is intact without fracture. Can I submit a claim for Chronic Microangiopathic Disease? Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings All I just received my VA Inquiry regarding my RETRO pay status. The email stated the following: This is in response to your inquiry to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) dated December 10, 2013. For the service you have performed for our country, we are grateful, thank you for your sacrifice. We apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry. We are currently experiencing a large volume of inquiries and are working as quickly as possible to respond to each in a timely manner. Unfortunately, no retroactive payment has been submitted for you at this time. Eligibility for retroactive payments is not always guaranteed. The decision is made on if you are eligible for a retroactive payment, and how much you are entitled to will be determined by your Regional Office. This is generally the first day of the month following the date the claim was filed. Eligibility of a retroactive payment cannot be determined until you’re Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) process is complete. The Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) is a program that went into effect January 1, 2004, and is available to military retirees who served a minimum of 20 years creditable service, including service in the National Guard and Reserves. National Guardsmen and Reservists must be at least 60 years old. CRDP restores some or all the military retirement pay that was deducted due to receipt of VA service-connected disability compensation. Retirees must be rated 50 percent or more disabled by VA. It is important to note, retirees are not required to apply for this benefit, as enrollment is automatic. Please find additional information below. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) handle the processing of these cases, which are being worked in the order of oldest to newest. Currently, DFAS is reviewing retirees’ records to identify records with possible payments due. When they identify a record that meets the criteria for possible payment, they issue an Audit Error Worksheet (AEW) to VA, who will then review the AEW and the Veterans claims folder to determine if payment is due. If payment is due, VA will send the payment and a letter with the breakdown of payment. If the Veteran is not due a payment, VA will issue a notice explaining why the Veteran is not entitled. The Veteran does not have to submit anything for this process. At this time, we do not have a specific time in which each case will be completed, as there are many cases currently in process. We apologize. For additional information about CRDP, please visit http://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/crdp.html, or contact the Retired and Annuity Pay Contact Center at 1-800-321-1080. Your Audit Error Worksheet was received on November 19, 2013, from DFAS. Your CRDP is currently in the Development Phase of processing. This phase is where we gather all the evidence we need in order to make a decision on your CRDP. We will review your claim and inform you of any additional information that is needed. We apologize for the length of time it is taking to process your CRDP; however, we are currently experiencing a backlog of CRDP’s and are working to get them decided as quickly as possible. If your CRDP is approved, you will be paid retroactively to the date in which you became eligible for the benefit being claimed. Eligibility will be determined by your regional office. This is generally the first day of the month following the date the claim was filed. If there is a decision in your favor, you will be paid retroactively to the date you became entitled to benefits based on the claim being processed. You will receive notification via U.S. mail once your CRDP has been finalized. Your notification letter will explain our decision of a grant or denial in detail and the start date for benefits. Thank you for contacting us. If you have questions or need additional help with the information in our reply, please respond to this message or see our other contact information below. Sincerely yours, Best Regards Chiefhousr

Greetings It sounds like a little overtime is in order to get our RETRO pay in the mail...this is shameful. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings It's nerve racking waiting for my retro pay especially after waiting years to get a higher rating for my service-connected aliments. Well, I'm very determine and will wait as long as it will take to get here. It's puzzling because I was at 90 % for 10 months before being downgraded to 80%....because a 30% skin aliment was reduced to10%. The DFAS audit was completed and my rating swiftly went up and down the flagpole,and my retro pay didn't take long at all. Hopefully good news soon. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings First I called DFAS and was told the Audit was completed and batch file sent to the VA. Then I called the VA 1-800 number and was told it could take up to 90 days or more to receive the retro pay. Maybe it will come soon. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I'm sure this question has been ask before. How long will it take to receive retro pay? Some say 3 months or more. My claim (80 to 90% effective 2008) was approved 5 Oct 2013 and DFAS audit completed 17 Nov 2013. Thanks Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I was recently service connected at 20% for DMII back dated to 2008. I'm also 20% for Hep C since 2004. I will request an ultra sound done of my kidneys. Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II as secondary to the service-connected disability of hepatitis C. We have granted service connection for diabetes mellitus related to the service-connected disability of hepatitis C. VA examiner opined that your diabetes mellitus is at least as likely as not caused by your service-connected Hepatitis C due to islet cell destruction after treatment with Ribavirin and Interferon for Hepatitis C. The examiner noted difficulty controlling your diabetes with large and multiple doses of insulin suggesting islet cell dysfunction rather than the usual gradual pancreatic insufficiency. Thanks for sharing. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings meghp0405 I was also granted 20% for DMII: Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II as secondary to the service-connected disability of hepatitis C. "We have granted service connection for diabetes mellitus related to the service-connected disability of hepatitis C. VA examiner opined that your diabetes mellitus is at least as likely as not caused by your service-connected Hepatitis C due to islet cell destruction after treatment with Ribavirin and Interferon for Hepatitis C. The examiner noted difficulty controlling your diabetes with large and multiple doses of insulin suggesting islet cell dysfunction rather than the usual gradual pancreatic insufficiency. We have assigned a 20 percent evaluation effective April 29, 2008, the date of claim for diabetes.The evaluation is based on diabetes requiring restricted diet, prescribed oral hypoglycemic medication and insulin (5 shots daily). The evidence does not indicate required regulation of activities by a physician, and you had less than two episodes of hypoglycemia per month, none requiring hospitalization. Complications of diabetes include mild peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities only. Separate evaluations for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are not assigned because it is already accounted for in the evaluation for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy each at 10 percent disabling. An additional evaluation for the same extremities with the same functional impairments is considered pyramiding and not allowed by VA laws. Your Medical Center records show you are monitored for poorly controlled diabetes. Records show emergency room visit for symptomatic hyperglycemia in 2012. A higher evaluation of 40 percent is not warranted unless insulin, restricted diet, as well as regulation of activities are required." I will request a rating increase consideration for Localization-Related (Focal) (Partial) Epilepsy and Epileptic Syndromes with Complications, and admission to the hospital for Diabetic Ketoacidosis on May 2012 for my DMII condition. