John W Ellis, MD, the world-renowned physician and a leading authority on the medical and legal aspects of Federal Work Comp and VA Disability – answers your questions.
Questions: https://askdocellis.com
Some of the questions answered in this webinar:
00:28 Question 1
Aaron: Have you ever seen a correlation between Viral Meningitis and Migraines? I had Viral Meningitis while serving in the Marine Corps in 2003, was hospitalized for several days and released. I initially put in a VA claim when I was first discharged and was denied due to now follow on symptoms (Not entirely true). I have been suffering from debilitating migraines ever since. Have you ever heard of long-term symptoms such as migraines from Viral Meningitis? I’m also a Gulf War Vet from the same time period.
01:03 Question 2
Terry: I recently sent a packet to your office for leg and foot problems. If I come out to Oklahoma to your clinic, how much travel, lodging, etc. can I expect DOL to cover for an accepted claim?
01:30 Question 3
Sean: Just received ECAB APPEAL DECISION DENIAL LETTER YESTERDAY (12-16-23)
ISSUE: OWCP WRONGLY TERMINATED MY OWCP COMPENSATION AND DENYING MY ELGIBILITY FOR A SCHEDULE AWARD….
DENIED BECAUSE:
I (SUPPOSEDLY) DID NOT SHOW CLEAR EVIDENCE OF ERROR… (WHILE EVIDENCE IS IN PLAIN SIGHT)
& (SUPPOSEDLY) UNTIMELINESS WITH FILING INITIAL APPEAL.
(WHILE BEING ADVISED BY MY USPS HR DIRECTOR AND WAITING FOR A 2ND OPINION EXAM, PER HER ADVICE AND DIRECTION)
02:21 Question 4
Mayk: I was recently denied for 2 injuries in my VA disability claim due to a lack of service connection, majorly due to lack of STRs about those injuries. The C&P exams did diagnose me of those 2 injuries. I also filed my claim within 1 year after separating from active duty. Am I able to go through a service you know in order to establish a nexus letter?
02:59 Question 5
Eduardo: Do you write nexus letters for migraines SECONDARY to either 1. service connected tinnitus (10%) or 2. Service connected PTSD (70%)?
I have developed severe migraine headaches this year and my doctor has prescribed Sumatriptan (25mg) to manage the pain.
These episodes are triggered when the ringing in the ear gets louder than normal, and i have been tracking them with an app (migraine buddy).
My primary care provider is about to refer me to a neurologist to run tests, then file a VA claim soon afterwards.
03:43 Question 6
Elbert: Can u help me with a nexus letter to connect my sleep apnea to my Tinnitus I got 10% for and was denied that sleep apnea was a secondary from it I have c pap machine from the VA please let me know.
04:19 Question 7
Clifton: I have lumbosacral strain 20% service-connected compensation I am experiencing numbness in my toes, and went for test in VA EMG clinic and wanted to know how can I get a causation determination from L-4, L-5. connected to the numbness which the EMG clinic says is unremarkable. Here is the statement: A 10 system review of symptoms was performed, which was unremarkable except as
mentioned in the HPI.
06:28 Question 8
Carl: I’ve had six blows to the head from military service. Only one (with facial trauma) is in my military records. I’ve got buddy statements for all my major head injuries. My initial VA claim for ‘traumatic brain injury with affected vision’ and ‘right facial trauma’ were denied. I’m currently having issues with my right eye. (pressure, unequal vision, light sensitivity, eye aches). I would like to reopen this claim and finally get the VA to award me with TBI w affected vision. What are the steps I should take? I’m thinking start with my private doctor and see if he can refer me to a neuro-opthamologist first. What are your thoughts?
07:20 Question 9
Michael: Served 75-78 Infantry unit
Had 3 incidents of ankle sprain with casts.
VA provides 100% of my med care.
Severe DDD and the rest, rad,stenosis etc
cervical fusion c2-t1, front and back july 23
Lumbar fusion 2021
Meds and injections, RFAs 3 times a year.
Long history of med diagnosis with VA
I want to file for disability compensation now, I’m 65..
Do i need a nexus? or am i grandfathered in?
08:53 Question 10
Steven: I wish to create new evidence for HTN. What would be the best procedure to record blood pressure. I have a BP cuff. I intend to produce a log, how often should I record my bP. How many times each day. How much time should pass between tests, should they all be taken seated? Or should I take 1 sitting, 1 standing 1 after exercise. If with exercise, how much and for how long? Please help. I intend to provide you with this “evidence”. My intent is for you to provide a nexus letter for Diabetes(daily insulin dependent) HTN, CAD(open heart)
Questions answered in this video:
00:00 Intro
00:28 Question 1
01:03 Question 2
01:30 Question 3
02:21 Question 4
02:59 Question 5
03:43 Question 6
04:19 Question 7
06:28 Question 8
07:20 Question 9
08:53 Question 10
source
QUESTION so you provide a NEXUS
Knee pain documented at entrances exams, played basketball and softball in service, C-5 mechanic for 22 years: had an undiagnosed torn minicus in 1989, and denied knee for service connected… I now have arthritis diagnosed in both knees and lower back, and a diagnosed torn minicus in the right knee they deniged me for… What actions should I take