chiefhouse00

Greetings Yes! I was service connected for HBP several years before I retired from military service in 1999 after 30 years of service. I'm going to pursue every measure to get properly treated and rated for my service connected conditions. I have three medical appointmens scheduled for next month by the VA to further diagnose my TIA and PN conditions. Also, I provided medical records for stomach pain while TDY to NPK Thailand in 1970 plus duty records for being stationed at Korat Thailand in 1972 timeframe. And as always I appreciate your advice. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Here are the results of my last MRI: MRI Brain with and without IV Contrast [sep 2009] Findings: There is mild to moderate diffuse brain parenchymal atrophy with commensurate enlargement of the intra and extra axial CSF-containing spaces. There are multiple small left greater than right bilateral basal ganglia and bilateral supratentorial white matter lacunar infarcts…chronic microvascular ischemic disease. To me this is more of a serious disease of my brain which may be causing the TIAs. I'm scheduled to do another MRI and CP Scan next month, and see a neurologist. Any good advice/comments. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings The VA has confirmed that I have DMII (currently being treated with Metformin 1500 mg AM / 1000 mg PM and Glyburide 10 mg since 2006) and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities but have not rated them service connected. My last major TIA, when I was admitted to the hospital emergency center) my blood sugar was 399. The VA concluded that my DMII may have been the sole cause for my micro stroke but still denied my claim. As mentioned earlier, I have an appeal for DMII and severe joint space loss with subchondral sclerosis, cystic change and marked marginal osteophytosis at the first MTP joints which also were denied in an earlier claim. As a gas passer (no fun intended) I delivered fuel everywhere (perimeter, flightline, chow halls, hospital support tanks) at NKP and Korat base in Thailand from 1970 to 1973, but that cliam was also denied by the VA. As you can see, I have a long fight ahead to win my cases. Your listening ear and advice are very helpful. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings The VA has confirmed that I have DMII (currently being treated with Metformin 1500 mg AM / 1000 mg PM and Glyburide 10 mg since 2006) and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities but have not rated them service connected. My last major TIA, when I was admitted to the hospital emergency center) my blood sugar was 399. The VA concluded that my DMII may have been the sole cause for my micro stroke but still denied my claim. As mentioned earlier, I have an appeal for DMII and severe joint space loss with subchondral sclerosis, cystic change and marked marginal osteophytosis at the first MTP joints which also were denied in an earlier claim. As a gas passer (no fun intended) I delivered fuel everywhere (perimeter, flightline, chow halls, hospital support tanks) at NKP and Korat base in Thailand from 1970 to 1973, but that cliam was also denied by the VA. As you can see, I have a long fight ahead to win my cases. Your listening ear and advice are very helpful. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Thanks Berta I missed or didn't understand when I read your 18 Sep post. Can TIA's lead to other aliments that can be rated I don't want to wait until I have a stroke to file a claim. By the way, I received a notice today informing me of another C&P scheduled for 28 Sep. I don't know what this one is for. Again, thanks for your advice. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Can TIA be rated service connected? Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I spent a lot of time delivering fuel to aircraft and age equipment on the flightline and support tanks and generators all over the bases [to include perimeters] in NKP and Korat. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings My claim centers around the drug "Interferon" used to treatment my Hep C, which I've had for nearly 40 years. Interferon injections and ribavirin pills treatment can cause serious depression, suicidal behavior, strokes, heart attacks, and other severe side effects. I underwent and failed three treatment sessions and developed a lot of health problems as a result of interferon/ribavirin treatment. It's becoming a very difficult and long process to win or prove my case that my DMII, PN, and TIA could have been triggered by interferon treatment. VA doctors have confirmed that I have these conditions but will not service connect them. I was able to get the VA to service connect my Celiac Disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, lower back problem and a few other aliments. I will cherish everyone advice and take whatever direction to get service connected for DMII and TIA. Is TIA a ratable condition? Thanks for your listening ears. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I was denied service connection for DMII eventhough I provided medical record, performance reports, and Vietnam Medals for evidence showing that I was stationed at NKP and Korat Air Bases in Thailand in 1970, and 1972...this is currently in appeal status. My VA rep is DAV...very little help. Best Regards ChiefHouse

