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Doctors Report

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DblTap1

Question

My ortho doc will be writing up his final report and is asking for my input.

Facts:

Labral tear arthroscopic surgery

Psoas tendonitis/bursitis

pyriformis sydrome mimicing radiculopathy

no lower back trouble

I have received differencial injections in both the psoas and pyriformis. The psoas injection lasted about two weeks before gradually wearing off. The pyriformis injection did nothing.

I am still AD so SC should not be a problem. Any input as to the language in the report would be appreciated.

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DblTap1,

I applied for VA benefits about a year before retirement. The DAV (Disabled American Vets) held a mass briefing and had counselors on hand to go through medical records and fill out claims forms, and I took advantage.

The VA was very helpful while I was still AD - set me up with vocational rehab counselor months before I retired, etc.

Unfortunately, after retirement they were not quite so helpful.

1) Make sure you keep a copy of every medical record, lab test, x-ray etc. and also any correspondence to or from the VA. They may do a good job on your claims but they may not. If they don't, your good record keeping now could make all the difference.

2) All correspondence should be sent registered mail with return receipt! If they deny receiving something from you, it can cost you. The only way you can prove it was sent & received is with the signed & dated receipt. Keep the signed & dated receipt with the copy of what you sent and the cash register receipt from the post office receipt from when you paid to mail it.

3) Similarly, if you hand deliver anything, always have a second copy on hand and make sure they date stamp receipt on EACH PAGE of the copy you keep. They might give you dirty looks when you request this, but INSIST!

4) Buddy Statements - Statements from people who know about your injuries, how they were acquired, how long you've suffered from them, how they've affected your quality of life and ability to support yourself, etc.

No one told me how important these statements could be until I found my way to this forum. I sure wish they had. Buddy statements (and even your own statement to go along with your claim and medical records) can tip the scales in your favor. I can't tell you how many BVA decisions I've read where the statements from friends and family have made the difference between a higher or lower rating or even service connection.

I'm sure there are alot more things that it's really important for you to know that I just can't think of right off the bat. But there are also many helpful (and frankly more knowledgeable) people here at HADIT that will chime in and fill in the gaps.

best of luck

Edited by Angela
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Thanks for the info! I think I will do the same. Edwards, AFB is close by. I will try to get into their next VA briefing. Also, Sepulveda VA is equally close. I guess I will just start the process and see what happens.

I am just afraid of handing over paperwork that is not 100% perfect or is ambiguos, then having to argue the case.

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  • HadIt.com Elder

Being SC'ed my not be a problem, but the percentage will be a problem. That is what you will want to gather evidence to show that you are severely disabled, and not just 10% or something like that. When you are discharged you want to file with the VA right away and start getting your own medical opinions from specialists to bolster your rating. The VA is not giving anything away without a fight.

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Thanks for your input John. I find it hard to chase being severely disabled considering the condition of some of our vets who simply can't seem to get any help. I guess it's simply hard to factor what I should be entitled to. The condition with my hip (Psoas and Pyriformis) leaves me barely able to walk most of the time, yet I can sprint others. Of course I later pay for having ran. Then I am crabby with everyone. As far as percentage goes, I believe I should be receive at least 50% for Posterior Tibial Tendinitis (Adult acquired flat foot) which is not the most painful issue I have.

I have Dx's for some of these issues. Would it be best to file with the VA now and list all issues or just list the ones that I have all documentation for and add the others later?

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When you apply list every issue, whether you have dx yet or not. They will set you up with an exam that should address every issue you list. You could be service connected for problems that you haven't been seen for also. Too many service members grit their teeth and bear it in order to get the job done, or self medicate, etc. instead of seeing a doctor, so they end up with no record of the problem during active duty. I bought my own wraps for wrists and ankles for many years to control the pain when I'd have flair ups. It just seemed easier to take care of it myself instead of sitting in a waiting room when I already knew what they would prescribe. The result, not chronic, only transitory, so not service connected. And like I said, I didn't know of the importance of "Buddy Statements" until long after the initial denial. So now I'm in the process of getting it reopened w/buddy statements and new exams.

Apply for everything that's wrong with you.

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Just to add the VA and the Military are supposed to be giving out comparable ratings-

there have been H VAC hearings on this-

So, therefore if you are rated by the Military before discharge, this rating should definitely reflect the extent of your disability- and the VA should follow through on the rating.

For decades the mil would rate one way then VA the other-

you have no lower back problems now- but even a "0" % Mil or VA rating for this would make it easier to get the % raised if it gets worse down the road.

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