VA in the DMV area

[Anharris]

Hello,

Quick background; I injured my back severely in Kuwait in 2013(I was 22) no proper medical exam or treatment at the peek of the injury just pumped full of pain meds. Once back in the states it still took months before Someone decided I actually needed an xray just to be told I was fine. There were times where I’d experience temporary paralysis below the waist, daily pain levels above 5, numbness, pinching and burning sensations in lower back and to be told nothing was wrong made me want to give up and suffer in silence because no1 seem to take me serious. However the pain was so intense I found myself in the ER sometimes twice a week with strange knots in my back that were shrugged off as muscle spasms and just given more pain meds. I was given a 10% rating after separating in 2014. I didn’t know what that meant or why. Almost 7yrs later the pain is worse back and forth with the VA with treatment that either aggravates or just doesn’t work and I recently discovered that I was diagnosed with sciatic nerve pain BUT it stated it didn’t come from work. I couldn’t believe it. I now live in MD near DC and although terribly discouraged feel I need to fight what seems to be a system that hasn’t cared for me properly since day 1 and appeal. The question is. IS IT WORTH IT? I paid out of pocket for X-rays and made some discoveries about my back that make much more since than what the VA tells me. Has anyone experienced anything similar?

[Anharris]

2 hours ago, GBArmy said:

Anharris, As Shrek says, it is ALWAYS worth the fight. Time goes by whether you file a claim or not, so why not file. I would submit an intent to file on ebenefits today. Simple to do. It locks down your effective date to the day you file (usually),  and order your c-file today as well. You want to see what is in your file already for the 1o% rating for your back or nerve. It is quite possible, repeat possible, that you may have other disabilities related to your current service-connected, s-c, disability. You have a year to complete your ITF which will give you time to get your c-file and determine what else you need to pursue. You can do this! We are here to help if you need it. 

Sorry I meant to ask what the “C” I’m cfile meant. I’ve been on ebenefits for a while and haven’t  been able to find where I would request such a document. Thanks again for all the information 

[Buck52]

Anharris

C-File means ''Claims File''  every veteran has one and that is where every document is put  all or most of your inservice records where you went and was treated for injury or diseases unit awards and your DD 214. and the VA PUTS  things in it we never knew about  and most of the time its a document that will help with your claim  as evidence.

It  is kept at your   VA Regional Office. But some times it can float around  if your R,O . Farms out your claim for another not so busy R.O. to work your claim.

It's the most important File a Veteran has.

use to be stacks of paper and a lot of sorting out to do when it arrives at your home  usually in a= 4 to 6 boxes about 10x12 in   size...but as of 2015 and the present they are copying it over to C-D and it is a lot easy to read and find things now on the computer. and your complete C-FILE IS JUST ON A SMALL COMPACT DISK.

Edited December 4, 2019 by Buck52

[GBArmy]

Anharris You can get a copy of your c-file (claims file) from several places. Every state has a RO or regional office. Find the address and if it is fairly close, you can go there and request to look at it. If that doesn't work, then you can fill out a request and submit for a copy to be mailed to you. The reason I said go there is if they can pull it up for you you can see what is in it. If it is REALLY stuff that will help you, you could then ask if you could make or get a copy for you personnel info. They may or may not go for that as well. If you could look at it, then obviously, it would be kinda hard to say they didn't have it (or at least some of it.)  Anyway, after several months, probably 6 or more, you get a cd with all that info from your service records, including medical records. There could be some really good nuggets in there because of your notched operations, etc. Also, you can submit an SF 180 form, avail on line and send to NPRC in St. Louis., Mo. or, you can request from Dept. of VA, Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, Wi 53547-4444  Some might advise to do all three options. If close, I'd try the RO in person first. In any case, order it; it will be important to you.

[Anharris]

54 minutes ago, GBArmy said:

Anharris You can get a copy of your c-file (claims file) from several places. Every state has a RO or regional office. Find the address and if it is fairly close, you can go there and request to look at it. If that doesn't work, then you can fill out a request and submit for a copy to be mailed to you. The reason I said go there is if they can pull it up for you you can see what is in it. If it is REALLY stuff that will help you, you could then ask if you could make or get a copy for you personnel info. They may or may not go for that as well. If you could look at it, then obviously, it would be kinda hard to say they didn't have it (or at least some of it.)  Anyway, after several months, probably 6 or more, you get a cd with all that info from your service records, including medical records. There could be some really good nuggets in there because of your notched operations, etc. Also, you can submit an SF 180 form, avail on line and send to NPRC in St. Louis., Mo. or, you can request from Dept. of VA, Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, Wi 53547-4444  Some might advise to do all three options. If close, I'd try the RO in person first. In any case, order it; it will be important to you.

Wow! Thank you. I looked up the nearest and I work 15 minutes away from it. I will go 1st thing tomorrow. I greatly appreciate that info.

[Hyrb]

Anharris,

You should get what you deserve from the VA:

You have two choices. 

Find a VSO and file new claims for all the secondary conditions you have.  After these claims fail you can Lawyer Up and have someone who knows what they are doing fix things.

Or - you can study up and do the job yourself.  It ain't easy.  It is a lot of work.  But there is plenty of info here and elsewhere to teach you.  No body cares more about your claim than you.

 

 

 

[vetquest]

Anharris, I was discharged COG from the military for a medical condition not considered a medical condition.  I was first diagnosed as a hypochondriac by the VA.  Thirty-five years later I am at 100%.  With your situation I would hope that it does not take you that long, it sounds pretty clear cut to me.  Always appeal.  The VA will deny you hoping that you will go away.  Fight them and you should have a good chance of winning, maybe at the BVA where all evidence is considered and many RO decisions are overturned.  Is it worth it, well when you are my age and your disability makes it impossible to work it is worth it.  You never know how serious the condition may become later in life.