Metal Fragment Found During Todays Mri Scan Now What?

[Carl the Engineer]

Need suggestions on how to proceed.

Today I had a MRI scan of my head because of a sudden (although minor) hearing loss in my left ear. They are checking for a growth on any ear nerves, etc.

Before the scan, they asked me about any metal in my body and all of the usual MRI questions. I did not have any that I knew of.

So, they start the scan and then stop it and the tech comes in the room and removes me from the tunnel and says I have a small piece of metal in my fore head. I asked him if it was above my left eye and he said that it was. I pointed to a small bump on my forehead and he said, yes there.

When I was in Iraq in 03, one day, I found a very small bump on my forehead that was leaking a small amount of clear fluid. It would scab over and I would pick it and it would leak and scab over. I went to the battalion aid station, which was commanded by an E5 medic at the time, who didn't know what to do so he took me to the South Koreans who where at our base treating local nationals. The doctor there poked at my face and said it was acne or a pimple. I have all of the sick slips and medical notes, from the South Koreans as well.

When I got out in 2008, I added it to my claim as it was still leaking and scabbing, etc. At the C&P, the NP looked at it and asked if it hurt and I said no. I told her it leaks and scabs, etc... Anyway, I was denied, "Service connection for facial skin condition is denied". They talk of acne in the reasons.

So, now I know it's not acne, but a small piece of metal (definitely metal, they showed me on my MRI) in my forehead.

I plan to see a dermatologist and get it removed and the surrounding area checked out. I have insurance through my work that I met the deductable a long time ago so I have until the end of the year at no cost to me.

However, it's not urgent (been leaking and scabbing for 10 years), how should I proceed?

I was denied in 2009, but maybe for the wrong reason??

And what to do in what order?, etc...

Thanks,

Hamslice

[stillhere]

I went to VA dermatologist and had a very old mark on my face taken out left a very small scar. No big thing been there 40 years. I would call your PCP and point it out to them and get their recommendation.

Goodluck

Stillhere

[jbasser]

It is not the fact that you have a piece of metal but how and where you goit it is your issue.

If you know, then you can possibly cue the VA.

Where did it come from and were you around combat or explosions.

J

[carlie]

http://www.va.gov/vetapp10/Files6/1041217.txt

[Carl the Engineer]

It is not the fact that you have a piece of metal but how and where you goit it is your issue.

If you know, then you can possibly cue the VA.

Where did it come from and were you around combat or explosions.

J

No combat. Lots of demolition of confiscated ordanance, range firings, demo ranges, construction, and heavy equipment. We built hundreds of sea huts and constructed many miles of roads, etc., while in Iraq in 2003.

I do know I got it there and when, hence the sick call, however, not a known impact or event. But then, with all of the battle rattle we wore, you could have hit me with a baseball bat and I wouldnt have felt it. Interceptor vests, groin and neck protectors, safety glasses and goggles. Knee pads when approprate.

Anyway, I guess I will have them dig it out and see what the deal is. Just wanted to see if that was the way to go.

Hamslice

P. S. Doctor called today to say my ear thingy was negative, good news, just loosing my hearing because I'm aging. Hearing aid for my left ear in the near future. I am SC'd for hearing loss bilateral.

However, he did comment on my SC'd neck and I will be doing a followup with a nuerologist regards to that. "Probable degenerative change of the dens".

[Philip Rogers]

I don't think you get hearing aids for one ear. If you need hearing aids they come in pairs. They told me I need to wear both for them to work.

pr

[carlie]

I don't think you get hearing aids for one ear. If you need hearing aids they come in pairs. They told me I need to wear both for them to work.

pr

VAMC provides a hearing aid for my right ear only, as I have no need

for one in the left ear yet.