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

[Carl the Engineer]

carlie,

I am currently at 72. 10% gets me 75 rounded up to 80. So whatever I do is worth a shot. I am currently not in a position to consider IU, so I am working on this by bits and pieces.

Also, another hadit suggested a possible CUE. Since this is your venue, whats your thoughts on that.

Thanks for everything,

Hamslice

I would NOT even consider to re-open yet, at least until you can post the reasons and basis for the

denial and perhaps hopefully the evidence section, from this denial.

To do an actual re-open would change the effective date (if awarded) to the date re-opened.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you are 70% SC'd now, so depending on many things,

even if you finally get this SC'd say at 10 percent, it might not change your combined percentage

of compensation any - but it will become part of your record.

[Carl the Engineer]

Also,

My original complaint in Iraq was a (as in single) bump above my left eye itching and leaking. The BAS nurse wrote non-healing bumps (plural) on the sick slip. The Korean doc wrote acne (probably a communication problem?). And the VA examiner wrote rash...

Hamslice

[Carl the Engineer]

john,

The nearest artillery round came about 500 meters from me. And it was after this time-frame.

We did however, build many sea huts with a lot of hammering of nails, etc., could have been there.

Just don't know for sure, but it did develop in Iraq. The bump that is..

Hamslice

Did you ever come under fire from mortars or rockets while in Iraq? That is a possible explanation for metal fragment in your head.

[free_spirit_etc]

"And the VA examiner wrote rash..."

They have such a magical way of diluting things....

[Carl the Engineer]

carlie,

I see your previous post regards CUE. Sorry for the confusion.

Hamslice

[Carl the Engineer]

Update 3,

Sent in the re-open with new evidence. My medical records from my PCP and the medical facility. I see it is on eBenifits with a date of claim 12/10/13.

So we will see where that goes.

Thanks,

Hamslice