Still Not Diagnosed, But Receiving Disability

By KJ Wednesday, November 04, 2009

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Though I still have numerous symptoms, multiple lesions, and at least one active lesion - I still have not been diagnosed with MS. My lumbar puncture came back ok. Since the Veterans Administration was not able to come up with a diagnosis or clear reason why I couldn't deploy to Iraq, I am now sitting in a little trailer about 50 miles south of Baghdad. To my surprise, however, I was just told that the VA has rated me at 80% disabled and just paid one year of back dated disability pay! I'm not sure of the breakdown, but much of my claim for disability was based on neurological problems (intention tremor, double vision, visual disturbances, and a variety of twitches and sensory problems). When I get back to the States I plan on getting another evaluation of my neurological problems.

I just thought I'd share since I haven't been able to visit the site for a long time and wanted to check in.

Take care,

PTSD and Sleep Disorders

Comments (8) | Add comment

Lisa Emrich, Health Guide

11/ 4/09 10:01am

KJ,

I'm so glad that you checked in. I'm sorry that limbo continues, but it's great news that you have received a disability determination. Odd to get that news while you're deployed after being seen as not disabled enough to stay home.

Please stay safe and check in as you can. My thoughts are with you.

Lisa

11/ 4/09 1:53pm

Thanks, I don't have the information available to determine what percentage of the disability is from neurological problems and what is from other (PTSD, elbow injury and surgery, sleep apnea). I have to assume that some percentage is from the intention tremor since the tremor really does affect my ability to work and do things more than anything else.

I deployed here as a civilian contractor this time, not as a soldier like in the past. My physical was really fast and the doctors were really just interested in actual diagnoses. All I could do was show them that I have tremors and double vision and give them the paperwork that says "white matter disease, not diagnosed with MS". That was good enough to get me over here.

Hollyk

11/ 4/09 10:50am

I'm sorry you are back in Iraq; but I'm glad that you are getting some recognition regarding the disability; at least they recognise something. It is cool that you wrote us to let us know how you are doing!

I'm glad to hear that you are going to see a neurologist; I'm sorry that you've had to go through this for so long. It looks as though you are much closer to a diagnosis now though!

I will keep you and your family in my prayers! Keep your head down and be safe!

Holly

11/ 4/09 2:00pm

Thanks Holly,

Is there any more news for you? Hopefully they're getting closer with a diagnosis in your case too.

I had a major falling out with the Veterans Administration as I was leaving. I like my neurologist a lot, but I had problems like you couldn't dream of. I had to write my congressman and get the American Legion involved to get me a copy of my medical records to pass to my employer. They made a copy of my entire medical record and lost it - gave it to someone they thought was me! Ironically, now that I have free medical and dental care for life as a disabled veteran, they will have a hard time to get me to go back to their medical clinic. I will switch from the Washington DC clinic to the Richmond, Virginia clinic to see if they're any better.

So far the Iraq civilian deployment has been a whole lot better than the military deployments. The working conditions and pay are much better. The work is more enjoyable too.

Thanks for the response,

Hollyk

11/ 4/09 2:41pm

Aside from the debacles; that really sounds great; good for you!! I'm still in limbo; however they found a lesion; but he won't say where. He just wants another test to ensure that it is relevant; but it is taking the hospital 1 month to get me into their clinic for the test. You know as I do that a lesion can come and go in less time than that.

I've been on some very strong antibiotics which has lowered my wbc so I've been feeling pretty good the past few days. As with all things; it will end with the prescription; but I'm glad for the days I have!

You sound good; positive and happy for the most part. I am glad to hear it!

Take care and God bless!

Vicki, Health Guide

11/ 5/09 9:31am

I have missed you, so it's nice to know where you are.

Please be safe, be productive, and keep in touch. If you have a relapse, be sure to tell them so you can come home while your body is playing wih your mind.

As always, good luck. Respectfully, Vicki

11/ 5/09 1:16pm

Thanks Vicki, I've been feeling very well for the past several months and the main symptoms I have now are just the tremors and occassional vision problems. As you may remember I went through a lot of problems last Spring, the cognitive issues were the worst. All of that has taught me to be careful and very aware of my physical condition and thinking. I won't take any chances. I even timed this trip to get here as the weather was cooling and to get me home before it gets too hot.

Thanks for thinking of me.

Vicki, Health Guide

11/ 5/09 1:38pm

Thank you.

Still Not Diagnosed, But Receiving Disability

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