Interstim Implant for Hyperactive Bladder

NavyVeteran

NavyVeteran

PEB Forum Regular Member
PEB Forum Veteran
Registered Member
Does anyone else have this condition? This was my unfitting condition for DOD rated at 60%. This is a pacemaker device that helps control emptying your bladder. I am currently on TDRL and coming up on my one and only physical evaluation after 4 years and 6 months in TDRL (I know the Navy never sent me any other physical evaluations exams to be done).
Just curious as I am not able to find anyone else with this condition.
Thank you in advance.
 
I was offered one and said no thank you. Were you rated for neurogenic bladder? If you were than you are rated for "voiding obstruction".

60% rating for this comes from "If the condition requires the use of a catheter or other urinary assistive appliance to remove urine from the bladder, or if the condition requires the use of absorbent materials (like pads or Depends) that must be changed more than 4 times a day"

As long as the device is still in place, your rating should continue at 60% and you should be transferred to the PDRL.
 
Last edited:
I have one implanted for my bladder as well, I just finished my PEB and for everything was found unfit and for VA I received 100%. For DOD I received 40% PDLR, but for my bladder the VA only gave me 20%.
 
gsfowler said:
I was offered one and said no thank you. Were you rated for neurogenic bladder? If you were than you are rated for "voiding obstruction".

60% rating for this comes from "If the condition requires the use of a catheter or other urinary assistive appliance to remove urine from the bladder, or if the condition requires the use of absorbent materials (like pads or Depends) that must be changed more than 4 times a day"

As long as the device is still in place, your rating should continue at 60% and you should be transferred to the PDRL.
Click to expand...
Thank you. Yes the device is still in place, the only draw back is that it has to be changed every 4 to 6 years but other than that I could not live without it.
Thanks for the feedback
 
et1893 said:
I have one implanted for my bladder as well, I just finished my PEB and for everything was found unfit and for VA I received 100%. For DOD I received 40% PDLR, but for my bladder the VA only gave me 20%.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I have had my device since 2012 and I couldnt live without it. I was put in TDRL and now coming up on my last physical eval. Since the device is still working lets see if they place me on PDRL.
Thanks for the feedback, glad to know someone that has this. This is the first time I heard of another service member with this device.
Did you work on a ship by any chance? Or are you Army. Just curious because of the job related confliction of having this device in the military.
 
I had mine since August 2016 and it's a lifesaver, yes I have been on the ship but not since having the device. Since having the device implanted I have been on desk duty I'm about to retire in four months I hit my 20 years and I'm done.
 
et1893 said:
I had mine since August 2016 and it's a lifesaver, yes I have been on the ship but not since having the device. Since having the device implanted I have been on desk duty I'm about to retire in four months I hit my 20 years and I'm done.
Click to expand...
I heard now they have the new interstim implant that can be charged from the outside so they do not have to cut you open every 4-6 years to replace the battery. What is your rate? My rate was ABH so I also was taken off the ship also.
 
I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Non Obstructive Bladder, and I had the Interstim put in and it doesn't help me at all so self catheterization is in my future. I also got a 0% rating for Voiding dysfunction even though my bladder is essentially dead. I am actually probably going to have a second implant done to see if that will help in anyway, if not, both are being removed. Man I wished it worked.
 
EOTJCL said:
I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Non Obstructive Bladder, and I had the Interstim put in and it doesn't help me at all so self catheterization is in my future. I also got a 0% rating for Voiding dysfunction even though my bladder is essentially dead. I am actually probably going to have a second implant done to see if that will help in anyway, if not, both are being removed. Man I wished it worked.
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear that. I had nerve damage to the nerves in my lower back and thus damaging the nerves for voiding properly. I have self catheterized in the past until I got the interstim. What level do you have it set at? That might be part of the problem why it is not working properly. I hope it starts working for you sooner than later. It def is a life changing device for me.
 
gsfowler said:
I was offered one and said no thank you. Were you rated for neurogenic bladder? If you were than you are rated for "voiding obstruction".

60% rating for this comes from "If the condition requires the use of a catheter or other urinary assistive appliance to remove urine from the bladder, or if the condition requires the use of absorbent materials (like pads or Depends) that must be changed more than 4 times a day"

As long as the device is still in place, your rating should continue at 60% and you should be transferred to the PDRL.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. Yes the other urinary assistive appliance would be the insterstim implant I believe. I also use depends more than 4 times a day.
 
NavyVeteran said:
Sorry to hear that. I had nerve damage to the nerves in my lower back and thus damaging the nerves for voiding properly. I have self catheterized in the past until I got the interstim. What level do you have it set at? That might be part of the problem why it is not working properly. I hope it starts working for you sooner than later. It def is a life changing device for me.
Click to expand...
I have tried every setting, and my doctor had a Medtronic representative come in and adjust things. I think the issue is the lead might have moved around since I don't feel the sensation where I am suppose to feel it. I can't have that fixed until my board is complete. I'm hoping a second interstim will make a difference so I can avoid catheters. I'm shocked that I got a 0% rating for this considering I have the interstim and was diagnosed with a dead bladder to be frank.
 
EOTJCL said:
I have tried every setting, and my doctor had a Medtronic representative come in and adjust things. I think the issue is the lead might have moved around since I don't feel the sensation where I am suppose to feel it. I can't have that fixed until my board is complete. I'm hoping a second interstim will make a difference so I can avoid catheters. I'm shocked that I got a 0% rating for this considering I have the interstim and was diagnosed with a dead bladder to be frank.
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear that. I hope it improves quickly and they are able to get the interstim working properly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top