JohnO

Berta, Thanks for replying. I re-read my letter from the VA. I am at 30% for my CAD/IHD. My VA rating is 70%. This is all new. I just received the letter, taking me from 0% to 70%. I'm 30% PTSD, 30% CAD, 20% DMII, 10% tinnitus. I'm told in the letter that a neurological exam for my neuropathy in my four limbs is forthcoming. I have a very strong file supporting a claim for each limb. I am disabled by SSDI for the motor neuron disease. Subsequent medical records sent to SS show the CAD, peripheral neuropathy, and DMII. However, the motor neuron disease has always been primary. Sequence of events: diagnosed with at the time ALS in 1986. Occasional neuropathic pain became chronic in 1989; motor neuron disease was re-evaluated and I was told I had Spinal Muscular Atrophy in 1989, was also told that chronic pain was unrelated to the motor neuron disease. January 1996, suffered heart attack, diagnosed with IHD/CAD, began treatment at that time for hypertension. 2001, diagnosed with DMII. Also, received complete battery of tests for diagnosing my motor neuron disease (biopsy's, MRIs, EMGs, nerve conduction studies) in 1985, 1986, 1989, 2001, and 2007. I was told by my latest neurologist that I do not have SMA nor do I have ALS. He said that I have a "motor neuron disease." Diabetic neuropathy and small fiber neuropathy were diagnosed in about 2008. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2007. My primary complaint is the motor neuron disease, with secondary chronic pain/peripheral neuropathy. You can see from the amount of testing by Houston's finest that I have a very difficult case to diagnose. To clarify my query, I know from numerous neuro exams that presenting a case for SC will be difficult. I'm wondering how far to push for SC since I'm probably going to get to 100% without it.

First, I'm hesitant to post a topic to this thread that may not be directly related to the intended purpose. My deepest sympathies go out to anyone that has ALS and also to any family members of someone with that disease. I would however suggest that the topic be broadened to include other motor neuron type diseases. I currently have a diagnosis of "motor neuron disease." My symptoms are progressive muscle wasting and also progressive loss of strength. I also have chronic pain from head to toe and am told by neurologists that the pain is unrelated to my motor neuron disease. My disease does not fit "ALS" because mine is progressing much more slowly. In fact, it does not perfectly fit any of the named motor neuron diseases (spinal muscular atrophy, ALS, and others). I've been diagnosed with ALS when my disease was progressing rapidly in the mid-1980s. I've also been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. My current neurologist tells me that I do not "fit" any of the named diseases including the two mentioned above. I've seen some of the best neurologists and neurosurgeons in Houston. I've been going to and been tested by these physicians for over 20 years. I will add that my initial symptoms of weakness and wasting began (very slowly) soon after I returned from Vietnam (1972). I noticed a slight loss of strength in my hands and also a slight tingling in my lower left leg. A myelogram performed at the time ruled out spinal cord (pinched nerve-type) issues. I scheduled an exam at the VA hospital with an orthopedist (I still have my blue VA card with the appointment scheduled on the back). The VA doctor refused to examine me because I'd seen a civilian doctor about the same issue beforehand. The VA doctor left me in a huff on the examining table. He told me I needed to decide who was going to treat me. I was speechless and did not try the VA again until late 1980s. I've attempted since the late 1980s to reopen this issue with the VA but in the past have become frustrated with the bureaucracy and have given up. This time, I'm making some progress. I just received 30% PTSD, 20% DMII, 10% CAD, and 10% tinnitus. My claim for "ALS", progressive muscular atrophy, progressive (diabetic) neuropathy, upper and lower limbs, and sleep apnea are deferred. Records submitted by my cardiologist warrant that I receive at least 30% CAD rating, and more likely a 50% rating. I have strong evidence already submitted supporting an award for neuropathies in the upper and lower extremities. I also have a body of psychiatric evidence supporting 50% or higher award for PTSD. My American Legion SO got a bit overzealous in applying for ALS and progressive muscular atrophy at the same time. I have sent 25 years of neurology records to the VA. I left nothing out. At the same time my records are confusing and complicated. My question is how to proceed? Do I need to worry about the motor neuron VA claim? Do I wait for the VA to respond? Do I seek a VSO that has experience with motor neuron diseases? I'm retired disabled by Social Security standards since 1986. I have a strong case for getting to the 100% VA award without the motor neuron disease battle. Please offer suggestions on where I need to go from here. Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the kind replies. I don't think the VA rep that called me had applied all of my percentages awarded (30 + 20 + 10 + 10) to the fuzzy math schedule. If I calculate it correctly, then I should get a 60% initial award instead of the 70%. I'll know in a week or so when I get my letter. I still have other claims that are still being reviews and I can also get busy on some appeals for higher ratings. I actually started this process back in 1971, I have my old blue VA card with the appointment scheduled on the back. It is too much to hope for, getting the VA to admit seeing me back in 1971 for some of the complaints that I have today.

I just received a phone call from the VA regional claims in Columbia, SC, that my initial ratings total 70% with several other claims deferred awaiting further testing/information. Highest rating was 30% PTSD. Diabetes was rated 20%. Tinnitus was 10% and I can't remember what the other 10% was for. I live in the Houston area and have tried five times over the past 20+ years to file claims at the Houston regional office. Every time I allowed myself to get frustrated and give up. No need going into it any more than that. I live anywhere from 4 to 6 months a year in the Myrtle Beach area. I'd discussed my frustrations on trying to break through the bureaucracy in Houston with veterans I know in Carolina. They told me to give Myrtle Beach outpatient clinic and Charleston hospital a try. I did. May 26, 2010, the American Legion vet representative in Conway, SC (near Myrtle Beach), filed an informal claim by phone on my behalf. We followed the phone claim immediately with claims for PTSD, diabetes with diabetic neuropathy secondary, tinnitus, hearing loss, hypertension and some other things. I was into and out of the Myrtle Beach clinic within days, seeing a psychiatrist and general practitioner. Within two weeks, I received a letter with appointments for C&P exams in Charleston. Within six weeks from May 26th, I'd had C&Ps for diabetes, hearing, PTSD, and some other deficiencies that escape me at the moment. I received regular updates by mail that work on my claims was ongoing. Today, I received the phone call clearing up a few discrepancies so paperwork could be finalized. I was also told that additional claims made in my original filing were being deferred. I'm optimistic that some of those claims will be granted.

