mrmark1999

wow yours says something mine has never been accurate it has never shown any progression in any claim at least yours says something

Please don't stress out too much here is the requirements for ptsd {{{{ http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/PTSD-overview/dsm5_criteria_ptsd.asp }}}} you seem to hit a lot of them . but yes it is a waiting game if it is compensation you are looking for there were many things listed " in service" that could be filed for all are deserved but it will be a pain in the ass Semper Fi hurry up and wait same old shit but be prepared to follow up with any denied calm

Can i receive a VA rating for kidney stones ? I first had Kidney stones while at 29 Palms Ca in the Marines I had 2 separate events one on right side and the other on the left side sent to the emergency room both times . I was also sent to Camp Pendelton for a urine study. All of this is in my Medical File. After my discharge I have had 11 different passed stones .One surgery to break up stones and a stent put in .I currently have 5 more stones in my kidney now . Questions Should I file a Clam ? Can I file a clam? Could it be considered service connected recurrent issue ? If i do file how do i go about getting it Service connected? If it is approved what kind of rating could i expect?

well i finally got aproved just the did not include a year during my clame the shorted me 1 year because i didnt complain of pain going to nod for an earler effective date see whet haappons the did review all my medical records and my millitary records and it was stated on my IMO

i have requested a copy of all my medication i had gotten prescibed during that period even if it was motrin it should show pain right

This is what they did to me too what I was told is that they have Made a decision eather they will send me a percentage or they will send me a SOC or a SSOC about 1 mo later I got my new percentage

well i finally got the aproval for my achellies tendonitis went from 20 for knees to a total of 40 with ankles the dposit was great but the would only go from my doctors medical opinion that took a year of back pay away not shure why they said it was because i didnt not have pain in first c and p exam i did duh not shure if ther is any thing i can do i posted my c&p exams on other forem and my disison letters if any one has any ideas that would be great but for the 40% Whoo hoooo

Ebenifits is really a waste of time it will not tell you a whole lot of info the best thing to do is to request in writing for all of your records

ok just so every one knows thank you for all of your help and no matter what DONT MISS ANY C&P EXAMS it took almost an extra year of pullin teeth and aditional IMO to finally get a proved

