Imo

[slphelan]

I am new to the forum have been denied a claim for two problems because it started on active duty and was self treated till it got worse about 2 years ago. I am looking for a physician in the Tampa Florida Area that can give an independent medical opinion for Migraines and Chronic Viral gastorenteritis which I claimed as irritable bowel syndrome. I have my service records and post service records since this began to increase in symptoms. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

[olenavygoat]

The first step would be to request a copy of your c-file (compensation & pension and VA raters notes) from your DVA Regional Office and your service medical records (if you don't have them) from St. Louis. Review all very thoroughly to see if you can find either something they missed or erroneous information. Identify each and every notation that could substantiate your claim. You may also ask your local doctor if they'd render a "independant medical opinion" (IMO) connecting your condition to the time-frame in which you served. Sometimes I've found the c & p examiner plugging in findings on topics not covered during their exam.

[Berta]

If you self medicated-do you mean there is nothing at all in your SMRs on this condition?

A good IMO doctor can support a potential nexus to your service but what documentation would they be able to base that on?

Did you get any private medical trreatment right after service for this?

Can anyone in your unit provide a buddy statement to verify that you had these problems?

This might be a very hard road to climb-without some sort of nexus to your service-

then again- what do you get the 10% for and is it at all possible that these could be secondary to the 10% disability- or even caused by the meds you take for the 10%?

[slphelan]

Berta I am was treated for headaches and Viral gastroenteritis (with hospitalization for the VGE) that is documented in my SMR.

I have been treating myself with herbal supplements and OTC medications since I was on active duty,. Last year my headaches started to not respond to my current OTC's herbal treatments and I started to seek medical treatment for it. My irritable bowel syndrome was also treated with OTC preparations and herbals. This is an always has been responsive to those medications. I found out through a PVA represenative that this could be related to my service. He advised me to file a claim to the VA for all things thjat happened to me on active duty. Until he discussed this with me I was under the impression that If you had been injured orhad na illness that has gotten worse that you only have to file a claim when you wanted to. I was going to wait until I retired to file a claim but my headaches became worse and he advised me that I needed to start treatment that can be followed. I avoided getting treatment on active duty as not to be labeled or treated with a psych diagnosis or psych medications or something that would change my profile status. Meaning I did not want to be labeled with anxiety, depression or any other diagnosis we also associated with migraines and IBS while on active duty.

I have recently been treated by a Neurologist at the Tampa VAMC for my headaches. The GI Department evaluated me for my IBS ordered a colonoscopy it was normal. Told me to continue treating myself with my OTC as there is nothing that will treat the IBS that is documented that will make it better than what I am doing presently.

With my SMR, Recent Neurology and GI evaluation notes I wanted to seek an independent medical opinion that can link what happened on active duty to what has become a real problem today.

So I am in Tampa Florida have been denied service connection and the things that I am reading prior to me going to a DRO hearing is that I need a good Independent Medical Opinion written to cover the time between discharge and the start of medical treatment last year.

I am looking for a physician in the Tampa Florida Area that I can have a sit down conversation with and provide my SMR, VA Claims information, recent treatment to link this to the treatment I had on active duty for these complaints.

Thanks

If you self medicated-do you mean there is nothing at all in your SMRs on this condition?

A good IMO doctor can support a potential nexus to your service but what documentation would they be able to base that on?

Did you get any private medical trreatment right after service for this?

Can anyone in your unit provide a buddy statement to verify that you had these problems?

This might be a very hard road to climb-without some sort of nexus to your service-

then again- what do you get the 10% for and is it at all possible that these could be secondary to the 10% disability- or even caused by the meds you take for the 10%?

[rdawg]

see my post in success storie titled "Dr. Bash is the man"

I had 2 treatments for intestinal problems diagnosed as "probably viral". 7 years after seperation was my first medical documentation of IBS. Dr, Bash filled the gap and got me SC'd for IBS.

It would be worth the trip to MD to see him.

[slphelan]

Thanks I have info on Dr. Bash's website but was trying to find someone local to du the IMO. If I cannot then that may be an option.

Thanks

see my post in success storie titled "Dr. Bash is the man"

I had 2 treatments for intestinal problems diagnosed as "probably viral". 7 years after seperation was my first medical documentation of IBS. Dr, Bash filled the gap and got me SC'd for IBS.

It would be worth the trip to MD to see him.