Last Friday, the 27th,
Congress published their proposed changes to the Military Disability Ratings
for the Female Reproductive System. The entire VASRD is currently being updated
and rewritten, one section at a time, in order to update the criteria to
current medical standards and to provide better, more accurate and fair
compensation. The rewrites are scheduled to be completed sometime in 2016. The
Female Reproductive System is the second section posted so far. The Mental Disorders section was updated in August 2014.
Comments are currently being accepted
regarding the proposed changes to the Female Reproductive System. The deadline
for submitting comments is April 28, 2015. We will be compiling and submitting
comments on your behalf, so if you would like for your voice to be heard,
please comment on this blog or Contact Us directly through our site before
April 15, 2015. This is a great opportunity for us to make positive changes for
the future, so please share your thoughts with us, especially you female
veterans who deserve proper compensation for your conditions.
After April 28th, the rule makers will
review all of the comments and determine if any additional changes should be
made based on the arguments received. They will then post the final version of
the new ratings for the Female Reproductive System, along with an official date
for the new ratings to take affect. Once the changes are official, we’ll get
that info to you as soon as possible.
Below are the proposed changes. Not every
condition/code has been changed, so if it is not listed below, then it will
remain the same and can be found on our current Female Reproductive System
page. I’ve started by listing the current code as it is right now. The proposed
changes to each code are discussed directly after.
Code 7610: Diseases or injuries of the vulva (the
part of the female genitals that are on the outside of the body).
The proposed change to code 7610 is super
simple: to specify that this code includes the clitoris. The clitoris is
already a part of the vulva, and all clitoris conditions should already be
rated here, but I guess some people have been getting all confused. Thus the word
“clitoris” is being specifically added in addition to “vulva” to get rid of any
confusion. The ratings stay the same.
Code 7615: Diseases, injuries or adhesions of the
ovaries.
The only change to this code will be a note
specifying that dysmenorrhea (severe pain during menstruation) or secondary
amenorrhea (the normal menstrual cycle is interrupted and menstruation stops
completely for at least 6 months) caused by any of these problems with
the ovaries will be rated under this code. The ratings stay the same.
Code 7619: the removal of one or both ovaries is rated
100% for the first 3 months after surgery. After that period, the complete
removal of both ovaries is rated 30%. Anything less than the complete removal
of both ovaries is rated 0%.
The change to this code is pretty awesome
and too long in coming, if I say so myself. The change was made in order to
make the female ratings for loss of the ovaries equal with the male ratings for
loss of the testicles. It was acknowledged that the risk of future health
problems due to the loss of the ovaries is just as severe as the risk of future
health problems for men, so the ratings should be comparable. The new code with
the changes will read as follows:
Code 7619: the removal of one or both ovaries is rated 100% for the first 3 months after surgery. After that period, the complete removal of both ovaries is rated 30%. A 30% rating is also given if a single service-connected ovary is removed and the other ovary has also been removed or doesn’t function at all, even if the problems with the second ovary are not related to service. Anything less than the complete removal or loss of use of both ovaries is rated 0%.
Code 7619: the removal of one or both ovaries is rated 100% for the first 3 months after surgery. After that period, the complete removal of both ovaries is rated 30%. A 30% rating is also given if a single service-connected ovary is removed and the other ovary has also been removed or doesn’t function at all, even if the problems with the second ovary are not related to service. Anything less than the complete removal or loss of use of both ovaries is rated 0%.
Code 7621: If
the uterus slips down completely
through the vagina, then it is rated 50%. If it slips down only partially
through the vagina, then it is rated 30%.
-and-
Code 7622: If
the uterus does not slip down, but
is significantly out of place, then
it is rated under this code. If the displacement causes constant or frequent
problems with menstrual periods, then it is rated 30%. If the displacement
causes adhesions (scar tissue that causes the organs to stick together), and
the menstrual periods are irregular, then it is rated 10%.
-and-
Code 7623: If pregnancy causes the wall between the vagina and the rectum to
tear, resulting in a rectocele (the rectum bulges into the vagina), or if
it causes the wall between the bladder
and the vagina to tear, resulting in a cystocele (the bladder bulges into
the vagina), it is rated 50%. If the pregnancy causes the vagina to be loose or gaping, then it is rated 10%.
