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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.

The issue: I’m on the verge of filing a large VA claim to include migraines, erectile dysfunction, obstructive sleep apnea, and a few other conditions. However, I think I may be eligible for an earlier effective date going back to 2008 for the migraines and ED. I’m hesitant to file for the migraines and ED in this claim because I do not want it to nullify my chance at an earlier effective date. Background (long read, sorry!): After reviewing my C-File, I'm pretty sure VA underrated and possibly clearly and unmistakably erred (CUE) 11 years ago in their decision based on the detailed evidence from their c&p examination. Essentially, the VA decision said that I don't have prostrating migraines because I don't have emergency room or sick call visits. They conceded I have cognition issues from all the concussions and awarded 10% for: “traumatic brain injury with post concussive syndrome (also claimed as migraine headaches)” This was despite having an in service migraine diagnosis (which was in their possession at the time and in my C-File) and the fact that their C&P examiner said that I have “prostrating migraines 4x per week”. Unless I’m mistaken, if the VA had in their possession evidence that would warrant a higher rating of the migraines at time of the decision 11 years ago, they violated 38 CFR 4.6. Additionally, while I did not claim erectile dysfunction, I think this may have been an “inferred claim” seeing as the c&p examiner noted: “Q22. Sexual functioning? A22. Yes, problems with achieving and maintaining erection. The veteran has started to use Levitra, which helps. He mentions he has been taking Celexa, had been discontinued, and has less of sex.” “DIAGNOSIS: Traumatic brain injury with post concussion syndrome and migraine headaches, and erectile dysfunction (with etiology as least as likely as not related to the TBI).” I've heard that the VA stopped honoring claims to re-open so I'm unsure as to the best way to proceed for establishing an earlier effective date for a migraine rating. I also suspect that it's too late for them to honor the special TBI re-processing rules if the exam was not conducted by a neurologist (he was an internal medicine MD). Finally, just to re-iterate, I’m hesitant to file a claim for migraines and ed in this new claim because I don’t want to possibly lose my earlier effective date by doing so. My tentative plan is to include them in the new claim anyway and in a statement ask that the “TBI with PCS (also claimed as migraine headaches) be split into “8045 TBI residuals” and “8100 Migraines” with each condition being rated separately. Then after the decision is rendered, file a supplemental claim with the 2008 c&p exam notes appealing for an effective date to 8/31/2008. If that fails, that’s when I would look toward filing for a CUE. Does this sound like a solid plan of attack?

I have a pending increase for migraines. I am now 30%. I have been getting Botox Injections, Nerve blocks for the last 10 years to limit my migraines. Has anyone had Botox etc and then gone for an increase? I am just afraid that they will only see the decline in frequency of the migraines due to injections and not raise it.... Thanks!!!!

I am already at 100% T & P for another condition, but not migraines. My migraines are secondary to my SC condition. Should I still persue having migraines SC even though I’m at 100% now? Or is it just more agavation on me since I would not gain any more compensation if migraines were ruled SC? Thank you, S

What to look for in a c and p exam for Migraines? Also, for the other two, they should be service connected since they were diagnosed as secondary to both conditions....vasovegal episodes and severe gerd condition....your help and reply would be appreciated. Thank You!

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

I am rated at 30% for PTSD and I have other things pending but after returning as a door gunner in Desert Storm, I started having severe headaches and TMJ. Both have been diagnosed and DBQ done by my medical Dr stating more likely than not related to the PTSD. I have an upcoming C&P exam with QTC for my diagnosed Bruxism, related to PTSD. I have broken several teeth from grinding at night and just broke another crown that they will see on Monday when I go in. Anyone else ever dealt with this or have any advice? I sleep with a mouth guard but I am on my 3rd one right now after chewing threw the first two. I also have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and sleep with a prescribed CPAP machine.. Any advise is appreciated. Semper Fi!

