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Bravo6
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Posts posted by Bravo6
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Hello all, since my last post I had a C&P exam on 3/25/2010. I am currently rated @ 20% for lumbar strain. My C&P exam was for cervical strain, bilatteral shoulders pain, hip pain, bilatteral buttock pain and pain in left leg radiating into left foot. My latest exrays show that I have DJD in cervical, bilatteral shoulders, bilatteral hip and lumbar.
the question is will the va increase my lumbar percentage even though i did not file for an increase for lumbar (with bilatteral buttocks and leg pain radiating into left foot) ? Or will i have to file another claim once i get the results? I had very little ROM on lumbar, cervical and hip.
Thanks in advance
Postman56
Have you requested for an MRI to done? I know that X-rays don't always show what is really going on! I requested an MRI to be done, once they seen my condition via the MRI opposed to the X-rays, I went from 10% to 40%! IMO, request an MRI from your PCP, ASAP.
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Congratulations!
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Said I was looking for ILS but didn't need in home re-mods. just wanted something for outside too do for my depression, Nope we don't do that sort of thing (while she was chuckling).
David
Well, you could let them raise your toilets to 17" standard toilets are 15", like I'm in the process of doing! It helps when you have a back condition.
IMO, I would let them come to your house, they will develop a plan to make your daily living better. If you want a hobby, that would have been discussed by the VRE counselor while he was doing his/her ILS assessment! I would reconsider and re-schedule for the in-home assessment....that way you can tell them that you need a hobby to be part of your daily living needs!
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What about those veterans that were separated before September 11, 2001? Are those veterans SOL? LIKE ME!?
Great post BTW!
B6
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B6 congrats to you. Enjoy it slowly.
However, I find it difficult to believe the VRE counselor has that much pull...3 yrs ago I was approved for VRE and I am 100% disabled from SSDI for over 7 yrs, and then I was placed in ILP because of my disabilities, yet my claim was at BVA almost 2 yrs, and it is almost 7 yrs old and it was remanded back to my VARO...no VRE reports sent to VARO to validate my disabilities to bump me up to 100%.
Am I missing something here? I even sent letters to BVA stating I requested my VRE copies over 10 times with no avail. Yes the OT came to my house and made recommendations...yet VARO seems to overlook what VRE says regarding my disabilities.
BERTA, what is the best way to follow through?
I've had a physical assessment done by both PT and OT recently.....I had to do physical tests in which they had me pull or push different weights for distances. I performed Poorly!
Then I had those test(s) located in my file for VRE. Once he (VRE Counsleor) seen that I did those test and did poorly. They scheduled me for an in-home assessment from ILS. Once I had a chance to discuss my situation with the VRE counselor at my house, he decided that I was unemployable due to my OT and PT examination and tests.
Hope that clarifies the steps involved in being awarded TDIU for me!
God Speed,
B6
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Submit the Voc Rehab denial and ask for TDIU to be reconsidered. You might ask Voc Rehab to look into ILP Program. They will interview you and try to help you out with something that will improve your quality of life.
RE-READ THIS ABOVE.
YOU NEED A VRE COUNSELOR TO STATE THAT YOU ARE UNEMPLOYABLE WITH YOUR CURRENT SC CONDITION(s)! ONCE THAT IS DONE, THEN YOU WILL BE A GRANTED TDIU!
TRUST ME I KNOW! I JUST GOT SAID LETTER AND IT GOT ME MY TDIU plus P&T! GOOD LUCK!
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Been gone for awhile, been going thru some pretty intense therapy. I have a question for everyone. I have a NOD in and an application for TDIU. I am currently at 50 % SC. My VSO and therapist thought 70 % was a no brainer after a well written c & p exam.
My question is this , called my Vso to see where my claim was at in the system. It showed everthing as being recieved that they requested. It showed that the DRO sent it over to TDIU dept . Is it just wishful thinking on my part that in order for TDIU to be granted i would need atleast a rating of 70 %. Would that possibly mean that the DRO Awarded the 70 % and then sent it over for TDIU consideration. Thanks for the replies.