All three of these codes deal with the same
basic thing: at least one of the pelvic organs (uterus, bladder, or rectum) is
out of place and bulging into the vagina. Because of this, they are combining
all three codes into a single code. Code 7622 and 7623 will not longer exist,
and code 7621 will be changed as follows:
Code 7621: If any of the pelvic organs (the uterus, bladder, or rectum) are prolapsed (out of place) because of a disease, injury, or complications of pregnancy, it is rated under this code. This includes tears and bulges into the uterus or vagina, cystocele (the bladder bulges into the vagina), urethrocele (the urethra bulges into the vagina), rectocele (the rectum bulges into the vagina), enterocele (the small intestines and peritoneum bulge into the vagina), a perineal deficiency (the perineal muscles bulge into the vagina), or any combination. The ratings are based on how far the prolapsed organ protrudes into the vagina.
The severity of the prolapse is determined during examination by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) classification system as severe, moderate, or mild.
A 50% rating is given for a severe POP score where the prolapsed organ protrudes to within 2 cm of the vaginal opening.
A 30% rating is given for a moderate POP score where the prolapsed organ protrudes more than 1 cm past the hymen, but is more than 2 cm from the vaginal opening.
A 10% rating is given for a mild POP score where the prolapsed organ is within 1 cm below the hymen to 1 cm past the hymen.
Code 7621: If any of the pelvic organs (the uterus, bladder, or rectum) are prolapsed (out of place) because of a disease, injury, or complications of pregnancy, it is rated under this code. This includes tears and bulges into the uterus or vagina, cystocele (the bladder bulges into the vagina), urethrocele (the urethra bulges into the vagina), rectocele (the rectum bulges into the vagina), enterocele (the small intestines and peritoneum bulge into the vagina), a perineal deficiency (the perineal muscles bulge into the vagina), or any combination. The ratings are based on how far the prolapsed organ protrudes into the vagina.
The severity of the prolapse is determined during examination by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) classification system as severe, moderate, or mild.
A 50% rating is given for a severe POP score where the prolapsed organ protrudes to within 2 cm of the vaginal opening.
A 30% rating is given for a moderate POP score where the prolapsed organ protrudes more than 1 cm past the hymen, but is more than 2 cm from the vaginal opening.
A 10% rating is given for a mild POP score where the prolapsed organ is within 1 cm below the hymen to 1 cm past the hymen.
Code 7627: Cancer of the female organs and breasts
that is active is rated 100%. This 100% will continue for the first 6 months
after the last treatment. The condition will then be reevaluated. If it is no
longer active, then it will be rated on any lasting symptoms just like any
benign condition.
-and-
Code 7628: Benign tumors of the female organs and
breasts are rated based on how they affect the systems around them….
Both of these codes consider breast cancer
to be a female-only condition, but men can also get breast cancer. To fix this,
codes 7627 and 7628 will only be for cancer and tumors of the female organs
(not including the breasts).
Two new codes, 7630 and 7631, will be added
for all breast cancer, male or female:
Code 7630: Cancer of the breasts that is active is rated 100%. This 100% will continue for the first 6 months after the last treatment. The condition will then be reevaluated. If it is no longer active, then it will be rated on any lasting symptoms just like any benign condition.
Code 7631: Tumors and other injuries of the breast are rated based on any remaining symptoms or on how they affect the systems around them. This includes scars, disfigurement, muscle loss, nerve damage, and any other complications.
Code 7630: Cancer of the breasts that is active is rated 100%. This 100% will continue for the first 6 months after the last treatment. The condition will then be reevaluated. If it is no longer active, then it will be rated on any lasting symptoms just like any benign condition.
Code 7631: Tumors and other injuries of the breast are rated based on any remaining symptoms or on how they affect the systems around them. This includes scars, disfigurement, muscle loss, nerve damage, and any other complications.
I want to draw your attention to the fact that code 7631 not only includes benign tumors, but also any and all other
injuries of the breast, like blast-trauma, or any complications to other
parts of the body due to breast surgery. These codes will NOT replace code 7626
for removal of the breast.
