I haven't posted on this in a while, but I received a call from the PEBLO and I'm getting medical retirement!! I couldn't be more excited. I'm going to see the PEBLO tomorrow to get the exacts of my ratings. I'll post my official ratings once I get them.
Im not sure whether to accept or appeal..
- Thread starter MMollen88
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I got my ratings today. 40% PDRL, 90% VA. They kept my VA ratings the same, as I was rated for my unfitting conditions cervicalgia and trapezius strain. Both were found unfitting and rated each at 20%, for the grand total of 40%. I've got a couple of other conditions I'm going to do as a VA claim when I get out. Overall, I'm really happy. It's definitely been a journey, I'm excited to finally be moving forward.
Congratulations!! Did you do a VARR? Are you able to do a VARR for the newly unfitting condition?
No, I didn't do a VARR. I had already been rated the 20% for the trapezius strain, so there was no VARR. When I got the call about PDRL, I wasn't expecting that. I was expecting TDRL, so I'm not really complaining.
When I did my FPEB, I had also brought up shoulder issues, and major depression, they added these conditions as secondary to my traps and neck issues, but I plan on doing claims on these when I get out.
When I did my FPEB, I had also brought up shoulder issues, and major depression, they added these conditions as secondary to my traps and neck issues, but I plan on doing claims on these when I get out.
Hey congratulations good to hear that everything worked out for you. Still waiting on them to call me and let me know when my board is but at least hearing good things from other people gives me hope that everything is going to work out.
I bet, I am hoping for similar results so that I can finally move on and start the next faze of my life. They did put me on Gabapentin by the way the 300mg though so I have been taking them but they do make me feel run down and tired of course I did just start taking it so hoping it will give some relief.
So the FPEB added those as Category II conditions?
But they are not yet rated by the VA?
Can you do a VARR at this stage?
If you can do a VARR, maybe they will rate your Cat II conditions, it could bring you to 100%?
It's something to consider especially the $1,000+ difference betweeen 90 and 100% VA.
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@Scottydo, The Gabapentin made me tired at first too. I would give it more time. As I previously mentioned, they bumped me to the 600mg tablets, and it is giving me more consistency in pain levels. The only part that is hard, my botox has pretty much warn off and now I'm getting more headaches/migraines every day.
@Camp P Marine, Looking back at my paperwork, my major depression and shoulder were rated as Cat 2 to both of my unfitting conditions.
@Camp P Marine, Looking back at my paperwork, my major depression and shoulder were rated as Cat 2 to both of my unfitting conditions.
Is there a spot for it on the election of options form? (It should be a few pages back from the findings).
I am taking Fioricet for my pressure headaches and it does help especially if I take it at the onset of the headache, might be something to ask about and see if that helps. They haven't offered anything like botox to me and since the medication is working I wouldn't want to have those done anyways especially since it only gives you limited relief.
@Camp P Marine, At this point I cannot do a VARR. When I had talked to the PEBLO, he suggested to add them and a couple of other conditions to a claim once I EAS. I agreed with what he was suggesting. I do not want to compromise my PDRL. I am happy that the PEB process is done. There is still more to the journey. I feel like I can breath a little bit now.
Thanks for answering that. For some reason the JAG told me to call him when the ratings come in. I guess just to close it out/make sure a PFR isn't needed.
Congrats on everything, my process just got a little bit longer but hopefully everything works out after I go to D.C. Oct 5th.
Thank you. I'm ready for the next phase. I know it is a bit of wait til October, but keep going to appointments and getting more evidence. You are there to tell your story. It is daunting at moments, but I know I would have regretted it if I hadn't done it.
I am ready to start the next phase as well but I haven't given up. I am just continuing to go to appointments having the nerve block treatments on Aug. 2nd and then possible having the RFA done to the nerves if that is successful. I plan to not take my medications for 2 days prior to going in front of the board so they can see just how bad it affects me. Good luck with everything in the future with yourself and again glad everything worked out well for you.