support letter

[KC3]

Good afternoon; I just wrote this letter on my behalf in my own words and I would like to request opinions on if I should include this letter, when I opt into RAMP(supplemental). I also have a previously submitted nexus from neurologist and additional letters from buddy's  with regards to headaches as well. Will this letter help me? I plan on having it notarized as well 

 

Please note that I have been on appeal since March of 2016 with my denial in April of 2015 in which a CP examiner stated SMR's absent of headaches when it in fact it's there. 

 

 

To Whom It May Concern,

 

     My name is       and I served on active duty in the US Navy from March of 1990 to April 1997. I have previously written a statement with regards to my diagnosed migraine headaches. 

     With regards to my headaches, they have increased in intensity and I have had to miss work on numerous occasions due to my headaches. I have approximately 15 headaches per month and this includes weekly prostrating (physically and emotionally exhausted; incapacitated) headaches in which I must lay down in a dark room. They can last anywhere from 1 to 2 days and cause extreme nausea and very bad fatigue after the headache is gone. I can't be exposed to light or noise.  I also keep a waste basket by the bed and must use for when I throw up due to the nausea. Up until the last 2 years I had 2 prostrating headaches per month for approximately 15 years but in the last 2 to 3 years they have increased to 4 to 5 per month.  It has affected my ability to work affecting me and my family economically to the point where I have been laid off of jobs due to missing time. It has also been noticed when I am unable to perform certain duties at work after a headache due to extreme fatigue the next day.  My family and social  time is affected as well but I fear one day my headaches might get bad enough to where employers will not hire me severely affecting me economically. 

I swear that this statement is true and correct under penalty of lying under oath.

 

The NP only seen me. It would have provided a positive paper trail for the claim. The facility provided me a letter saying that they do indeed dispose of records after 10 years. I have already provided the VA this letter in my appeal so perhaps I will leave that part out. 

 

Edited June 11, 2018 by KC3

[Buck52]

just my opinion

Never say what your opinion is/or accuse that someone that you think is responsible to dispose of your medical records in 10 years  unless you have concrete proof of that.

NP's don;t have that much clout unless certified and working under a MD.

You also need to watch your speculation as to  Diagnosis yourself , that is pure speculation on your part and VA will kick it out...you need this type of commentary /opinion coming from a Qualified Medical Dr in this field of medicine  mostly a Specialist.

you can mention how these headaches affect you and what they cause you to do as for as Pain and sickness.

''l also have a previously submitted nexus from neurologist and additional letters from buddy's  with regards to headaches as well. Will this letter help me?'' Yes get them notarized before submitting them.

but mostly from what you mention its 100% better that you get a Qualified Dr to state most of what you mention.  other wise its pure speculation on your part  and that will not fly with the VA.

Don't take me wrong here, you can mention anything that has happen to you while in military  but you need back up proof of what you say  in medical records.  never elaborate on medical opinions yourself.

[KC3]

 Thanks Buck I appreciate the feedback. The NP only seen me a couple times. It would have provided a positive paper trail for the claim if anything.  The facility in question  provided me a letter saying that they do indeed dispose of records after 10 years. I have already provided the VA this letter in my appeal so perhaps I will leave that part out. 

Just to clarify I can't call them headaches in my letter?  Also,  I can't say anything about their frequency and how chronic they are and  how they affect me financially and socially? There are really only 4 or 5 people that can attest to their frequency and how chronic they are. Unfortunately the neurologist I was seeing went to another state so won't be able to give an IMO on how they affect me with what I mentioned in letter. . I am trying to get another referral to see another neurologist at this time. 

Again I appreciate the feedback. 

[Buck52]

you can mention anything you want , but its best to let a qualified Dr give his opinion on your headaches, the Dr can elaborate on what you mention to him and you can let them know your in a lot of pain  and this is what you think is causing your pain.''.the bad headaches.''..the Dr can elaborate and give his/her opinion on this in detail  (after examining and speaking to you)

[KC3]

Thank you very much! 

[vetquest]

First off for what it is worth you can only get 50% for headaches.  I believe this is a travesty but that is the VA rating system.  If you go to a neurologist looking for an IMO most will say no.  They do not want to get tied up with the VA.  You might be better served seeing a neurologist who specializes in IMO's.  They are not cheap but they can do the job.  Do you have civilian medical care history that shows the depth of your headaches and medications that you take?  Can you get a letter from former employers that say you lost your job due to headaches?  I lost my job mainly due to headaches myself. 

I would also try to get to the veterans rehab rep and see what they say about your options for work.  If they say you cannot work that is a plus.

Are your headaches documented in your military medical records?  Without a nexus you have a serious fight on your hands.

[KC3]

It is in my SMR as complaint and I was fortunate to get a IMO from a board certified neurologist. Yes on private care and meds. 

With regards to work, it is construction that I work. When you miss any time at all the contractor will frown. I have made the first lay off due to missing time. Unfortunately, I can't prove that is why they laid me off. I have missed 8 weeks of additional work by making the first lay off. I remember when I could be on a job until it was over and then move on to the next immediately. I'm having my letter notarized. Also, I will have 3 letters from people I work with saying that I have had to miss work or leave early due to these atrocious things.