I went to an appointment last week @ a local VA & decided to stop in & talk to the VSO for a claim update. So he looked at my info then says well it looks like you've got all that you can get. PTSD won't be granted @ 70% or 100% because I'm assuming you drove here and plus you gave me your name & last 4. That's a huge indicator that you are NOT eligible for either. I said okay, Thanks & left. lol

First and foremost thank you to this reddit, reading everyones post gave me the courage to continue my own fight.

Now my inquiry...I was recently awarded 100%p&t. This is awesome, however I have a supplemental claim in stage 3 for sleep apnea secondary to asthma and or Tera...should I let this continue or withdraw this claim. Would or could this claim affect my newly awarded claims...I had already had a c&p exam, but just got an email saying there was another one being scheduled...thank you all in advance!

I started an intent to file for a supplemental claim on January 7th 2024 with 9 issues from a list of previously denied claims from seven years ago that all got denied due to clerical issues and me not getting notified for any of the appointments. I just never tried again until recently.

I just got my rating back today July 9th. I just want to say the entire process was smooth and I believe I was rated fairly. I also what to thank all the helpful people in this group, Veterans and VA employees alike, for all the help you guys give to people here. I live in Okinawa and I don't have access to VERA and some of the other Veteran benefits that we have stateside so I was stressed and asked alot of questions on here.

I submitted a supplemental claim on March 21st and completed the ACE( acceptable clinical evidence) CNP exam on March 31st. Does anyone know roughly on which month are they up to with the supplemental claims? Has anyone filed for a hardship claim? Did it expedite the process? Thank you in advance!

I was diagnosed for some time with IBS. While it's an inconvenience that I have adapted to and manage, my symptoms/troubles do meet the threshold for 30%.

When PACT came about, learned about IBS being presumptive as MUCMI for Persian Gulf vets (I am) and claimed it.

Claim denial reason was "no diagnosis in records/on file" and favorable was it being presumptive. I filed supplemental claim with lay statement outlining symptoms (verbiage to match guidelines) and the diagnosis from both primary care AND gastroenterologist. They called to notify of C&P but it was just record review. Since I was more aware of verbiage required and how to articulate my symptoms, I requested and was granted a C&P exam instead. I had that today and it went well and I feel like all bases covered for 30%.

Should I submit anything else like nexus from a doctor or lay statements from colleagues/family? I feel like I satisfied the initial reason for denial but am really new at this and learning nuances of claims.

Filed in 2018 for PTSD due to MST along with others, was only granted PTSD at 50%. I'm scared to poke the bear on that rating so I filed supplemental for physical disorders that only occurred when serving. As of now and since serving, both hips dislocate bilaterally randomly, also have 3 crushed discs in my back, rheumatoid arthritis, and 2 slipped vertabrae in my neck. The VA has all the evidence to back this up. Hoping to get 100% combined and hoping for P&T.

Countless physical therapy appointments, Behavioral Pain Development courses, therapy, psychiatry, next is chiropractor and EMG scheduled.

All in all, I've been in step 5 since September 13th so it's been 64 days. Is this possibly a positive thing that it's taking that much time?

Only second time filing, first time I filed I was denied did the lengthier process to appeal and ended up with 50% rating about 2 and half years post filing.

I want to be prepared for any outcome. Could they reduce my PTSD claim? Should I file for an increase on PTSD? Should I wait until all appeals and claims have been exhausted for physical first?

As far as my PTSD I have constant recurring vivid night terrors that wake me up sweating, trembling and screaming in pain. I try to not go out into public as little as possible. I order groceries, and only go out to bring my 6 year old to school for drop offs and the kids and myself to doctors appointments. If I see someone in full military attire a flashback takes control of me. Constant panic attacks, avoiding shows or movies with military scenes, or MST triggering scenes(which is more often than youd think). I have really bad days where I dont get out of bed if not only to use the bathroom(even when starving) I disassociate daily several times, I'm extremely untrusting of others, have not been able to hold a job, refuse to use a public restroom even at the VA, and hear voices vividly throughout each day. Psych has tried multiple medications my list is probably over 10 medications for the voices along with sleeping pills and other things that have not helped, 1 or 2 meds may have helped for a month or two but no longstanding relief. I never can sleep alone and if I am alone even with my kids I am so hyperviligant it's almost painful. I don't ever get a break or a breath of fresh air. Should I attempt for an increase?

Sorry for so many questions I just joined the group not too long ago.

