I was told I might have multiple sclerosis. How do I go about getting the actual symptoms diagnosed properly. I currently have tingling, twitches and numbness through my entire body. I have weakness on both sides of the body. I also have headaches and stomach pain. I don’t know if I have to visit my PCM for each seperate issue or will the neurologist that I will see put that on my record.
Multiple sclerosis
- Thread starter Nyjohnny
- Start date
PCM should refer you to neurology and ophthalmology as there are some eye tests that can be done also. Plus CAT scan MRIs can be used to also rule out other conditions. Simple test can be done by touching your chin to your neck. You can google those tests to see if you have related symptoms. But start with your PCM.
Code 8018: Multiple sclerosis (a.k.a. MS) is a degenerative disease that gets worse over time and causes the tissues surrounding the axons in the brain and spinal cord to swell, disconnecting the brain from the rest of the body. Symptoms get worse over time and include loss of coordination, weakness, difficulty eating (7203, 9901), muscle spasms or tics (8103-8104), difficulty breathing (6840-6841), nerve paralysis, double vision (6009), depression (9434), and other mental disorders. It is rated on the Central Nervous Rating System. The minimum rating for this condition is 30%.
You can use Military Disability Made Easy as a link to get some general information. But if the symptom is directly related to MS then it could be rated separately. A diagnosis of MS alone is at least 30%.
You can use Military Disability Made Easy as a link to get some general information. But if the symptom is directly related to MS then it could be rated separately. A diagnosis of MS alone is at least 30%.
If you don't have symptoms that result in waivers or non-deployability then there shouldn't be any worries. But if you are on physical waivers and become non-deployable then you very well may under go a MEB. That is a talk you need to have with PCM to see what your options are.
MS is usually diagnosed via MRI of the brain showing lesions. Have you had an MRI yet? There are literally thousands of neurological conditions that can mimic one another. You need a lot of testing before anyone can diagnose you with MS. Numbness and tingling don’t mean anything... it could be anything.
Tests for MS include:
MRI
Evoked potentials
Spinal tap
Tests for MS include:
MRI
Evoked potentials
Spinal tap
I also have MS and my Neurologist at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth helped me with a limited duty profile. She also did it so I can stabilize with medication. I recommend scheduling appts for every residuals. When I see my PCM I tell him I want a referral for...
I was diagnosed at 18.3 and my MEB just started at 19.4.
Paul
If you are diagnosed with MS it is possible to remain AD. If sxs are managed and this is possible - it all depends how severe or duty-limiting it is. However, with the increased emphasis on WW deployment, admittedly it can be difficult to remain AD, not necessarily b/c of the condition but because of the required medication, duty-limitations, etc.
I thought I had MS for awhile, turned out it was fibromyalgia.
They can determine whether or not its MS if you have lesions on your spine or brain. They do this via MRI. Lupus is another possibility, they should be able to tell through a blood test.
They can determine whether or not its MS if you have lesions on your spine or brain. They do this via MRI. Lupus is another possibility, they should be able to tell through a blood test.
At heathro1281: You mentioned having over 20 years and still processing as a medical retiree? Do you still receive all of the 20 years of service letters ext... What is the difference? I have over 20 and will be more than likely found unfit after PEB results.
I agree with @tony292 that this question is premature we are not doctors your symptoms really dont mean anything and can possibly be acute. Just ask for a neurology consult they will make you do all these physical tests and check your blood and your eyes. They may or may not want an MRI if you really want to rule things out at the minimum get the brain MRI.
I agree, ask for a neurologist. There are many neuromuscular diseases. It take a neurologist and probably some time to get a proper diagnosis. Some neuromuscular disease are diagnosed by exclusion.
Not to side track the thread. I will retire for all intents and purpose as a 20+ year retiree. But my retiring code is SEA (permanent medical retirement). My retirement pay will be calculated instead at 70% rather than 50% (but the CRDP will change those numbers anyways). The easiest way to think of it is I get a little bit of 20-yr benefits with a little bit of PDRL benefits and I have yet to find a draw back (minus I am eliminated from continued or recalled service).
I had an mri of my brain and my nuerologist said I had lesions but they were not of significant size. He wants to look into Pernicious anemia which requires me injecting myself with b12 shots. The b12 needs to be refrigerated however I am supposed to go to shore duty in the next few months and it would be my last set of orders until I retire so I don’t know how all of this will come into play.
When you started scheduling appt for residuals was that before or after you were diagnosed?
It was after I was diagnosed with MS. After I was diagnosed I knew it wasn't a mental thing.
I wanted my PCM to document the loss of batter control I was having, blurry vision (optic neuritis), dizziness, fatigue, drop foot, right-side numbness and depression (from not being taken seriously by my PCM).