This is rather a long story, but hopefully I can keep it brief, but may omit a few important details in the process. I would like some suggestions on how to proceed with this because I am lost at this point.
In 1999, my husband had reconstructive surgery on his left shoulder at the VA hospital. Claim was lost and wasn't pursued at the time. In 2004, he refiled and was given service connection 10%. He is a paramedic. His job is to treat and LIFT patients. His shoulder has acted up since the surgery. In July, he left work early (first time ever) because the pain in his left shoulder became so severe he couldn't do his job. Saw primary at VA. Ortho referral. Saw ortho same week at VA hospital. Note from both unable to work and pain meds prescribed, MRA ordered. First MRA available September 11. Sent paperwork to Regional office with both letters from doctors that couldn't work asking for a temp upgrade. HAH ! MRA switched to fee based and done August 21 - labrum tear. Then we wait. Can't get ahold of primary. VA refuses to pay until day surgery is done. No workman's comp because VA s/c. Finally talks to primary to get release to return to work because falling through cracks. Primary refused to release to work. Loses job, insurance, benefits. Finds new job. Goes back to work. Still no appointment given from VA. Finally, November 12 sees ortho for five minutes to be given a referal to yet another ortho department further away because this VA hospital can't do this surgery. More waiting. Called yesterday to be told by primary that the consult was rejected and that he should be put on anti inflamitories. Now, he has been for 6 months. He has returned to work since the VA can't take care of the mess it created and we have 5 kids. Don't know how much damage he has done to it further his only light at the end of the tunnel was that this surgery would make the pain stop. For six months, I have been watching him live with unbearable pain and popping narcs like they are candy and everyone passing the buck.
We have contacted 2 Senators offices one that is a presidential nominee candidate. Gotten no where. Talked to SO. gotten nowhere. Talked to regional office, patient advocates, head of hospital...nowhere.
This seemed real simple to me. You put someone out of work - you put them at 100%. They need surgery to put them back off of 100% - you do the surgery. You don't keep prescribing them narcs and have them lifting patients an average of 45 or more people a week. My husband loves his job and just wants to be able to do it.
Question
catt02189
This is rather a long story, but hopefully I can keep it brief, but may omit a few important details in the process. I would like some suggestions on how to proceed with this because I am lost at this point.
In 1999, my husband had reconstructive surgery on his left shoulder at the VA hospital. Claim was lost and wasn't pursued at the time. In 2004, he refiled and was given service connection 10%. He is a paramedic. His job is to treat and LIFT patients. His shoulder has acted up since the surgery. In July, he left work early (first time ever) because the pain in his left shoulder became so severe he couldn't do his job. Saw primary at VA. Ortho referral. Saw ortho same week at VA hospital. Note from both unable to work and pain meds prescribed, MRA ordered. First MRA available September 11. Sent paperwork to Regional office with both letters from doctors that couldn't work asking for a temp upgrade. HAH ! MRA switched to fee based and done August 21 - labrum tear. Then we wait. Can't get ahold of primary. VA refuses to pay until day surgery is done. No workman's comp because VA s/c. Finally talks to primary to get release to return to work because falling through cracks. Primary refused to release to work. Loses job, insurance, benefits. Finds new job. Goes back to work. Still no appointment given from VA. Finally, November 12 sees ortho for five minutes to be given a referal to yet another ortho department further away because this VA hospital can't do this surgery. More waiting. Called yesterday to be told by primary that the consult was rejected and that he should be put on anti inflamitories. Now, he has been for 6 months. He has returned to work since the VA can't take care of the mess it created and we have 5 kids. Don't know how much damage he has done to it further his only light at the end of the tunnel was that this surgery would make the pain stop. For six months, I have been watching him live with unbearable pain and popping narcs like they are candy and everyone passing the buck.
We have contacted 2 Senators offices one that is a presidential nominee candidate. Gotten no where. Talked to SO. gotten nowhere. Talked to regional office, patient advocates, head of hospital...nowhere.
This seemed real simple to me. You put someone out of work - you put them at 100%. They need surgery to put them back off of 100% - you do the surgery. You don't keep prescribing them narcs and have them lifting patients an average of 45 or more people a week. My husband loves his job and just wants to be able to do it.
Thank you,
Andrea
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Top Posters For This Question
7
3
2
2
Popular Days
Dec 4
8
Dec 5
7
Dec 6
3
Top Posters For This Question
catt02189 7 posts
Berta 3 posts
john999 2 posts
william n 2 posts
Popular Days
Dec 4 2007
8 posts
Dec 5 2007
7 posts
Dec 6 2007
3 posts
17 answers to this question
Recommended Posts