GERD and IBS Claim questions

[Patton]

I am preparing to file a claim that include GERD and IBS. I am SC for GERD (10%) but believe my rating should be higher. While at my C&P exam for GERD, the Examiner stated that I should file a claim for IBS. The Examiner was very clear on the differences between GERD and IBS. I have read Court of Appeals cases (on Hadit) where they awarded the Veteran for both GERD and IBS separately. I have also read other cases where it states that rating them separately would constitute pyramiding. So with that said, how do I file the claim? Separately or An increase rating for GERD with IBS. Any tips for file a GERD / IBS claim is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Patton

[Patton]

Never give up! Be thankful that you have a family that cares and there for you. When I got out, I was mad at the world and I lost my family over it. It took years before people got me to go to the VA for help. Now that I am seeking help, it seems like they are using me as a lab rat. Case in point, my White Blood Count has been high for over 4 years now and HDL Cholesterol has been low. They keep on running tests on me and pumping me full of drugs with no results. The last time I went to see my Prime Care Doctor, I questioned his ability to fix the problem and was escorted to Mental Health. 

Hopefully someday I will be successful at getting the help I earned!  

[Vync]

You may wish to consider filing a mental health claim secondary to your SC conditions. Depression and anxiety are commonly caused by SC disabilities. In my case, my back and neck never stop hurting completely, despite doing everything the docs recommend (PT, meds, etc.). I could not even start my lawnmower because pulling the cord was an endeavor and was landing me in bed or at the hospital. It's tough not being able to do things any longer, especially since I'm only in my 40's. I filed a MH claim and was surprised when I won. Now I go to counseling and take medication which helps to a degree.

[Patton]

I am 30% for depression and anxiety, and I have thought about filing a claim for a increase. I am just concern that they may reduce my rating depending on the Examiner. On my first C&P Exam they declined my claim because the examiner did not record anything I thought was important to my claim. I will wait and see what the outcome of my appointment on July 31th, when they are going to talk to me about long term mental health care.

I am in my 50's and I am considering hiring somebody to mow my yard. Normally I mow the front yard on Saturday and then I am done for the day (the rest of the day is on the couch or bed). Sunday is the backyard. If it rains then the yard does not get done that week. Monday thru Friday is work, so that is my whole week. Pain Management has not helped at all. The sad part of all of this is, that I strained my ankle and before it healed they took me off profile. The very first morning running PT I strained it again. Since my ankle never healed right and I walk with a limp, which has affected my knee, hip and back. My back has caused nerved damage. I have gained a lot of weight, since I am not as active anymore because of my pain and / or depression which in turn has caused my sleep apnea. I am running out of good body parts, because I also have heel spurs, a bad right shoulder and issues with both hands.