this was my imo from my doctor let me know what u think un fortunatly when i went to the doctor in the past i only have one time where i complained of heal pain in jan of 2001 and i have allways been told the same stuff streach take motrin so i did not complain i would take motrin for my knees and that took care of my ankles to a point i hate doctors and do not like to go to them unless i want major surgery to fix my issues no way ABC Podiatry/East Patient: XXXXX Account No:XXXXXX Date 5/10/2012 Chief Complaint: Pt presents with longstanding foot and ankle pain. Pt has had foot and ankle pain for about 17 years and this is ongoing even through treatment. Pt was first diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis on August 21, 1995. Pt was in boot camp at Paris Island, SC at the time of diagnosis. Pt had been pain free prior to entering camp. Pt had been training and fell with large backpack and injured his right patella and had pain in knee. Pt was seen for this problem and was put in the medical rehab platoon and was there about 3 months. While in rehab, pt noticed tightness and pain in both legs. Pt was then sent for physical therapy and was given stretching instructions as well as ice for inflammation. Pt also had therapeutic ultrasound done for these problems. This was all in the spring and early summer of 1995. Pt was running and walking during rehab for bilateral leg pain when he started to have tightness and pain in back of calves and heel areas. Pt was seen August 21, 1995 for pain in feet and shoe irritation as well as blister formation from all of the rehab exercise and diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis and was told to rest. September 26, 1995 pt returns to clinic and was given a diagnosis of shin splints a this time, and told to ice and stretch. In November, 1995 according to a medical review pt is still dealing with Achilles tendonitis and taking NSAID for treatment. Pt was seen on May 21, 1996 and July 24, 1997 and while he was still having problems with his Achilles, his knee pain was greater and this was the focus of the visits. However, his ankles were still painful swollen and documented by his marking the box of painful and swollen joints. This box was not specific to his knee or his ankle. Pt went to Marine Reserves and went back to school. Pt was limited in his activity and had increasing pain because of his Achilles tendonitis and subsequently was gaining weight. Pt got married and started a family and his pain never completely resolved. Pt has been and was at the time taking Ibuprofen regularly. Pt was see by his family doctor January 11, 2001 and was still complaining of heel pain esp in right. Pt has been seen at this office since August 26, 2010. Pt had been complaining of shooting pain and sharp pain in both legs and this was exacerbated by walking and standing. Pt had a long history of Achilles tendonitis. Pt was told about shoegear changes, given ¼ heel lifts, told to stretch and changed his NSAID. Pt returned February 11, 2011 for follow up and was cast for custom molded orthotics and told to continue to stretch. Pt picked up orthotics about 1 month later and also received an ankle foot orthosis for his right ankle and heel. Pt admits some minor improvement through the stretching activities given to him by our office. After usage of custom molded orthotics, pt did obtain increasing relief, however this will not be a permanent change and he will likely have continued pain throughout his lifetime. Allergies: ERYTHOMYCIN Medications: Fish Oil-capsule, Ibuprofen 800 mg tablet Past Medical History: Admits Unremarkable. Past Surgical History: Admits hernia repair. Past family and Social History: Denies alcohol and tobacco use Height: 69 inches Weight 273 pounds BMI 40.31 pulse: 74/min Sitting Blood Pressure: 125/90 Vascular: Dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses are graded at 2 with digital hair growth present bilateral. CFT with the leg elevated was less than 3 seconds at the distal hallux bilateral. There is no evidence of ischemic skin changes. Temperature was warm at anterior tibia to warm at the distal digits bilateral. Lymphatic: No popliteal lymphadenopathy noted Neurolgical: Pt oriented X3, with appropriate affect, no anxiety or depression. Coordination WNL to right and lefty lower extremity. Exam reveals epicritic sensation is intact along defined dermatones to protective threshod, symmetrical Achilles tendon and patellar deep tendon reflexes with a negative clonus and down going toes. Patient is able to heel and toe walk with ease. Normal sharp/dull, vibratory, proprioception, light touch sensation to right and left foot. DTR Achilles 2/4 right, 2/4 left. Dermatological: No edema, erythema, ecchymosis, open lesions, interdigital macerations or signs of infection evident at this time bilateral. Musculoskeletal: Good muscle strength to all prime movers of the foot and ankle with adequate muscle tone and symmetry bilateral. Decreased ht in medial long arch BL decrease with wt bear. Pain on palpation posterior heel at insertion of Achilles tendon BL. Decreased dorsiflexion in ankle BL with pain at end ROM. Xray analysis: Diagnostic lateral BL x rays show large, mature posterior heel spurs BL with possible fracture line in left posterior heel spur. Decreased caldaneal inclination angle BL with degeneration STJ BL. Plantar heel spur right. Impression:Equinus, BL Achilles tendonitis, BL-chronic. I believe that this is very likely to be connected to his time in the service by approximately 90% level of certainty. This is because before entering the military there was a health evaluation that made no mention of lower extremity pain or problems. 3. Early STJ DJD BL Plan: [*]Diag lateral BL x ray [*]Long discussion on eitiology, treatment and prevention of Achilles tendonitis. [*]Discuss treatment options for Achilles including physical therapy, home stretching, shoe and insert changes and ultimately surgery either to lengthen Achilles or to inject with platelet rich plasma or use of radiofrequency conlsyion [*]I believe that the examiner from February 14, 2012 failed to understand the chronicity of the injury and the fact that he never fully recovered from the initial pain. Pt had other problems from his service including patellar injury at about the same time which were higher priorities at the times of exam in the mid/late 90s therefore his heel pain, even though stil present was not mentioned in the exams. In Aubust, 2010 it was documented that he had gradually gotten worse over the previous month or so, but this condition is intermittently worse at certain times and can be aggrevated by activity or weight as well. However, without the first episode and without full resolution of symptomatology, this would not have been an ongoing issue to this date. [*]Pt to return as needed for follow up [*]Pt to continue stretching and orthotics/good shoegear

