Erectile Dysfunction

[meghp0405]

hello all, I'm seeking some advice for a veteran that visited me today. Here is his story;

rated 100% P & T scheduler 15 years ago.

prescribed many prescriptions over the years that have a side effect of ED

has chronic low back pain. doctor prescribed fentanyl patch approx. 7 years ago. started at 25 mg, moved up to 50mg and now is at 75mg. All dealing with the chronic pain in his back.

he spoke to his va doc about 6 years ago concerning ED. Doc prescribed Viagra. vet states that by taking Viagra, it only intensified and prolonged his migraines. He is service connected 50% for migraines and stopped taking the drug. has not spoke to the doc since because "it's an uncomfortable topic with his female doc"

he wants to file a claim for SMC K, but is unsure. Only one annotation of ED in his records. He also believes that by doing so will open his claim in it's entirety. he only has 5 years to go before his current rating can never be touched again.

We use to be told during our training that when submitting a claim, it opens a claim in it's entirety. I used to believe that, but now I don't. I just don't believe that the VA has time to go through each and every claim looking at each disability. And to add, the rating decisions that I have reviewed just pertained to the disability that was requested for an increase.

I believe based upon everything he said, (which correlated) with medical records, a claim of ED would have a favorable outcome.

Any advice? Your thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated!

meg

[SonnyBurnett]

I would not file a claim. The stories are endless about the errors the VA can do. Its sad that we should fear the VA rating monster, but in reality, its a very scary (and unaccountable) monster.

[Philip Rogers]

I would definitely file the claim. As for the female doctor, tell him to "man up" it's nothing to be ashamed of. It's just nature. Must still be somewhat immature(to me). I recently asked my female dr for Viagra, no big deal. The VA can look at all his conditions and if he's a fraud, I wouldn't ask for anything, but if his conditions are real there is nothing to be afraid of. I believe anyone who'd tell him not to apply is on the VA's side. jmo

pr

[SonnyBurnett]

Ouch! I am far from being on the VA's side. I just went through a mysterious letter from VA Collections. It said since my compensation has changed, I owe them $2889. To this day, I have not gotten a response from regional as to why this debt was generated. Collections also agrees there is no letter from them as to why, only a debt, and they are to collect it. I've contacted, spoken to and written a letter and a state rep looking into it.

After the panic attacks it caused, out of no where, the exact amount gets deposited into my account. the money is going back, eventually. But I stil have no response as to why, but I was told by multiple contacts with the State rep and 1-800-never-the-same-answer, that there is no showing of my rating or any action in reducing me has taken place.

I',m just saying, sometimes you may be better off picking your battles, maybe not. But the VA operates freely to screw things up with no consequences. Flat out unmistakable errors take months if not years to get corrected.