C & P For Osteoarthritis

[Old 5311]

Upcoming C&P for OA with bone necrosis resulting from many years of spec/ops. Many doctors, both private and two VA docs have diagnosed my condition and determined it to be service connected. Claim Denied because symptoms started soon after discharge. RO commented that doctors provided no rationale and that the diagnosis was speculation. In my occupation we were advised of probable early onset of arthritis. Young people don't heed these warnings. An appeal with docket is in place, now I'm notified of a short notice C&P. Anyone have a hunch what is going on?? My activities are very limited due to pain and I'm on a special accomodation with my employer. Very thankful to be able to drive but cannot keep working much longer.

[Guest Berta]

"Claim Denied because symptoms started soon after discharge. RO commented that doctors provided no rationale and that the diagnosis was speculation. In my occupation we were advised of probable early onset of arthritis."

Did you file this claim within one year of discharge?

What was the RO doctor's rationale ? it is most likely THEIR opinion was based on speculation-

I have been seeing too much of this lately in claims-

they attempt to disallow an independent doctor's opinion due to a lack of rationale-

Dr. Bash sent me -and I sent this to VA too- his 10 pages Curriculum Vitae-with his IMO-

it clearly supports his 'rationale' was based on his expertise-

IMO docs have to clearly state to VA what background they have that supports their ability to opine.

If they gave lectures in the particular field or wrote any treatises or articles in medical magazines or simply can state- I have treated patients with this type of diability for 20 years-

or In my practice I have treated at least 100 patients in the last six years that present the same disability picture and feel that I can fully opine with confidence on this veteran's disabling status, which is most likely due to service as there is no other known etiology or occupational reason for his condition.

stuff like that-

By the way what occupation did you mean -the inservice one?

was this statement in a safety or training manual that the mil gave you?

PS Old 5311- by all means make sure they know of the pain you deal with and also about that accomodation from the employer-

that will help set up TDIU if you find you-at some point- can no longer work-

would your IMO docs be willing to knock down the VA quack stuff in a further IMO?

Edited January 5, 2006 by Berta

[Old 5311]

Thanks for the good information. The onset of pain occured 4 years after discharge with no family history of arthritis. It is directly related to my USN occupation (NEC) code: 5342/5311 and is recognized by both navy and civilian orthepedic doctors as a result of hard tissue decompression following deep dives. I filed several years after discharge so this will no doubt be tough to win. The RO has an extrodinary amount of documentation regarding my condition, ie, private drs and even a VA dr's diagnosis of "degenerative bone disease". Also recent private and VA Orth. exams concur with all the previous opinions. These opinions now define the disease as bone necrosis in the long bone joints. This is a known condition resulting from extensive deep sea diving. Joint replacement is the only cure. I will take your advice and be prepared to appeal if necessary. Thanks for your incouraging reply.

Best Regards

[Guest Berta]

Old 5311- you might have to support the nexus strongly by telling them (with any internet print outs you can find) as to how diving can affect an individual-

and definitely make sure they comprehend your MOS

I say spell it out like they are ten years old-

Have any of your medical reports associated the condition with your diving in the mil?

Did you ever have decompression illness or the bends- this is a good article from Merck on some residuals of diving problems:

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec24/ch295/ch295c.html

The Unites States Navy Divers Manual- they have it reduced at amazon for about 17 bucks (from over $100)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157980465...glance&n=283155

It could provide a very good reference as to how this condition can occur.

Also this site:

might be something here to help you-

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/...sp?articleid=43

[Old 5311]

Thanks again. I'll take a lot of data with me.

Yes, several if not all dr's reports relate the condition to mil.

[WeAre#1]

Old 5311- you might have to support the nexus strongly by telling them (with any internet print outs you can find) as to how diving can affect an individual-

and definitely make sure they comprehend your MOS

I say spell it out like they are ten years old-

Have any of your medical reports associated the condition with your diving in the mil?

Did you ever have decompression illness or the bends- this is a good article from Merck on some residuals of diving problems:

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec24/ch295/ch295c.html

The Unites States Navy Divers Manual- they have it reduced at amazon for about 17 bucks (from over $100)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157980465...glance&n=283155

It could provide a very good reference as to how this condition can occur.

Also this site:

might be something here to help you-

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/...sp?articleid=43

you can download the following for free:

Diving Program Manuals: @http://www.supsalv.org/00c3_publications.a...00c3&pageId=3.9

[Old 5311]

I went to my scheduled C&Pand waited 4 hours w/o seeing a doctor. Whatsup?