I hope all this can help me in determining start of award for retro pay

i am attaching my 2 C&P exams SOC ,SSOC, NOD ans my 2 seprate award letters

Finally I got 20 % for my ankles the only real question is that I filed in aug 19 2009 but because they said I did not say there was any pain on my first c&p exam ( I did tell them a bout pain and I did tell the examiner in my 1st C&P exam and in my NOD ) they are going from my doctors first IMO in aug 2010 as the retro active pay when pain was first presented . they are saying that I was given 0% on first exam I was not given any thing I was denied service connection because I had not had a clinical diagnosis .then I filed a NOD was denied ssoc issued then I has a rescheduled C&P exam they said I missed (I know go to any and all exams no matter what )then I finally got a new exam and was denied sent in a new IMO and now I got approved Question 1) When should I have been awarded my retro active pay 2) Is there any thing I can do a bout it 3) Can it or will it affect my rating of 20%for Achilles tendonitis if I complain

But in thee c&p exam I did complain of pain and the examiner did not write it down I mentioned it in I'm original NOD how do I fight this?

Finally I got 20 % for my ankles the only real question is that I filed in aug 19 2009 but because they said I did not say there was any pain on my first c&p exam ( I did tell them a bout that in my NOD ) they are going from my doctors first IMO in aug 2010 as the retro active pay when pain was first presented . they are saying that I was given 0% on first exam I was not given any thing I was denied service connection because I had not had a clinical diagnosis .then I filed a NOD was denied ssoc issued then I has a rescheduled C&P exam they said I missed (I know go to any and all exams no matter what )then I finally got a new exam and was denied sent in a new IMO and now I got approved Question 1) When should I have been awarded my retro active pay 2) Is there any thing I can do a bout it 3) Can it or will it affect my rating of 20%for Achilles tendonitis if I complain

ok i sent in my IMO from my doc now i called and the y are sending it to be rated not to the BVAcan they rate it fromn just this?

so im kinda of lost what im doing now so iit loks like i ned to ask the doctor to add a few things to the IMO directly refer to my medical records millitary cillivian and to opine exactly as the va wants do i need to sumit a response i have all ready enterd a apeal for the original statement of case do i have to enter one for the SSOC too my va adviocate says they have it all taken care of not shure it i should trust any one lol so if you have any sugestions please let me know

