I Don't Know If I Va Can Help Me.

[Navy Spook]

I am a resident of Nevada but am in Texas for a short period for civil court proceedings. I am rated 100% P&T without IU.

On 13 April 2010 I slipped at an odd angle and broke both bones in my left leg above the ankle. I went to Dallas VAMC, had X-rays was placed in a "splint" given a pair of crutches and told to go to an ortho clinic on Thursday 15 April. The Ortho clinic gave me a CT scan and told me to return on 23 April for surgery.

I told anyone that would listen at the VAMC that I didn't have anyone to assist me here in Texas, yet they expect me to keep my leg elevated above my heart while shopping for food, preparing food, and using the bathroom.. They gave me stern warnings not to leave bed, but when I told them I had no assistance their ears stopped working.

Issue 1) What do I need to request for assistance? who do I need to ask? Is there an expedited way to do something? I really need a wheelchair at least.

Issue 2) My leg is turning black from the bruising. It goes from my knee to the base of my big toe. (no fever, open wound or bad smell, I am pretty certain it is just a developing bruise). I am concerned that waiting from 13 APRIL until 23 APRIL for surgery that I am at risk for deep vein thrombosis or something similar. Is it usual for so many days to pass before surgery? Are there any signs I should be looking for? I've already called the VAMC and their response was that if I was concerned about it go to the VAMC and have them look at it. (of course the ortho clinic is only open two days a week ...)

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Navy Spook]

I am a resident of Nevada but am in Texas for a short period for civil court proceedings. I am rated 100% P&T without IU.

On 13 April 2010 I slipped at an odd angle and broke both bones in my left leg above the ankle. I went to Dallas VAMC, had X-rays was placed in a "splint" given a pair of crutches and told to go to an ortho clinic on Thursday 15 April. The Ortho clinic gave me a CT scan and told me to return on 23 April for surgery.

I told anyone that would listen at the VAMC that I didn't have anyone to assist me here in Texas, yet they expect me to keep my leg elevated above my heart while shopping for food, preparing food, and using the bathroom.. They gave me stern warnings not to leave bed, but when I told them I had no assistance their ears stopped working.

Issue 1) What, if anything do I request to assist me? Who do I need to ask? Is there an expedited way to do something? I really need a wheelchair at least, anything else? Is there compensation or some status I should apply for?

Issue 2) My leg is turning black from the bruising. It goes from my knee to the base of my big toe. (no fever, open wound or bad smell, I am pretty certain it is just a developing bruise). I am concerned that waiting from 13 APRIL until 23 APRIL for surgery that I am at risk for deep vein thrombosis or something similar. Is it usual for so many days to pass before surgery? Are there any signs I should be looking for? I've already called the VAMC and their response was that if I was concerned about it go to the VAMC and have them look at it. (of course the ortho clinic is only open two days a week ...)

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Berta]

Do you have Medicare?

If I were you I would see a real doctor ASAP.

Is this in any way at all related to any SC you get now regarding any leg injury or instability of leg that could have caused the problem?

[Navy Spook]

Do you have Medicare?

If I were you I would see a real doctor ASAP.

Is this in any way at all related to any SC you get now regarding any leg injury or instability of leg that could have caused the problem?

Berta,

I am 51 and have no Medicare. I am retired, but since I am outside my TriCare zone I would be responsible for 20% of the bill, which I cannot afford.

Yes, it is related to my SC, but the connection is not currently recognized by the VA. I would have to prove the connection to my SC and I'm just not up to making that battle.

I thought perhaps my 100% rating would make a temp housebound rating possible or some other benefit.

Thanks, Stephen

[Pete53]

Maybe you should talk to a VA Social Worker or a Patient Advocate. The VA sends a nurse out to check on me twice a week and also a aide to make sure I get bathed basic needs taken care of at home. Or maybe check in at the hospital they are supposed to have temporary beds if needed.

Good Luck

[LarryJ]

Get yer butt down to the Dallas VA Medical Center, and go park it in the Patient Advocate's office (1st floor, across from the out-patient pharmacy, if you have any problem tell 'em you want to speak to Mr. Streat) and make sure that they take care of your concerns (they can se that you are admitted until you are taken care of). If that doesn't work tell them you want to speak to Joe Dalpiaz. That oughta do it.

If not, contact me. Go to the DAV office (in the Medical Center) and tell them you want to speak to the Jewish War Veterans Service Officer, or e-mail me LarryJ.Payne@va.gov or pm me from here at the hadit board.

[broncovet]

It sounds like you are eligible for "Aid and Attendance" because you cant care for yourself. I am not sure, but I dont think Service Connection is an issue because you are already 100%. I am not sure you are eligible for it permanent, I suppose that depends on if you need A and A short term or long term.