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Hello, I have C&P exams all in one day in January. Any advice on what to expect? Here's a synopsis on what I'm up against/working with. - PTSD increase is based off several years of VA mental health treatment and a Nexus letter written by my mental health doctor, which named PTSD, Depression, Chronic Pain Syndrome with depression, Panic D/O with Agoraphobia and survivor's guilt as a diagnosis (last 3 are recently added to records). - Knee pain- VA issued me a big knee brace and my primary care (tricare) orthopedics specialist just put me an Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) brace because she says I have drop foot and weakened ankle support which tried to compensate for my weak knee/muscle strength - Foot pain- I reviewed all of my previous C&P exams and realized my foot pain rating had dropped from 30% to 10% because the rater misquoted me (lied) on the C&P exam. I told him these insoles and stuff didn't work. that my feet hurt all the time. He wrote, I said they were not effective insoles and I have to use all kinds of feet massages equipment to get through my work days. The primary care sent me to this foot pain doctor. All she did was cortisone shots (3 times) in my feet and tried to up-sell me on her brand of insoles. - Migraines- Been at zero percent since retirement. Last year I was hospitalized twice and misdiagnosed with having TIA and strokes/CVA. My VA advocate put in a secondary claim to my service connected cervical damage. End result not service connected for CVA/TIA. However, ALL TESTS revealed that I've never had a stroke. The neurologist diagnosed me with Hemiplegic Migraines. These rare migraines an mimic strokes, causing weakness on one side of the body. They can last from a few hours or in my case,first one lasted 3 months. The neurologist provided a letter stating that all of the hospital doctors had misdiagnosed me with having CVAa. He also diagnosed me with exertional headaches. I know I'm no more special than the millions of other veterans out here, but this "deny 'til they die" tactic is wearing me down. Thanks for any advice.

Like Shipyard7 it's been a long battle for vendication and will be longer to accomplish what needs to be corrected. I should have been medically retired with full pay, full medical for life, full Exchange privileges, and everything a completely disabled veteran is entitled to as of the day before left Vietnam with a Form DA3349 declaring I was permanently defective in the body organs and systems preventing me from performing at full capacity except for short periods. The P-3 is permanent and supersedes all other profiles. i tried for several months to get any medical records I could while still on duty, but was told for 3 months they were lost. THEY NEVER WERE. I was in the Mekong Delta and was eaten alive by Mosquitos, but had bone pain, abdominal pain, liver pain, acne, heart rate as 90 bpm to 60 bpm at rest. I was hospitalized in Vietnam 21 days then medivaced to Japan for more tests. Those records are lost or withheld, but I was told I was the 5th guy to come out of Vietnam with urticaria to that degree, and they don't know what caused it in any of the previous cases either, but the others went home and seemed to improve, so I was going home too. I was released out of Great Lakes Naval Hospital about a week later, and sent "HOME AWAITING ORDERS", knowing I was going to be separated. I had over six months active and well over 30% disabled, so it meant full pay retirement, full medical and dental, eye care for me and family, full Exchange privileges, but instead I was deceived, retained on duty to deprive me of those benefits because the Agent Orange issues needed to be hushed, downplayed, not talked about and kept out of public view. I continued to deteriorate al the time even after being discharged. Two months later I was in a coma or comatose state for days, but may have been a week. My conditions are permanent and were well over 30% so it would be total. It should have been P & T from the day I left Vietnam, 46 years, 1 month, 20 days. Having my records withheld all my life, kept me from seeing the evidence, or showing the conditions to another doctor, and the VA refused to treat me as well. This was a bad case of hide this guy because he "IS the evidence" and I was ignored, downplayed, turned away, but should have been on the nightly news, every night until a settlement is reached. I haven't gotten any truth yet, but did get some "altered records." That came from the VA itself". Tont at the VA said some of these looked suspicious, like they are altered, and I said thank you, thank you, thank you. That's exactly what I have been telling everyone, but no one listening. Three years of daily calls to St. Louis and still working at vindication. I had chloracne and a half dozen other conditions that are now presumptive, but the hired gun examiner said I had atopic dermatitis with generalized Pruritus. shipyard7, when did you initially file? Congratulations victor ray

