Can I Get Dental S/c To Already S/c Eating Disorder?

[Navy4life]

I am S/C for my Eating Disorder.....I have numerous fainting spells documented which is what helped get me S/C for Anorexia Nervosa....

In November 2014 I passed out and was rushed to the VA hospital. I damaged both front teeth due to my eating disorder. I was treated for other issues while at the ER and released. I had two consults to the VA dental denied due to no S/C for my teeth.

I had to get over $4,500 in dental work done on the outside. I had both my dentist and specialist dentist fill out DBQ's and I submitted them along with all receipts and I did an FDC. I filled out everything needed and submitted in Feb 2015...

QUESTION...Can you get your teeth S/C(secondary) if you already have a S/C disability (Anorexia Nervosa) that attributed to the secondary issue?

I noticed on the VA site for FDC claim's it states:

Who Can File an FDC?

Veterans may file an FDC for disability compensation for the following reasons:

• An injury, disability, or condition believed to have occurred or been aggravated by military service.
• A condition caused or aggravated by an existing service-related condition.

Edited April 19, 2015 by Navy4life

[georgiapapa]

Navy4life,

Based on the info provided in your post, I believe you should be able to show the damage to your teeth as secondary to your service connected eating disorder.

In addition to the DBQs, I would have your dentists prepare IMOs showing a nexus between your service connected eating disorder and your injury to your teeth. In my opinion, the DBQs just do not contain adequate info. The opinion of your dentists in the IMOs must be supported by reasonable medical rationale.

Good luck.

GP

[Navy4life]

Navy4life,

Based on the info provided in your post, I believe you should be able to show the damage to your teeth as secondary to your service connected eating disorder.

In addition to the DBQs, I would have your dentists prepare IMOs showing a nexus between your service connected eating disorder and your injury to your teeth. In my opinion, the DBQs just do not contain adequate info. The opinion of your dentists in the IMOs must be supported by reasonable medical rationale.

Good luck.

GP

Thank you for responding! What is an IMO? I have an FDC claim in now will that change my status? My dentist I know would assist me in anyway possible.

In addition the ER notes are very concrete as well...

Thanks!

[Navy4life]

**FORGOT**

Will the VA pay me back for the out of pocket I incurred b/c of the damage to my teeth if my teeth are s/c secondary to my eating disorder? I have $4,500 out of pocket expenses b/c the VA Dental denied any dental care for me....

[georgiapapa]

Navy4life,

IMO is Independent Medical Opinion. There is a sample IMO somewhere on Hadit. Doctors preparing an IMO need to make sure the IMO contains specific info and terminology required by the VA? You should be able to find plenty of info on Hadit regarding IMOs.

Since you already have an FDC filed, you may want to hold off submitting anything else until you receive a decision. If you submit additional evidence at this point, your claim will be changed from an FDC to a standard claim and will take much longer to be processed. If your FDC claim is denied, you could then file a NOD and submit any new evidence including your IMOs.

When you win your claim, you should be able to submit your receipts and get reimbursed for your dental expenses. JMO

Take care.

GP

[Navy4life]

Thank you for the insight georgiapapa!

[georgiapapa]

You are welcome.

Take care.

GP