How Do I Initiate A Claim

[bbknor]

I have been seeing the Doc's at Va for 7 years concerning PN in my right leg. I have been placed in a brace do to foot drop caused by the PN. The gal in the clinic says I m SC for the brace. I don't know how that could have happened. I m 0% SC for hearing loss and 0% SC for Cystitis. I know have PN in my left elbow along with 5 otheir issues as I recieved a call today from my physiatrist.

Where should I start and what should I collect to show a service connection.

Thanks for any advice

[simple fly]

go see your service officer in the va center you are being treated in or in your hometown.dav,american legion, vfw etc. request your smr's ,servive medical records,and your cfile at the va. study every square inch and discuss them with your service officer as they will become your poa or agent.

Edited February 28, 2009 by simple fly

[jbasser]

I would go ahead and file the claim under the VA web site. it is faster and y6ou dont have to depend on a VSO at the start.

While the claim is brewing, I would gather the evidence yourself, get copies and send them to the RO.

Then would I select a VSO and hand them everything as a copy.I would write a statement that you reserve the right to make final all decisions from your end of the deal. This makes them accountable to you if they make a bad decision, Which I am afraid to say Happens A lot and the vet gets the shaft.

J

[Ricky]

bbknor - sorry about the PN. However, prior to filing your claim you must determine how the PN came about. It is most common in people who have DM.

I do not see anything in your post that indicates you have any service connected issue which would allow service connection of the PN. So that is going to be your first step - speak with your doc and determine what is causing the PN.

To simply file a claim just to see is hard both on you and the system. I am not trying to discourage you but one must be realistic and be able to provide a clear cut connection between the PN an one's military service.

If you are unable to do this then your efforts will simply be a waste of time.

Some things to consider (if a nexus to your service can be established) are: Diabetes Mellitus, Shingles ,Vitamin deficiency, particularly B12 and folate, Autoimmune diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or Guillain-Barre syndrome, AIDS, whether from the disease or its treatment, syphilis, and kidney failure, Inherited disorders, such as amyloid polyneuropathy or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Exposure to toxins, such as heavy metals, gold compounds, lead, arsenic, mercury, and organophosphate pesticides, Cancer therapy drugs such as vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar), and other medications [for example antibiotics such as metronidazole (Flagyl), and isoniazid (Nydrazid, Laniazid)]

At any rate your first step should be discuss the issue with your treating PCP.

[Pete53]

Because it takes the VA such a long time might as well file the claim. This will also protect your effective date. Its as easy as writing a letter to VARO informing them that you have a claim. If you have not reviewed your service records you need to get a copy.

Start gathering medical evidence to support your claim. Like Ricky said you need to be able to demonstrate that PN is a result of your service or secondary to an existing service condition. The only other way is via an 1151 claim that you can show an injury caused by VA treatment causes you a ratable service connected disability.

Good Luck

[Berta]

I posted two BVA PN awards here the other day.

These guys are correct.

It will take medical evidence to link this to your service.

Although PN is on the AO list-I have only found one case whereby the vet got PN AO award without having DMII.

You mentioned a psychiatrist-

have you formally claimed PTSD or any other mental disability as due to your service?

[bbknor]

Berta thats doc is a physiatrist at the physical therapy clinic. I m a Gulf War vet and was wondering if the nexus could be based upon my service in Iraq. I have also been diagnosed with CRPS 2 (casualgia). I also have been diagnosed with pre-diabetis.