Hello Vets and Berta!!! Does anybody out there in Hadit land have any experience with non-TBI related headaches? I suffered headaches nearly everyday while on AD. And still do. I never thought it was anything more than stress. But now I know better, stress does cause headaches, but so do physical injuries. I complained of neck pain after I fell down the stairs, but it was less noticeable than the pain in my knees and back. I do plan on telling the orthopedic specialist when I go, next Monday. Any advice or comments are welcome. Thanks Andy Semper Fi

i had my headaches:migraines increase C&P I think it went ok I gave him my prescription from the VA doctor for pain meds for my headaches and this cefaly Shock pad I use at night before bed. I told him about the breaks I take at my new temp job I was able to get when my old employer said they were going to give me a reasonable accommodation for my disabilities. I said it not a permanent job and they can fire me at any moment if I make a another mistake, as I have made 2 in 3 weeks and big ones that cost the company money. I'm hoping this increase is enough to get me 100% it's currently at 0% with my total at 90%. This was also I think a TBI review for unemployability he asked me allot of my memory I said I'm scared I'm going to get someone harmed working on aircraft the last place I worked out me on unpaid medical leave until I got better. I'm as good as it's going to get doctors tell me just live with it. So I had to resign so I can pay my pregnant wife's medical. Does this sound like I have a shot at anything higher then 0 percent? Not to sure how the employability works out or what you even have to show?

OK Experts, I am currently rated 30% under migraines for headaches NOS. Before i ever put in a claim, I was experiencing jumping of my left eye. I kept going to my family doctor and telling her about the issue and also at my year eye exams. Explained the issue with my optometrist. Kept being told it could be stress, eye strain, lack of sleep. As my headaches became more frequent due to the issue or thee issue made headaches that much worse and the jumping moved down the side of my face to my lips. Well this scared me so I made an appointment with an opthamology specialist, he ordered a cat scan. Diagnosed as hemificial spasms: hemifacial spasm by definition a disorder of the facial nerve characterized by unilateral involuntary paroxysmal contractions of the facial muscles,caused by high-frequency bursts of motor units lasting from a few msec to several seconds; reported causes include compression of the ipsilateral facial nerve near its exit from the 9pons by a vascular malformation, compression of theipsilateral facial nerve by a posterofossa neoplasm, and idiopathic derivations Condition is the same as having convulsive tics or terret syndrome. I was told by the opthamologist that I could have a surgery or do botox injections. This would help with the tics and the headaches. So I choose to do botox every 4 months. First few rounds went great no issues, now all of a sudden I have muscle weakness and a droopy left eye. Given eye drops to help raise the eye lid. This of course is affecting my vision in my left eye. I filed a claim with hemifacial spasms secondary to migraines, of course the claim was DENIED. VA says that this was not caused by headaches and I know it started when headaches increased and intensified. I was going to drop it and let it go, but now with these new issues and I am being told that they dont know if this will reverse it self or this will be my permanent look. I have until December to file for an appeal. Do I submit a new claim or do I file for muscle weakness, convulsive tics, droopy eye or all separate as secondary to migraines or secondary to botox that was treating the migraines? Thanks in advance

Forgive the first effort, injuries have a way of making things difficult..... Twenty-four years of dealing with the VA, and the difficulties at hand ensure negative results..... These are the copies of a C and P recently done at the VA, and leaves me to doubt this system is capable of conducting themselves in an ethical manner. Enjoy the insanity, this veteran is tired of paying the piper; Eighteen Years were Enough !!!! (Remand posted earlier.) Still waiting to address attorney with the results of this remand and the Shabby, Disrespectful, and unethical way in which this Veteran has been treated at the VA hands...... Part 2, will be sent as soon as I can convert files to pdf....... Mark page 14.wps page 15.wps page 16.wps page3.wps page4.wps page1.wps page2.wps page 17.wps page 18.wps page 19.wps page 20.wps page 21.wps page 22.wps page 23.wps page 24.wps page 25.wps page 26.wps page 27.wps page 28.wps page 29.wps page 30.wps page 5.wps page 6.wps page 7.wps page 8.wps page 9.wps page 10.wps page 11.wps page 12.wps page 13.wps