some new info from my doctor stating his medical opinion let me know what u think ABC Podiatry/East Patient: XXXXX Account No:XXXXXX Date 5/10/2012 Chief Complaint: Pt presents with longstanding foot and ankle pain. Pt has had foot and ankle pain for about 17 years and this is ongoing even through treatment. Pt was first diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis on August 21, 1995. Pt was in boot camp at Paris Island, SC at the time of diagnosis. Pt had been pain free prior to entering camp. Pt had been training and fell with large backpack and injured his right patella and had pain in knee. Pt was seen for this problem and was put in the medical rehab platoon and was there about 3 months. While in rehab, pt noticed tightness and pain in both legs. Pt was then sent for physical therapy and was given stretching instructions as well as ice for inflammation. Pt also had therapeutic ultrasound done for these problems. This was all in the spring and early summer of 1995. Pt was running and walking during rehab for bilateral leg pain when he started to have tightness and pain in back of calves and heel areas. Pt was seen August 21, 1995 for pain in feet and shoe irritation as well as blister formation from all of the rehab exercise and diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis and was told to rest. September 26, 1995 pt returns to clinic and was given a diagnosis of shin splints a this time, and told to ice and stretch. In November, 1995 according to a medical review pt is still dealing with Achilles tendonitis and taking NSAID for treatment. Pt was seen on May 21, 1996 and July 24, 1997 and while he was still having problems with his Achilles, his knee pain was greater and this was the focus of the visits. However, his ankles were still painful swollen and documented by his marking the box of painful and swollen joints. This box was not specific to his knee or his ankle. Pt went to Marine Reserves and went back to school. Pt was limited in his activity and had increasing pain because of his Achilles tendonitis and subsequently was gaining weight. Pt got married and started a family and his pain never completely resolved. Pt has been and was at the time taking Ibuprofen regularly. Pt was see by his family doctor January 11, 2001 and was still complaining of heel pain esp in right. Pt has been seen at this office since August 26, 2010. Pt had been complaining of shooting pain and sharp pain in both legs and this was exacerbated by walking and standing. Pt had a long history of Achilles tendonitis. Pt was told about shoegear changes, given ¼ heel lifts, told to stretch and changed his NSAID. Pt returned February 11, 2011 for follow up and was cast for custom molded orthotics and told to continue to stretch. Pt picked up orthotics about 1 month later and also received an ankle foot orthosis for his right ankle and heel. Pt admits some minor improvement through the stretching activities given to him by our office. After usage of custom molded orthotics, pt did obtain increasing relief, however this will not be a permanent change and he will likely have continued pain throughout his lifetime. Allergies: ERYTHOMYCIN Medications: Fish Oil-capsule, Ibuprofen 800 mg tablet Past Medical History: Admits Unremarkable. Past Surgical History: Admits hernia repair. Past family and Social History: Denies alcohol and tobacco use Height: 69 inches Weight 273 pounds BMI 40.31 pulse: 74/min Sitting Blood Pressure: 125/90 Vascular: Dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses are graded at 2 with digital hair growth present bilateral. CFT with the leg elevated was less than 3 seconds at the distal hallux bilateral. There is no evidence of ischemic skin changes. Temperature was warm at anterior tibia to warm at the distal digits bilateral. Lymphatic: No popliteal lymphadenopathy noted Neurolgical: Pt oriented X3, with appropriate affect, no anxiety or depression. Coordination WNL to right and lefty lower extremity. Exam reveals epicritic sensation is intact along defined dermatones to protective threshod, symmetrical Achilles tendon and patellar deep tendon reflexes with a negative clonus and down going toes. Patient is able to heel and toe walk with ease. Normal sharp/dull, vibratory, proprioception, light touch sensation to right and left foot. DTR Achilles 2/4 right, 2/4 left. Dermatological: No edema, erythema, ecchymosis, open lesions, interdigital macerations or signs of infection evident at this time bilateral. Musculoskeletal: Good muscle strength to all prime movers of the foot and ankle with adequate muscle tone and symmetry bilateral. Decreased ht in medial long arch BL decrease with wt bear. Pain on palpation posterior heel at insertion of Achilles tendon BL. Decreased dorsiflexion in ankle BL with pain at end ROM. Xray analysis: Diagnostic lateral BL x rays show large, mature posterior heel spurs BL with possible fracture line in left posterior heel spur. Decreased caldaneal inclination angle BL with degeneration STJ BL. Plantar heel spur right. Impression:Equinus, BL Achilles tendonitis, BL-chronic. I believe that this is very likely to be connected to his time in the service by approximately 90% level of certainty. This is because before entering the military there was a health evaluation that made no mention of lower extremity pain or problems. 3. Early STJ DJD BL Plan: [*]Diag lateral BL x ray [*]Long discussion on eitiology, treatment and prevention of Achilles tendonitis. [*]Discuss treatment options for Achilles including physical therapy, home stretching, shoe and insert changes and ultimately surgery either to lengthen Achilles or to inject with platelet rich plasma or use of radiofrequency conlsyion [*]I believe that the examiner from February 14, 2012 failed to understand the chronicity of the injury and the fact that he never fully recovered from the initial pain. Pt had other problems from his service including patellar injury at about the same time which were higher priorities at the times of exam in the mid/late 90s therefore his heel pain, even though stil present was not mentioned in the exams. In Aubust, 2010 it was documented that he had gradually gotten worse over the previous month or so, but this condition is intermittently worse at certain times and can be aggrevated by activity or weight as well. However, without the first episode and without full resolution of symptomatology, this would not have been an ongoing issue to this date. [*]Pt to return as needed for follow up [*]Pt to continue stretching and orthotics/good shoegear