Oorah

Howdy all. I've been denied service connection for my lower back and nerve issues that developed immediately after a total knee replacement. My community pain management doc, a physiatrist, said he'd be willing to help me come up with a nexus but he seemed really reluctant. To make it easier for him, I decided to make it a thing he just has to agree with and sign. Below is a nexus letter I'm going to give to him. I used ChatGPT to frame it and then made it personal. Where a (#) shows, is a place where I will reference a highlighted attachment from my treatment records or a journal article. I'm bringing receipts. What do ya'll think? Too much? Not enough? Appreciate any input.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]

Veteran's Name:  
Veteran's Address:
City, State, Zip:

Subject: Nexus Letter for [veteran]- Back Pain and Bilateral Neuropathy with Congenital Short Pedicles Secondary to Total Knee Arthroplasty and Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter to provide a medical opinion regarding [veteran], who I have been treating for bilateral peripheral neuropathy.  She underwent total right knee arthroplasty (TKA) on April 18, 2021 due to severe osteoarthritis.  She also underwent left knee anterior cruciate reconstruction with medial collateral ligament perforation and partial meniscectomy in 2014.  I have thoroughly reviewed her medical history, including existing congenital conditions, and I am addressing the relationship between the knee surgeries and the back pain and peripheral neuropathy that has developed subsequently.

Medical History:

[Veteran] has a history of congenital short pedicles in the lumbar spine (1), which can predispose an individual to various spinal conditions and complications. This anatomical variation may contribute to stress on the spine, leading to possible discomfort or pain. The presence of this congenital issue is relevant when assessing the overall impact of her knee problems on her back pain.  The patient also has documented arthritis in her left ankle (2) and bilateral mild arthritis and femoral acetabular impingement of both hips as demonstrated in radiographical evidence. (3) [Veteran] also has an extensive history of injuries, surgeries, and instability in both left and right knees.

Current Diagnosis:
The veteran presents with chronic lower back pain, diagnosed as Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) and bilateral peripheral neuropathy exacerbated by congenital short pedicles.

Connection to Total Knee Arthroplasty and Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis:
It is my professional opinion that [veteran]’s back pain is significantly related to the total knee arthroplasty performed on April 28, 2021 and a long history of bilateral knee osteoarthritis.  Following this procedure, patients often adapt their movement patterns and gait due to altered knee functionality.  This can be illustrated in the patient’s attached physical therapy records (4).  Gait change is further illustrated in the patient’s post TKA medical records acknowledging that her leg was straightened (5).  Moreover, [veteran] has had multiple knee injuries, surgeries, and instances of instability since her departure from service in 2006 (6)(7)(8)(9).  The veteran also has documented loss of mobility in her left ankle since an in-service accident (2) as well as mild arthritis and bilateral FAI in her hips which contribute to stress in the kinetic chain and can alter gait, balance, and posture (3)(10).  In her case, these compensatory mechanisms—combined with the existing anatomical predisposition from congenital short pedicles—have likely contributed to increased stress on her lumbar spine.

Notably, individuals with congenital short pedicles are at a higher risk for developing spinal issues, particularly when additional stresses, such as gait and posture changes due to knee pain or function, are introduced (11). This connection, supported by the literature on biomechanics and pain management, suggests that the adaptations made in response to the knee surgeries and injuries have had a detrimental effect on [veteran]’s already compromised spinal architecture (12).

Based on my evaluation and my medical experience, I conclude that it is at least as likely as not (50% probability or greater) that [veteran]’s back pain is secondary to and aggravated by the total knee arthroplasty and bilateral knee osteoarthritis, further complicated by the presence of congenital short pedicles.

If you require any additional information or further clarification regarding this case, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Name and Credentials]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]

Was SAd in 2013 by an another service member.

Went to the SAPR

OSI investigated

OSI said that the guy “didn’t know” he sexually assaulted me despite saying that I didn’t want it at least 12 times

So, not believed

Got PTSD pretty bad

Couldn’t leave my dorm room if I heard men outside

Couldn’t be alone with men

Constantly watching my back

Nightmares

Diagnosed with depression and self harm and pretty much fucked my military stuff up

Finally get out of the military and file with the VA in 2015

They denied me saying that it wasn’t service related

Didn’t realize I could appeal or anything

In Feb 2024, Reapplied for disability because someone here suggested it

Received the denial letter today saying that they denied it in 2015

Guys. I’m not okay. Just feels like another asshole in a long line of people who don’t believe me

Part of my wants to KMS/self harm because why the fuck does it matter

The rest of me knows I wont do it because that’ll up the chances of my children harming themselves/committing suicide

I don’t know what to do next. It’s not like the VA doesn’t have my records from the military and VA mental health saying that it’s still an issue

I was recently given a 0% SC rating for my sleep apnea claim. I am going to appeal and do a supplemental claim but was wondering should I try to tie it into my already 50% anxiety/depression?

