Doctor Advice

[Fmedges]

Guys,

I normally would never do this, but at this point I'm not really sure what to do. I have a hearing with the VA compensation department to dispute the denial of a claim. I am service connected disabled because of hypertension as well as other things. Because of my insanely high blood pressure, my heart is enlarged and currently I'm undergoing testing to determine if my kidneys are being destroyed. To get any compensation my blood pressure levels need to be over a certain amount. My blood pressure levels have been above this level for about a year and a half, but the VA uses readings from up to ten years ago and ridiculous logic to deny my claim. The only doctor that I have is through the VA as I am a student and I don't have any insurance. I asked yesterday if I could come in and get my blood pressure taken on 5 consecutive days so that I could have a reading of what my current readings are to take to the hearing and I was told that they would not do that for me. I'm going to the disabled american veterans tomorrow to ask for advice, but other than that I'm not sure what else to do. How do I prove my case if my primary care doctor is unwilling to help me?

[275RLTW]

1) DAV- listen to them as they will be you best advocate.

2) I know it costs money, but go see a specialist. VA cannot refute the advise of a specialist with the advise of their "primary care" idiots.

3) be patient- expect VA to fight to refuse every penny. It may take a year or two to get a decision. Good thing is your payment will be retroactive to when you filed the claim.

4) document everything- non-measureable things such as how this disability affects your day to day life and impairs your ability to earn a living will help tremendously. Search the VA rulings for the outcome of similar conditions and use those to support your claim

[BushMasterBoy]

Try another Doctor. Is there a VA clinic you could go to? If you are militarily retired, go to a military clinic and have them do it. Then get a copy of the vitals (BP). If there is no other way but the VA, I suggest you ask to see the Director of the medical facility or Chief Resident. Don't let the bureaucracy of the VA stymy your efforts. If you have to, lie! Tell the VA ER you have chest pains or dizziness and have them check your vitals! Make sure you get a copy of the medical record. The point I am making here is that you are forcing them to record your blood pressure and you are entitled to a record of their measurements. DAV is good but they will probably have no sway in making VA medical staff record your vitals. You might get a local Congressmans Office to pressure them though. VA is just another battle after the battle.

[wagzs]

I presume you are a resident of Arapahoe County? Don't overlook the county veteran's service office. They helped me with my claim for disability.
Good luck and thanks for you service!

http://www.co.arapahoe.co.us/Departments/CS/Veteran/VeteransService.asp

[Fmedges]

Thanks for the advice. I have actually been fighting this for about a year and a half now. The last time I dealt with the comp people about five years ago I had to call my congressman's office to get anything done. I will consider other doctors if I can afford them, because yes the VA is shit. I will check out the Arapahoe CO office, I never even knew about it.

[275RLTW]

Go to the VA hospital ER every day you need to to get your vitals taken. Request a copy of your records every time you are there. Easy process, they usually have them in your mailbox within a week.

[CO Hugh]

Find a lawyer that does VA hearings

[Great-Kazoo]

Walk in to an ER tell them you're not feeling well. They wil be doing basic test. ALSO let them know you have no ins / are a veteran. They cannot refuse you. If they do ask them how that person, over there who does not speak english is paying. Always worked for me
Also contact a DAV rep.

[jplove71]

1) DAV- listen to them as they will be you best advocate.This right here will be your greatest chance of winning your case. They assisted me in the past to overturn a denial for compensation.