tinnitus Need Help With Dbqs

[BigChief]

I am retiring this year with over 30 years of service, just read about the pre-discharge program. From the research I've done so far, there are a number of things I can claim for with the VA:

1-hysterectomy 30%

2-hypothyroid (seeing endocronologist)- continous medication for control 10%

3-flat foot aquired left foot 10%

4-tarsal tunnel syndrome right foot - had surgery on the left foot with fascia release - Still having issues 10%

5-heel spurs bilateral - 10%

6- plantar fascitis bilateral 10%

6a-sciatic nerve - most likely caused from my f'd up feet

6-hernia hiatal (small sliding hiatal hernia) <--diagnoses in my twenties - 10%

7-cronic migraine HA (seeing neurolgist) 2-3 monthly <--dating back to my twenties 30%

8-Tinnitus 10%

9-MRI shows 11mm cyst on my pituitary - 0%- will need MRI yearly to see if it grows (Neoplasm, benign code 7915)

I have 95% of all my medical documents from MFTs and civilian doctors - should I have the specilists complete the DBQ forms prior to getting out and submit with my packet? Is there a particular format the VA wants all the documents in?

There were times I didn't seek treatment and chose to "suck it up" so the mission would get done - I will have buddy statements for the space between seeking treatment. Most/all of the above there is a approved & completed LOD for. My feet are freaking messed up, and orthotics really don't work.

Can anyone give me some advise on the best way to put this packet together and insight into the pre-discharge program? Also heard if you are filling a disability claim your out processing physical is at the VA - is this true?

Please help, need all the help I can get, with the time I have spent beating the crap out of my body for the past 30 years here and overseas I think the VA should pay for all my broken parts.

Thank you inadvance for assistance.

Ms Miche'

[georgiapapa]

Bigchief,

I would definitely have the specialists complete the DBQs before you leave service and submit the DBQs with your package. I would also submit the buddy statements supporting your claims. Make sure you have good contact info for your military buddies and medical specialists too if possible. You never know when you might need another statement or need clarification of an issue later. To my knowledge, there is no particular format required by the VA for your claims package. Just try to organize the documents so they will be easy to access and easy to reassemble if the package is dropped or disassembled. I prepared a Table of Contents in my packages and numbered each page. If my package had 200 pages, I numbered the pages 1 of 200, 2 of 200, etc. The VA often takes apart claims packages so I wanted to make sure the package would be easy to reassemble. If you have an assigned VA claim number, you should make sure you put this number on every page of your evidence. If you do not have a VA claim number, I would suggest placing your social security number on every page. Make sure every page has your name on it. I would also highlight anything on the pages that you consider to be important to your claim and want to be noticed by the VA.

I am an old Vietnam vet so I have no knowledge of the pre-discharge program and can not answer any questions regarding the program.

Good luck to you and thank you for your service.

GP

[Gastone]

BC: Don't drive yourself nuts trying to figure out the absolute best claims filing proceedure. The most important thing is to file as early as poosible to establish your filing date. The next item of importance would be to be sure all your Medical Issues are listed on the initial claim. If you end up using a VSO-Rep, trust but VERIFY everthing submitted and be sure you have copies of everything. Your initial filing will be considered a Pro Se filing even if you use a VSO. That being said, the VA is supposed to consider your filing as a request for any and all SC Compensation at the mnaximum amount as covered in the 38 CFR $ Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Your Dr's may or may not be agreeable to completing your DBQ's, time will tell. Be absolutly certain that you have copies of all Clinician note from these Drs. The VA will request DBQs from the Drs but in the end, it's your responsibility to get the necessary medical documents for the VA Rating Dept.

VA Raters don't always follow what we think our SC Ratings should be.

Semper Fi

Gastone

[Gastone]

BC: As for your Hysterectomy, did some quik research. Appears it woud be an SMC-K award about $110 per mos for loss of Reproduction organ, or maybe not.

Semper Fi

Gastone

[BigChief]

Thank You Gastone,

I have my entire medical record from 1985-1997 and the MTF has 1997 forward. I plan on submitting the claims 180 out for my retirement date, which is June. Still trying to track down the out processing physical changes (has to be done at the VA). Also, I keep hearing California is the worse as far as processing time goes. That piece has me abit worried, as I don't plan on staying in CA once I retire.

Ms Miche'

[Gastone]

Heard the same thing about VA Claims in CA. You'll have to take me to school regarding how soon you can File your VA Claim. Sounds like you have all your MSRs so you should be able to file a Fully Developed Claim (FDC). If it stays an FDC, that could take a Year or so off your initial Claims Decision. If in doubt about a DX, see another Dr if you can while still in service, a Specialist if possible.

Semper Fi

Gastone

[BigChief]

Well, just found out yesterday from spine x-ray I have anterior wedging of the T11 with small associated anterior osteophytes - that explains my continued low back pain. Off to see more doctors on this one, I spend 2 plus years see the chiropractor and physical therapy for the same issue five years ago. Adds another complain on the list. Not looking forward to the battle with the VA on these claims.