Terrible News Posted On E-Benifits

[COOL BREEZE]

I just checked my e-benefits and noticed some disturbing information. I submitted through the DAV at my local VA hospital for a temporary 100% for convalescent. (JULY 17,2013) I provided all information, date of surgery, discharge summary and paper work showing how long I would be out for convalescent.

I also faxed in 1 month ago paper work that showed this was going to be extended for 2 months. E-benefits shows this claim was closed due to lack of paperwork submitted by date indicated. What the heck!

It now says it is in the rating phrase so they can do a quick denial so they can chalk this up as another claim processed. So-I am going to have wait another 5 years. I submitted this as a fast track claim also. The DAV rep was clueless how to do this. He told me to wait and submit this in another 6 months. Also, he is very seldom there either.

I submitted an IRIS, however I never received a response from the last one submitted 1 month ago. And they reopened a claim which has been noted as P &T for my heart which is currently 60% for an increase. I never asked to do this. They could do another one and down grade me if they show it has changed for the better. No one in there right mind would open this up again unless you had a triple heart attack, and the test was clearly show this which it wouldn't happen. I asked in the iris to close this asap. Any ideas.

[jbasser]

The rating criteria for your cervical strain should be updated to be rated as Spinal Fusion based on the fact that you had fusion. A process where a bone is placed between two vertabrate. This fusion process is actually arthritis working for you because the bone fuses to the other bone over a period of time. The rating criteria for IVDS or Strain is different as it requires periods of bed rest or incapitating episodes over a period of time to get a higher rating.

Under fusion the criteria is based on range of motion. Then the effected nerve groups are to be rated on a separate basis according to the neurological ratings in the code. For example the higher the neck issue, say C3 it could effect your ability to breath. C2 effects your heartbeat. C4 to C7 efffects the hands, arms and ECT. That is radiculopathy. Common terms like Carpal Tunnel come into play and EMG tests may be needed.

J

[COOL BREEZE]

I'll guess I wait and see what the award letter says. THey did a range of motion test 2 years ago, however it was done only twice not 3 times. If it was rated correctly, I would have received 40% not 0%. I will contact you after I receive a rating on this as it is on appeal, there is an CUE filed on it, and a increase filed on it as well. I did the first 2, the VA just added the last. The medical report says I had a fusion-lets see what they have to say! Thanks.

[71M10]

How long have you had the 60% rating on the Heart? It is very possible they are wanting a re-exam as part of a 5 year review. They really want to look at that ejection fraction again since it is right on the bubble. If the heart condition is not part of any current appeal they probably can get away with doing the re-exam.

Best regards,

[COOL BREEZE]

3 years. I requested them to delete this request as a rater was going through my file and added 5 new claims to be decided next year. It does say P & T. I thing they saw enlarged heart somewhere and put this in as an increase. I told the 800# I didn't qualify for that and I wanted that removed. Request was submitted.

[infantry10]

Good luck to you! I hope everything works out in your favor!

[COOL BREEZE]

As I am over 55, I thought the age was on the list they are not supposed to reevaulate. Like, the 5,10, 20 years. Age is also listed.