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Here are the results of my most recent lower back and lower extremities. Evaluation of low back pain with mild degenerative changes currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The evaluation of low back pain with mild degenerative changes is increased to 20 percent disabling effective August 27, 2013, the date VA examination showed further reduced range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine to warrant an increased evaluation. We could not assign an earlier effective date because the examinations and medical records prior to the latest examination did not indicate decreased range of motion, or spasms or guarding severe enough to cause abnormal gait thereby warranting an increased evaluation. VA examination dated August 27,2013 shows objective findings of flexion to 45 degrees, extension to 5 degrees, lateral flexion to 10 degrees on each side, and rotation to 20 degrees on each side, with painful motion. On repetition, flexion was further reduced to 40 degrees. There were muscle spasms and guarding severe enough to cause abnormal gait. You report the back and radicular pain affects standing, walking (only up to 114 block) and prolonged sitting (not more than 40 minutes). V A treatment records show treatment for chronic back pain with mild to moderate decreased range of motion. You take Tramadol, Gabapentin, and Nortriptilline. Records show you had an epidural shot in 2007 at Tripler Army Medical Center. The criteria for rating diseases and injuries of the spine apply with or without symptoms such as pain (whether or not it radiates), stiffness, or aching in the area of the spine affected by residuals of injury or disease. An evaluation of20 percent is granted for forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine is not greater than 120 degrees. A higher evaluation of 40 percent is not warranted unless there is forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of30 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. Evaluation of right and left lower extremity radiculopathy (previously addressed as right lower extremity neuropathy with decreased sensation) currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. We have increased the evaluation of your right lower extremity radiculopathy from 10 percent to 20 percent disabling effective August 27,2013, the date of the latest VA examination which shows moderate radiculopathy. We could not assign an earlier effective date because the examinations and medical records prior to the latest examination did not show symptoms indicative of moderate nerve involvement thereby warranting an increased evaluation. V A examination shows you have radiculopathy due to your lower back condition and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities. Objective findings show moderate pain, moderate numbness, and abnormal gait due to radiculopathy, as well as decreased reflexes, decreased light touch and monofilament, decreased vibration sensation, absent cold sensation, and trophic changes of the skin on both feet due to neuropathy. The examiner indicates moderate sciatic nerve involvement. There is no evidence of muscle atrophy, loss of muscle strength or severe nerve involvement. An evaluation of 20 percent is assigned for incomplete paralysis below the knee which is moderate. A higher evaluation of 40 percent is not warranted unless there is evidence of incomplete paralysis below the knee which is moderately severe. THIS IS A PARTIAL GRANT OF BENEFITS SOUGHT ON APPEAL AND IS CONTINUED ON APPEAL UNLESS YOU TELL US THIS DECISION RESOLVES YOUR APPEAL. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I was recently rated and got an increase rating for Lower Back and Bilateral Lower Leg Radiculopathy from 10% to 20%. I have a couple questions that I hope you can help me with. The increased rating was based on Range of Motion, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of the lower extremities, and moderate sciatic nerve involvement My C&P examination on 23 August 2013 indicated nerve roots involved (L4/L5/S1/S2/S3 nerve roots (Sciatic Nerve), Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) of the thoracolumbar spine, reduced ROM, and the Veteran’s thoracolumbar spine condition impact his ability to work. My question is, should Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy be rated with DMII or Lower Back condition? And should Sciatic Nerve have a separate rating. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings It's been a while since my last post. Recently my blood sugar shot up to 600 and I taken to the ER and spent a few days ICU being treated for Diabetetic Ketoacidosis/HHS and Focal/Jacksonian Seizure conditions. I also felt light-headed/fainted and fell backwards down a small flight on stairs in my home...I thought it was over for me. I 'm now taking insulin, special diet and no strenous activity routine. I'm still not rated for DMII...my NOD is still pending since Mar 2010 for DMII and exposure to herbicides in Thailand. Any advice on how to expedite the claim review/decision process? Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings The VA sent me a computer generated letter which asked a series of questions about my current condition and whether I still needed clothing allowance for this year, and return the signed document to my VA Before Aug 2011. I didn't get any clothing allowance this year because that VA Generated Clothing Allowance form should never have been sent to veterans and was not accepted. Confused and Upset Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Just completed another C&P examine last week for a skin rash condition (currently rated 30%) that the VA is considering downgrading to 10% because the skin rash condition was noted as clearing up during a C&P examine last year. Well, I'm still using the same prescribed Hydrocortisone (Cortaid Eq.) Cream 1% Topical and Hydrocortisone Valerate (Westcort Eq.) Cream 0.2% Topical daily for this skin condition since 2006. Can they still reduce my rating. I'm still trying to build my case for TIA...scheduled for CT Scan and Neurologist appointment this month. I'll keep you posted...need lots of patience and determination. Again, thanks for your advice and support. Best Regards Chiefhouse