Help W/misc. Questions

[gineric12]

I was wondering if someone has any helpful info on the following topics:

First, I am being considered for a med. board and medical retirement/seperation and I was wondering if anyone knew if it was helpful or even possible to provide the military doctor with supporting documentation from civilian doctors that could possibly help my case and get me a larger percentage. Specifically, my surgeon who is going to start the process is an ortho guy who will speak to the strutural issues (following 2 back surgeries), but I have a civilian neurosurgeon who has documented permanent nerve damaage in one of my legs. I want to ensure this gets looked at by the decision makers who will determine how much disability I receive, but don't know how this works.

Secondly, on a more selfish note, I attend physical therapy (hydrotherapy) at a civilian clinic in a warm water pool. I have heard that if I could get the doctor to sign off on it (which wouldn't be a problem), I could get the gov't. (VA or Tricare) to pay for me to have a hot tub installed in my permanent residence. It seems like it would be advantageous to the gov't. considering I just received a statement which reads that they are paying $233.44 per session for me to go. I get my sessions approved in blocks of 12, and have been going for a long time, so the hot tub would have already been paid for probably several times over.

Does anyone know what the process is or have a similar experience that might help?

[olenavygoat]

You make darn sure that a n y problems you have are documented well in your service and civilian medical records. And yes, it will help tremendously. As far as the hot spa for the home, even though it sounds like it makes sense it doesn't mean they'll do it, yah know?!))). I know someone who has very similar issues and knows about all of the ins and outs. If you will, e-mail me at ole_navy_goat@yahoo.com and pass on your contact info to me and I'll have him get in touch with you. Make sure you put a brief in the body so I remember what we're working on. VA meds kinda helps, but not enough for me to stay focused!

[olenavygoat]

I forgot the most important part; make darn good and sure you make a copy of all your service medical record and keep a notebook on civilian treatments so you can reference them when dealing with the VA raters.