I thought I should finally share my story... I separated from the Navy in June of 2014. I started my first VA claim as a quick start ( I was still active duty) claim but it was anything but quick. I went through a rep at MCRD in San Diego who helped people separating the military file initial claims. I claimed/filed for migraines, TMJ, neck scar, lower back pain and shooting pains down left and right leg. I submitted copies of my AD medical records and went to all my CP exams. After waiting close to a year, I got my BBE that contained my claim award that I very much needed and expected a good outcome. I got a big fat 0%. Migraines- 0%, scar- 0%, Tmj 0% and denied completely on my lower back pain condition and shooting pains down left/right leg. I was so angered by my outcome that I lost all faith in the VA and threw my BBE in a drawer and decided to forget the VA and move on with my life. Fast forward to two years later something got me fired up again about the process/original outcome I received from the VA. I began to do my homework and stumbled across this site. The stories I read gave me hope and personal insight into others who had filed for the same conditions I did. I got smart and marched straight into the San Diego Regional office and joined a Veteran's Organization. I personally went with AMVETS as they were the first group to reach out to me and I like what the rep had to say. I could tell he was really there to help me with my claim. I filed for increases on Migraines, scar and TMJ. I also started a new claim for my lower back pain and shooting pains down left/right leg since I was past the one year mark to file an appeal. We also filed new claims for depression/anxiety, acne and tinnitus. I gave him all my medical records from AD and my separation physical that was missing from my original claim. To better my claim outcome my VO suggested I get DBQs filled out by my personal doctor and dentist for my Migraines and TMJ. I once again attended all CP exams the VA requested. My outcome this time was a small victory. I received: Migraines- 0%, Scar- 10% and TMJ 10% conditions for acne and my back had been deferred. From doing my homework I knew I was being low balled on my migraines and TMJ. My rep filed for a reconsideration on my Migraines and TMJ and resubmitted the DBQs from my personal doctors that had been overlooked by the VA ( they only considered the cp exam results). I then went for my next round of CP exams for my acne and lower back condition. My new rating came shortly after: Migraines: 50% TMJ- 20% Neck Scar- 10% Lower Back Pain- 10% Sciatica Left Leg- 20% Sciatica Right Leg- 10% Acne- 0% Allergic Rhintis- 0% Depression/Anxiety- Denied because doctor had stated it "resolved" in service. Tinnitus- Denied Combined Rating- 80% Without the help of Hadit.com I would have never been able to go through this process again and get this outcome! I went from 0% to 80% within 6 months. I'm so thankful to everyone who has posted here and I'm hoping I can help out another Vet by contributing! My fight with the VA is not over! I'm beginning the process to file a CUE claim on my lower back pain and left/right shooting pains down leg to get my effective date pushed back to my separation date. The VA originally denied my back claim stating that there was no medical evidence in my file. They were wrong. Best wishes to everyone and keep fighting!!!

Hello fellow Vets, So today I began my journey of filing my first CUE claim with the help of my VSO. I've been rated appropriately for my Migraines (50%) and my lower back condition with sciatica to left and right leg (Combined 40%) over the past several months. The goal now is that I'm challenging the effective date for these conditions to my separation date of 6/30/2014. I was originally denied my back claim and rated 0% for Migraines. I've proven my back claim was service connected and wrongfully initially denied. The challenge will be getting my Migraine effective date changed but I'm hopeful. The VA has pushed back every step of the way! I'm going to do my best to keep a timeline of events and keep everyone posted with my claims progress. Wish me luck!!! 05/09- CUE claim filed 5/18- Preparation for Decision

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

I had a CP for my vertigo secondary to my migraines. The neuro was awful but well that is another drama to fight. She did state that I had symptoms that could be attributed to Menieres or another vestibular disorder. Later in the notes, there is mention of a DBQ from an ENT. Does this mean that they are going to send me to an ENT for further exam, it is not really clear to me honestly.

I am already rated 70% for PTSD and have been having migraines for the past 6 years before I had gotten out. Actually I started getting them about 6 months after I received PRK eye surgery in the military but I was only getting them once every 2-3 months. I never reported them because I figured they were just migraines every few months. They have slowly began to increase and now I get about 2-3 really rough ones a month. I scheduled an appointment with the VA physician who prescribed me Relpax. With her prescribed medication, would I have enough to submit a claim for migraines or should I try to go for it as a secondary to PTSD? Would appreciate all information and guidance!

