Old Vet - New To The Va System Needs Advise

[JHawks]

WOW, where to begin. I was discharged from the USAF in 1978 (long time ago) after a Medical Board with 6 years in-service. I was given a rate 0f 20% at that time and moved on with my life even though I didn't want to be discharged. The reason for the Medical Board was a massive fracture to my left ankle that required 2 surgeries while on active duty. Now I am 59 years old and beginning to realize I have screwed up by not pushing for a higher rate until now. I never realized there were forums like this until after I filed for an increase in May of 2009. I did receive an higher rating but I appealed it. My current combined rating is 40%. I appealed due to having a mal-union and having to wear a brace. After reading these forums I discovered that 40% is the highest rating allowed for an ankle. So, my appeal is obviously a waste of time for me and the VA. Now to my situation..... Like I said above, I didn't know about these forums. I have learned so much from everyone. I didn't know about secondary claims at all. Due to my ankle and wearing a brace (instead of having a bone fusion) my knees hurt all the time and my right ankle is also in pain as well as the right achilies (sp) tendon from shifting my wight. I have also gained a whole bunch of weight since my physical activities are severely limited and I get little to no exercise. With that comes sleep apnea and the need for me to use a machine to breath while sleeping. Would someone please take the time to give me some guidance and what I should do? I don't want the VA to think I am trying to "milk the cow" with trying to claim all this at one time. Am I crazy to think they would consider these issues in my health as secondary? I would just like an honest opinion. I am new to all of this. Thanks

[poolguy11550]

Two words- calorie restriction.

[JHawks]

.

Some of the worst offending medications for weight gain are anti-depressants and steroids.

I am on steroids prescribed by the VA podiatrist to reduce swelling in my ankle. I take 4 a day. I am also on anti-depressants as well, but a very low dose.

[john999]

Jhawks

The steroids may be the problem. They also may cause mood swings. They will increase your hunger.

[poolguy11550]

Jhawks

The steroids may be the problem. They also may cause mood swings. They will increase your hunger.

Gabapentin is known to cause weight gain.

[broncovet]

The issue here is not what I think, or what your neighbor thinks, or what Lassie thinks. If your doctor says in your medical report, something close to, "Veteran's weight gain, and thus OSA, are at least as likely as not caused by steroids taken for SC foot issue in the military" you should be in, even tho the RO may not like it. I recommend "backing up" what the doc said with evidence from the steroid drug makers website which says that a side effect of this medication is weight gain. JMHO.

Yes, I will agree that it would be easier to ask the doc to give you the keys for his Mercedes for a demolition derby, but an IME should suffice.

[JHawks]

Thanks for all the advise. I will talk to my lung Dr. on my next visit. If she will write a letter and tie all this together I will go ahead and put in a claim.