Another new code is also being proposed to
get female ratings more in line with the male ratings:
Code 7632: Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) is the inability get and stay aroused during sex. It is rated 0% unless there is physical damage to the genitals, in which case, it is rated under the codes for damaged parts. FSAD may be entitled to additional compensation under Special Monthly Compensation K.
Code 7632: Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) is the inability get and stay aroused during sex. It is rated 0% unless there is physical damage to the genitals, in which case, it is rated under the codes for damaged parts. FSAD may be entitled to additional compensation under Special Monthly Compensation K.
These are all of the proposed changes to the
Female Reproductive System. Again, let us know your thoughts, and we’ll send in
a report with suggested changes to the committee. We’ll also let you know when
all the changes are finalized and in effect.
Now that FSAD may be recognized, what effect will it have as supporting evidence of MST, if any? As far as SMC(k), FASD should be considered the same way ED in men is. Yes, both vets may still be fertile, but the inability to perform is just as real in women as men. Additionally, the issue of repeated miscarriage from unknown etiology while on Active Duty should be considered as potentially ratable, and award SMC (k).
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. You make some very valid points. With these new codes/ratings, FSAD will definitely be treated the same sexual dysfunction in men, which is far too long in coming. We'll add repeated miscarriages to our list of comments to submit. It's true that it is not currently being addressed at all, but could be a potentially significant issue. It'll be interesting to see how they respond to it if they do.
DeleteAs for FSAD being used as supportive evidence of MST, this is another great issue that they have not yet addressed. We'll make sure to ask this question, and will let you know if/when we get a response.
Thank you so much for your excellent questions and issues to raise. We highly value the response of our veterans, and hope by encouraging this type of interaction, we might be able to affect change.
This is not true. Women will never be treated the same for sexual dysfunction. I was diagnosed with FSAD by my Dr., yet I had to get "approval" from a male psychiatrist in order to get my VA claim approved. This quack had NO idea what FSAD was - he spent 25 minutes of MY appt time looking up what FSAD was on his phone and then wrote in his summary that although I was diagnosed by someone else, he felt that I just had an emotional instability. OMG. And they wonder why no one wants to go get help.
DeleteI'm sorry to hear about your negative experience. While this is clearly still an issue, the VA is making changes to hopefully correct circumstances like yours. There is definitely still a ways to go, but changing the laws to ensure that the conditions are rated the same is a significant step. Hopefully through our encouragement, even bigger steps will be taken to ensure that each veteran is given the proper care.
DeleteI am trying to find information on uterine fibroids. Can anyone help me out?
ReplyDeleteFibroids are considered "injuries" of the uterus for rating purposes and so are rated under code 7613.
Deletehttp://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/femalereproductive.html#diseases
Trying to find information about ectopic pregnancy.
ReplyDeleteEctopic pregnancies are rated on whatever remaining symptoms that they cause. So if the fallopian tube is damaged or removed, it is rated under code 7614.
Deletehttp://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/femalereproductive.html#f
Any other symptoms can be rated under the code that best covers the symptom.
I was diagnosed with cancer in the right breast and currently receiving 100% until I finish treatment. I wan to know what it will reduce to after treatment? The right breast had axillary sentienl node dissection only one node with a simple mastectomy. The left breast had a simple mastectomy.
ReplyDeleteA simple ("total") mastectomy is rated 50% for both breasts. It's rated under code 7626:
Deletehttp://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/femalereproductive.html#removal
Thank you Dr. Johnson,
ReplyDeleteThe reason I asked the question is I had axillary sentinel node removed in the right breast during my mastectomy does that change the rating to modified mastectomy rating?
Usually not. The removal of the sentinel lymph node is still considered a simple mastectomy. It usually only qualifies a modified radical mastectomy if all or most of the axillary lymph nodes are removed.
DeleteI had a hysterectomy which the VA approved for me to have done but refuse to rate me for. Should I submit the claim under Organ Removal instead? Fibroids were discovered during my first C&P after getting out of the military but didn't know this could be claimed. Can I submit a claim for that also?
ReplyDeleteEven though the VA approved you for the hysterectomy doesn't mean that it is service-connected and thus eligible for benefits.
