New To Board Questions

[DBK1]

Retired USA 13years ago when I did the Va exam when I first got out I got 0% for headaches. They called them common stress LOL Over the years i continued to have the headaches and several other problems that I did not realize where related to the fall that I took off a hemmett . I was knocked unconscience and rush to the feild hosp and given motrin sent back to duty. Several months later I went to the ER in such terrible pain in the head that the only way to control it was with IV meds. Follow up was once again told stress . Well this last August it all came to a head I had a major seizure and was rushed my ambulance only to find out that I had lesions and a tumor . After a week in the hospital and then put on meds for seizures I then went to the VA rep to reopen my 0% for headaches. I sent in all civ doctors papers and the MRI s. I was surprise I got a Cand P exam so soon since I have read that some people wait years to get one. The doctor had all my records and knew the dr who I have had been going to . I felt the exam went well . Allot of questions were asked and I answered the as truthful as can be. Of course I am sure that it was a bad day for me did not hurt. I was told that I had been having mini seizures for years. Then the big explosion. My last MRI showed that the tumor had gotten bigger and needed to be removed. I just had brain surgery done last week and they could not get it all . My question is how long after the exam before I hear results? If so would it be considered TBI and what percentages can I expect? At this time I have no rating at all other that 0%. I go for the regular VA appt when I get a card . Which is every six months. each time I tell them about it along with other things. Any info would help since you all have more experience with them.

Thank you Don

[carlie]

DBK1,

I do not think this would be considered or rated as a TBI .

You will need a doc to link this to active duty - some how.

This maybe a hard one.

[Philip Rogers]

Sounds like you have the hardest & worst part done . . . service-connecting it, even tho it was only 0%. Now you need to fight for a correct rating. The doc will need to state that the headaches were related to the current tumor. Can't even guess at a rating, right now. They'll probably deny or lowball ya, so plan on the chance of a long drawn out battle. You should win, so don't ever consider giving up. I had a friend give up recently, after the long process got to her. Too bad cuz she had a winner!!! When ya give up, they win!!! Good luck!

pr

[Berta]

Can you tell me the exact medical terms they are using to describe the tumor?

"that I did not realize where related to the fall that I took off a hemmet"

Is this and the ER visit documented well in your SMRs?

You need to consider the Temporary convalscent regs and file claim for that if your medical evidence warrants this benefit- but they will have to SC the tumor and removal first to include the scar

and there isnt enough info here to know yet if that is possible but I heard that the Temp convalescence claims have a time limit to be filed.

I could be wrong on any time limit- we have info here under a search on those regs.