tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post592626782320344346..comments2023-05-10T04:47:11.680-07:00Comments on The Blog at Military Disability Made Easy: -NEW- Proposed Changes to the Ratings of the Genitourinary System MDMEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807695915566004972noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-56630312645711087082020-08-31T09:11:26.792-07:002020-08-31T09:11:26.792-07:00For the heart, a 30% rating is given with a 6-7 ME...For the heart, a 30% rating is given with a 6-7 MET score. In order to rate higher, the MET score would have to be 5 or less, left ventricular dysfunction, or two or more episodes of congestive heart failure in the past year. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-16639388981021057832020-08-13T22:01:25.616-07:002020-08-13T22:01:25.616-07:00I'm rated 60% for kidney disease post kidney t...I'm rated 60% for kidney disease post kidney transplant and 30% for heart disease secondary to kidney disease for under 7 METS. I also have a dilated atrium. I have both native kidneys and do not required dialysis. Would the heart disease be considered seriously (markedly) decreased function because of the under 7 METS or dilated atrium?Confused over ratinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03776161014532991816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-58639600120330443562020-07-27T09:02:33.740-07:002020-07-27T09:02:33.740-07:00There is evidence that prolonged use of pantaprazo...There is evidence that prolonged use of pantaprazole can lead to kidney damage: <br /><br />https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5958704/<br /><br />As long as your pantaprazole usage reflects the amounts/lengths that have shown a casual relationship with renal failure, you can claim it. A NEXUS letter will strengthen your claim.Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-43621424742699311862020-07-27T09:00:06.349-07:002020-07-27T09:00:06.349-07:00There is significant debate over whether sleep apn...There is significant debate over whether sleep apnea causes GERD, the other way around, or if they simply make each other worse. <br /><br />This article discusses studies that show that both conditions could cause and/or worsen the other:<br /><br />https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2879818/Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-41544340329601476872020-07-20T20:24:17.422-07:002020-07-20T20:24:17.422-07:00Has anyone tried to get a renal rating due to taki...Has anyone tried to get a renal rating due to taking pantaprazole or an acid inhibitors for Gerd for several years? There are studies that link long term pantaprazole use and renal failure?Mister4manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02135369203582924969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-48653544408107966292020-07-20T20:21:10.843-07:002020-07-20T20:21:10.843-07:00Are there any studies that support sleep apnea as ...Are there any studies that support sleep apnea as a secondary to Gerd?Mister4manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02135369203582924969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-28877096718497041542020-07-20T14:57:50.543-07:002020-07-20T14:57:50.543-07:00Not yet. We'll blog about it and update our we...Not yet. We'll blog about it and update our website as soon as they do.Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-53993374336084012882020-07-20T13:40:55.320-07:002020-07-20T13:40:55.320-07:00have the renal changes gone into effect yet?
have the renal changes gone into effect yet?<br />Mister4manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02135369203582924969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-5421874670618229502020-05-13T13:56:47.439-07:002020-05-13T13:56:47.439-07:00You are in a tricky position. Treatment outside th...You are in a tricky position. Treatment outside the system can definitely affect future ratings, as the VA cannot legally be held responsible for the results of medical treatment outside of their system that was not directly referred by them. We discuss this in more detail here:<br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vasrdprinciples.html#outside<br /><br />Because of Covid-19, many medical facilities are not doing elective procedures, so you may have a tricky time finding a facility that will do it anyway. <br /><br />As for claiming this condition, "bladder cancer" as a general condition has not been added to the Presumptive List. Here are all conditions on the Presumptive List for Agent Orange exposure: <br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vapresumptivelist.html#herbicide<br /><br />There are some medical studies that show an association between diabetes and an increased risk of bladder cancer, so you may be able to claim the cancer as secondary to the diabetes (and some drugs used to treat diabetes). When you submit a claim for the bladder cancer, make sure to submit medical evidence and a NEXUS letter that supports the connection that is most strong in your case. <br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/nexusletters.htmlMilitary Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-77641249596327451102020-05-04T11:34:59.842-07:002020-05-04T11:34:59.842-07:00My husband, a Vietnam Vet on the Agent Orange Regi...My husband, a Vietnam Vet on the Agent Orange Registry, has been treated for Diabetes because of AO for several years. He was diagnosed with a mass in his bladder (no symptoms) in Oct. 2019. VA schedules due to tests postponed the surgery to Feb. 10 to remove what they could of the cancerous tumor. VA surgeon said he needed a second surgery to try to make sure they removed all the tumor, but because he has swelling preventing them from getting into the bladder properly, they scheduled an ultrasound and sent us outside the VA for an MRI. We just finished those tests March 23 (again due to scheduling) and were ready to schedule the second surgery when the VA shut down “elective” surgeries due to Covid-19. No idea when they will do this