tinnitus New To Hadit And Have Questions

[Sapper101]

Hello, I am new to this. I have been out of the Army since 95 I have been having problems with my ankle (right) from two Sprains, Back problems, and ringing in the ears, hearing loss I was 12B Combat Engineer. My problem is I think I wated to long to do anything. I have started the process to file a claim, I have had my c&p exams wating on the anwser. My ankle has pain ever since the army I have been assessed with Arthritis,DJD Ankle and Foot,Ankle Instability from my own doctor and I now were a ankle brace. The ringing I was told was Tinnitus. My back has lower scoliosis, DDD. I have my medical records from the army and they show my ankle sprains,back problems and my hearing tests H1 profile routinley exposed to Hazardous noise. My wife has been trying to get me to go to the VA for years. I guess my question is do I have chance at getting approved after wating so long and any Adivce would help. Thanks Sapper101

[Sapper101]

john999 , am I able to make appominet at the VA with out haveing a service conection yet rated. I dont even have a VA ID card I applyed and they told me the rules changed a few years agoI need to have a ratring to get one even 0%.

Edited May 20, 2012 by Sapper101

[cooter]

Do you have a service rep like DAV, VFW, American Legion to help you out? If not, it would probably be advantage for you to do so. A good veterans rep will be able to get you started on the right trail.

Coot

[Carl the Engineer]

Sapper,

Hello fellow Sapper, I was a 12B (now 21B) for 27 years.

First, get all and any medical records you have especially LOD's (Line of Duties). Take a look at them and see if any of your current ailments were caused by or could have been contributed by what happened to you in the military. This is the most important part because you need to get Service Connected for your medical issues. Once you get SC'd you can start getting help from the VA. And hopefully some compensation.

Your private medical records will not help with SC, however they will help with the level of compensation, etc.

Your big (priority) issue is SC. After that you can go to a private doctor or the VA for medical help. I have health insurance where I work and sometimes go to the local doctor, but most of the time I go to the VA for my medical issues ever since I went over 30%. The VA looks at both their records and the records from my local civilian doctor when they make my ratings.

Finally, don't think you'll hit a home run on your first go around. I went 40, 60, 70 and now at the rater for a couple of new claims and a increase. I probably could have done better up front with what I know now, but it is a learning curve that one has to experience on his own. Although you will get a bunch of help on this site.

Hamslice

[Sapper101]

I have a rep from the state at the VA hospital in St.Pete,Fl He started the paper work for me. I have had a C&P exam. The doctor At the exam said she has seen my medical records she looked at my issues and did ROM test on back and ankle. Does the doctor that does the exam states what she thinks is or is not the problem, my private doctor did test, x-rays ,etc. All that doctor did was look at my back and ankle with her eyes and hands.The only records she had was from when I was in the Army and my ETS physical. My private medical records were not even sent to the VA befor the exam. I filed 12 November 2011 and had the exam 18 December2011. I had thoes problems put on the physical papers before I got out. The doctor seemed ok and even thanked me for my service as I was leaving. Just dont know what to expect.

[john999]

Hamslice

It really is a learning curve. I started out at 10% and then 30%, 70%, TDIU, P&T and finally "S". I am not done with these lying and cheap jerks yet. The army and the VA made evidence disappear from the very beginning. I only found this out as I dug deeper on advice from other vets. Many of the older decisions both by military and VA are biased, put up jobs that should make the average felon hang his head in shame. Instead these military and VA adjudicators actually got paid and promoted on the bones and blood of their fellow vets. You ever heard of the UCMJ? It is a punch line for many jokes.

[carlie]

I have a rep from the state at the VA hospital in St.Pete,Fl He started the paper work for me. I have had a C&P exam. The doctor At the exam said she has seen my medical records she looked at my issues and did ROM test on back and ankle. Does the doctor that does the exam states what she thinks is or is not the problem, my private doctor did test, x-rays ,etc. All that doctor did was look at my back and ankle with her eyes and hands.The only records she had was from when I was in the Army and my ETS physical. My private medical records were not even sent to the VA befor the exam. I filed 12 November 2011 and had the exam 18 December2011. I had thoes problems put on the physical papers before I got out. The doctor seemed ok and even thanked me for my service as I was leaving. Just dont know what to expect.

I have a rep from the state at the VA hospital in St.Pete,Fl He started the paper work for me. I have had a C&P exam. The doctor At the exam said she has seen my medical records she looked at my issues and did ROM test on back and ankle. Does the doctor that does the exam states what she thinks is or is not the problem,

YES.

my private doctor did test, x-rays ,etc. All that doctor did was look at my back and ankle with her eyes and hands.The only records she had was from when I was in the Army and my ETS physical.

In this situation, this is all the examiner really needs.

My private medical records were not even sent to the VA befor the exam. I filed 12 November 2011 and had the exam 18 December2011.

Did you sign a ROI so VBA can obtain these "private medical records"?

OR

Did you obtain copies and submit them to your VARO?

carlie

Also, I am moving your topic to the Claims/Benefits Forum.