hypertension 14 Years For The Correct Diagnosis

[racemech]

I was discharged (EOC) from the USMC in 1995. I was told then that I could not re-enlist because I had lost a kidney in 1994. My MOS was 7320, KC-130 Loadmaster/IRO. Needless to say the clipped my wings right after the surgery in '94. I had a normal (EOC) discharge, no medical reasoning what so ever. Unfortunately, I didn't know any better. I navigated the VA process on my own receiving 30% for a right nephrectomy and 10% for ulcers.

I have been to the VA in 1995, 2001, and 2008 for the same consistent problems: severe cramping, nausea, diarrhea, weight fluctuations, just to name a few. The VA consistently told me there was nothing wrong. Finally, two months ago, after seeing my personal physician and the local civilian hospital complete with CT scans, the VA has found that my original surgical insicion has herniated, causing an incarcerated colon.

Thankfully, I will be having surgery next week at the VAMC Asheville to hopefully correct this. The VA doctor's prognosis is that the location of the hernia (right flank) is difficult to repair and even more difficult to keep repaired.

I was originally diagnosed, but not treated for hypertension while I was in the service. Over the years, every doctor that I have seen has commented on my elevated blood pressure, but never treated it as hypertension. Yet again, two months ago, my new VA primary care physician noticed it and has started me on meds for hypertension. This doc is great!!! I am truly impressed, and thankful.

My questions are:

1. Should I have been medically retired?

2. Can I claim the hypertension for retro?

3. What other things should I be aware of?

4. This most recent condition has already taken me out of my current profession as a forklift technician. Lost time, pay...

Thanks for any responses in advance. I will try to provide more details as needed.

[Pete53]

Glad that you are happy with the care you got. Keep plugging and don't give up.

[cowgirl]

Race,

Glad to hear all went well for you. Did you get 100% sc while you were in the hospital? Hope you get a gun-ho Vso, you sure deserve help for what you have been through.

Take care, get your Cfile (or have you?).

Cg'up2009

[deltaj]

I was discharged (EOC) from the USMC in 1995. I was told then that I could not re-enlist because I had lost a kidney in 1994. My MOS was 7320, KC-130 Loadmaster/IRO. Needless to say the clipped my wings right after the surgery in '94. I had a normal (EOC) discharge, no medical reasoning what so ever. Unfortunately, I didn't know any better. I navigated the VA process on my own receiving 30% for a right nephrectomy and 10% for ulcers.

I have been to the VA in 1995, 2001, and 2008 for the same consistent problems: severe cramping, nausea, diarrhea, weight fluctuations, just to name a few. The VA consistently told me there was nothing wrong. Finally, two months ago, after seeing my personal physician and the local civilian hospital complete with CT scans, the VA has found that my original surgical insicion has herniated, causing an incarcerated colon.

Thankfully, I will be having surgery next week at the VAMC Asheville to hopefully correct this. The VA doctor's prognosis is that the location of the hernia (right flank) is difficult to repair and even more difficult to keep repaired.

I was originally diagnosed, but not treated for hypertension while I was in the service. Over the years, every doctor that I have seen has commented on my elevated blood pressure, but never treated it as hypertension. Yet again, two months ago, my new VA primary care physician noticed it and has started me on meds for hypertension. This doc is great!!! I am truly impressed, and thankful.

My questions are:

1. Should I have been medically retired?

2. Can I claim the hypertension for retro?

3. What other things should I be aware of?

4. This most recent condition has already taken me out of my current profession as a forklift technician. Lost time, pay...

Thanks for any responses in advance. I will try to provide more details as needed.

You can file a claim seeking service connection for conditions secondary to your service connected. An example would be seeking service connection for the incarcerated colon secondary to the surgical incision from your service connected condition.

Edited February 7, 2009 by deltaj