DeleteSince the fibroids were diagnosed within the first year after discharge, the VA will probably determine that those are service-connected. Were the fibroids the cause of the hysterectomy? If so, then you can submit a claim for "fibroids" and "hysterectomy secondary to fibroids", and you'll probably be successful with both.
If, however, the fibroids were not the cause of the hysterectomy, then the hysterectomy probably will not be considered service-connected, no matter how you claim it.
Hi, I had partial hip surgery "impingement" would this be eligible for any disability; also what about an ablation prior to a hysterectomy? I also had a bladder sling? And a c- section?
ReplyDeleteAll of your conditions are eligible, but only if they meet the requirements for service-connection. Either they had to be diagnosed while on active duty or they have to have another direct connection to your military service. Check out our Service-Connected page to see if your conditions meet the requirements. If so, they are eligible.
Deletehttp://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/service-connected.html
After gulf war, and being a chemical officer (2003 to 2004) in a smoke platoon, I had an ectopic two miscarriages and another ectopic where I lost the tube. I had a benign mass, and have had severe pain in ovaries often. Then in 2007 I finally was able to get pregnant after extensive infertility testing. I was an angel while pregnant (folic acid, three ultrasounds, etc.) Our daughter was born with numerous birth defects and a life threatening disorder. Is there info on if that would be accepted by VA. Had no previous issues prior to military. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteOh, and it ended with a ablation Jan 2013. Luckily no hysterectomy
DeleteMost smoke screen chemicals are directly related to respiratory conditions, skin conditions, vision conditions, etc., but there is not as much evidence connecting smoke screens to fertility issues and birth defects.
DeleteThe type of smoke and the levels of exposure you experienced will dictate whether or not the VA will consider your conditions service-connected.
If you have records regarding your exposures and the exact type, you can look up the type and determine whether or not any reproductive conditions are a result of your exposure.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224729/
You would have to show proof that you were exposed to the chemical above the safe exposure level.
Regardless, it may be worth submitting a claim for it anyway. The VA may have additional data that would support your claim, depending on the chemicals involved. Just make sure you include the exact exposure evidence they'd need to determine this.
Based on previous experience, it is unlikely that your claim will be successful, but there is always a chance.
Hi, I had a hysterectomy February 2014 and had everything removed except One ovary so I thought due to heavy menstruation and fibroids. I had Breast cancer while on active duty. I had a mastectomy of my right breast August 2011. I retired Dec 2014. I recently began having pain on the left side of my lower abdomen and went in and found that I had cysts over my ovaries as well as appendicitis. My appendix were removed. I do not think my appendicitis is service related. I just had all cysts removed along with my two ovaries. My doctor removed them for preventive measures due to my breast cancer. Can I be rated on the removal of my ovaries now because of it being linked to my cancer while I was on active duty? I was told one of my ovaries was removed during the hysterectomy but found recently that it was never removed. My doctor now does not think my ovaries and cysts are Connected to the hysterectomy. Wheras, I'm thinking had an ovary been removed I would not have all of these cysts again. Should I put in a claim for the removal of my ovaries and connect them to my cancer?
ReplyDeleteHi Avril -
DeleteUnless your doctor will claim that the cysts were directly caused by your breast cancer or hysterectomy, the VA most likely will not consider them secondary to these issues. And since he is saying that they are not, then I don't think a claim will be successful. The connection to breast cancer is preventative, not causal, so again, the VA won't consider this caused by the breast cancer. Ultimately, I don't think a claim will be successful, but you could always try.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI was Dx with for pelvic pain and mittlesmertz in the military, got out in 2006, Dx with dysmenorrhea in 2007 by the va. Had already put a claim in for the pelvic pain and mittlesmertz and got denied. Years later, I've still had so much issues,treatments, fibroids issues, cysts issues and mennorghoria issues so I decided to repoeon my claims and put it under as menstual disorders. I also provided my va Dx from 2007 showing dysmenorrhea. I have done research recently and saw that it is an approved disorder. When the BA looks at it, if I get a rating, will they have my effective date of when dysmenorrhea was approved?
Dysmenorrhea is actually not a ratable condition. It can be considered service-connected, but does not qualify under the current ratings for anything more than a 0% rating unless it requires constant treatment (not just once a month when menstruating).