Greetings Berta Sorry to hear about your husband but very glad that you are still fighting for justice. Here is an clip of my claim for TIA and results: Service connection for ischemic strokes and seizures as secondary to the service connected disability of hepatitis C {also claimed as short term memory and concentration levels}. We have considered but denied your claim for service connection for ischemic strokes and seizures because there is no evidence of a chronic condition incurred in or as a result of active military service; nor were strokes manifest to a compensable degree within a presumptive period following your discharge from active military service. Additionally, the VA examiner also noted there is no association between hepatitis C or interferon treatment, and no seizure activity was found. Also short term memory or concentration levels are considered symptoms only, and by themselves are not subject to compensation. Service treatment records are negative for any complaints, diagnosis, or treatment for strokes, seizures, or problems with memory or concentration. VA treatment records document ongoing evaluation and management for multiple medical conditions. There are no records of any confirmed diagnosed or treatment for strokes or seizures. A record dated August 18, 2009, noted you had received emergent care on May 29, 2009 in Virginia, when you had an elevated blood sugar up to 399, with associated limb twitching. The results of subsequent diagnostic testing that included a computed tomography (CT) scan dated June 4, 2009, showed findings compatible with multiple small nonacute infarcts in the bilateral parietal deep white matter and is also chronic ischemia in the white matter. There was no evidence of any brain swelling, circumscribed tumor or hemorrhage seen. Mild frontal and temporal lobe atrophy was also seen. An electroencephalogram study was also accomplished, which was noted as normal. The examiner noted it was unlikely for you to have epilepsy, and the seizure you were most likely experiencing in the emergency room was due to hyperglycemia, due to a blood sugar of 399. The examiner attributed it to your diabetes mellitus, and noted the best way to avoid a repeat episode was to have good control of your diabetes mellitus. There are no records which address any problems with memory or concentration levels. In your statements you related having an undiagnosed and untreated stroke condition which was manifested by the treatment used for your Hepatitis C, and you related the types of associated symptoms you experienced. You further detailed your history of the emergent care you received in May 2009, as well as the associated symptoms you experienced leading up to this emergent episode of care. You also provided copies of printed web based documents regarding Hepatitis C, as well as the treatments and side effects thereof. Also provided were multiple copies of prior treatment records which are duplicate of records already received, and included an emergency record from the Reston Hospital Center dated May 29, 2009, which noted treatment for a diagnosis of poorly controlled type II diabetes mellitus with associated peripheral neuropathy. The statement provided by your spouse relates her observations of your symptoms leading up to your emergent care at Reston Hospital Center. She also discussed the advice you had been provided by your primary care provider. On VA examination, you related the history of your transient ischemic attacks which you related to have begun in 1996. You reported symptoms of light headedness, with sudden numbness, weakness, and blurred vision during these attacks. Your current treatment for this condition consists of use of Aspirin. You continue to have moderate attacks of dizziness every 2 to 3 weeks, that radiates into the arms, legs and right side of the body. You are not able to walk during attacks, your tongue swells, and you have been hospitalized four times for these attacks in 1996, 2003, 2009, and 2010. You also noted you do not have seizures, but have transient ischemic attacks. The VA examiner noted coordination, speech, memory, cranial nerve function were all normal. Romberg's and Babinski's testing was normal. You were oriented to person, place, and time, and are competent to manage your financial affairs, and the examiner noted you have no cognitive impairments. The final diagnosis was recurrent transient ischemic attacks, with associated symptoms of dizziness, numbness, weakness, blurred vision, tremors, and swollen tongue during attacks. Based on a review of your active military service records and history pre and post military service, the VA examiner opined it is not at least as likely that your recurrent ischemic attacks are secondary to your hepatitis C or the treatment provided in conjunction with that condition, as there is no association between hepatitis C and ischemic attacks. Additionally, the examiner noted no seizure activity was found or claimed. Although there is a diagnosis of transient ischemic attacks found on VA examination, the examiner did not relate it to your hepatitis C or the treatment thereof, nor is there no objective evidence of a chronic condition incurred in or as a result of active military service. Additionally, it does not establish this condition to a compensable degree (severe enough to be evaluated at least 10 percent disabling) within one year following your discharge from active military service. In the absence of a diagnosed transient ischemic attacks that can be attributed to active military service or in relation to your hepatitis C or the treatment thereof, your claim for service connection cannot be established. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I may have ask this question before but don't know for sure. I have a history of mirco strokes and would like to know how I can get it service connected. CT scan and MRI of my brain showed that I have a history of micro strokes...a surprize and scare to me. I submitted a claim but the VA denied it saying it was not service connected. What should I do next? Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings In July 2011, I received my results from a two year long VA claim for a list of problems that were denied or remained the same. I need help in understanding why the C&P examiner used the higher of two ROM measurements in determining my rating decision: Higher ROM: "C&P examiner noted forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was 70 of 90 degrees (normal 0 to 90 degrees), with pain noted at 60 degrees; extension was 10 of 30 degrees (normal 0 to 30 degrees), with pain noted at 5 degrees; left and right lateral flexion was 15 of 30 degrees (normal 0 to 30 degrees), with pain noted at 10 degrees; and, left and right lateral rotation was 30 of 30 degrees, for a combined range of motion of 170 degrees." Lower ROM: "C&P examiner noted positive tenderness of bilateral paravertebral muscles. Negative left straight leg raise and negative right leg raise; forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was 0 to 45 degrees with discomfort; extension 0 to 15 degrees with discomfort; left and right lateral flexion was 0 to 10 degrees with discomfort, and left and right lateral rotation was 0 to 27 degrees with discomfort. These are initially and with repetition and they are limited because of pain." Here's the original rating decision: Evaluation of low back pain with mild degenerative changes currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling (now claimed as back pain; and, degenerative disc disease). The evaluation of low back pain with mild degenerative changes currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling is confirmed and continued based on the range of motion reported on VA examination. VA treatment records document ongoing evaluation and treatment for your low back condition, and include magnetic imaging results from 2007, which show central disc protrusion at L5 through S1, with bilateral S1 nerve root impingement. Records also noted your pain has been so bad at times that you have sought emergent care from outside providers. On VA examinations, you related the history of your back condition and the treatment you have received. You reported constant pain, with associated weakness, fatigue, a lack of endurance, and incoordination. You also reported flare-ups of pain that occur daily and last an hour or more each time. You use Lyrica to treat your pain, and a cane to assist with ambulation. You receive additional pain management treatment which has included epidural steroid injections, and also use a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit. You denied any incapacitating episodes in the prior 12 months, but have had to call in and miss approximately 20 days of work in the past year. The VA examiner noted forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was 70 of90 degrees (normal is 0 to 90 degrees), with pain noted at 60 degrees; extension was 10 of 30 degrees (normal is 0 to 30 degrees), with pain noted at 5 degrees; left and right lateral flexion was 15 of30 degrees (normal is 0 to 30 degrees), with pain noted at 10 degrees; and, left and right lateral rotation was 30 of30 degrees, for a combined range of motion of 170 degrees. There was no further limitation or decrease in joint function following repetition due to pain, fatigue, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination of the thoracolumbar spine, but pain was noted. The lumbar spine was negative for any evidence of edema, ecchymosis, erythema, or ankylosis; but there was evidence of tenderness over the bilateral paravertebral muscles. Prior x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging studies were reviewed, and the VA examiner's final diagnosis was degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with herniated disc at L5-S 1. Based on the range of motion evidence in the most recent VA examination, no change in the current evaluation of your low back pain with mild degenerative changes is warranted at this time. A 10 percent evaluation is assigned for forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or, or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour; or, for intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least one week but less than 2 weeks during the past 12 months. A higher evaluation of 20 percent is not warranted unless there is 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; or, unless there is muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis; or, unless there are incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome having a total duration of at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks during the past 12 months. Best Regards ChiefHouse