Hey everyone. Ive been in the army for 5 years and im getting out in 197 days exactly and im just down right terrified. I wana cry at night cause im scared but my body wont let me shed one tear. Im here partly to get help to understand what i should do to get va disability, personal stories and partly for emotional support. Im going to behavior health for suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety currently. Ive been speaking to my ex girlfriend shes studying to be a shrink and she thinks i have paranoid schizophrenia and i was speaking to my mother the other day she said my sister has said for the last 4 years that she thought i have it as well, they both have never met in their life. However i did abuse cough syrup a few times. And im afraid they might blame the schizophrenia on that. But i was seeing behavior health before that even. Military found out. Never got introuble for it. Dark history in my life, but i have overcome that thanks to my asap class. Thank you God. I just got a psychiatric evaluation done, but im still waiting on the tests to come back to know whats really happening i dont even know who i am and worst of all for service connection, i have no clue at all what to make of this. I just had surgery for my shoulder impingement syndrome 2 weeks ago, they removed a bursa, did clavicular excision, and bicep tenesis. And ive healed well but still have a limited range of motion. (That much is all i know of va disability) I was told i have occipital nuralgia which causes me not only to have emence neck pain but to have incredible migranges daily i just walk around the motorpool acting like im busy but the pain is so bad i massage my neck and scalp to ease the pain and take naproxen like crazy, and when im off work not only do i stay home for fear of social interaction, i stay to nurse my headaches. I drink caffeine to help it and take more pain medication. I have lower back problems that came out of no where. 4 years ago my chiropractor said its facet syndrome but i stopped going to him for the last few years cause it wasnt helping and i went to see my primary care provider again for it he said its para spinal myalgia. Gave me some muscle relaxers and said have a good day after I asked for a referal back to the chiropractor. He just blew me off i feel. But i have social anxiety im scared to be a bother..... And i know im just screwing myself over but i cant help how i am. And i have to schedule appointments for anything and hes always a month backed up. Idk what to do about anything ladies and gentleman. Im begging for your help here. Im bugging my family so much about my anxieties they are ignoring my phone calls even... I want 100% disability not because it gets me out of work. I LOVE WORKING. It makes me feel accomplished and like I deserve to live and breath Gods air. But mentally im not right in the head.... If you all ask i can even show you all a text i sent to my mother when i was having a really bad episode, and even that doesnt cover all of me. (You all dont know me so i feel a ok sharing this if it helps the advice i would be given.) i mean its 0308. My mind is just racing itself i cant sleep at all!! PLEASE HELP.

Does anyone know if fibromyalgia can be a cause or associated with occipital neuralgia? I didn't know I had occipital neuralgia I just thought it was migraine headaches or tension headaches. I started receiving acupuncture and have some post stuck in my ears to block pain, anxiety, nightmares and so forth. Have been on multiple medications throughout the years with little success. Now I have ventured down the road with acupuncture and have been scheduled for Botox. I was planning on filing a claim for migraines/headaches related to fibromyalgia but now after reading the notes from my last two treatments I question the validity of my claim and if the two would be symptomatic of each other. Fibromyalgia and Occipital neuralgia. The headache is a headache either way you look at it but could or could not be related. Anyone have any experience in this area or know of the two to have a comparison that might substantiate the claim?

Could anyone tell me what could be considered a secondary claim for a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia? OR, Should these be stand alone claims? I am 40% for Fibromyalgia and was considering filing a secondary claim. PTSD 50% Tinnitus 10% Currently 70% NOD still pending. My S&W DR. say's my insomnia,IBS and headaches could be from fibromyalgia. The VA has scheduled me for a sleep study for the sleep disturbances. As far as the headaches I have two ways to pursue them. Although I did not complain while on active service I did have them annotated on my out-processing physical. I have also been treated for the from the VA. They prescribe both Samaritan for the onset of migraines and Topiramate twice daily for headaches. The S&W doctor also says the fibromyalgia could cause the headaches. But this is also a presumptive illness/ undiagnosed illness. IBS, Irritable Bowl Syndrome. Is it a stand alone or considered under the fibromyalgia initial diagnosis? Could I claim it under the SWA presumptive illness since they have diagnosed me with it and treat me with medications for it. Dadgumit.. I don't know. I have all these and was told to get on here and check with the forum. My VSO said I would be pyramiding and could not do it but after reading I have mixed reviews and have looked for a new VSO. Lets start here.