DeleteThe ratings noted above are proposed changes that have not gone into effect yet. And at present, there is not final date that they will, if ever.
That being said, if the VA grants service-connection, then they will increase the rating if the law changes and allows it to be rated at a higher level.
Cysts and fibroids are similar in that they will only qualify for a rating above 0% if they require constant treatment.
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/femalereproductive.html#diseases
i had a hysterectomy while on mission Title 10 in DC for Op Noble Eagle.... several months later while still Title 10 I hurt my back- i was back at work one month later; very physical work; completing mission with less members than normal. i believe my back pain and injuries that i have been dealing with since is all related yet am having serious backlash from the VA or to get disability. i can barely move anymore, my core is entirely messed up. 3 back procedures and no disc with chronic pain at L5/S1... have you seen a relation to the two
ReplyDeleteThe key is the original back injury. If it is something that could lead to degeneration, it might have caused it, but if it was just muscle strain, probably not. If it is connected, the VA normally assumes that it will show up (be diagnosed) within a year or so of the initial injury. When did the initial injury occur, when were you separated, and when did the degenerative issues in your spine first begin? If it is more than a few years between injury and diagnosis, then it will be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to convince the VA that they are connected.
DeleteThe proposal is nice but the problem I have is men get 20% for erectile dysfunction and SMC. This only gives women SMC. I also have a few questions I need help with. 1. I was service-connected for endometriosis. I had a hysterectomy in 2015 and we left one ovary. In 2017 I had to have the other ovary removed. My question is can I have file for the three months at 100% for the surgery in 2017 to remove my last ovary? My next question, when he comes to filing for special monthly compensation for losing a creative Organ or loss of use of creative Organ can you file for more than one I. e. uterus and ovaries or is it just one special monthly compensation. My last question is can you file for IBS/constipation secondary Narcotics and depression medicine used for a service-connected disability? Thanks
ReplyDeleteYou don't technically file for SMC--it is given automatically if you qualify. So all you need to do is submit for the loss of the ovaries. The rules for SMC specify the specifics for testicles, and since they are extended many of the same considerations to women, they may judge your case similarly. If so, then they will rate you for each ovary separately.
DeleteYou can submit for the 2017 surgery but depending on the circumstances of it (service-connection, done by VA approval, etc.) they may not grant it.
I had uterine prolapse that I ended up having my uterus and cervix removed for. They also fixed a rectocele in the process. The surgery was the only solution to the problem. Now that I am getting ready to retire, will that rate loss of organ or the prolapse? Or loss of organ due to the prolapse? Since the "fixed" the rectocele (I still have issues) will that be rated? THis is all so confusing...
ReplyDeleteYou'll be rated for the uterus removal under code 7618.
Deletehttp://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/femalereproductive.html#c
Since you no longer have a prolapse or rectocele, those will not be rated. However, you mention you still have issues. Any symptoms that you still have can be rated.
Hello. I was checking my medical records and noticed that while I was in service there was several occasion that I went to sick call for abdominal pain. On 3 occasions the doctor did an ultrasound and found that I had cysts on my ovaries as well as fibroids on my uterus. I was never told this information by my doctor and I was never treated while in service for the cysts or fibroids. When I got out of the military in 2005 the abdominal pain continued and I ended up having a myomectomy to remove the fibroids in my uterus in 2010. I currently have abdominal pain on my left side that has been going on for the past few years. My doctor says it's Mittledmertz however since it has been giving me a lot of pain for a few years he is sending me to get an ultrasound to see if I have cysts on my ovaries and if I have fibroids have returned. My question is since this was diagnosed while I was in the military and I was never treated for it, will I be able to file a claim not only for the cysts but for the myomectomy to remove the fibroids?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your time.
Since it has been so long since you were separated, you will only be receive compensation back to your date of application. The cysts and fibroids are service-connected since they were diagnosed while on active duty, so they can be rated, but you'll again only receive compensation back to your date of application (which won't include any previous treatments, but will cover things in the future).
