Bravo6

I'm getting NORCO's......Hydrocodone 10/325! THEY ARE GOOD! TRUST ME! I take one every 4 hr for pain!

Thanks Pete for replying....I was granted 70% last July from my initial 60% in Jan 2001. So I decided to claim TDIU since my pain is worse in my lower back. While I waited for the C&P examination for the TDIU, I had an MRI (finally) in Dec 2009 on my Lower back. They found that I had 3 bulging discs that was never seen in the first exam in 2001 because I only had X-rays done up until the MRI. The right knee condition is something that the C&P dr found. I never knew I had DJD in my right knee, but it makes sense I have pain in it now! Hope this helps!

Yes, I do have the range of motion in the C&P results (could post them if you like). Will I get rated on the right knee condition since the C&P doctor found it or do I need to file a new claim after I get my decision? I agree with the contradiction, so I don't know what to do. HELP!

Thanks for replying! Yes, I have applied for SSD last October and was denied, then I rec'd a second denial. I'm currently awaiting to be seen by the judge/court! I was thinking the same thing about the comment of sedentary work! That is BS to say the least. I was thinking that I had a real good chance of getting TDIU but now I'm losing faith. This sucks bad!!!!

What do you think my changes of being approved for TDIU with this C&P exam? My current Conditions rated at 70%: 1. Degenerative Joint Disease of L4-L5 and L5-S1, spondylosis L4-L5 - 40% 2. Right tibiofibular fracture with status post IM nailing and fasciotomy - 30% 3. Right second toe digit proximal interphalangeal fusion - 20% 4. Multiple scars to right leg from fracture - 10% This is what the Dr wrote: "It is my opinion that the diagnosis of the right knee degenerative joint disease is related to the Veteran's service injury. Therefore, it is related". Interesting since I was never seen before and I have no rating on my right knee, yet. He continues: "Concerning the Veteran's functional limitations impacting physical and sedentary employment, the veteran states that he can lift up to 10 pounds. He states that he limits his stooping and bending and walk 1/4 miles, he can stand for 3 minutes, he can go up one flight of stairs. Due to these restrictions and also the veteran being on narcotics, physical activity would be somewhat limited; however, a sedentary desk type of job could be a possibility" I rec'd my OT report on my physical assessment: She states " Bravo6 demostrated fair-good effort with fair-poor performance. He complain of increased LBP will all testing with inability to complete one of the long distance tasks due to pain. He required several rest/stopping breaks with increased weighted and long distance testing due to increased pain. He demo. decreased endurance with stair climbing test with inability to complete test fully due to pain with below average time results". Her recommendation (OT): "Increase activity level, Learn to balance lifestyle issues/activities and coping skills, Conditioning and stretching program" I rec'd my PT report on my physical assessment: He states "Bravo6 appears to be disability and pain oriented with much pain and self limiting behavior. Bravo6 is a tall individual with moderate degenerative lumbar spine changes. It is difficult to know how much of his past orthopedic trauma is a part of his pain behavior and how much is related to degenerative back condition and how much is from general deconditioning or mental attitude. He reports very little activity over the past 4 years. Recommend two or three months of progressive guided conditioning to see if PT would benefit from changes in environment and increased physical activity." Any and all comments welcome! Thanks!

I've had my 2nd digit on my right toe fused because of a hammer toe. This was the result of my tib/fib open compound fracture in 1999. Am I eligible for SMC? I've read on this board that loss of a joint would qualify me for it. Is this correct and will a fused toe be enough to be granted SMC? Thanks again! Side note, Thanks Carlie for helping me this morning!

I've read many posts on Independent Living, but what can I expect to gain from it! Also, I'm currently awaiting TDIU decision from 70%! I've call the 800 number and my claim is still at the rating board awaiting a decision as of March 5th. I'm confused as to why I am having an home assessment now since I'm only at 70%? After this assessment, will it help my case for TDIU. The rep said that it won't affect my case at the rating board at this time but it will in the future. The last thing I want is to have my case pulled from the rating board....if you understand what I'm saying! Please help! I'm a very new member (long time reader thou) and would appreciate some in sight into this!

I'm a long time reader but this is my official first post!! What should I expect for the in home assessment? Will he be taking pictures? Questionaire? What can I ask for? I've read that people rec'd flat screen tv's, computer, beds, massage chair....etc. I'm currently rated 40% for lower lumbar and 30% for lower left leg, plus multiple scars rated at 10%....I'm currently awaiting a decision from the rating board for IU....it's currently at the rating board, or so the 800 number says it is! Thanks in advance!!