Confused

[willie 74]

Ok, so in 07 I started having back pain and finally had a MRI. Findings were herinated disk L5-S1. After several steroid injections, nothing helped. A year later my disk collasped and I decided have a disk fusion. So had the fusion and now a year later I am having pain going down my thigh to my heel. I am currently active duty and I was affraid of getting med boarded out. I have a friend who works for the VA, and so I gave her my medical records to just have someone to give me an estimate on a disability percentage just in case I get boarded out. She said it would only be around 10 percent. This was not documented, just a favor for a friend. I have not been a doc to measure my flexability which I know play's a role in all this.

Well I am still active, but now with the pain radiating down my leg: I am having issues with my bladder and I will be seeing a nueologist very soon. If I am understanding this correctly from what my doc say's this can be cuased from my surgery. I have everything documented, and even got a permanate waiver from the docter stating that I cannot take part of the sit and reach portion of the physical fitnesss test due to my loss of flexibility. I guess I am just a little confused. I mean if I get out do I go see a VA doc to measure my flexability? Is that when I claim things? I am reading everyone's post but still somewhat confused about the process. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks....

[cvsp]

You do not know. It is all up to the VA to decide.

You an see the rules that the raters use in making your decision here. That might give you a very general idea.

http://www.hadit.com/38CFR4_Schedule_for_Rating_Disabilities

[willie 74]

If you meet the criteria for a percentage you can ask for that percentage when you file you claim (ie., reguest back condition at 40%, urinary incontenince at 20%, painful scare at 10%...). When you ask like that, they have to justify not giving it to you at that rate!

And how do I know what to claim, is there a questioneer? I have and continue to keep records of everything.

[cvsp]

Firstly if you are active the VA cannot do anything for you. You need a 214 for that. If you are within 180 days of ETS then you need to find the BDD section on your post. They will allow you to file with the VA before you ETS and it is the fastest way to get though the VA.

If not 180 days out or close then I am at a lose. See if you can find a patient advocate at the hospital?

Link to BDD info:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=..._xNy7h6jKtOCplw

If you meet the criteria for a percentage you can ask for that percentage when you file you claim (ie., reguest back condition at 40%, urinary incontenince at 20%, painful scare at 10%...). When you ask like that, they have to justify not giving it to you at that rate!

Where were you 10 months ago!!!!!!!!!!!

[sharon]

And how do I know what to claim, is there a questioneer? I have and continue to keep records of everything.

If you hang around here long enough you will know. Do keep a copy of all medical records. As a conditon comes up, ask!

[Meddac]

If you meet the criteria for a percentage you can ask for that percentage when you file you claim (ie., reguest back condition at 40%, urinary incontenince at 20%, painful scare at 10%...). When you ask like that, they have to justify not giving it to you at that rate!

And when you find the right criteria, apply for it as Sharon noted. That way they will have to say that it is a partial grant of the benefits sought, and like she said, they will have to justify that decision.

[pacmanx1]

If you have a copy of your SMRs read them, in them you are diagnosed with different issues (disabilities) then go to the title 38 part 4 and find the system of your disorder and the diagnosis, example: urinary incontinence is rated as a dysfunctional condition, as Meddac said if you meet the criteria you can specifically ask for a particular rating.

§4.115a Ratings of the genitourinary system--dysfunctions.

Voiding dysfunction:

Rate particular condition as urine leakage, frequency, or obstructed voiding

Continual Urine Leakage, Post Surgical Urinary Diversion, Urinary Incontinence, or Stress Incontinence:Requiring the use of an appliance or the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed more than 4 times per day

60

Requiring the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed 2 to 4 times per day

40

Requiring the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed less than 2 times per day 20