C&p

[david walker]

Hello all,

I am currently rated at 20% for DDD cervical spine. I filed a request to reconsider and added more claims:

Chronic pain, migraines, anxiety/panic disorder, gastriontestinal problems, radiculopahy (both arms), tendonitis (elbow & shoulder), post traumatic arthritis (wrist), lumbar/thoracic back pain, arthritis of cervical spine & neck scar. All have been documented and linked together. I received a letter stating I have 3 C&P's scheduled next month. I know one is for the anxiety/panic disorder, but I'm clueless for the other 2. I called and they refused to discuss it on the phone. Whats the big deal??? Does anyone have an idea what exams they may be going to use? You help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Den]

At the VAMC that i go to you can use the phone number that you use for calling in prescriptions to find out about up coming appointments.

Den

[john999]

Frosty

You might try for housebound SMC since you are 100% and have agoraphobia. It worked for a friend of mine.

[Guest jstacy]

David you mentioned degenerative Disk Disease? That goes hand in hand with Degenerative Joint disease. The VA most likely will not separate the ratings percentages. They will give you a full range of motion test at the C and P. As far as the radiculpathy to both extremities, That should be secondary to DDD. As far as the Migraines, They will ask severity and how many you are having each month as well as a description of a typical Migraine. Then they will do a neurological exam. http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm

Go to that Link and look up the exams your going to have and use this as a guide.

[david walker]

David you mentioned degenerative Disk Disease? That goes hand in hand with Degenerative Joint disease. The VA most likely will not separate the ratings percentages. They will give you a full range of motion test at the C and P. As far as the radiculpathy to both extremities, That should be secondary to DDD. As far as the Migraines, They will ask severity and how many you are having each month as well as a description of a typical Migraine. Then they will do a neurological exam. http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm

Go to that Link and look up the exams your going to have and use this as a guide.

Any idea what the neurological exam will be? I claimed arthritis of the c-spine is that the same as DJD?

[david walker]

Guys I just need a little support. My exams are in a few days, I'm nervous, my mind is gone from all the stress and medications. I wrote down alot of stuff i want to say but I'll never remember it. I live in pain every day and I'm worried about the effects on my four year old son. I gotta keep going for him.

Thanks for listening

[Guest Berta]

David- I think someone posted the C & P link you need-

that can be a big help as to what you can expect-

and there is nothing wrong with writing down and bringing what you want to mention to the doctor- their time is so limited at these C & Ps- but you might get a doctor who would hear you out on at least a few things-also Alex pointed out this AM that pain is a factor- and they have to consider that-

Sometimes they even let a wife or significant other attend the C & P- just to have someone with you-and even if they have to wait outside -that can still be a help-

It is the fear of the unknown and nothing at this C & P will be horrible-

If I were you I would plan to get a nice meal or a few good videos for after the C & P-

focus on that - some treat for yourself just for going through the C & P-it will be over sooner than you think-

and there are vets here who had the same C & P- hope they chip in---

PS -here is the basic neuro exam: it is nothing at all to worry about.

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/disexm40.htm

My husband had a Neuro C & P a few months after a major stroke-the Neurologist let me 'attend' it because it was done in a hallway between two doctors offices-

"stand up, stand on one foot, walk a few steps-Mr. Simmons -I declare you Permanently & Totally disabled by the stroke" that was it .

You cannot imagine how apprehensive my husband had been -for weeks-over this Neuro exam.