chiefhouse00

Greetings After a long wait (since 30 Nov 2004), I received a 10% rating for each leg/foot numbness problem but nothing for my left arm/hand...here are the results (short version): Lower Extremity: Service connection for right and left lower extremity neuropathy with decreased sensation as secondary to the service-connected disability of low back pain with mild degenerative changes. The decision is based on information obtained from my VA examination in which examiner opined the neuropathy of the feet and legs is due to degenerative joint disease, foraminal stenosis with secondary radiculopathy. An evaluation of 10 percent is assigned for incomplete paralysys below the knee which is mild. Upper Extremity: Denied because evidence didn't show the numbness and weakness in hands and arms was related to the service-connected condition of low back pain, nor is there any evidence of this disability during military service. The VA examiner opined that the hand numbness was not due to the low back but due to local neuropathies with median neuorlia noted on EMG. Question: I'm currently rated 10% for nerve problem with my right arm and denied for neck pain. I have military medical records of arm/hand numbness and neck pain, and MRI showing C2 thru C6 disk problems. How should I word or work an appeal for not rating my neck pain and hand/arm nerve problem. Best Regards Chiefhouse

"Sleep apnea was the predominant disability providing the higher disability evaluation than the asthma.

Greetings Here is the VA Reasons and Bases (short version): Our records show a 30 % disability evaluation assigned for bronchial asthma effective Dec 2002. Our Rating Decision dated Sept 2005 granted service connection for sleep apnea and included this evaluation in the evaluation for bronchial asthma. Effective Feb 2005, a 50% disability evaluation was assigned to bronchial asthma with obstructive sleep apnea. "Sleep apnea was the predominant disability providing the a higher disability evaluation than the asthma. So should I close the book on this issue and let it be. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I may have ask this question once before but here it is again. Can asthma and sleep apnea be combined as one single rated service connected disability? I was first rated at 30 % for asthma. Later when the VA approved my sleep apnea claim, both conditions were combined and rated at 50%. After nearly one year of filing the NOD (both aliments should be rated separately), I got a denied decision again and statement of the case (SOC) from the VA. What should I do...should I complete the SOC or just leave it alone. What say you???? Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I'm borderline Diabetic (Glucose 2hour PT 75G was 166 mg/dL, Glucose Fast was 87.0 mg/dL, HGBAIC was 6.1). I spent one day in Nam and several months in Thailand in 1969 -70 timeframe. My Current Service Connected Rated Medical Conditions: Hypertension, Asthmatic Bronchitis, Sinusitis, Hepatitis C, Skin Rash, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Degenerative (Lowe Back) disk disease, PN Lower extremities, and Right Arm Nerve Damage Neck Stiffness (Denied) twice: During the C& P Examination, the X-ray taken of my cervical spine (neck) was normal and other assessments (range of motion, flexion, extensions, rotation) of my neck indicated normal limits. As a result, my neck stiffness problem was assessed as a “cervical strain” which resulted in denial of disability compensation My recent MRI and medical records show that I have a degenerative disk disease (C3-4 and C4-5) that contacts and deforms the anterior surface of the spinal cord and central disk protrusion. This debilitating disease is the primary cause of constant my neck pain, soreness, and stiffness. STILL DENIED Medical Records USAF Hospital, Chanute AFB: 22 Nov 1969 USAF Hospital, CCK: 24 Mar 1970, 22 May 1970 USAF Hospital, Langley AFB: 13 Apr 1984 Strategic Hospital, Minot AFB: 13 Jul 1990 Walson AF Hospital, Ft Dix: 12 Jun 1996 Walter Reed Medical Center, DC: 18 Jun 2001 Dewitt Medical Center, Ft Belvior: 3 Jun 2001, 12 Oct 2001, 29 Jul 2004 Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings After a long wait (since 30 Nov 2004), I received a 10% rating for each leg/foot numbness problem but denied for my arms/hands...here are the results (short version): "Lower Extremity: Service connection for right and left lower extremity neuropathy with decreased sensation as secondary to the service-connected disability of low back pain with mild degenerative changes. The decision is based on information obtained from my VA examination in which examiner opined the neuropathy of the feet and legs is due to degenerative joint disease, foraminal stenosis with secondary radiculopathy. An evaluation of 10 percent is assigned for incomplete paralysys below the knee which is mild. Upper Extremity: Denied because evidence didn't show the numbness and weakness in hands and arms was related to the service-connected condition of low back pain, nor is there any evidence of this disability during military service. The VA examiner opined that the hand numbness was not due to the low back but due to local neuropathies with median neuorlia noted on EMG." This latest increase put me at 80% and 10% is for nerve problem with my right arm awarded last year. I have military medical records (including MRI showing C2 thru C6 disk problems) for arm/hand numbness and neck pain dating several years before retirement. Should I have this decision reconsidered? Also, the VA misplaced my reopen poor eye vision claim data and NOD for Sleep Apnea/Asthma. Neither were in my c-file. I found this out last week when I called about the status on both claims. They said that they never received my eye problem claim. I immediately emailed them a letter they had sent me comfirming receipt of that claim in Feb 06. Tthey ask me to fax the data to them again...which I did. I got a call yesterday from the VA stating that my NOD for sleep anpea/asthma claim is now with a rater and the eye problem data will be put in my C-file, and to call back within 45 days if I have not heard from them. What should I now expect? Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I filed the initial claim for sleep apnea as an undiagnosed and untreated stand-alone service connected aliment. It was first denied but later approved after I filed the NOD with more supporting data. Yes, I'm glad that my sleep apnea condition was approved but not happy that it was not rated separately. Best Regards Chiefhouse B)

