Re-Opening a 2016 GWI claim - Fibromyalgia DBQ

[IMEF-Gunny]

So, before I knew much about the VA and their love for vets, I submitted my first GWI claim. I filed for symptoms (Stomach issues, sleeplessness, bi lateral arm/shoulder pain, short term memory loss). I had a forgetful C&P doc, I had no idea beforehand what the eam was for, I was nervous as shit and I didn't know enough to press him on examining other issues.

I went 26 years without touching the VA and here I was at a C&P exam. I was rated 30% for IBS, all other contentions denied because dr said I denied having any other issues.

This week I was diagnosed by a family practice NPC with fibromyalgia, they ordered bloodwork to exclede Rheumatoid Arthritis and scheduled me with a rheumatologist in February. Here is my DBQ. Thoughts?

I'm considering a re-open or reconsideration for my initial 6/2016 claim. My NOD is already in for this claim with a request for DRO review. I don't care about back pay  money, just principle, so not worried about losing my initial claim date..

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[IMEF-Gunny]

I was awarded 40% SC for Fibromyalgia.

 

[k5one]

40 % is the max for Fibromyalgia, so you are good there.  You may want to look into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  There are a lot of similarities between FM and CFS, there are some key differences.  I am rate 30% for IBS, 40% for FM and 60% for CFS, all connected to Gulf War.  All you need is a diagnosis and DBQ from your provider.  You don't have to prove service connection, it is presumed.

[El Train]

3 hours ago, k5one said:

40 % is the max for Fibromyalgia, so you are good there.  You may want to look into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  There are a lot of similarities between FM and CFS, there are some key differences.  I am rate 30% for IBS, 40% for FM and 60% for CFS, all connected to Gulf War.  All you need is a diagnosis and DBQ from your provider.  You don't have to prove service connection, it is presumed.

They can deny CFS for a number of reasons.  In my case, it was PTSD/MDD/Anxiety that was used to deny my CFS (Sleep apnea probably would rule it out as well).  I had a diagnosis from an MD for CFS. He was not  Rheumatologist.  He was an Environmental/Family/Forensic Dr.  They used the VA's NP C&P opinion over my MD's opinion. Yes my MD used all the verbiage, rationale, and GW presumptive in his opinion; reviewed all my records, medications, and in person interview to back it up.  He does this for a living.  Could I fight it and win? Maybe.  If I wasn't 100%, I would.  

Too get all three is quite a feat, to say the least.  

I did get the 40% Fibromyalgia.  Still waiting on the IBS appeal in which I have 3 MD's diagnosis.  Originally I didn't have the diagnosis for the first C&P.

[Oceanbound]

 

Go see a Rheumatologist  for Fibro and CFS

Go see a Gastroenterologist or GI doc for IBS and IBD.

Get tested for STDs, Lyme disease, Rabies, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. This will rule out that it isn't one of these.

[Oceanbound]

Also coconut water helps because it contains 

Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium

Cheapest place to get it at is at the 99 cent store.