hypertension For Berta And Others...request For Increase And Iu And Imo

[joeserp]

Sorry this is so long..Wanted to try to give a complete picture.

Currently 60% combined. 30% for Colitis and six 10% for Tinnitus, scarring of face, hypertension, Laceration of right wrist, left and right carpal tunnel.

Have applied for increase and IU, reporting my Colitis has got worse, to include feelings of depression and fecal incontinence. Sent the VA copies of my Medical Records for the past year from the GI doctor.

Received a letter back from VA asking me to send them a signed VCAA document, signed VA forms allowing them to contact my doctor’s and supporting documents saying the fecal incontinence and depression are related to my service connected disability.

Spoke to my GI doctor (non VA), tried to explain the importance of using key words such as, “More likely than, or At least as Likely”. Was advised he does not like to do letters like this as he is there to treat and cure, or something like that.

Well, he did give me a letter that says, I have Ulcerative Colitis that is poorly controlled, That I am scheduled to begin treatment with biologic in hopes that my colitis can be brought under better control. He said, my fecal incontinence appears to be related to my diarrhea and specifically to my left-sided colitis disease. Adding, this patient has a Chronic Condition that will require ongoing treatment.

I also saw a VA Psychiatrist – First Visit. He said

Axis I: Major Depressive Disorder, single episode, mild to moderate, likely related to

his Ulcerated Colitis.

Axis II: Deferred

Axis III: Ulcerated Colitis, hypertension, hyperglycemia

Axis IV: Moderate to severe

Axis V: GAF 60

I have not worked for almost 5 years so no letters from previous employers.

I have three C&P’s scheduled. So far have found out 1 of them are for Psych, other is for Hearing, don’t know what the other one is for.

Now for the IMO

I am in the process of getting an IMO.

In the past when I submitted a claim, all or part was denied and when I submitted a NOD, I had better luck. I also hear this happens often.

QUESTION:

If the IMO is good, should I submit it now, or should I hold on to it and wait to see what the results are and if needed submit it with the NOD?

Thanks

Joe

[Berta]

John stated the true nitty gritty of the claims process.

"Im lost on how the VA determines these things."

They must adhere to the Schedule of Ratings- it is link at right hand side of the main forum page.

The best any vet can do is assess all medical evidence they have to fit it into the highest potential rating in the schedule.

Have you received the IMO yet?

[Hoppy]

Spoke to my GI doctor (non VA), tried to explain the importance of using key words such as, “More likely than, or At least as Likely”. Was advised he does not like to do letters like this as he is there to treat and cure, or something like that.

I am not sure what the issue was when you spoke to the GI doctor. However if it was about the depression it does not matter.

The fact that he GI doc balked on a full statement is not that detremental. The psychiatrist said "likely". I have seen numerous BVA cases where they interpret this the same as 'as likely as not" and apply the benefit of the doubt rule. The bottom line is whether or not the C&P examiner gets advisarial and if the C&P examiners comes up with some supporting logic to rebut the VA treating psychiatrist.