DeleteService-connection: http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/service-connected.html
Back pay:
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vadisabilitybackpay.html
Hello: I don't know if you are still answering questions but I do have one. I had two pregnancies while in the service, both seemed to go well, but I had to be sewn back together for both. Fast forward 10 years and I had developed a large rectocele that required surgery. While fixing this rectocele I also had my tubes removed because I was strongly cautioned that I would not be able to have more children and be torn apart...even with a C-section.. My question is ... can I claim both of these issues? The rectocele and the tubal removal?
ReplyDeleteIf you can clearly show a link between the in-service pregnancies and the rectocele and tubal removal, then yes. A letter from your physician stating that your rectocele and tubal removal are "more likely than not" caused by the service-connected complications from pregnancy will help.
DeleteThe key will be clearly linking the conditions. As long as you can show a clear causal relationship, you should be successful.
I was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure/infertility after high dose chemo during a bone marrow transplant for service connected leukemia. Would this be rated 0% under code 7615?
ReplyDeleteYes, it would be rated 0% under 7615. However, because it resulted in infertility, you would qualify SMC-K as "loss of use of a creative organ."
Deletehttp://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/specialmonthlycompensation.html#k
Hello, I was in Afghanistan in 2002 and have since been diagnosed with premature ovarian failure. I was stationed with a medical unit while overseas and hospitalized multiple times (while taking Mefloquine)for being anemic on tour. I got our in 2003 and have had menstrual issues ever since deployment. Haven't had a period in 7 years now, since I was 35. The military "lost" my medical records. I have no proof of anything...do I stand a chance in my claim for POF?
ReplyDeleteHi Lucy -
DeleteMenstrual disorders are included on the VA's Presumptive List for Gulf War veterans, so you do have a chance. The main issue that could impede your case is the diagnosis of the condition. Gulf War Syndrome is usually undiagnosed symptoms, so I suggest listing "menstrual disorders" on your claim and seeing how it goes. Because of the presumptive list, it could be successful.
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vapresumptivelist.html#gulf
Thank you so much. They denied my claim...of course. This gives me more information to submit in my appeal. I will definitely resubmit it as "menstrual disorder". I'll let you know how it goes.
DeleteGood luck. Even with submitting it as menstrual disorder, it may not work since they can see a clear diagnosis in your medical records. But it's still worth a shot appealing.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteWhile on AD I had a tubal ligation, and then a reconstruction, ovarian cysts and adhesions. After leaving AD and as a dependent under Tricare I had a near total (1 ovary left) hysterectomy with documentation of cysts, significant adhesions throughout, including those connecting my uterus to my colon. I continue to have abdominal pain many years later. I guess I'm wondering if I have a claim for any part of this?
Hi Barbara -
DeleteYes, since you have a clear history of reproductive system issues while in service, much of your current conditions will be considered service-connected. Definitely submit a claim and make sure to include all medical records regarding these conditions from your time in the service.
Hello Sir,
ReplyDeleteMy last message didn’t post so I am posting again.
Do I wait for my contract to be up before seeking medical retirement? I am active duty and have a long list of health issues. I had an emergency hysterectomy during my C-section which has left me with incontinence. 3 car accidents ,and still trying to resolve some nerve issues, plus on meds for depression/anxiety for almost a year. Nobody has mentioned med board/PEB so I’m not sure if I have to initiate it? Would I be better off waiting till I’m going to be discharged? I am unable to be rated currently probably because of medical issues so I have stayed E-3 for almost 4 years and it doesn’t look like the military will give me a chance to continue with my career. I am currently on HUMS orders for my infant who had heart surgery and is also diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis so she benefits from tricare currently. My contract is up this Dec.
Thank you!
To ensure that you get disability benefits from the DoD, you need to go through medical separation. Don't just wait until your contract is up. To do this, you need to be referred to the MEB by your physician. I suggest talking to him and asking if he'd refer you since you are unfit for duty because of your medical conditions.
Deletehttp://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/doddisability.html
I have PTSD. I have no interest in sex. Would that fall under the FSAD. and compensation.
ReplyDeleteYes, FSAD caused by PTSD is a condition that would be covered under the new codes, but it is only rated 0%.