Sgt Sandman
Have you been to Voc Rehad to see a counselor yet? That would be a step that I would pursue IMO! It worked for me for TDIU!
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NEVER EVER ADMIT to USING ILLEGAL DRUGS to the VA! PERIOD!
IMHO....you kinda screwed yourself with that comment!
Others will chime in, I'm sure!
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Although I've been reading for the past 6 months on this site....I finally got a user name and started posting this month.
This site has helped me more than you can/will know! THANKS TO HADIT.com elders and experienced VA'ers, I'm finally can breath a little easier knowing I have a valuable resource of information at my finger tips.
I've turned on a few people to this site to help them with their issues with the VA. I'm sure they will have the same view as I do!
I offer a SALUTE to you all~!
GOD Speed,
B6
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This is how it went down:
Last Friday I had the ILS in-home assessment. The VRE counselor came and took pictures and ask detailed questions about my daily living! It lasted about 2 hours or so. We were talking about my condition and the chances of getting a favorable rating for TDIU. He stated that once he wrote the letter stating that I was unemployable that I would in all likely be given a favorable rating. He asked where my case was and I told him at the rating board on 5 March. He told me that there is no way that my case could be rated since it was only there for a few weeks. Anyways, he leaves, my wife goes to the mail box and gets a BIG white envelope...my rating decision! I was DENIED. By this time the VRE counselor had already left my house. So I call him and let him know what I discovered in my mailbox. He told me that He would pull my file and hand carry it down back to the raters with his letter!
I got a call yesterday stating that I was approved and should be awaiting my award letter this week!
Moral to the story:
IF YOU GET A VRE COUNSELOR LETTER STATING THAT YOU ARE UNEMPLOYABLE, THEN YOU WILL WIN YOUR TDIU CLAIM. PERIOD!
Hope this clarifies what happened in my case! Good Luck to those that are still fighting with the VA to get the benefits that we ALL DESERVE!
God Speed!
B6
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Just got a call from the VRE counselor that did my Independent Living assessment last friday. He told me that I was jusdt approved for TDIU and they were rating another new condition as well. Just waiting for the official letter within the next few days! Retro pay as well!
I just wanted to thank those that have help me and my family, finally get the benefits that I DESERVED!
I will pray for those still going through the process of fighting the VA to get the benefits that they DESERVE!
God Bless each and everyone of you! God Speed!
Sincerely,
B6
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Is a military haircut a benefit?
That's a punishment!
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I had an MRI performed in Dec 2009 and they found what is listed below. I've applied for TDIU in September and just had this C&P done for it.....just awaiting a decision at this time! Any comments welcomed, Thanks!
C&P report pertaining to the Doctor's impressions:
"X-rays and MRI scanning of the affected joints have been performed. MRI from December 2009 of the lower back revealed moderate central left paracentral disk protrusion osteophyte complex at L4-L5 with some spondylosis in the lumbar spine. Right ankle x-rays in August 2009 revealed intramedullary rod in the tibia, fractures were seen at the distal end of the intramedullary rod, no bony abnormalities of the ankle were seen. Right knee in August 2009 showed some joint narrowing along with intramedullary rod seen."
C&P Doctor's Impression:
1. Degenerative joint disease of L4-L5 and L5-S1 with spondylosis of L4-L5.
2. Right tibial and fibular fracture with status post IM nailing and fasciotomy and residuals of right knee distal fibula fracture.
3. Right second toe digit proximal interphalangeal fusion -Do I qualify for SMC for this condition?
4. Scar right lateral calf - 30cm x 7cm
5. Scar right medial calf - 9cm x 3½cm
6. Scar second digit of the toe of the right foot - 3cm x 1/8cm
7. Right upper thigh graft scar - 26½cm x 10cm
8. Degenerative joint disease of the right knee This is new to me, I didn't know I had DJD in my right knee!
My rating before C&P is 70% with these conditions rated last July 2009.
