Battlefield Acupuncture For Veterans Health | All You Need To Know

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a Fibromyalgia C&P Exam.
Leah explains the process and what to expect in a C&P exam for fibromyalgia. She describes fibromyalgia as a chronic pain syndrome characterized by sleep disturbances, fatigue, headache, and other symptoms, affecting mainly middle-aged females. She discusses how fibromyalgia can be service-connected directly (if diagnosed during active duty) or secondarily (as an aggravation of other conditions like PTSD). Leah provides a detailed walkthrough of the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) used in the C&P exam, covering aspects like symptom assessment, tender points examination, and the impact on daily activities. She also explains the importance of this questionnaire in determining VA disability ratings, which vary based on the severity and frequency of symptoms.

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a TMJ Veterans Disability C&P Exam.
Leah provides an informative guide for veterans about the Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam specifically related to scars. She explains that veterans can get service-connected for scars either on a primary basis (directly incurred during service) or on a secondary basis (related to another service-connected disability). Leah emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the information provided by the VA but assures veterans that it's clearly outlined in the packets they receive, which include details about the exam and the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). She walks through the DBQ, highlighting the importance of each section such as scar locations, pain, stability, and how they impact functionality and ability to work. Leah urges veterans to report pain during the exam and explains that the ratings depend on various factors, including the size and characteristics of the scars.

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What is the difference between a Nexus letter and an IMO in VA disability.
Leah explains the terminologies used in the context of VA disability claims. The term "Nexus letter" is commonly known among veterans and is considered slang for "Independent Medical Opinion" (IMO). The presenter prefers the term IMO, viewing it as a more professional and legal definition. They also introduce the concept of a "Nexus statement," which is a declaration about whether a condition is "as likely as not" linked to military service. An IMO is a medical opinion formed after reviewing a veteran's files or sometimes directly examining the veteran, to determine the connection, or "nexus," between their service and their medical condition. In essence, a Nexus letter and an IMO are essentially the same, with the Nexus letter specifically referring to the explanation of the connection between the veteran's service and their condition.

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about Ménière's Disease and Veterans' Disability.
Leah discusses Ménière's disease in the context of VA disability compensation. She explains that many service members and veterans suffer from Ménière's disease, an inner ear disorder causing vertigo, dizziness, disorientation, hearing loss, tinnitus, nausea, and sweating. Symptoms can last from minutes to 24 hours and may be confused with other conditions like BPPV. Leah emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare providers for proper diagnosis. She outlines how Ménière's disease can be service-connected on a primary basis (directly during service) or a secondary basis. A significant aspect is its association with acoustic noise exposure, referencing a study on post-traumatic Ménière's disease.

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses Plantar Fasciitis and VA disability compensation.
Leah discusses plantar fasciitis in the context of VA disability. She highlights that many veterans suffer from this condition, often linked to their service, either as a primary issue diagnosed during service or secondary to other service-related disabilities. Leah explains that plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue on the foot's bottom, causing significant pain and discomfort. Risk factors include age over 40, overuse, certain exercises, female gender, foot structure issues like flat feet or high arches, obesity, and prolonged standing or walking. Treatment options she suggests range from physical therapy, using cold packs, and night splints, to more advanced techniques like orthotripsy or steroid injections.
If you would like more information on our services including Independent Medical Opinion Letters often referred to as nexus letters and records review, please check us out here: https://www.prestigeveteranmctx.com/
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Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discuss about Hemorrhoids and IBS in Veteran's Disabilities.
Leah explains the connection between hemorrhoids, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), constipation, and veterans' VA disability claims. She clarifies that hemorrhoids, defined by the Cleveland Clinic as swollen veins in the anus and rectum, can be painful and cause bleeding. Risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, low-fiber diets, chronic constipation or diarrhea, heavy lifting, and prolonged sitting. Leah discusses how veterans can seek service connection for hemorrhoids, either directly if diagnosed on active duty or secondarily if related to other service-connected conditions like IBS or chronic constipation. She references studies highlighting the link between dietary changes, IBS, chronic constipation, and the development of hemorrhoids. Leah also outlines the VA disability ratings for hemorrhoids, stressing the importance of consulting legal professionals for current information.

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses Hiatal Hernia and Weight Gain in Veterans' Disability.
Leah explains the relationship between hiatal hernia, obesity, and VA disability ratings for veterans. She describes a hiatal hernia as a condition where the upper stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, often overlapping with GERD symptoms. Leah emphasizes that obesity, a significant risk factor for hiatal hernia, increases intra-abdominal pressure, contributing to the condition. Symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, and chest or abdominal pain. She discusses both primary and secondary service connections for VA disability, explaining that veterans diagnosed with hiatal hernia during active duty can be service-connected. Leah also addresses how obesity can be an intermediate link between a service-connected disability and a hiatal hernia, particularly if the disability leads to weight gain.

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses How can Medical Consultants Boost Your IBS Rating by 30%.
Leah explains the intricacies of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in the context of VA disability ratings. She clarifies that IBS, a functional gastrointestinal disorder, often requires a diagnosis of exclusion, and mentions the Rome criteria used in its diagnosis. Leah categorizes IBS into three types: IBS-C (constipation), IBS-D (diarrhea), and IBS-M (mixed), and discusses its potential connection to military service either on a primary or secondary basis. She particularly notes its prevalence among Gulf War veterans. Regarding the VA disability rating, she states that IBS can be rated at 0%, 10%, or 30%, with 30% being the highest. This highest rating is given for severe symptoms like constant abdominal pain, alternating diarrhea and constipation. Leah emphasizes the importance of the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) in assessing these conditions and suggests her other videos for further guidance, especially on IBS secondary to PTSD.

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and VA Disability.
Leah discusses the implications of herpes simplex virus (HSV) with VA disability. She explains that herpes, a common and transmittable disease, can be service-connected if it is shown to be related to military service. Veterans may be eligible for service connection for HSV if diagnosed during service (primary service connection) or if it's linked to another service-connected disability, such as PTSD from combat or sexual assault. Leah highlights the differences between HSV-1 (typically oral herpes) and HSV-2 (usually genital herpes), noting the increasing instances of crossover between the two. She mentions how stress, including that from PTSD, can aggravate herpes outbreaks, referencing various studies and resources like the CDC and WHO.

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses HIV in Veterans Disability.
Leah B. explores how HIV can be a service-connected disability for veterans. She highlights the VA's role as the largest provider of HIV care in the U.S., serving over 30,000 veterans, and emphasizes the prevalence of HIV among veterans, reservists, and active duty service members. Leah discusses primary and secondary service connections for HIV, where the primary connection relates to HIV contracted during service and the secondary involves post-service contraction linked to a service-related condition. She also addresses challenges in establishing service connections, especially differentiating between willful misconduct and conditions like substance abuse disorders linked to service-connected mental health issues. Leah further reviews the VA's disability ratings for HIV-related illnesses, ranging from asymptomatic cases to advanced AIDS with varying levels of disability compensation.