I would like to give a copy of the c&p exam to achelies tendonitis to my doc is there a form i can get ?

I have not filed any thing after I received my SSOC the American legion said there is nothing I personally I have to do I did fill out a form 9 when I originally got my soc do i need to do another one for the SSOC within the 30 days? Or is every thing being handled by the American legion? I am going to my doc to see if I can get a better IMO with a better Diagnosis and opinion IM just not shure where i need to go now or even What will happen next

ok one other question the AMERICAN LEGION said that thir is nothing else i must do right now with the ssoc that they are going to go into the apeals board is there any thing i should or must do to help out my position im am going to see if i can get a better IMO from my doc with the requirements the vay wants but is there any thing i could do to help out my case?

thanks berta im just reposting some of what you had listed so i can print and give to my doc for some further guide lines "Independent Medical Opinions can often be the only way a veteran or widow can succeed on a VA claim. Opinions obtained from private treating doctors are often free yet most independent medical opinions are needed from doctors with full expertise in the field of the disability can be very costly. However an award can easily absorb this cost with a few comp checks or the increases in comp that the claimant might never obtain without an IMO. A Valid IMO must contain the following: 1)The doctor must have all medical records available and refer to them directly in the opinion. --------------In cases involving an in-service nexus- the doctor needs to read and refer to the SMRs (servic medical records) Also the doc needs to have all prior SOC(Statement of Case) decisions from VA particularly those referencing any VA medical opinions or a copy of the actual C & P (Compensation Pension) results. 2)The doctor should define their medical expertise as to how their background makes their opinion valid. --------------In other words a psychiatrist cannot really opine on a cardiovascular disease.An internist cannot really opine on a depression claim.The doctor must have some valid medical expertise that makes his/her IMO(Independendent Medical Oopinion) valid. 3)The doctor should state their opinion in terms of “as least as likely as not”, or “More than likely” They need to use one of these terms for each issue they are opining on. Medical statements regarding possible Service Connection: Is due to- 100% More likely than not- Greater than 50% At least as likely as not- 50% (Benefit of doubt goes to Vet) Not at least as likely as not- Less than 50% Is not due to- 0% as to the present disability and the nexus to the veteran’s service medical records or other SC ( Service Connected) disabilities, if the medical evidence warrants them to agree with the claim. 4)They should then refer to specific medical evidence to support their conclusion. 5)They should rule out any other potential etiology if they can-but for Millitary service as causing the disability. 6)They should briefly quote from and cite any established medical principles or treatises that support their opinion. 7)They should point out any discrepancies in any VA examiner’s opinion-such as the VA doctor not considering pertinent evidence of record in the veteran’s SMRs (service medical records) or Clinical record. 8)They should fully provide medical rationale to rebutt anything that is not medically sound nor relevant or appropriate in the VA doctor’s opinion. 9)They should attach a full Curriculum Vitae if possible or list their expertise within the opinion and tell VA of any special medicalbackground they have that also makes their opinion valid. (For example, how long they have treated patients with the same disability, any articles they have written, or symposiums attended etc,) It helps considerably to identify pertinent documents in your SMRs( service medical records) and medical records with easily seen labels as well as to list and identify these specific documents in a cover letter that requests the medical opinion. A good IMO doctor reads everything you send but this makes it a little easier for them to prepare the IMO as to referencing specific records. Send the VA and your vet rep copies of the signed IMO. And make sure your rep sends them a 21-4138 in support of it- you also- can send this form (available at the VA web site) as a cover letter highlighting this evidence. PS- Mental disabilities- make sure the doctor states that you are competent to handle your own funds- otherwise, if a big retro award is due-the VA might attempt to declare you incompetent and it takes times to find and have the VA approve of a payee." I need to add here that a secondary condition to an established SC condition wold not need the IMO doctor to read all of the SMRs. They just have to state with medical rationale why the second claimed disabilty is due to (secondary to) the initial SC disability.

