Help Understanding

[LOA]

Good day, First thank you all for all the information it has been very helpful and has easied my anxiety.

I am retiring from the military and my C&P is coming up. The VA rep who set it up told me I could not claim my breast reduction only the scars. I have several issues I will be claiming and have looked in CFR 38 and breast reductions is covered.

I had the surgery after a car accident that injuried my back. For years a doctor told me I would benefit from the reduction but I would not do it. (all documented). After my car accident again a doctor recommended it to relieve the pain and pressure on my back. (noted in around about way in my record). This was after several other medical optioned failed. So I had the surgery. This was a significant reduction with scars from one side to the other. I ended up have a artificial disk replacement for my back.

My question is why is this not claimable and does anyone have any recommendations. I will be claiming several other problems including CFS, Fibomyalgia, hypersomnelence and IBS. thank you for any help or advice you may give me

[carlie]

LOA,

Here's a bit more research info for you.

Hope this helps a vet,

carlie

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/disexm50.htm

Disability Examination Worksheets

Scars Examination

<H3 align=center>Scars</H3>

Name: SSN:Date of Exam: C-number:Place of Exam:

A. Review of Medical Records:

B. Medical History (Subjective Complaints):

1. Type of injury or infection causing the wound or scar, its date.
   
   
2. Current symptoms.
   
   

C. Physical Examination (Objective Findings):

For every scar to be examined, address EACH of the following and

fully describe the current findings. Note that, in addition

to measuring the scar itself, measurements of areas with certain

abnormal characteristics must also be provided. All measurements

should be reported in inches or centimeters.

1. Describe precise location of each scar. Draw diagram if
   
   
   necessary.
   
   
2. Give MEASUREMENT of length and width (at its widest part) of
   
   
   each scar.
   
   
3. Is there pain in the scar on examination?
   
   
4. Is there adherence to underlying tissue?
   
   
5. Texture of skin. If irregular, atrophic, shiny, scaly, etc.,
   
   
   give MEASUREMENT of length and width of area so affected.
   
   
6. Is the scar unstable, meaning is there frequent loss of
   
   
   covering of skin over the scar, such as from ulceration or
   
   
   breakdown of skin?
   
   
7. Is there elevation or depression of the surface contour
   
   
   of the scar on palpation?
   
   
8. Is the scar superficial (meaning there is no underlying
   
   
   soft tissue damage)?
   
   
9. Is the scar deep (meaning there is underlying soft tissue
   
   
   loss or damage)? If yes, give MEASUREMENT of length and
   
   
   width of underlying soft tissue damage.
   
   
10. Describe any inflammation, edema, or keloid formation.
    
    
11. Describe color of scar compared to normal areas of skin
    
    
    (give MEASUREMENT of length and width of any hypopigmentation
    
    
    or hyperpigmentation).
    
    
12. For face, discuss whether there is gross distortion or
    
    
    asymmetry of any feature or set of paired features (nose,
    
    
    chin, forehead, eyes (including eyelids), ears (auricles),
    
    
    cheeks, lips).
    
    
13. Is there an area of induration and inflexibility of skin in
    
    
    the area of the scar? If so, give MEASUREMENT of length
    
    
    and width of area of induration.
    
    
14. Describe any limitation of motion or other limitation of
    
    
    function caused by a scar.
    
    
15. With disfigurement or disfiguring scar of head, face, or
    
    
    neck, submit COLOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
    
    

D. Diagnostic and Clinical Tests:

Include results of all diagnostic and clinical tests conducted

in the examination report.

E. Diagnosis:

Signature: Date:

[cowgirl]

Hello Loa, welcome to Hadit, this is a great place to ask questions and share concerns. Thanks to Hadit, I was able to get my increase for mdd and other issues. Although retired over 10 years, its been a battle to say the least. I saw all the excellent advice you have been given here and wandered onto the next post only to discover it also discussed the Importance of a C&P visit. Please do read sixthsensth post on the topic "I made a mistake...".

I tell whoever and all that I was complacent and had a insulting C&P, I was nice and cooperative, thinking that the doctor was there to help; I HAD NO CLUE. Once I got the report a few years later when I understood that I could not only ask for it, I had a 'right' to have copy, I was shocked. The doctor recorded this and that, many, uh falsehoods. Me, I marched along, thinking all for not. Felt so slam dunked, I didnt appeal or try to figure it out thinking I was sunk.

I have replayed my visit more times than I can count. If I could redo it, I would in a heartbeat. Answer clear and no more, minimize small talk, say 'ouch' or 'no' when I didnt like something, with no fear of recourse from the CC. I am thankful there are C&P Exam sheets here that can 'prepare' one specifically for the type of exam and what to expect. Took along a copy on a leg C&P not too long ago, funniest thing, the doc used it as a guide too! It worked, also I had prepared my SMR history for my personal notes, and sure enough, I gave him that too! Got the rating! whee.

Best of luck to ya and if this car accident has caused anything else along the lines of 'recurring dreams' or 'sleeplessness' etc, be sure to claim that also. Took me long time to accept my depression, but its getting clearer now and I have help recognizing it. I put in for depression, after studying how to get it together here. Sure enough, it worked, I get care and compensation for my MDD, with some good counseling. God Bless and thank you for your service.cg

Edited December 12, 2007 by cowgirl

[LOA]

I have filed the Va 21-526, and claimed 18 aliements, including the breast reduction. My medical documents have already been transferred from the military to the VA and I have several copies already. In it the military doctor doing my breast reduction said soldier wishes a reduction due to chronic back pain resulting from a MVA. My scars are numb and tingling with nerve damage. I do have mild depression as a result of my medical conditions (lack of energy and ability to so things). It is listed in my medical records as a secondary issue to CFS and fibromyalgia. I am slightly worried about the phsy. eval as I too have denied the issues for years.

I appreciate all the information that you all have provide. I will definately follow your advice and thanks to you I will be prepared. Again thank you all for the service you have provided this country and the gracious time you are giving to help future vets.

[timetowinarace]

I just want to add that if you get denials for this and that, don't give up. You are doing the right thing to file and research. Many that do file a claim and get denied assume that they do not qualify for benifits for those issues and do not follow up with disagreements or appeals. (myself in the beginning)

The VA often makes mistakes (that's what I'll call them in this post) and needs corrected. It doesn't always happen, I'm not saying that. Just be aware that it can.

Thanks for your service.

Time