MEB / PEB for Chrons Disease, need surgery but about t get findings

Hi all,
New to the forum here but would like to see if someone could answer my question.
was diagnosed with Chrons Disease on JUL2011. Started on Budesonide and Immuran. Had some side effects and switched back and fourth between 6MP and now back to Immuran. Had a few bad flares sending me to the ER, but was quited down with meds and no current obstruction.

The big question i have is my doc stated in his dictation that i was currently in remission and reacting well to meds. But now after the MEB / IDES package has been mailed off, i had a major flare, doc tried to fight it again with Budesonide and no reaction.

After MRI results i am now being referred to surgery to remove 17 cm of my small intestine. But the catch is i am a few days or weeks away from getting my findings back. I was told a proposed rating of 10% DOD, and 30% VA.

Should I now elect for a formal PEB to fight to get the surgery and that the Chron's has become worse to highten my percentage both DOD and VA.

I am so confused on what to do because my condition has worsened, but I am being told I cannot recieve surgery because of being so close to getting my findings back.

I want the best for my health and for my family. If i accept the 10% DOD and 30% VA how does severance work and how does that get paid back?

What Direction should I go?????? Thank you

 

[maparker]

Appeal to formal board. What else were you rated for by the VA?

Mike

 

[pfen]

Thank you for your fast response Mike.
I was rated for anxiety / depression, tennitus. But also have new mri results with torn tendon in my left ankle that wasnt added at the time of my VA appts.

If i appeal to a formal board is there a chance that they could find me fit even though I have new medical evidence with MRI and Doc referral to get surgery done.

I have heard lately that the board has been difficult with situations like this leaving me feeling uneasy.

What documents and paperwork do i need to get me ready to take it to a Formal Appeal?

 

[maparker]

What do you mean situations like this? What service are you in?

Mike

 

[pfen]

Navy sir. I have heard that lately of a few cases that were taken to the formal appeal and ended being found fit for full but not worldwide deploy able. I don't want that to be this case. Although being diagnosed with an incurable disease like Chron's, I don't see the board coming back at me with a lower percentage as if I was trying to be greedy.

I have cramping and pain everyday, but with a second colonoscopy the doctor stated in the dictation that i was currently in remission and responding to the medication.

Now a few months later, and after more pain and ER visits, and MRI radiologist report states chronic inflammation and and 17 cm of the small bowel that is a narrowing or stricture and needs to be surgically removed.

I am currently scheduled to see the General surgeon on the 23 of this month but will they be able to go through with the surgery since i am so close to getting my findings back. How do i go about that?

Secondly if i do go to Appeal formal board I have medical documentation From the GI doctor stating i need surgery and an MRI to back up how my condition is worsening.

Would surgery come before or after i go through this process, and does the VA re rate as well?

 

[kiefer82]

I have had Crohn's for almost 4 years and that is one of my conditions for my PEB. I hope that dont give me the runaround. One good thing is that when I went to the VA they didnt even ask about the Crohn's because they said they had plenty of evidence and that it is well documented. God bless to all of you and good luck. Active bud!