DeleteI was diagnosed with anemia, my hemoglobin and iron levels were very low. I was told I would need to have a hysterectomy due to heavy menstrual, they removed my uterus and I have both of my ovaries. They found cysts which were removed and they have now returned and are being monitored by the VA. I was on active duty when I was diagnosed with anemia, low iron etc. I was a dependent at a military hospital in the reserves when my hysterectomy was completed. I am trying to determine what I would file a claim for because I was told I could.
ReplyDeleteYou can definitely apply for the anemia since it was diagnosed while in service. If the heavy menstruation was the cause of the anemia, and the hysterectomy was done to treat the anemia, then that has the potential to also be service-connected.
DeleteDefinitely submit a claim for the anemia and include the rest as well. If you could include a letter from your physician noting how the conditions are all connected (and thus to your military service) that could help. Be aware, however, that if heavy menstruation is ultimately the underlying cause, they could all be denied as that is not directly caused by your military service.
The VALUE has recently diagnosed with fibroids and surgery is needed. I've definitely had problems with severe menstrual issues while I had been active duty. Is there a way to have this service connected?
ReplyDeleteUnless you have significant evidence that the fibroids were present while in service, you probably will not get this service-connected. Menstruation problems are not necessarily evidence of fibroids.
DeleteI experienced MST during my enlistment and had a kit performed following the assault which indicated that I had contracted and was promptly treated for in the ER. Following the assault I was diagnosed multiple time with bacterial vaginosis while in service. I was discharged in 2006 for PTSD due to MST. I have had chronic yeast infections over the years and recently had a hysterectomy, tubal removal, and my ovaries were also removed for severe endometriosis and they noted tubal adhesions. Would I be able to file service connection for the tubal adhesions and other female pelvic inflammatory disease with the resulting hysterectomy?
ReplyDeleteThat is a tricky situation. There must be definite evidence that the adhesions and inflammatory disease which were the main reasons for the hysterectomy were directly caused by your vaginosis, since that is the main condition diagnosed while in service.
DeleteTubal adhesions are not normally caused by vaginosis, so that could be a stretch. You might want to discuss this with your OB-GYN and see if they feel that you can connect the current issues with the issues that were present and treated in service. If so, have them write you a NEXUS letter detailing the connection.
My apologies for not mentioning this in my prior inquiry, the rape kit lab results revealed that I had contracted Chlamydia, this was while I was active duty.Would this aid in filing for service connection for tubal adhesions and other female pelvic inflammatory in addition to the recurring bacterial vaginosis while active duty? I cant, thank you enough for your time in this personal matter.
DeletePossible, though again, not always directly connected. Your best shot is going to get a NEXUS letter from your OB-GYN detailing what they believe to be connected.
DeleteI had filed a claim in 2015 for menstrual disorder and anemia and both were denied. While I was AD I was having blackouts due to being severely anemic. I had multiple blood transfusions while on AD. It was recommended by my doctor to have an endometrial ablation to stop the heavy bleeding which was causing the anemia. I had the EA done and it was ok for a little while. I started having severe pain (labor like) which lasted for about eight months. Fast forward to 2018, I ended up with Late-Onset Endometrial Ablation Failure which resulted in a partial hysterectomy. After the hysterectomy was done they found out that I had severe Adenomyosis. I have filed an appeal for both. Is this something that I can get overturned since they found all this out later?
ReplyDeletePossibly. Heavy menstruation on its own is not a ratable condition, however, since it caused such a significant secondary condition, anemia, then that should have been rated. What is the reason they gave for denying the anemia? You may have grounds for an appeal there.
DeleteAs it is, it's possible that the partial hysterectomy could be ratable since the original EA surgery was performed while AD, so you could try to submit a new claim for that.
The adenomyosis will probably not be ratable since it was diagnosed so late unless you can prove that it was directly caused by the failed surgery or by the anemia.
They denied the anemia because after the ablation and multiple iron infusions I was no longer anemic. The ablation did lead to the hysterectomy last year though because it was considered a failed ablation since the lining of my uterus grew back and I started having problems with heavy cycles again. My VA doctor did end up diagnosing me with iron deficiency last year as a result, but I wasn't anemic anymore at this point.
DeleteThe VA will only grant service-connection for active conditions, so if the anemia was properly treated and is no longer present, then it is not a current disability. If it were to again develop chronically because of the surgery or other issues directly related to your service, then it would be more likely to qualify at that time.
