Appeal documents

[SPO]

Just starting a new thread to reduce confusion.  I'm getting very close to submitting my supplemental claim and want to get opinions on the some of the documents I'll be submitting.  I don't have everything yet, but I'll post stuff as I receive it. First is the statement I plan on including as a lay statement.  Let me know if this seems to look good.

"I have been diagnosed with and suffering the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis for no less the 4 years.  My worst days involve very strong joint pain that can limit my ability to do daily tasks. All of my joints experience pain throughout the range of motion and while static. Both of shoulders are limited in motion by the pain caused when raising my arms forward and to the side.  I am an able to participate in any kind of sport that requires throwing, exercises using my shoulder cause significant pain. Both of my elbows experience increased pain while doing any type of activity that involves them bearing any weight as well as pain while sitting still. Both wrists experience the same pain during weight bearing and static as my elbows.  My hands experience pain and swelling in various knuckles.  My right hip experiences pain throughout the range of motion and increases while walking or standing for extended periods. My lower back experiences significant pain while walking or standing for extended periods. The pain often causes me difficulty sleeping. Bending over causes pain. I experience very sharp lower back pains that have brought me to my knees.  My left knee experiences pain throughout the range of motion. Standing and walking for extended periods increase the pain.  Both of my ankle experience significant pain from walking and standing.  Both feet experience significant pain that results on a limp on a regular basis.  All of my joint problems have resulted in my inability to conduct daily activities without experiencing pain.  Driving, walking, standing, Household chores all cause significant levels of pain.  I've found it very difficult to exercise without cause myself high levels of pain that remain elevated for several days afterward.  I need to remain on constant immuno-suppresive medication, supplemented by NSAIDs in order to reduce the pain levels."

[GBArmy]

Hi SPO 5th line " I am able to participate..." Why are you saying this?Or is it a typo? Your whole statement is describing where the pain effects you, which apparently you have to do to show the overall impact, but it isn't very "personal. "Give explicit examples of how it affected YOU and/or YOUR family. For example, the pain in my hip has progressed so such a degree that I no longer can go on bike rides with my... . Or, I no longer can take my daughter for a run (or walk) together on weekends like we always did. A veteran told me once that on a statement "paint a Picture;" give it something that is visual that a rater can visualize and relate to. By the way, be sure to write it up on VA Form 4138 Statement in support of a claim." I would also strongly suggest that you have a family (adult) member or spouse also write one up and include one or two examples of how this disabilities impacts your family or social interaction. Have them talk about something a little different than yours to cover more symptoms.

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[broncovet]

My advice:  

    If you want to win football games, focus on things that move the football toward the goal post.  Rather than focus on scoring points, I think I will focus on what I will be doing when my team goes to the Superbowl..what I plan to eat in the snack bar, which hotel I will stay in, and, of course, stock up on your favorite liquor.  

    In a similar way, move your claim toward the Caluza elements.  

    You need to get the horse first, then the cart.  Do the things to GET TO the Superbowl, then you can decide what snacks to have at the game.  

    You have described your symptoms and no focus on Caluza elements.  I advise getting your file and make sure Caluza is well documented, then your symptoms.  Your symptoms will be more credible if you tell them to your doctor, rather than your rating specialist or VSO.  

[SPO]

I have medical records, and a nexus/diagnosis letter coming from my private doc to cover the caluza elements.  This is just a lay statement to add to the documentation.   I've already posted the medical records in another thread, and I'll post the letter as soon as I get it.  Hopefully in the next couple days.

[Buck52]

If you have family and friends write you up their lay statement  be sure to get them notarized. and stamped.

[kanewnut]

I would say we have very similar situation with the pain and what it cuts out of our life. I apparently haven't done a very good job of getting it across to the people that matter, ie. C&P examiners, doctors, VARO, etc. As you are being advised try to get the picture painted so they can understand. I have apparently failed at that. Don't let it happen to you.

[Buck52]

kanewnut

your never a failure if you keep on trying..you will win this.

Hang in there!!!

Edited May 12, 2020 by Buck52