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pilgrim01

Question

I retired in Nov 08. I filed for disability under the "pre-discharge program" in mid-August. One of my claims is that I had a problem with "tingling/numbness" from lower back down the back of my right leg to my foot. I haven't received a decision yet, BUT I had to go back to the doctor last week because the numbness/tingling had came back again. I had an X-RAY done on my lower back. The results were as follows....

"Lumbar vertebral bodies display normal height and alignment. Disc space narrowing is moderate and in extent at L5-S1. Multilevel spondylosis is seen. The sacroiliac joints appear within normal limits. The L5 vertebral body appears partially sacralized bilaterally."

Now, the doctor schedule me for a MRI so she can see if this "problem" is pinching a nerve or something. She also put me on Celebrex and Neurontin.

Should I wait until a decision is made on my current claims and then appeal or submit now? I don't know what to do? My current claim just says "foot numbness condition" for this condition. Please help and Thanks! Below is my IRIS responses....

On Feb 3rd the IRIS response said......

=======================================

After review of your files, we see that your claim is “Ready for Decision.” Your claim is with the rating specialist at this time. Generally the rating specialist will take 60 days to reach a decision. After the decision is reached, it is reviewed, updated in our system, the updates are reviewed and authorized. Once it is authorized, a letter is sent to you explaining our decision.

===================================================

And on Feb 23rd the IRIS response said......

===================================================

This message is in response to your inquiry regarding the status of your claim. Your claim went to the Rating Board on December 4, 2008. The Rating Board will review your file and make a decision on service connection and disability percentages. We are unable to give you a timeline when they will review your file as we do not know their caseload. After a rating has been established, your file will go to the authorization department for verification and review.

Once you have been approved a rating you will be paid retroactively from the date of your claim for any benefits you may be entitled to based on your rating. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work our way through the claims processing procedures. You will receive notification via US mail once your claim has been finalized. Your notification letter will explain our decision in detail.

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Pilgrim

You are able to "pick" your Veterans Service Officer. If you were not happy with AMVets, then by all means try someone else, such as DAV. I recommend getting a NATIONAL DAV rep, as opposed to the local yokels often working for your county government.

To find your National DAV rep, try clicking the link below, then your state or area.

http://www.dav.org/veterans/NSOffices.aspx

A DAV or other Veteran Service Officer is not the answer to all your problems, but it can be a usefull tool especially if you are unfamiliar with the "VA maze" you are expected to perform flawlessly before you can expect any benefits. If you make one wrong turn in the maze, your claim can be delayed for years.

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Thanks broncovet! See, this board is great! I didn't even know it was that simple. I have never seen that website! Thanks, again! I sbumitted a request to make contact with a NSO.

Pilgrim

You are able to "pick" your Veterans Service Officer. If you were not happy with AMVets, then by all means try someone else, such as DAV. I recommend getting a NATIONAL DAV rep, as opposed to the local yokels often working for your county government.

To find your National DAV rep, try clicking the link below, then your state or area.

http://www.dav.org/veterans/NSOffices.aspx

A DAV or other Veteran Service Officer is not the answer to all your problems, but it can be a usefull tool especially if you are unfamiliar with the "VA maze" you are expected to perform flawlessly before you can expect any benefits. If you make one wrong turn in the maze, your claim can be delayed for years.

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