Sorry in advance, but this is a long one. History: currently 30% for migraines. Diagnosed with this eye condition through MRI and told it is caused by migraines. Had C&P exam for increase on migraines. then they scheduled this one. I have attached both exam. the first one is for the increase. the second one is for the secondary conditions that I feel are caused by the migraines. This last exam looks like it shot my in the head dead. please tell me you opinion. first exam no medical opinion. second exam states IMP not related. but I have an appointment with the VA opthamologist surgeon later this month. Was the Veteran's VA claims file reviewed? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, list any records that were reviewed but were not included in the Veteran's VA claims file: vbms If no, check all records reviewed: [ ] Military service treatment records [ ] Military service personnel records [ ] Military enlistment examination [ ] Military separation examination [ ] Military post-deployment questionnaire [ ] Department of Defense Form 214 Separation Documents [ ] Veterans Health Administration medical records (VA treatment records) [ ] Civilian medical records [ ] Interviews with collateral witnesses (family and others who have known the Veteran before and after military service) [ ] No records were reviewed [ ] Other: 1. Diagnosis ------------ Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with a headache condition? [X] Yes [ ] No [X] Migraine including migraine variants ICD code: 784.0 Date of diagnosis: 2009 2. Medical History ------------------ a. Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's headache conditions (brief summary): CO- "patient not aware when headache and migrains strated but got got worst in basic training, also in Germany after she delivered her daughter with migrains". Frequency of headache and migrains-18 per month. Prostrating attack frequency-5 per month. Work:- Computer private sector-full time for past three years b. Does the Veteran's treatment plan include taking medication for the diagnosed condition? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe treatment (list only those medications used for the diagnosed condition): Meloxicam.Sumatriptan. 3. Symptoms ----------- a. Does the Veteran experience headache pain? [X] Yes [ ] No [X] Pain on both sides of the head [X] Other, describe: sharp b. Does the Veteran experience non-headache symptoms associated with headaches? (including symptoms associated with an aura prior to headache pain) [X] Yes [ ] No [X] Nausea [X] Vomiting [X] Sensitivity to sound [X] Other, describe: dizzy,eye twitches,concentration problems c. Indicate duration of typical head pain [X] 1-2 days d. Indicate location of typical head pain [X] Both sides of head 4. Prostrating attacks of headache pain --------------------------------------- a. Migraine / Non-Migraine- Does the Veteran have characteristic prostrating attacks of migraine / non-migraine headache pain? [X] Yes [ ] No b. Does the Veteran have very prostrating and prolonged attacks of migraines/non-migraine pain productive of severe economic inadaptability? [X] Yes [ ] No 5. Other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs and/or symptoms ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Does the Veteran have any scars (surgical or otherwise) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the Diagnosis section above? [ ] Yes [X] No b. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs and/or symptoms related to any 56 conditions listed in the Diagnosis section above? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe (brief summary): HTN,Anxiety 6. Diagnostic testing --------------------- Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings and/or results? [ ] Yes [X] No 7. Functional impact -------------------- Does the Veteran's headache condition impact his or her ability to work? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe the impact of the Veteran's headache condition, providing one or more examples: Slows her prodoctivity. 8. Remarks, if any: ------------------- PE: BP-136/75 -HEENT-normocephlaic,EOME,PERLA,no facial drops or tongue deviations,cranial nerves II/XII gorssly normal. -Neck-Supple, no JVD or carotid bruits. Current level of headache and migrain severity:- moderate to sever based on subjective reporting by patient. [X] In-person examination Evidence review --------------- Was the Veteran's VA claims file reviewed? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, list any records that were reviewed but were not included in the Veteran's VA claims file: VBMS If no, check all records reviewed: [ ] Military service treatment records [ ] Military service personnel records [ ] Military enlistment examination [ ] Military separation examination [ ] Military post-deployment questionnaire [ ] Department of Defense Form 214 Separation Documents [ ] Veterans Health Administration medical records (VA treatment records) [ ] Civilian medical records [ ] Interviews with collateral witnesses (family and others who have known the Veteran before and after military service) [ ] No records were reviewed [ ] Other: 1. Diagnosis ------------ Does the Veteran have a peripheral nerve condition or peripheral neuropathy? [X] Yes [ ] No Diagnosis #1: henifacial spasm Date of diagnosis: 2014 2. Medical history ------------------ a. Describe the history (including onset and course) of the Veteran's peripheral nerve condition (brief summary): 51 Y/O female. Service connected for headaches. Pt was in the National Guard until 2003. Onset of twiching left eye in 2012. The twiching has progressed to a left hemifacial spasm at the present. b. Dominant hand [X] Right [ ] Left [ ] Ambidextrous 3. Symptoms ------ Does the Veteran have any symptoms attributable to any peripheral nerve conditions? [X] Yes [ ] No Constant pain (may be excruciating at times) [X] Other symptoms (describe symptoms, location and severity): Left facial nerve 4. Muscle strength testing -------------------------- a. Rate strength according to the following scale: 0/5 No muscle movement 1/5 Palpable or visible muscle contraction, but no joint movement 2/5 Active movement with gravity eliminated 3/5 Active movement against gravity 4/5 Active movement against some resistance 5/5 Were special tests indicated and performed for median nerve evaluation? [ ] Yes [X] No b. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs or symptoms? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe (brief summary): Pt received the first and only Botulin toxin injections March 2015 with an improvement of the spasms of 60%. it was a small dose. 15. Diagnostic testing a. Have EMG studies been performed? [ ] Yes [X] No b. Are there any other significant diagnostic test findings and/or results? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, provide type of test or procedure, date and results (brief summary): Normal MRI and CAT of the head reported by the patient 16. Functional impact --------------------- Does the Veteran's peripheral nerve condition and/or peripheral neuropathy impact his or her ability to work? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, describe impact of each of the Veteran's peripheral nerve and/or peripheral neuropathy condition(s), providing one or more examples: Data entry on a computer. Spasms distracts her concentration at work. 17. Remarks, if any: -------------------- IMP Left hemifacial Spasms unrelated to her service connected Migraines headaches

