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

[harleyman]

I don't think there is an 1151 or tort claim, as the orginal diagnosis was while in serivce in IRAQ at the aid station. From what information we have from Hamslice, his post states he was examined by the VA, he has not indicated he was treated for the condition by the VA. He would have to have had treatment for the condition, and that treatment or lack thereof,would have had to have an adverse effect on the Veteran's heath. With the information we have currently, I don't see an 1151 claim/or a tort claim against VA and of course there is no such thing as a tort or 1151 claim against the military.

Hamslice, where you ever treated for the head condition other than when you were in the military. Have you receved treatment from a VAMC or VA clinic for the condition? If you have been treated by VA, have you suffered any adverse effects from the metal frament, not being properly diagnosed or identified? Has the doctor that plans on removing the fragment stated there is any permanent damage due to the fragment?

[Carl the Engineer]

Harleyman,

I was never treated for it ever. However, it has itched, and I have poked, picked at it ever since I got it. I know that I did go to sick call when it happened, was sent to the South Korean doc while in Iraq. Hard to remember if they gave me something to put on it when I left there, will have to look to see if I any thing from that.

I do know that I made a claim for it, had a C&P for it, was denied for it. I may have mentioned it to a civilian doc in between then and now. Will have to look for that also.

Pain was minimal if any. However, it did make its presence, as at least once a day I pick it, etc.

Thanks for the help.

I will get it dug out and see what they say and post the results here and then seek how to proceed with the VA..

Hamslice

[Carl the Engineer]

Ok, I stand corrected,

I was treated for it while in Iraq, from the South Korean doc CPT Kim.

Oral meds and topical, Doxycycline 100mg bid x 21 days, Tretinoin cream x 1 tube, Hydrocortizone cream x 1 tube mornings.

Seems this is the treatment for acne.

Not what I went there for.

The BN aid station note say I went there for non-healing bump above left eye.

Hamslice

[free_spirit_etc]

"Seems this is the treatment for acne.

Not what I went there for."

10 years is a long time to have the same pimple...

...Actually, even 5 years.... Your were treated in 03 and had the SAME bump in 08, and they thought it was acne?

[jbasser]

This is one of those situations where you get substandard care.

I am glad you found it. Mri machines can kill patients if they have metal inside their body, People have actually died. The metal tears the machines up too.

[Carl the Engineer]

Update,

Went to my "new" PCP with my own insurance through work, as the VA is impractical at this time even though free. Told him what the deal was with the metal fragment and the MRI. He sent me for x-rays of that and my c-spine (another issue).

X-ray tech told me she could not say she saw anything, but she did tell me "we got good pictures" when I asked if they found any metal. She emphazised "good".

Now I wait for the call from my PCP to see what he wants to do about it.

My new PCP is a PA-C and is retired AF, so he knew some of the military jargon, etc.

Hamslice