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    New MS vet

    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!

    #2
    Try DAV. I used them for an appeal...worked out well. Or anyone else. I used a lawyer for my initial.

    Good Luck.
    Katie
    "Yep, I have MS, and it does have Me!"
    "My MS is a Journey for One."
    Dx: 1999 DMDS: Avonex, Copaxone, Rebif, currently on Tysabri

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      #3
      legal help

      Originally posted by KatieAgain View Post
      Try DAV. I used them for an appeal...worked out well. Or anyone else. I used a lawyer for my initial.

      Good Luck.
      FYI, REPFORVETS out of Florida is one I am intending to ask for help. I haven't used them yet so let me know what you think if you do! I don't think there is any charge.

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by hendrixmw View Post
        FYI, REPFORVETS out of Florida is one I am intending to ask for help. I haven't used them yet so let me know what you think if you do! I don't think there is any charge.
        Reps for Vets, based out of Tampa does charge if you win an appeal. Up to 20% of back pay. They have a "A-" BBB Rating, which is pretty good, but some complaints have been lodged against them. But then I think all the VSOs at the VA would too.

        You need to pick who you feel most comfortable with.
        Katie
        "Yep, I have MS, and it does have Me!"
        "My MS is a Journey for One."
        Dx: 1999 DMDS: Avonex, Copaxone, Rebif, currently on Tysabri

        Comment


          #5
          Don't wait too long

          Originally posted by FlightDXer View Post

          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 suggest not waiting too long to file. If your claim is denied initially but granted on appeal, the back pay is calculated on the date the claim was originally filed. You also do not have to have all the evidence submitted with your claim. You usually have at least 4-6 months before the claim is really worked by the claims specialist to file more evidence.

          I hope this helps.
          Melissa
          _____________________
          Symptoms started around 2000, Diagnosed with RRMS April 2014, On Copaxone.

          Comment


            #6
            The PVA stuck with me for the 9 years it took to finish my claim. It was rejected time after time until my final claim submitted to the BVA in Oakland. My wife for years kept telling me to forget it, your claim will never be approved. I now have a SMC R2 rating with the VA.
            Rich

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