hello all, This site is amazing! I have a question regarding the Neuro C & P exam. I am SC 30% for Headaches (NOS) claimed as migraines. Not sure why they are rated as such but anyway several years before my claim was even done, I had noticed that my left eye had started jumping. It would come and go. Well I was thinking no big deal, when I went in to see my PCP and reported this, I was always told it was stress. Each eye appointment I had, it was contributed to stress. Well about 8 or 9 months ago it started getting really intense when I had a headache. It gets to the point it wants to close up. Then it started getting worse even when I didnt have a headache, but when I had a migraine, it would put me down, can't keep the eye open sometimes, lights bother it even more. Working on my computer at work when it starts to go crazy really bothers me to the point I have to keep opening it myself. Anyway, back in March I finally got tired of of the intense and frequency of this happening plus being embarrassed with people asking me why am I winking at them or what is wrong with your eye. So I scheduled an appointment with an Eye care specialist, he examined me and saw what it was doing and automatically told me what he thought it was, so he scheduled and brain MRI. It came back as Hemifacial Spasms/blepharospasm and this effects facial nerves or cranial nerves. He also stated that these attacks (if you will) comes from people that suffer with migraines and do contribute to the migraines as well. Sorry to make this so long, I submitted a new claim for these issues secondary to migraines. I listed as eye disease, facial nerve disorder, hemifacial spasms/blepharospasm. Also requested increase for migraines. Now I have a C& P exam (Neuro) coming up. I wanted to know if I am going to have to go thru another brain MRI (such a scary process) or what is going to take place. Has anyone ever heard of migraines causing this? Any advice would be appreciated.

I recently received my letter of denial for increase on the grounds that I needed to have more than one prostating migraine in 2 months and even though my VA medical records never mentioned the word prostrating the Neurologist does say on multiply times that the patient is unable to work during attacks and he has also stated that I needed to lye down in a dark room. The only problem is that it is a teaching hospital so each time I see a different resident and maybe a different attending also. I have become a test dummy for the Neurologist because I have been on multiple medications and have failed therapy but I still try. My attacks can be from 2-5 headaches a month with each one lasting at least 2 days the only reason I haven't lost my job is that the neurologist filled out a Family Medical leave paper which allow me to miss periods at work without being fired but believe me my job is ready to dismiss me if they can find the loophole. With everything in my medical records I thought I would at least get 30%. Can anyone help me understand what to do? At the C&P the ARNP asked me all the questions and said that she could only write what was in my doctor notes the only thing I could think is that she read the resident notes without reading the attending notes. I have sent back my NOD already highlighting what the attending notes say in my VA medical records for the last two years. Also I have no idea what the C&P notes say because they did not send me that and I can not find it in my medical records. Please Help

I am aware of the rules for filing TDIU as I am only 60%. However, I still want to apply using the special criteria if you don't meet the 70% rating. I have 50% for migraines which is the highest they can be rated. I have episodes sometimes twice a day lasting hours causing me to be in total darkness and silence. I have trouble doing my daily duties as a mom and wife and need help from my husband and mom. I was laid off from my job due to reduction in force but I know that my disabilities played a factor. I am not fit for any type of work because of the frequency and intensity of the migraines. Don't get me wrong, I would love to continue working but I would be no good to any employer. It really is depressing. Has anyone had any success being awarded TDIU for migraines? If so please share any information that would help or ease my mind. I know it is a long shot but I will try anyway. Also how should I file? I have a DAV rep helping me but not so sure if they have my best interest at heart because of their caseload.