Berta, I'm receiving SSA for my motor neuron disease. No, AL did not suggest that I file for TDIU. I was under the impression that I needed to get a disability rated high enough (don't recall the percentages right now) before I filed. I'm still at 0% right now. Please let me know if you think I should go ahead and file for TDIU. I've researched my ailments against ratings information posted on this site and in the regs and think I'll eventually be rated high enough to get TDIU.

Thanks, and no about being able to work. I've been on Social Security disability since 1987.

This is a progress report. April 29, 2010 Walked into Myrtle Beach VA clinic with military records, requested exams for PTSD Agent Orange, and anything else that I'm not aware of that can be claimed May 3, 2010 Lab work for Agent Orange physical, Myrtle Beach clinic May 5, 2010 Physical, Agent Orange, Myrtle Beach clinic May 5, 2010 Radiology, chest, Agent Orange, Myrtle Beach clinic May 19, 2010 Initial PTSD exam w/psychiatrist, Myrtle Beach clinic May 26, 2010 With help of American Legion, Conway, SC, filed multiple claims including Agent Orange, Diabetes w/diabetic neuropathy; PTSD, tinnitus, hearing loss, ALS May 27, 2010 Physical exam, Agent Orange, Charleston, SC June 16, 2010 letter from VA acknowledging claims filed by American Legion on my behalf June 30, 2010 C&P, PTSD, Charleston, SC June 30, 2010 C&P, COD/IHD/Diabetes/Hypertension, Charleston, SC June 30, 2010 C&P, Hearing and Tinnitus, Charleston, SC July 15, 2010 letter from Charleston VA stating my Agent Orange exam is complete; diagnosed with Agent Orange exposure with claimable affects, Diabetees Mellitus and Ischemic Heart Disease July 24, 2010 All hospital and physician records obtained, mailed to VA with appropriate 21-4138 Note: I obtained my records directly from the hospitals and doctors to mail myself. This is so I would have an exact copy in my file of what the VA has. I carried records, both military and health, to all of my exams in case something specific was needed or requested. I know now that I should have filed the claims before going to the clinic, or at least done so back in April when I first requested exams from the VA. I know I lost a month's compensation by not doing so. In fact, I should have done this years ago. I live in Houston and beginning in 1989, I've attempted on five different occasions to schedule exams and/or file claims. I've gotten so frustrated dealing with Houston VA and the DAV service officers that I'd give up. I live three to five months a year in South Carolina and thought I'd try Myrtle Beach/Charleston and see if there was a difference. It is unbelievable how much difference there is between the two operations, at least from my perspective.

My time line is: Home from Vietnam and out of Army 1972 Heart attack in 1996, stent, diagnosis coronary artery disease Treatment for hypertension sometime between 1996 and 2000 Treatment began for diabetes sometime around 2004 Looks like my heart disease will have to wait on Senator Webb and my diabetes claim will have to stand alone.

I'm sorry about that. I don't have my terms down yet. I said hearing and should have said C&P exam. This will be my first. Thanks for your good advice.

I had the heart attack before I was diagnosed with diabetes. Thanks for pointing it out. It is hard to pinpoint specific dates. I remember my doctor watching for diabetes for years before I actually began taking metformin. Also, I was diagnosed with my motor neuron disease in 86, yet I began experiencing loss of muscle mass and strength years before that date. Again another date problem will be my coronary artery disease. I had my heart attack in '96 (or 95?) yet I remember signs of heart problems about the time I was diagnosed with the neuromuscular disease. I asked my neurologist at the time if I needed to worry about my heart and he told me to eat, drink and be merry because the neuromuscular disease was going to kill me. I'm still here, so I guess doctors can be wrong sometimes.

First time post here. Greetings to all and thanks in advance for the help. I am a Vietnam vet, served in III Corps in an assault helicopter company. I'm rated 0% right now, but am going for my first C&P on the 30th of this month. My claim filed under Agent Orange is for Type II Diabetes with secondaries hypertension, neuropathy and coronary artery disease. This is how my VSR said to file. I'm not exactly sure why coronary artery disease cannot be considered separately given the recent IHD addition to the list of diseases covered under Agent Orange. Perhaps one of you will enlighten me about this. I had a heart attack in '96. I have a stent and see a cardiologist 3-4 times a year, including an annual stress test. I have a neurologist that sees me twice a year for my neuropathy and my motor neuron disease. My family doctor treats my diabetes and hypertension. My question is that I have two types of neuropathy or chronic pain. I've had chronic pain all over my body 24 hours a day since '89. Just the last three or so years, I noticed a new layer of pain in my feet, ankles and hands. My neurologist said that the "new" pain is diabetic neuropathy. Is diabetic neuopathy considered a secondary compliant to diabetes by the VA? I have a complicated list of diseases and complaints. I'm unsure how to approach this hearing. What can I expect? Will I be throwing the examiner a curve if I talk about my chronic pain (been with me since '89) and my diabetic neuropathy that has been with me for three or for years?