surgery. We requested an outside consult to try to schedule the surgery. We have been turned down 3 times to allow us to go outside for the surgery. We don’t need VA permission, but aren’t sure what going outside does for future treatment of bladder cancer, which is notorious for recurrence. My husband's disability rating is 20% based on his diabetes alone. How do we get a review of his rating now with bladder cancer? Does going outside for this surgery change his quest for a change in his disability rating? Any news on the addition of bladder cancer to the presumptively caused list due to AO? Bladder Cancer Questionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14507655855989086510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-31151455233956250892020-04-27T09:55:30.488-07:002020-04-27T09:55:30.488-07:00Unfortunately, no. We won't know until they pu...Unfortunately, no. We won't know until they publish the final changes with an effective date. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-71630720521038491342020-04-24T07:46:28.003-07:002020-04-24T07:46:28.003-07:00With regards to the new proposed Renal rating syst...With regards to the new proposed Renal rating system, is there an estimated date of when the VA will start implementing them?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09261216997821936815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-57023042292497238112020-01-09T09:35:55.057-08:002020-01-09T09:35:55.057-08:00I applied for my social security last year when I ...I applied for my social security last year when I was 61 yrs old and it was approved based on my 70% of PTSD from desert storm. From the time when I first got back from Desert Storm I didn't work for 8 years. The VA has all of my information. I have been working with my brother and we have appealed it. thanks<br /><br />Acel317https://www.blogger.com/profile/05172225201855980396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-58434225329225443772020-01-07T15:44:50.829-08:002020-01-07T15:44:50.829-08:00The minimum rating for a kidney removal is 30% (wh...The minimum rating for a kidney removal is 30% (which would get you to 80%) and you could potentially qualify for higher on the renal rating system, depending on your symptoms:<br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thegenitourinarysystem.html#recon<br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thegenitourinarysystem.html#renal<br /><br />Regardless, if your PTSD makes you unemployable you should meet all the requirements as long as you are able to submit sufficient proof. If the VA stated why they denied the claim, then you should be able to appeal if you can provide evidence they need to overturn the denial. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-63310358680338010192020-01-07T12:00:48.929-08:002020-01-07T12:00:48.929-08:00In 2006 I had a kidney to be removed because the V...In 2006 I had a kidney to be removed because the VA said I had a cancer spot on it. the kidney was working fine but after 2 mri's and a biopsy they said the cancer was so far in it had to be removed. After the kidney was removed the autopsy could not find the cancer. I have high blood pressure and my creatine levels are higher than before the removal. I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2014 and was rated at 70%, until last year I held a job but my PTSD got the best of me. I have tried to apply for Unemployablity but was denied. Can I get any kind of rating for my kidney loss to get me rated at 100 since now my PTSD has caused me to not be able to keep a job.? Acel317https://www.blogger.com/profile/05172225201855980396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-83402151386135253522019-12-30T12:19:09.918-08:002019-12-30T12:19:09.918-08:00Thanks for your thoughts. Unfortunately, the VA ha...Thanks for your thoughts. Unfortunately, the VA has already ended their period for acceptance of comments, so we are unable to submit yours to them. Hopefully others have expressed similar thoughts and will be able to affect the final rating changes positively. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-88463305711125886852019-12-20T19:49:32.355-08:002019-12-20T19:49:32.355-08:00I totally disagree with the proposed code for ED. ...I totally disagree with the proposed code for ED. This is a severe set back for most men who sacrifice for years in the armed services; multiple deployments, stress, depression, loneliness, trauma, GB status; etc. and not able to maintain an erection is service-connected and deserves to remain rated. Most men and I'm included didn't have this issue prior to entry to service. We didn't choose for our productive organ to not perform. This isn't a condition to simply say deal with it. Every man situation is different and should be considered as such. I have suffered for years with severe ED issues and wholeheartedly will continue to voice my opinion and argue this condition is just as serious as whole body reproductive parts and should remained rated and continuance of SMC-K1 as well. This is a serious condition. Please revisit. Thanks. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16041921335362929932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-51035536721191372422019-12-10T08:45:36.936-08:002019-12-10T08:45:36.936-08:00The incontinence should be rated at 30% because of...The incontinence should be rated at 30% because of the catheter use. A total hysterectomy is rated 50% and would put you at a combined 70%, so I'm assuming that you had a partial hysterectomy (just the removal of the uterus) which is rated 30%. This would put you at a combined 60%. <br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/femalereproductive.html#loss<br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thegenitourinarysystem.html#urinary<br /><br />The vaginal atrophy only qualifies for a 0% rating unless it requires constant treatment, however you do qualify for SMC-K for infertility. <br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/specialmonthlycompensation.html#k<br /><br />As for additional ratings, the VA will rate all secondary conditions, like mental health, scarring, if they result in a compensable level of disability. <br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/mentaldisorders.html<br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/scars.htmlMilitary Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-86230824108662525072019-12-06T14:39:10.387-08:002019-12-06T14:39:10.387-08:00See Mental Health about this also, as far as the d...See Mental Health about this also, as far as the dysfunctional issues with not having a fixed normal relationship due to the health issues aggravating sexual.