So-to all who follow this site:
About two weeks ago I received my results from the VA side of things. To recap-I only received 10% severance pay from the Army for my back injuries. The fortunate thing is-the Army did not (EVER) diagnose my injuries correctly and "missed" multiple ailments in my MRI of my spine; however, the VA is catching EVERYTHING. I am still being diagnosed with issues that are concurrent with my interviews/exams with the Army PAs and Docs (who all said I was faking). The VA has found issues in my entire lumbar spine, both hips, reasons for the EXTREME Pain in both my legs, and issues with my knees giving out. Funny when the Army tells you you are a faker, right? Along with them (VA) diagnosing me with some mental/emotional problems, in which everytime I spoke to my doctor in the Army, he would ignore my talking of "depression". Whatever!
Anyway, the VA has rated me at 50%. Starting from the top -
30% for Major Depressive/Anxiety episodes. Along with INSOMNIA.
20% for Degenerative Disc Disease.
10% for Right Patellafemoral Syndrome.
= 50%....and I need to do a follow up exam for the two higher ratings next September.
Now, I think this came rather fast. I wasn't expecting anything until about February, March time frame. Due to me not going overseas and neither of these issues being combat related. I mean I left the Army in September, so this was rather fast wouldn't you all think so? GO Pennsylvania VA!!! LOL!
I will admit, they dropped the ball on a couple things with my rating, in which my doctors from the VA ALL AGREE. So they are all going to write letters, explaining all the NEW findings (instead of using just the ARMY medical records which are full of LIES as my PA told me.). They have told me I will wind up with at least 90% because of all the NEW findings which are obviously service related. So, after I see the surgeon at the end of this month, my PA wants to help by writing a new letter and including all the doctors evidence. She said that since I haven't done anything really at all, and the simple fact that I am on bedrest 4-5 times a week (all day long), that will be at least 60% for my back alone. My social worker also wants my emotional/mental rating to be higher, so he's wanting to help as well. Not to brag, but I am so happy for my healthcare throughout the VA. I was so worried but now I know I have a great team helping me through my issues-FINALLY, since the Army did not help and it cost me, being medically seperated....oh well, God works in mysterious ways some times.
For now,
Nick Lawless
About two weeks ago I received my results from the VA side of things. To recap-I only received 10% severance pay from the Army for my back injuries. The fortunate thing is-the Army did not (EVER) diagnose my injuries correctly and "missed" multiple ailments in my MRI of my spine; however, the VA is catching EVERYTHING. I am still being diagnosed with issues that are concurrent with my interviews/exams with the Army PAs and Docs (who all said I was faking). The VA has found issues in my entire lumbar spine, both hips, reasons for the EXTREME Pain in both my legs, and issues with my knees giving out. Funny when the Army tells you you are a faker, right? Along with them (VA) diagnosing me with some mental/emotional problems, in which everytime I spoke to my doctor in the Army, he would ignore my talking of "depression". Whatever!
Anyway, the VA has rated me at 50%. Starting from the top -
30% for Major Depressive/Anxiety episodes. Along with INSOMNIA.
20% for Degenerative Disc Disease.
10% for Right Patellafemoral Syndrome.
= 50%....and I need to do a follow up exam for the two higher ratings next September.
Now, I think this came rather fast. I wasn't expecting anything until about February, March time frame. Due to me not going overseas and neither of these issues being combat related. I mean I left the Army in September, so this was rather fast wouldn't you all think so? GO Pennsylvania VA!!! LOL!
I will admit, they dropped the ball on a couple things with my rating, in which my doctors from the VA ALL AGREE. So they are all going to write letters, explaining all the NEW findings (instead of using just the ARMY medical records which are full of LIES as my PA told me.). They have told me I will wind up with at least 90% because of all the NEW findings which are obviously service related. So, after I see the surgeon at the end of this month, my PA wants to help by writing a new letter and including all the doctors evidence. She said that since I haven't done anything really at all, and the simple fact that I am on bedrest 4-5 times a week (all day long), that will be at least 60% for my back alone. My social worker also wants my emotional/mental rating to be higher, so he's wanting to help as well. Not to brag, but I am so happy for my healthcare throughout the VA. I was so worried but now I know I have a great team helping me through my issues-FINALLY, since the Army did not help and it cost me, being medically seperated....oh well, God works in mysterious ways some times.
For now,
Nick Lawless