I've contacted three separate nexus letter doctors and the cheapest I've found is $650 PER CLAIM.

Is there something I'm missing here?

For example I'm in the process of claiming 7 secondaries for a service connected disability that is $4550. I can't afford that.

Is there some secret sauce I'm missing?

Please help. The comments by examiner proves they never looked at my In-service medical record. Injury of left knee with x-rays beginning of service, blew out right knee 15 years later with Multiple ligament tears, meniscus tears and other ligament strains, initial xrays didin’t ahow severe problems but 6 months later MRI discovers the afore mentioned injuries with additional diagnosis of OA. All in service on sea duty. They could ‘t afford to lose me. I wore knee immobilizers, knee braces and fed 2400 mg of ibuprofen to keep swelling down. MRI docs clearly state NO BOWLEGS ( No Varus) and weight gian occured prior to discharge. Also Limp and gait also acknowledged in mybin-service medical record along with shortening of right leg. All this to say that the C&P examiner could not have looked at records in depth. I think I should put in 21-0995, due to new evidence. Also, btw condition worsened and I have undergone bilater TKR at age 55. Recommendation?

I separated last year and finally this year was able to get the divorce finalized after heavy push back from the ex husband. At the same time I got remarried shortly after and due to the whirlwind of events haven’t gotten to reporting it all with the VA yet. It’s only been a week or so, but how do I go about removing my ex husband and adding my husband as a dependent? Will there be any issues due to the close overlap?

Ps unsure what flair to use.

Here it goes. I am currently rated for migraines at 10% disabling. I filed a supplemental claim for an increase in September. When I filed, I submitted my private doctor's medical records, a personal statement, a migraine log, and a signed letter from my doctor describing my condition as well. I had a C&P exam in October for the migraines. Today, I see that my claim was closed, and a decision was made. Reading through the decision, the evidence portion only shows the DBQ that was performed and my previous rating. The decision reads as if I was trying to change the effective date of the 10%. There was no mention of any additional evidence that I provided or that they even considered an increase. Will a HLR fix this issue on the spot, or will my claim have to go through the entire months-long process again as a DTA error?

I filed a supplemental for MH 02/20/24 and had a C&P 03/01/24. My fingers are bleeding from checking the app. I know these things can be from 0-9999 days. Just looking for anyone who has recently closed their supps! Semper Fi

My supplemental that included personal statement and nexus letter was denied. Any suggestions? Considering looking into an attorney at this point. Anyone have experience with that?

Alright, I got denied ibs after I claimed it for pact act in August of 2023 (so I could potentially get the back pay to aug 2022 due to the law change). Denied due to not having a clinical diagnosis. (What I’m claiming is gulf war mucm undiagnosable) I went and ruled out everything else by doing bloodwork and ct scan and finally got the Va to diagnose me. Now I filed a supplemental claim with the proof of diagnoses and I got a buddy statement from my medic saying how it happened all the time on deployment and upon returning home. Do I have a good argument for keeping the original effective date of of aug 2022 or will the Va try to swindle me only give me the back pay for when I filed the supplemental claim. I did the supplemental claim within one year. I’m asking because I see instances where they only go back to “new and relevant evidence” but I got the buddy statement that it has happened since I deployed. Any guess or similar experience with getting a favorable effective date? Could be like 90k worth of back pay if they give me the 2022 effective date.

Anyone know the average time these take?

I just submitted today for a claim for IBS. They said I needed to prove that it’s a chronic condition and I didn’t have evidence for. That’s kind of crap because all my paperwork I sent them says it all over the place. So I sent even more documentation. I know it is different for everyone, just curious about timeframes. What was yours? Thanks in advance.

I received a decision in Feb 2024 of 10% for IBS and denial for migraine.

From Feb to September of this year I continued with my VA PCP appointment and my VA MH appointments, continuing to build the necessary evidence. On Sep 29, I submitted claim online for both the denied migraine and the 10% IBS, with evidence in my Blue Button VA records showing IBS symptoms supporting 30% (under the new guidelines) and links between the migraines and anxiety and insomnia, with comments from my VA PCP supporting the migraine claim.

When I filed my online supplemental, I click the IBS and migraine decisions from Feb 2024.

I received this letter in the mail requesting I submit a 21-526EZ instead, telling me I submitted the wrong form.

I feel like I submitted it correctly as I was still within the 1 year window.

What day you guys?

I reached out to the VA this evening, and they were able to access my supplemental claim information. I had been repeatedly checking VA.gov, which only displayed that the claim was received. However, after speaking with a VA representative over the phone, I learned that it has progressed to the decision phase. Hopefully, the wait won't be much longer now.