Navy and VA should of ordered a Head CT, now I’m having brain surgery, 8 years later

I need some tips and/or reassurance that I’m heading in the right direction with this...

1. Complained of migraines many times while active, it’s all documented. It also included an ER report “patient states of DAILY headaches, in tears” No head CT, refilled medication.
2. Prescribed the good ol’ Motrin, naproxen, and zofran. Failed that. Prescribed Midrin (which was later discontinued by manufacturers) so then prescribed Fioricet.
3. After multiple times of complaining and wanting to go to the hospital to be seen by a physician (I was stationed on a carrier) and she said that would require a referral to a neurologist and her attitude about that is what encouraged to suck it up. Plus the pridefulness of staying healthy, military readiness, and dedicated to my work.
4. After separation, submitted my initial claim...one being migraines. It wasn’t until over a year I then received my evaluation through QTC, also going over by migraines and it’s severity. He ordered xray for my ankle but not a head CT.
5. Documents of complaints to my primary physician of the migraines submitted as well.
6. Almost 2 years later, rewarded 0% migraines. 10% tinnitus.

From 2012-2018....increased migraines but it was the exploding kind brought on by laughing, coughing, sneezing, yelling etc. memory loss, falling asleep at the wheel, morning sickness. I also had to children, got my associates degree and became a medical assistant/surgical tech. It wasn’t until nov 2018 I had enough and begged my doctor to order a head CT because I swear theirs a tumor.

CT came back....diagnosed with a brain disorder where the bottom 10mm of my brain is herniated OUTSIDE of my skull pushing on my brain stem. A few months after I filed an increase to my service connected 0% and submitted all the recent documentations. Had a visit with QTC and within a month I was rewarded 50% and so now I’m a combined 60. I’m also now switched over to VA healthcare and will be having brain surgery next month which will be fully covered by the VA. (Which i will file temp 100%)

Which brings me to this (knowing what I know now due to working with physicians who were contracted with QTC and also the basic process of elimination when it comes to head complaints and the severity) The Navy should have ordered a head CT at the ER. QTC should have also ordered a CT to “gather evidence” on behalf of the VA.

I could have had a diagnosis a long time ago. I could of had surgery WHILE active. I could of had a diagnosis through QTC and VA and would have been able to get the care i needed or forwarded it at least my civilian doctor. I would like to file a supplemental claim regarding this and wanted to know if im heading in the right direction. Thank you!
 
Could easily just be progression of symptoms a lot of this has to do with quality of care with the VHA, ratings on the other hand are done by the VBA. You have to prove that it was serious at the time of the initial rating but you already stated it got worst over time, it's up to you to file an increase when you felt it warranted a higher rating, by accepting the zero rating and letting the appeal period expired you accepted the VBA decision that it was correct. The migraine rating in itself sucks because it doesn't matter how frequent or severe they are if the doc doesn't check "prostrating" they will always propose a zero percent rating.

The QTC are not your treating physicians they are only there to provide an advisory opinion to the rater on whether or not the condition is related to service and whatever information is asked on the migraine DBQ nothing else, if you felt additional screening was needed you should have brought it up between you and your family doctor.
 
QTC does not provide healthcare. They conduct compensation exams, following procedures dictated by the VA. I had one QTC specialist look at me and say I can't complete the evaluation without X test and the VA will not authorize that test. If you want to claim this route, your beef would be with the VA for a insufficient evaluation. The lack of a CT or MRI doesn't help you establish when the brain actually herniated.

Suing DoD or the VA is a tricky process. You definitely would need to hire a malpractice attorney if you want to go that route. There are firms that specialize in this area.
 
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