Ask Doc Ellis | The Answers (July 28, 2023)

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.

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https://askdocellis.com

Questions answered in this video:
00:09 1st Question
Darryl: "This is what I have can you help me and what would be the cost?
1985 to 1987: While serving on board the USS Henry L Stimpson Gold.
While driving the submarine as a helmsman, a radio operator was in the bridge working and he dropped a 4lb wrench, which hit me in the head and I was removed from the seat, because I was unconscious, the Hospital corpsman informed me, when I woke up I had several stitches in my head.
The USS Blueback had a fire on board, while fighting the fire my EAB was disconnected not allowing me to get air, as I was leaving the scene to get a new EAB, I hit my head on a watertight door.
I have nightmares from this and my head aches and memory got worse.
1995 to 1999: Had right hand surgery carpal boss I awoke up on the operating table all I can remember is the doctor telling the nurse to give me the gogo juice.
I have pain in the right hand and at times I am not able to use it because of the pain.
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06:02 2nd Question
Don: "I'm an 80 year old veteran with a VA disability rating of 90%. Two of my disabilities are related to an in service lumbar surgery in 1992: 10% for L4-5 Herniated Disc and Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease, and 0% for Residual Scar, Laminectomy and Discectomy. Both are Service Connected.
My Virginia Department of Veteran Services VSO has advised me to file for disability due to Multijoint Arthritis (5002) secondary to my above listed rated disabilities. I have recent x-ray and MRI results that clearly show arthritis throughout my lumbar spine.
I've read the CFR38 many times and can't figure out if the VSO advice is on target.
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08:55 3rd Question
Vincent: I currently have a claim filed. Can you do a records review if I get denied?
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9:58 4th Question
John: I currently have a disability rating of 50% for hearing impairment/loss of hearing and 10% for tinnitus,my rating for the hearing loss started at zero when I first came out of the service,and has increased over the years,because of my hearing difficulties I've been suffering from Depression and anxiety issues,I first reached out for help with these issues about 10-12 years ago,by being seen by a psychiatrist/therapist for a while,but I've always had a hard time expressing myself or my feelings,and didn't keep up with the sessions,but i have been taking medications for my problems all these years,first it was citalopram hydrobromide,40 mg,recently I went on sertraline hcl 100mg,since I haven't been seeing a therapist for quite a while,but I have been getting my prescriptions renewed on a regular bases,what are my chances for a secondary claim,and what more as far as evidence might I need
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16:14 5th Question
Eric: I appealed the OWCP Formal Decision on my scheduled award for hearing loss after noticing several blatant errors in their decision letter. I requested a hearing with a representative of the OWCP and the hearing took place on March 8, 2023. The case was transferred to the Branch of Hearings and Review and the decision of the Hearing Representative was issued on April 10, 2023. The Hearing Representative vacated the decision by the OWCP in its entirety based on testimony and evidence and remanded the case back to the District Office. As of today, I have not been able to get any updates on the status the claim from my case examiner.
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18:07 6th Question
Clarence: My husband named above has been rated 60% just this year. 40% hearing, 10% tinnitus, 10% left leg neuropathy, 10% diabetes. Hypertension approved at 0%. VSO removed his claim for AFIB and Mixed Dementia from his claim. VA denied skin problems on hands and feet, although it is listed on his discharge records. C & P exam took his blood pressure 3 times in 5 minutes. Did not even remove his shoes and socks. She did ask me what I thought caused his dementia and I stated diabetes, hypertension, AFIB, Vascular Dementia. She stated diabetes does not cause dementia. He was denied rhinitis because he did not have a diagnosis but does now. Much more info. Need nexus for AFIB and Dementia.
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20:03 7th Question
Name: Alfredo

Does MMI determine, How much Schedule Award you are going to get?

Questions Answered List:
00:00 Intro
00:09 1st Question
06:02 2nd Question
08:55 3rd Question
09:58 4th Question
16:14 5th Question
18:07 6th Question
20:02 7th Question