1. Degenerative joint disease, L4-5, and L5-S1 with spondylosis of L4-5 - 40%
2. Right tibia and fibula fracture with status post IM nailing and faciotomy and residual of right ankle distal fibula fracture - 30%
3. Right 2nd digit proximal interphalangeal (joint) fusion - 20%
4. Scar right lateral calf - 30cm x 7cm - 10%
5. Scar right medial calf - 9cm x 3½cm - 10%
6. Right upper thigh graft scar - 26½cm x 10cm - 0%
7. Scar second digit of the toe of the right foot - 3cm x 1/8cm - 0%
Any impression or comments on getting approved for TDIU?
Thanks! B6
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This is what I've always been told:
1. “is due to” (100% sure)
2. “more likely than not” (greater than 50%)
3. “at least as likely as not” (equal to or greater than 50%)
4. “not at least as likely as not” (less than 50%)
5. “is not due to” (0%)"
Great information!
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Thanks Broncovet! Great site and great find!
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If it was me I would appeal and ask for a Hearing. Also consider an outside medical opinion to help.
Ok, so if I get denied (crossing fingers, that I don't) how long will it take to have a hearing? Are we talking weeks, months, years?
I just want to be prepared for the worst, just in case!
How would I got about having an outside medical opinion, just go to a private doctor and tell him my story?
Sorry for the lame questions but I'm just new to all of this!
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Unlike some of the others we deal with at VA ILS is usually Vet Friendly. They will come out and assess your needs so if I wanted something I would be sure and ask. If you have old equipment needed show it to them.
Thanks will do!
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If you can't work and its due to your service connected disabilities you should win if you don't give up. I agree with John999 that the C&P Doc screwed you with the possible sedentary job.
No matter once you win at VA or Social Security use it to win the other.
Good Luck
My opinion is that if you can't work you should have TDIU and SSD
Thanks Pete53.....so will I be awarded DJD in my right knee since the C&P doctor found it and documented it? Or will it be overlooked since I never put a claim in for it?
Yea, I felt I got screwed with that one sentence by the C&P dr. So if I get turned down should I make a new claim for the knee or just appeal the decision if I'm denied TDIU?
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Where ya at? What about the VA , no, slim chance, good luck? C,mon people, let me know what you think about this. It's a shame, here I am 50% sc and cannot even use the va because they won't prescribe me something that actually helps plus also puts a little happiness in my life.
I'm getting NORCO's......Hydrocodone 10/325! THEY ARE GOOD! TRUST ME!
I take one every 4 hr for pain!
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Can you give a little more information please?
What claims did you file? Was it for TDIU only or right leg and TDIU?
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!
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From what they wrote, I bet the treatment records they reviewed contained some sort of recent range of motion numbers, which may explain why they said your knee has DJD and did not give you an exam.
Physical therapy can help -some- patients, but not all. They do that to strengthen your body and help compensate for your weak spots. The stretching can help stretch nerves so that your bones/growths don't impinge on the nerves as much.
I don't know what to make of the report because it seems to contradict itself. You have one recommendation telling you a desk job would be a good idea, but the other wants you out of the desk and on your feet. I have a desk job and can tell you that sitting at a desk is not a good thing to do for your back, as I also have DJD in the same vertebral joints as you. The only time I am comfortable and in less pain is when I am laying on my side, like when I am watching TV or sleeping.
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!
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I think the C&P doctor put the screws to you with that last comment. You may need an independent medical opinion that given your disabilities you can't work. Have you applied for SSD?
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!!!!
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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!
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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!
How To Prepare For 1st Va Primary Care Doctor Visit?
in Veterans Compensation & Pension Exams
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Great Information! I wish I would have known what to say and do on my initial VA visit!
Thanks to Hadit.com others will find there way!
Good Luck Ken1!