it is just the standndard form it was a medical over view where you check boxes there was a line and an arrow in the remarks box and it states achellies tendonitis in the lower extremidy i have recentiy Chatted with my va reo the american legion and i realise i cannot do this with out help i as trying but all i sem to do is add extra steps that get me no where i have an a pointment with my dr in 2 weeks i will see what type of form i will need for a IMO he has never written one before or see where i need to go for a good IMO in columbus ohio on my ankles any advise would be welcome

Ok I also found an omitted record 06 January 01 record shows in the clinical evaluation for lower extremities Achilles tendonitis in my the retention physical would that show longer them 6 mo in the millitary

Ok this is what is in my IMO To whom it may concern Patient presents on august 26 2010 with pain in multiple areas of both feet. Including posterior heel bilateral and anterior left ankle as well as left for foot. Patient is a pleasant 35-year-old male at the time of presentation who relates a long history of ankle and heel pain. Patient states approximately 15 years a go he was diagnosed with Achilles Tendonitis and has tried consertive care, including shoe gear change, oral anti inflammatory medicines and physical therapy including stretching none of witch has yielded relief. Patient states he has had increasing pain gradually over a month preceding presentation on his left anterior ankle, which he describes as a sharp shooting pain. Patient gets this pain especially when walking standing or doing activities. Patient is currently working at the USPS and is on his feet daily. Patient presents in supportive show gear at this visit All medications allergies, past medical history and past surgical were reviewed at this visit General examination reveals vascular status to be as follows dorsal pedis +2/4 bilateral posterior tibial pulse +1/4 bilateral capillary fill time less then 3 seconds one through five bilateral skin temperature warm to warm proximal to distal bilateral ,meurologically , epcriptic and temperature sensation grossly intact bilateral deronatology negative of open lesions bilateral positive ain on palpation poster heel bilateral at level of Achilles tendon insertion pain with dorsal ankle bilateral limited dorsiflexion less then 10* bilateral in dorsafleation futhermore there is pain on palation of the two -three intermetatarsal space at the MPJ level on the left foot Diaganosis radiographs taken in the office on the first visit of the reafr foot and ankle show large cacaneal spurs on the posterior of both heels corrorsponding at the level of Acheelies insertion with a chronicity demonstrated by the blunt endings of these bone spurs as well as the previous fractured bone spur with fibrous colalition on the left there is a planter Plantar calcaneal heel spur on the right and degenertive changes to the subtalar and ankle joints of both feet . throughout two visits over a six month eriod the patient is still having pain in the posterior aspect of both heels patient has attemted oral NSAIDs Quarter in ch heal lifts and streching activities to no avail patient brings a 1995 medical history summary from november 15 1995 witch showes swollen painfull joints patient having to wear suport for knee problim taking Motrin for Achellies tendonitisis and having simmilar pain as to original presantation Patient is still in treatment having to under go continued phicial therapyas well as being casted and being molded for custom made foot orthoses in order to compensate for degenertive joint diease as well as bone spurring in both feet patients prognosis is fair hoever due to age and weight gain it is unlikely patient will acheve full relife from his achellies tendonitisis i will nee to see mr XXXXX back perodicly in order to treat the Achellies tendonitisis and subsequent degenerative joint dease from this original complaint sincerly doc shilling