SUBJECT: Questions you will be asked when you start your MED Board and before your VA interview and C&P exam
Do these at home so you can take your time, and really get them correct.
Start on these questions now. Start from the top of your head, to the bottom of your feet. Think about every single little thing wrong with you. If you need help, ask another hurt Soldier. Also, ask your family (spouse, parents, siblings). Many times, your family will notice things about you that have changed (mental, emotional, social, physical, hearing, lifting, ADLs, etc), that you have not noticed. Do not go into your Med Board, VA, or even Social Security unprepared.
Once you use this for VA, then you can use it again for Social Security. So, be very detailed, and you will only need to do the work once. I promise, if you start on this as soon as your are "slated" for MED Board, and not the night before you need it, your life will be so much easier.
Use your medical records to use exact "medical terms" and how it really is listed as a DX -- (I messed up my records, as many Soldiers do, because I was using words such as maybe, sometimes, instead of medical words such as chronic, moderate, and severe)
The questions may seem the same, but they aren't. When it comes down to the VA, pain does not really count so much as how the pain affects your range of motion. Remember that. They don't care how much it hurts (really they don't). Everybody has pain. Anyone can have a level 8 pain and continue just fine, so it is how the pain limits your range of motion, or your day.
NOTE **** This is mostly true, but, with everything, there are exceptions -- If your diseases or condition is a PAIN Condition, such as Chronic Pain Syndrome, or FIBRO, then pain levels are very important.
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Copy these questions onto a word document for EACH injury/ illness. This is one area you don't want to cheat yourself. Be very specific. Don't be a hero.
Name the body part that is injured or painful, or what illness has occurred. If you already have a DX, name that with the injury. Be as specific as possible. Your heel is not your foot, and your toe is not your foot. Your elbow, is not your arm. Your fingers are not your hand. Name each part separately. You may name each part in this area, but make sure it is all named separately. For example: On 15Jan2007, While deployed to Afghanistan, with the 110th Supply Company, I was ground guiding a fork lift while loading equipment in the back of a HET. The fork lift driver did not see me, and dropped the pallet of supplies directly on my right foot. 4 toes on my right foot, 4 bones, and my arch were smashed. My ankle also was affected by the amount of swelling and affected my range of motion.
Exactly where were you located when this occurred?
What were you participating in when this occurred? Be as specific as possible.
Explain how this injury occurred, or under what circumstances it started hurting: (The 5 Ws)
What providers have you seen for this one issue (this issue only)? What time frames did you see these providers? (If you saw the provider for other issues, it is ok to list the provider again for another issue.)
What is the address and phone number for this provider?
What medications have you taken for this issue only?
What procedures have you completed for this issue only? (physical therapy, surgery, braces, etc)
Think about ADLs, and IADLs, How does this injury or illness affect your daily life. Name all issues. Mentally and physically, from morning to bedtime. If it affects your sleep, state how it affects your sleeping pattern. Name all the little things in life that have changed due to the injury or illness.
State any relevant information pertaining to this issue only.