We submitted a claim to increase SC from 0% to 50% for headaches in May 2013. Currently rated at 70% PTSD, 10% seizure and 0% headaches with 100% TDIU as of February 2011. Also drawing SSDI since 1990. Vet has not been able to work at all since 1990 largely due to mental illness as well as daily headaches at some level since 1970. No mental hospitalizations to date, and no active therapy due to area availability. Should we be concerned about the re-evaluation as vet is static for PTSD, neither improving or getting worse in respect to healing. Vet just turned 63 in September of this year. Currently in consideration for IHD claim as well. Found out in October this year that he has had at least 5 heart attacks and has a complete arterial blockage with collateral arteriogenesis previously undiagnosed. Were not previously aware of any heart attacks although dx'd with CAD several years ago by VA doctors. This is all too confusing for my brain to absorb. Amvets VSO on board that has been awesome in assisting and explaining as best he can about the process but vets medical history incredibly complicated to sort out what we can do, should do, or must do to get him what he deserves. There are 32 different medical diagnoses so far and counting with countless tests and labs that are all over the chart for severity. Nightmare trying to figure out and sort out which dx are relevant, which are severe enough for compensatory attention and which ones to leave as "sleepers" for back up if needed. Sorry for the rant but any advice or explanations at this point are more than welcomed because vet is not capable of explaining and I am somewhat overwhelmed in trying to help him with paperwork end. Thank you guys in advance for all you do and the prices paid for our freedoms, often taken for granted by the masses.

Hi Everyone, Could anyone tell me if I could possibly claim a CUE for the denial of service connection for headaches based on the fact that I believe that the claim is well grounded. A well-grounded claim is a plausile claim, one which is meritorious on its own or capable of substantiation. Such a claim need not be conclusive but only possible to satisfy the initial burden of 38 U.S.C.A $5107(a). Murphy v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 78,81(1990). My service medical records do show treatment for headaches and I also reported sinus headache on my VA examination. My concern or argument would be that I complained of headaches in service as a part of a constellation of complaints and a specific disorder manifest by headaches were never diagnosed before a July 1994 assessment of tension headaches. There was also complaints of frequent tension headaches noted on my separation examination. The 1995 VA examination shows my complaint of sinus headache and the diagnoses were mild frontal sinusitis, history of UTI, and sinus headaches. With using this a my contention for a CUE, does anyone think that I have a chance of winning? I was also thinking about the fact that they did not supply me with a statement in the Reason and Bases section as to why it was not a well grounded claim. Any thoughts or opinions?? ISSUE: 1. Service connection for sinusitis. 2. Whether the claim for headaches, and urinary tract infection is well grounded. EVIDENCE: Service Medical Records November 1993 to November 1994 VA Examination dated 02-17-95 from VA Medical Center Lake City FL. DECISION: 1. Service connection for sinusitis is granted with a 0 percent (noncompensable) evaluation assigned. 2. The claim for headaches, and urinary tract infection is not well grounded. REASONS AND BASES: The veteran contends that service connection should be granted for headaches, sinus condition, and urinary tract infection, based on onset of the conditions during service. Service medical records were reviewed and considered. Enlistment examination 11-18-93, noted no abnormal findings regarding claimed conditions. The veteran was evaluated in March 1994 for complaint of sinus congestion. Assessment was upper respiratory infection. Evaluation in July 1994 noted some maxillary sinus tenderness with complaints of left ear pain and drainage, and temporal headaches. Evaluation in August 1994 noted complaints of headaches and slight ear pain. Examination noted right maxillary sinus tenderness. Assessment was allergies. The veteran was evaluated in July 1994 for complaint of headaches. Assessment was tension headaches. Service medical records indicate treatment for a urinary tract infection in May 1994. Separation examination 11-18-94, noted history of frequent tension headaches and frequent sinus infections. The report of the VA examination 02-17-95 was received. The veteran complained of sinus headache, chronic sinus problems, and post-nasal drip with sore throat. She reported that this condition has existed since 1993. She also gives history of upper urinary tract infection in May 1994 that resolved with treatment. VA examination noted the following: There was some slight tenderness over the right maxillary sinus and right frontal sinus area. The nasal passages were slightly congested. X-ray examination of the sinuses showed clouding of the frontal sinuses suggestive of frontal sinusitis. Urinalysis was normal. Diagnoses were mild frontal sinusitis, history of urinary tract infection, and sinus headache. Service connection for sinusitis. Service connection is granted for sinusitis as the evidence shos onset of the condition(s) during military service.