Greetings ArmyTexas Thanks. I got a call today from MES to confirm my current mailing address. I hope the review/examination will be soon and favorable for me. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings How long will it take to scheduled for MES examinations? Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings and Thanks I've had a series of C&P examinations over the past two years and my claim has been jumping between Development and Decision, and this. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings All My compensation claim (Aug 2009) went back from "Decision to Development Phase" for the fouth time. This time it was coded: MES. What is MES? Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Yes! I got copies of the C&P results and they look promising but waiting for the finish verdict is a bear. Thanks for that bit of information. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings In my best opinion, the four C&P exams were favorable but I won't know for sure until I get the results. Fingers crossed. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings All I just checked eBenefits and notice the VA is looking at my "Retired Pay Adjustment." That does that mean. I have a claim in for an increase for serveral service-connected claims and have completed all C&P examinations...I wonder it has something to do with that. Any words of wisdom!!! Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Berta My MOS included refueling aircraft and support equipment/light-alls on the flightline and other areas around NKP and Korat Air Base including MP locations near the perimeters. I hope the medical and personnel records I submitted will help my appeal case when it comes up. In the meantime, I'm continuing my research and medical appointments. Enjoy the Holidays. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Berta I was not an incountry Vietnam veteran. I was stationed in Taiwan in 1969 and went TDY to NKP Thailand for four months. In-route from Taiwan to Thailand, we stopped in Vietnam to unload cargo and refuel…on the ground for a few hours. All I have of that TDY are medical records from NKP Hospital for severe stomach pain and the three Vietnam Service Ribbons. I also spent time at Korat AB Thailand in 1972, I got a tour performance report for that assignment. I was a fuels specialist pumping jet fuel to aircraft and ground products to Support Tanks and AGE equipment all around the base. This go around, I provided the three vietnam ribbons, medical records from NKP Thailand, and tour of duty record for being at Korat AB, Thailand. I didn't have that bit of information before. I hope it helps my case. Berta, I appreicated the time and wisom you have provided. Please have a great Holiday Season. I'll let you know the outcome of my C&P next month. Take Care Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Berta My AO claim for DMII was denied lasy year because I didn't have enough evidence or the right proof to support it. I was diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus II and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by the VA C&P examiner in Dec 2008. I’m hopeful that all of this will come together soon with a good overall rating from the VA. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Berta During my last mini stoke event, in 2009, I lost complete control of my legs and arm/hand movement, blurred speech and vision, and my blood sugar and blood pressure were high. I was rushed to the hospital emergency center for care. My last MRI showed major damage in the brain white matter area mainly...I’m still trying to understand the results and impact of this MRI. I dont know how they will rate my residuals of my condtion. They may even deny the claim. I don’t have cardiac disease and I’m a Vietnam Vet. My AO claim is in appeal status right now. Also, my last ultrasound of my right leg showed mild atherosclerosis. I was serviced connected for HBP in 2000. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greeting Berta My Chronic Duodenitis with Gastric Meteplasia and Villi Atrophy consistent with Celiac Disease condition was rated secondary to Hep C. I have been doing a lot of reading on Chronic Microvascular Ischemic Disease and mini strokes. My CT scans and MRI showed a history of mini stokes. I do have high blood pressure (service connected), sleep apnea (service connected), and DMII (being considered for service connection) which could be a prime trigger for my Chronic Microvascular Ischemic Disease and Mini Stokes. I do have multiple military medical records for emergency care treatment for neck stiffness, body aches, and severe headaches. Each event, I was given treatment but no mention of mini strokes until my last mini stoke event in 2009. Part of the claim I submitted in 2009 included this condition but I have not been notified for a C&P. Maybe it will be rated based on my condition and medical records. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Berta My next C&P exam will be for the Digestive System, Musculoskeletal System, Gall Bladder, and Pancreatis. I was recently awarded 20% for Chronic Duodenitis with Gastric Meteplasia and Villi Atrophy consistent with Celiac Disease because of Hepatitis C and Interferon treatement. I'm gathering my medical evidences for this upcoming C&P. This will be the four C&P for this claim which I submitted in 2009. This claim was in and out of the Decision Phase twice so I hope this one will be the last. Any assistance you can recommend will be appreciated. Enjoy the Holiday Season and God Bless our Troops and Veterans. Best Regards Chiefhouse