I need some HELP. First off I am already 70%. PTSD 50% Fibromyalgia 40% Tinnitus 10% I do not know how to file my claim and need guidance. I do not want my conditions to be lumped together as one. Ok here is what I have medical diagnosis for and being treated for since getting out of the service 15 years ago. I show the diarrhea in my military records but not the migraines or chronic fatigue. But I did file a claim for migraines immediately when I left the military and also started receiving treatment from the VA for the headaches/migraines. The claim was denied. lol. go figure. 1. IBS. Being treated with medications Simeticone and one more I can't remember. 2. Migraines. Being treated with Topamax and Sumatriptan. 3. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - I was just diagnosed with this overlapping my fibromyalgia last week by a doctor who is not associated with the VA. The doctor is a specialist in Rheumatology. I know these are all under the CMI (chronic multi illness)conditions of the Gulf War and would be a considered a diagnosed condition instead of a presumptive condition. But would the VA try lumping them together or overlapping them? How do I file them? Should I file them individually and wait for them to come back or all at once? So who want's to help here.

I have been having migraines for the last 3 years and was told my a VA doc that the migraines could be caused by my SC degenerative disk condition. The migraines seem to be related to my back or my sensitivity to light (spent a year playing in the deisert) or a combination of both. Should i file a new claim stating that this was caused from my service or state that it is secondary to my back? It has been less than 5 years since i returned from a combat zone. Also could i file a claim for my eyes being messed up and so sensitive to light? My vision is actually much worse than my last eye exam before i ETS'd

I am at a crossroads in my battle with the VA. I was service connected at 10% for degenerative disk disease in 2011. My claim was pretty cut and dry and i made it through with little to no assistance. My symptoms became a lot worse after my claim was closed. I was treated on multiple occasions for back problem related to this ailment. I lost a great union job over not being able to preform. They drugged me up with the strongest pain meds 3X daily. I filed for an appeal. I claimed that at my original exam, the C&P examiner forced me to over exert myself. I was actually treated for a bulging disk within a week of the exam. I just had my 2nd exam a 7 days ago. The examiner never used the geniometer (sp). I went until the pain started, which was nowhere near what i did at my 1 C&P exam. From everything I've gathered including tricking the VA person on the phone into discussing my claim, my claim was not increased. Benefits explorer and Ab8 both say 10%. I need to know if i should file an appeal for another exam, get a DBQ, or appeal and let the BVA decide. There is noticeable deterioration on my X-rays from my first exam after ETS compared to know. I had an MRI done that said the condition is causing my disk to bulge , and for bone on bone contact to happen. Is it too late for the DBQ? Do i even have a foot to stand on filing an appeal? Thank you all for helping

I just recently got my 100% service connected disability granted. What kind of letter or proof do I have, to show, so that my children can get tuition assistance. Do you have a request to be granted P&T or is this something the VA decides on thier own? Any help that anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. I am service connected for PTSD,migraine headaches and Fibromyalgia all of which have been chronic conditions. The PTSD I have been in treatment for 10 years and the fibromyalgia is a chronic disease with no known cure.

I am an OIF veteran that served from 2001-2005. I was recently diagnosed with PTSD and was awarded a rating through the VA. My first claim I did not claim many things because I was not very aware of the process or what was considered a "claimable issue". Over the years I have been getting migraines that get progressively worse and the doc that I see says that they believe it is directly related to the anxiety from my PTSD. I have been put on several medication and currently was provided blood pressure medication to ease my high heart rate and anxiety. The big question is how to I claim the migraines? Do I claim them "in connection with PTSD" or do I just claim it separate. I am just afraid I will get denied for them if I do not put in connection with PTSD because the migraines started after my second tour in Iraq and I got out about a month after that deployment. That being said there is no service records of my migraines. I appreciate any discussion this might generate. Semper Fi