Struggling To Establish Medical Issues To Be "military Related"

[nlkojak]

When I first got out of the military in 2008, I claimed four things, I was rated 0% for three of those and my neck issues were deemed unrelated because my condition was considered to be in "remission." The first time my neck really bothered me was in 2006, but I wasn't able to get much treatment because literally the NEXT DAY I left for a deployment to Iraq.

I just sucked it up and figured if I couldn't handle my flare-ups I would try again. So I slept on rolled up towels and heating pads were my best friends. I have been in constant pain since May, to a point where I am barely functioning most days and can barely pick up my two year old. I went to a walk in clinic several times, where they just tried to drug me, then they gave me some x-rays and I went to the chiropractor for about a month and a half. Then I gave up in hopes to get VA medical care. I have civilian insurance and I shoveled out more than $2,000 in two months with no difference.

I am now enrolled in VA medical, but right now it will only cover me until my five years is up. I would like the military to take accountability for my neck issues or fix me!

I refiled a claim. It is considered to be a new claim because I did not appeal the original claim. I received a letter today saying that I have to establish that these issues are military related. If the original claim was refused because I was considered to be in remission, wouldn't it make sense that it is still related when I am no longer in remission?

The issue I am having is because I didn't seek out constant medical care. Who does? It's expensive! I am having close relatives to write witness statements as well as my chiropractor. I will write a statement as well. I also have my first appointment with the VA doc in town on the 8th.

I would love suggestions. I am very very close to giving up here and am planning of figuring out how to get a neck transplant. ;)

[nlkojak]

******** Update **********

I am happy to announce that I was awarded 10% for my neck. My question now is whether I should try to appeal to get a higher rating, or just keep turning in medical documentation in hope that they change up it themselves.

If I appeal can the VA take my 10% rating away. I am terribly paranoid and I don't want to lose my ten percent because I will now have medical care at the very least.

[john999]

The VA is not going to change your rating unless you appeal or wait and reopen with new evidence 5 years from now. I would appeal and get new evidence while you are on appeal if you think you should get more than 10%. My latest orthopedist thought my shoulder pain was referred pain from my herniated disc in my neck. My neck does not hurt at all. I went for years with doctors just telling me they did not know what was wrong with me. Now they want to operate on my cervical spine. Somehow I don't trust them.