DeleteThe presumptive Menstrual Disorders for Gulf War Veterans is a joke. Someone at the DAV told me I would have had to have been raped to get the rating. Ridiculous!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat information is not correct. Yes, MST can be a cause of menstrual disorders, but the menstrual disorders included in the Gulf War Presumptive List do not need to have a known cause. In fact, in order to be considered Gulf War Syndrome, they cannot have a known cause.
Deletehttp://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/vapresumptivelist.html#gulf
I filed my initial claim for my hysterectomy back in 2012. What I should've filed was for PCOS with the hysterectomy being a secondary claim to the PCOS. I have a GYN reviewing my file to see if she will write a Nexus letter since my PCOS wasn't diagnosed till many years after I was discharged. If she agrees with me and writes the letter will I have to file another claim for the hysterectomy or for the PCOS? Will the VA go back that far for the secondary claim? In my attempts to explain to them what I was intended I told them I guess I should've filed for PCOS instead of the hysterectomy. Additionally, what will I have to prove the hysterectomy was directly related to the PCOS. The reason for the hysterectomy was hyperplasia with Atypia caused by not shedding the lining of the uterus due to irregular menstrual cycles.
ReplyDeleteIf the PCOS was diagnosed more than a year after service, you must be able to prove service-connection. PCOS is a diagnosed condition, not a symptom that would be included as Gulf War Syndrome, so the presumptive list won't apply. You would either have to prove that it was caused by another condition that was clearly diagnosed during service or was caused by exposure while in service.
Deletehttp://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/service-connected.html
Can you receive SMC for loss of use of a creative organ and SMC for FSAD at the same time?
ReplyDeleteSince FSAD creates the same "loss of use" as the "loss of use" of the creative organ, then no, SMC-K cannot be given twice. It can only be given more than once if it applies to different, unrelated body systems that independently qualify.
Deletehttp://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/specialmonthlycompensation.html#k
I had an abnormal pap and positive HPV after MST while active duty and am rated 0%. I have had several procedures since that time for recurrent abnormal paps (pre cancerous cells). Some these included colposcopies, leaps, conizations which resulted in loss of parts of my cervix. To the extent that my VA provider stated its likely my cervix is now incompetent. Even with all this i was rated at 0%. I am still young enough and have wanted another child for some time, but not having anymore for obvious reasons. Is there a code or qualification higher than 0% this could be rated under? 0% seems unfairly low to me.
ReplyDeleteThere isn't a code for HPV, but the warts and/or scars that it causes can be rated under the appropriate skin or scar code:
Deletehttp://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/theskin.html
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/scars.html
The cervix can only be rated 0% unless there are symptoms needing continuous treatment. This is because reproductive organ conditions rarely interfere with your ability to work unless there are active symptoms. However, if the damage to the cervix effectively makes you infertile, you could qualify for SMC-K for loss of use of the reproductive organs.
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/femalereproductive.html#diseases
http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/specialmonthlycompensation.html#k
I was told it is rated at 0% because it does not require constant treament and technically i still have all my parts.
ReplyDeleteThat is correct, but again, if the condition can be judged to cause infertility, then it could qualify for SMC-K.
DeleteDeployed to Afghanistan and did not have a menstrual cycle most of the deployment. Came home and still didn’t. Was still ARNG and went to a gynecologist and was diagnosed with PCOS- hormonal imbalances, lack of menstrual cycle, etc. uncontrollable by medication. Never had any issues prior to deployment. Could this be service connected?
ReplyDeleteService-connection for National Guard members is tricky. You have to be able to prove that the condition occurred in the Line of Duty. For a chronic condition like PCOS, you would have to show that you were active duty for a long enough period to conceivably develop the condition while active duty. Menstrual symptoms could qualify as Gulf War Syndrome as long as there isn't a diagnosed condition, but in your case, since PCOS was officially diagnosed, it wouldn't qualify as Gulf War Syndrome.
DeleteUltimately, it will be tricky to prove that it occurred in the line of duty, however, it is worth submitting a claim and all the proof you can and see if the VA will grant it or not.