Going to VA for back issues from Afghanistan 4 years ago?

2015-01-03T03:48:35-05:00

Has anyone gone to the VA for a claim that was four years old? My back has been bothering me ever since I got REGRAD in 2011. I initially went to the VA and talked to them about it, but never followed up (stupid, I know). Just want to see if anyone else has gone through this. Thanks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 3:52 AM

2015-01-03T03:52:56-05:00

*REFRAD

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jan 3 at 2015 3:58 AM

2015-01-03T03:58:21-05:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member, I'd appreciate it if you could keep us informed as to the process (not necessarily your personal medical condition). I am sure many of us will be faced with this situation after we retire/separate from service.

Are you in MK, Romania?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 3 at 2015 8:52 AM

2015-01-03T08:52:17-05:00

Hi SFC Private RallyPoint Member, as SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas said, you should schedule an appt with your PCP (Primary Care Physician), and during that appt you can get an appt scheduled with a back specialist.

As far as getting your back pain rated as part of a change to your claim, it will be critical for you to have records (if any exist) of you dealing with back pain while in the military before your REFRAD. If you don't have these records, you may be able to get official statements written by close friends/family who knew you well during your military service -- and those statements would need to say that you told them often about how you were dealign with back pain, etc.

Does that make sense? Best of luck to you, brother. Back pain can be really awful so I hope you get the care you need.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 2:15 PM

2015-01-04T14:15:21-05:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member I will tell you this much: (1) get copies of all military health records while you are on AD. In most cases you can get copies thru your medical office - doesn't mean they will be eager to....but a quiet question / request usually gets the job done. You're looking specifically for information relating to the original injury that happened. If there is none and your back continues to hurt while you are on AD...start whining and complaining NOW. Get some action done on your complaint while on AD so you can later attach the issue in the military to what is happening when you're out.

(2) Find a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) such as the VFW, DAV, AL, etc.... you are probably eligible for membership in VFW - though without your DD-214 in front of me I can't confirm that. NO matter - join one of those VSO's and start talking to their Service Officer as to what needs to be done.

(3) In general, it's my understanding you can file a VA claim 180 prior to getting out of service (active duty).....file early to avoid the rush!

While you're overseas there may not be a VSO or a Service Officer available - if that is an issue...private message me here on Rally Point - it will be my honor to provide what assistance I can until you can find a Service Officer locally to assist you.

I have sent you a networking request .... respond and I will send you the information to contact me directly.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 4:31 PM

2015-01-04T16:31:56-05:00

I know being in the Guard the biggest thing is to get an LOD done before you retire. I would get all your medical records and PDHRAs so it shows service connection. Your unit or records should be able to get ALTHA notes from any MTF visits.