I believe that I may have ask this question before...my mind is slipping, but here it is again. I was rated at 30% for Asthma about five years ago. This year, I opened a new claim for Sleep Apnea and it was approved as service connected. But both service connected aliments were combined and rated under Sleep Apnea at 50%. Should that have occurred? I'm still taking the same meds for asthma and using the c-pap machine for asthma. Anyway, I submitted a NOD on that decision and request that each aliment be rated separately. Did I do the right thing or was the VA correct in their rating decision. I'm currently rated at 70%. Best Regards Chiefhouse B)

Greetings I received a letter from the VA today that reads in part as follows:"The U.S. Court of Appeals Claims recently made a decision in the case of Dingess?Hartman v. Nicolson (2006). This decision requires that VA provide additional information about the evidence VA needs to make a decision on your disability compensation claim." This letter doesn't list a particular claimed disability...what is the VA asking me to provide. Do they want me to additional medical evidence or what????? Best Regards Chiefhouse B)

Greetings Berta Yes, I'm still working and want too as long as I'm able...got to stay busy. I will find out more on the DMII and HCV biopsy over the next couple weeks. I served in CCK, Thailand, and one day in Viet Nam enroute to Thailand (Korat & NKP) in 1970. I do have a full plate but will keep a positive mind about all of this stuff. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I was awarded the sleep apnea rating in Oct 05 and the remaining service connected claims are still pending a rating decision. You are right in that I shouldn't wait for the VA to make a decision on the other claims. I need to press on with this NOD on the sleep apnea and asthma rating. Here is how it was rated: "We combined the sleep apnea with your bronchial asthma and increased the evaluation to 50 percent disabling...An evaluation of 50 percent is assigned if a breathing assistance device, such as a continous airway pressure (CPAP) machine, is required" Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings jstacy Yes, I use a CPAP for sleep apnea and three types of sprays for my asthma. I want to wait until my current claims (almost two years now) are rated before submitting a NOD for the asthma decison. I agree that both aliments should be rated separately and not combined. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Jim Thanks for the advice...can't slow down now. I'm currently rated at 70% for the following aliments: - Sleep Apnea 50% - Degenerative Disk Disease (lower back only) 10% NOD pending for increase for severe back problems - Hypertention 10% - HCV 20% recent biopsy could increase rating...will get results in two weeks - Vision Problems/Cataracts 0% NOD pending for increase - Asthma was rated 30% but recently combined with Sleep Apnea for the 50% rating...still trying to figure that one out. - Skin Rash 10% NOD pending for increase - DMII haven't submitted claim yet...will see doc next week concerning the lad results - Right Arm Numbness 10% NOD pending for increase for left arm/hand numbness - Chest Pain 0% NOD pending for increase Between 1969 to 1971 I spent time in CCK, Thailand and NAM pumping jet fuel. I have a followup with AO office next week at VA Hospital. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I have a bad mix of the following aliments: HCV, Sleep Apnea, Degenerative Disk Disease (neck/back), Hypertention, Skin Rash (feet/legs/back/chest), Asthma, Sinus, Vision problems, and now Diabetes II. I think this is a dangerous mix of aliments. I was informed today that my AIC levels were adnormal...possibly full blown Diabetes. I will know more tomorrow. Also, I had my second liver biopsy on Tuesday (HCV over 20 years...two unsuccessful treatments) WOW...any advice???? Best Regards Chiefhouse :P

