Howdy y'all!
I posted my new member intro in the "tell us about yourself" thread, but wanted to expand more here and connect with other vets. I've just been diagnosed with RRMS last month and started Copaxone 40mg this past week. I've also upped my omega 3, vitamin D3, and started a paleo-ish diet.
Although my diagnosis was very recent, I had what I believe to be my first attack about 18 years ago when I was five months off of active duty. Over a period of a few weeks my right leg went numb and cold. It started in my toes and worked its way up to my hip. The sensation was exactly what I experienced with both of my hands this summer which led to my diagnosis. Since at the time I was 22, unemployed and broke, I went to a VA clinic for my numb leg. They did absolutely nothing other than look at it to confirm it was a leg and sent me on my way. However, by the grace of God, they did document in my record this exact statement; "? neuropathy R leg".
Luckily I was able track down this record (it was in storage somewhere) and now have a copy of it. I've contacted my local PVA rep and they've given me the forms to get started. They mentioned, besides gathering any doc visits within the first seven years, to have some buddy letters written to back up my claim. I'm already 40% service connected for a few things immediately after discharge, so I'm somewhat familiar with the VA processes and such. What I not experienced with is a claim for something like this 18 years after discharge. One thing that raised my concern a little during my talk with the PVA is they stated they do not do appeals, because they will not submit a claim that the aren't extremely confident will go through. I could see this as both good and bad. Good for them if they're really that confident, but possibly a bad strategy when going against the gov I think.
So that's where I'm at now; gathering old records from anything that may have been a symptom within those seven years. I will say that I am still very able to work and have good health insurance, so I don't feel rushed. I've already read pretty much all of the threads in this section going back a few years. Is there any other advice you can think of to help your newest recruit make it through the system?
Thanks!
I posted my new member intro in the "tell us about yourself" thread, but wanted to expand more here and connect with other vets. I've just been diagnosed with RRMS last month and started Copaxone 40mg this past week. I've also upped my omega 3, vitamin D3, and started a paleo-ish diet.
Although my diagnosis was very recent, I had what I believe to be my first attack about 18 years ago when I was five months off of active duty. Over a period of a few weeks my right leg went numb and cold. It started in my toes and worked its way up to my hip. The sensation was exactly what I experienced with both of my hands this summer which led to my diagnosis. Since at the time I was 22, unemployed and broke, I went to a VA clinic for my numb leg. They did absolutely nothing other than look at it to confirm it was a leg and sent me on my way. However, by the grace of God, they did document in my record this exact statement; "? neuropathy R leg".
Luckily I was able track down this record (it was in storage somewhere) and now have a copy of it. I've contacted my local PVA rep and they've given me the forms to get started. They mentioned, besides gathering any doc visits within the first seven years, to have some buddy letters written to back up my claim. I'm already 40% service connected for a few things immediately after discharge, so I'm somewhat familiar with the VA processes and such. What I not experienced with is a claim for something like this 18 years after discharge. One thing that raised my concern a little during my talk with the PVA is they stated they do not do appeals, because they will not submit a claim that the aren't extremely confident will go through. I could see this as both good and bad. Good for them if they're really that confident, but possibly a bad strategy when going against the gov I think.
So that's where I'm at now; gathering old records from anything that may have been a symptom within those seven years. I will say that I am still very able to work and have good health insurance, so I don't feel rushed. I've already read pretty much all of the threads in this section going back a few years. Is there any other advice you can think of to help your newest recruit make it through the system?
Thanks!
Comment