<br /><br />And its not to much to understand. I have 20% depression due to this issue with erection pain and sexual relations as the main reason, and neurological as the secondary issues 10%.<br /><br />Scarring may be another dependent on how they classify it.<br /><br />That's all I can add from what I know.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05038280035686672458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-25686483774537997902019-12-06T14:03:29.904-08:002019-12-06T14:03:29.904-08:00I have some questions myself, as a female and gett...I have some questions myself, as a female and getting ready to update my claim, was at 80% for stress incontinence, had a prolapsed uterus, and eczema. Now I am 60% bc of I recv a hysterectomy (trying to fix my prolapsed uterus problem and painful sex problems, and maybe even bladder hopefully!!)however it made my bladder problem worse, now have to catheterize myself several times a day, and I no longer have a prolapse uterus of course, I am also now sexual dysfunctionally, and I also have some atrophy walls in my vagina. Now this maybe a bit much for some of you fellows, but looking at updating my stuff I feel a little slighted as some of this when it really comes to the real personal stuff either I am not understanding or seems a little slighted. Sorry just needed to vent I guess. :( Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12650377785600447021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-58712023872505296582019-11-04T08:15:38.888-08:002019-11-04T08:15:38.888-08:00There is research that shows a relationship betwee...There is research that shows a relationship between diabetes and COPD, but none definitively prove that diabetes is the direct cause of COPD, although it can worsen it or increase the likelihood of it. If you can provide sufficient evidence in your case that your COPD (and sleep apnea) are a direct result of your diabetes, then your claim can be successful. You would need solid medical research as well as strong NEXUS letters from your physicians. <br /><br />If you are unable to provide enough evidence that the COPD is secondary to your Diabetes, then you can only apply for COPD and Sleep Apnea independently if you can prove their service-connection in another way. <br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/service-connected.html<br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vapresumptivelist.htmlMilitary Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-20986189241546160002019-11-01T06:49:33.060-07:002019-11-01T06:49:33.060-07:00I have been rated for service connected Type 2 Dia...I have been rated for service connected Type 2 Diabetes . I now have COPD and Sleep Apnea which I use a CPAP machine every night. Can I claim both of these conditions as secondary to my diabetes, or would it be best for me to claim them as stand alone issues.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04232393668581313404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-66673271265087862122019-10-28T09:53:47.393-07:002019-10-28T09:53:47.393-07:00Yes, the more recent results qualify for a 10% rat...Yes, the more recent results qualify for a 10% rating. Check out the Hearing Loss Rating System for details:<br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/theears.html#system<br /><br />You can submit for an increased evaluation on a new Claim. The VA made the correct decision based on the information they had at the time, so you cannot appeal their decision. Instead, you can submit a new claim for an increased evaluation based on the more recent evidence. They may want to reexamine you themselves as well. <br /><br />http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vadisabilityclaim.htmlMilitary Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-86137368881518484882019-10-23T15:14:04.884-07:002019-10-23T15:14:04.884-07:00Dear Sir,
I'm currently service connected for ...Dear Sir,<br />I'm currently service connected for hearing loss with a 0% rating.C&P exam revealed the following:LEFT EAR, decimal loss of 33 with speech discrimination of 86%. RIGHT EAR, decimal loss of 38 with speech discrimination of 82%. I requested a hearing test from my primary physician and was referred to a ENT practice.The resulting audiogram showed: LEFT EAR, decimal loss of 33 with a speech discrimination of 72%. RIGHT EAR, decimal loss 35 with speech discrimination of 80%. Is a rate increased warranted? How should I proceed?...date of rating decision is approaching one year deadline in January. Called VA, was told to make "an intent to file, which I did, then submit 21-526EZ form, have not done this. Would it be better to make an appointment with area VA clinic audiologist and talk with them (ENT audiologist recommended doing this). Really confused... any suggestions/advice would be appreciated. Thank you. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03173838875358298031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162041641030931379.post-7667500614597921172019-10-22T13:13:41.553-07:002019-10-22T13:13:41.553-07:00Great feedback on the ratings for code 7543. It de...Great feedback on the ratings for code 7543. It definitely does not take into account the affect of pain on the ability to function in daily life. We'll make sure to submit your feedback to them, and hopefully get a positive response. Military Disability Made Easyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320151544107767655noreply@blogger.com