Greetings Same here...I'm still waiting on my results and certainly hope it will be a success story. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Berta I have learned a lot from you and thank you for your dedication and support for fellow veterans. I too was misdiagnose for Sleep Apnea. The VA first denied it because it "Sleep Apnea" was not listed in my medical records. I didn't give up and filed a NOD with supporting medical records. The VA approved my Sleep Apnea condition as service-connected. So, we must continue (with patience) fighting for what is right...especially when you have the evidents. Happy New Years to all Veterans who have dedicated thier service to this great country. God Bless America Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings and Merry Christmas I have a problem with numbness in my left arm, right lower leg and right foot. This numbness sensation was hit and miss but seem be to be happening more regularly here lately. My foot gets completely numb then it goes away after a while...weird feeling. I mentioned this problem in my reopen claim for an increase for lower back and neck pain. An increase would be great but I'm more concern about this numbness problem. I'm going to schedule an appointment with the doc next week. Current Medical Conditions: Hypertension, Nasal Congestion, Asthmatic Bronchitis, Sinusitis, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Hepatitis C, Severe Skin Rash, , Proteinuria Problem, Degenerative Disk Disease, PSC Cataracts, and Left Arm Numbness I have a group of medical problems...what could this be? Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Well, I submitted my request for cataracts to the VA. I provided over 20 years of medical records with eye injuries, floaters, blurred vision, dry eyes and a list of medications that I had taken to inculde steroids shots, sprays and skin creams. I will let everyone know the outcome. Oh, has anyone filed a successful claim for cataracts????? Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Good-On-You...I hope you get a very good rating. I'm still waiting on a decision for my lower back problem, leg, arm and feet tingling/numbness. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Berta Yes, I retired in 1999 and was first rated at 10% for Bronchial Asthma in 2000. It was increased to 30% on 15 Jan 2003 because I was taking Flovent (corticosteroid) for this condition. I still use this medication for bronchial asthma. Do you recommend I submitt the NOD to have my sleep apnea (50%) and asthma (30%)conditions rated separately? Currently, both conditions have been combined and rated under Sleep Apnea. Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings I will submit a NOD requesting that my asthma (30%) and sleep apnea (50%) be rated separately and not combined as one service-connected rated condition. Rated separately my current overall rating would be 80% versus 70%. Even though the VA and DAV first indicated that I would get retro-pay back to Feb 2004, well that’s not true. Since I get retired military service pay, I'm not entitled to any back pay...WOW! Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings Thanks for this wealth of knowledge...I have a lot of work ahead of me but good people like you makes it a little easier. I will check my hearing test charts and see what they look like. I can tell that my vision is getting worst...just got new prescriptions and glasses last year. Let me get busy and again, thanks. Best Regard Chiefhouse B)

Greetings This will be my first claim for this aliment but I've submitted claims for other problems (HCV, Sleep Apnea, Asthma, Skin Rash, sinus problem, severe lower back pain) and received three increases and a few pending VA decision. I'm currently rated at 70%. As you can see I have my share of medical problems but I'm very proud to have served our country for 30 years. I have all of my medical records and pushing ahead with a reopen claim for Bilateral Eye Problem. I don't know what my hearing score was but the C&P doc said I passed the test. I need to get the ears recheck to be on the safe side...what is a passing score? Also, I'm not familar with the 1151 form process...I need to get smart on it. Thanks for your patience and help. "Keep Pumping the Knowledge" Best Regards Chiefhouse

Greetings In 2000, I was completely new to the VA process and didn't ask many questions about my ratings. Yes, I had and still have eye problems. Thanks to dedicated people like you, I've learn much more about what to do if you believe something needs attention. So, here I am ready to take care of business. 1) Trauma- finger poked in right eye twice, paint thinner and jet fuel spilled in both eyes, corneal abrasion, blurred vision dating back to 1970. 2) All occurred and documented before retirement in 1999. 3) Military medical facilities treated my eye problems before and after retirement. 4) The VA has copies of my military records from 1970 to 1999 which was used for my first claim that was denied in 2000. 5) My vision was 20/20 when I entered the military in 1969. I started having problems in 1970 and before my first trauma event in 1974. 6) My eye problems got much worst after the 1974 eye poking and spilling fuel in my eyes in 1975. 7) This would be my first claim to the VA after my retirement. This last military ophthalmologist was straight to the point by saying that the type of cataracts I have is growing at a rapid pace and to follow-up in six months or sooner if needed. Best Regards Chiefhouse B)

Greetings Vicki I reviewed my medical records and found three important set of documents relating to my eye problems: my retirement medical assessment which stated that I had poor eye vision; medical records (poor vision, floaters, etc.,) from 1970 thru 2005; and first VA decision on my eye claim in 2000. The VA confirmed a history of blepharitis, trauma, and trace of nuclear sclerotic cataracts in both eyes but denied the claim because "cataracts" wasn't noted in my medical records. I was recently diagnosed with PSC Cataracts by the Opthalmogist at Dewitt Medical Center. Should I process a reopen claim for cataracts since my first claim was denied in 2000? List of Medications: Lisinopril (Prinivil) Metoprolol (Lopressor) Felodipine Atenolol-PO Rabeprazole-PO Olopatadine-OPT 0.1% Carboxymethycellulose Sodium 0.5% Meloxicam-PO Diazepam-PO Fluticasone-NAS INHA Flovent (Fluticasone) Albuterol Cromolyn-PO Naproxen Hydrocortisone Valerate-TOP 0.2% Bacitracin-TOP Tacrolimus (Protopic EQ) Allegra Flonase Peginterferon alfa-2b Ribavirin Epidural Steroid Injections Best Regards Chiefhouse B)