3 months and counting on DRO decision and now I am facing more surgery!

[Navy4life]

Well good afternoon my fellow Vet's!!!

I am really deflated right now....It's going on 3 months since I had my DRO review hearing with no end in sight.  I was told that it could be weeks to months to up to a year for the decision.  What erk's me is the fact that I had my hearing why can't the DRO take the time to review and come to a ruling?  It's so frustrating!  I am going on 3 years since my initial claim and almost 2 years since I filed my NOD.  I understand there are others in the same boat or worse boat and I do sympathize with all my fellow Vet's!

Now on top of this, most of you know my story.....I broke my right foot in two places on Christmas Eve.  I had surgery on January 6th, 2016 and I filed an FDC January 12th, 2016.  I filed that my left ankle was the cause of my right foot injury.  I was granted 100% temporary convalescence for 4 months due to my left ankle giving out on me and causing my right foot injury.  Now if you all remember, I have my NOD since 2014 trying to get my right foot/ankle and left toe S/C which was denied in 2014.  My medical records back up my s/c as well as my doctor's letters (IMO) that state my injuries are directly related to my active duty.  But here I sit awaiting the NOD decision.

Well yesterday I took a bad tumble and fell down the stairs causing sever bruising and swelling to my left ankle and left leg.  I am sitting here at the West Palm VA as we speak awaiting to see my Podiatrist for the results of the X-rays BUT while I had my visit with him today, he had another doctor come in and look at my X-rays for my right foot and both of the doctor's state I need revision surgery to my right foot because the bone graft is not "uniting" the bone together.  The Podiatrist I had do my surgery in January put pins/screws/plate in the one fracture but only bone graft in the other.  Since then the bone is separating and the doctor feels the surgery is necessary and will require me to be out about 2-3 months once again!  It's my right foot so I can't drive and it's frustrating!  On top of this, my left foot/2nd metatarsal toe has two screws in it that are "coming up to the skin" and they feel that at the same time they do the right foot surgery they need to look into that!

I literally just got back on my feet and was feeling okay!  My feet/ankles SUCK!  I feel so depressed!

I just want to cry!

I will update you with my X-ray findings but I needed to VENT!!!

 

[Navy4life]

2 minutes ago, Andyman73 said:

Don't be too nervous, it don't get you no where any how.

I got to say, I must really be doing something wrong...I've emailed Allison Hickey, in the past, and Mr. McDonald, several times since he took over...and not once did I ever get a reply, from them or one of their drones/worker bees/underlings.  Not once.

I haven't received a reply either but action.  I am sorry you haven't had any luck with them.  I know that someone in his office is working for us b/c I am proof of that!

[Andyman73]

OH, it's not that, I know someone somewhere is....behind the green curtain.  Maybe one day it will be my turn.

[Navy4life]

28 minutes ago, Andyman73 said:

OH, it's not that, I know someone somewhere is....behind the green curtain.  Maybe one day it will be my turn.

Well I still have to hope for a good outcome!

[Buck52]

Navy4life

you may have already did this but I'll remind ya

If you moved to Florida be sure and change your address not only with the Post Office but when you get settled in  go to your new VAMC and Give them your new Address ,  and you might check with VBA and ask them for a change of Address form it looks a little different from the Post Office one...Thats what I did  and just let all the VA Know about your new change of Address.

I can't wait for you to get your decision   I think I maybe as excited as you are...LoL

 

Hope you hear something positive soon.

........................Buck

[Navy4life]

Buck;

I always update my address and in fact the DRO verified my address as well while on the phone LOL

I am glad you are excited for me!!!

[Andyman73]

I'm excited for you too, the more of you that win, the better for all of us.  And that's pretty darn exciting, to think another Vet is finally getting their due.