Should I be more than 10% disabled for having Multiple Sclerosis?

2018-04-21T02:12:06-04:00

I am 39 years old, Female. I was Honorable Discharged in April of 2000. I was diagnosed with lower back pain strain, with right hip pain and stress reaction femoral neck pain. I was seen by a rheumatologist and they diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. however, I was never notified of it so I could submit it to the claims board. Then. I was diagnosed with Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and the VA did away with the fibromyalgia finding because it is similar to MS. I feel like the VA is treating me unfairly. People tell me I should be more than 10% because I am totally disabled and unable to work. I need to get one of the shirts that says "I'm not drunk, I have M.S.", F.Y.I. I don't do drugs or drink.
I am just struggling being a single mother, and living on a 1600 a month budget. I did have 2000 a month but I sat down and figured it out.

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Apr 21 at 2018 7:56 AM

2018-04-21T07:56:07-04:00

SPC Virginia Morgan , I have worked with veterans for 13 years as a Disabled Veterans Service Officer. I love this veterans service organization because a wheelchair bound veteran inspired me to do more for veterans, although at the time I was young and my issues we're not complicated with age. So I was still feeling invincible and he said when you get older you are going to need the younger veterans to rally support for you. I encourage you to contact your DAV Regional Office in your state. The Veteran Service Offices are typically in the Federal Building with the Federal VA. If it is easier, call the DAV National Headquarters at [login to see] and ask to speak to "membership". Tell them you would like the DAV National Service Office for your state. Accredited Service Officers who adjudicate claims on behalf of veterans work in this office. Also, ask about Vocational Rehabilitation Training. If you have any questions, send me a message. Please follow through and make the call.

Response by SPC Tom DeSmet made Apr 21 at 2018 11:09 AM

2018-04-21T11:09:14-04:00

So sorry for your difficulties. I will say a few prayers for you. My wife had a TBI and it took over 4 years to get her SSDI approved. It has been a rough 4 years, but the new beginning will come soon once we get the back pay. I hope you don't get held up that way as it sounds like you need the help now. I hope the VSO can bring you the help you need! Keep the faith!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 22 at 2018 9:51 PM

2018-04-22T21:51:57-04:00

Get with a claims Officer- DAV, American Legion, VFW, AMVets- someone who knows the system and file a new claim- MS is much worse the strains, etc.

Response by SPC Virginia Morgan made Apr 24 at 2018 9:25 AM

2018-04-24T09:25:31-04:00

I am waiting for my PCP to call me back. I have dove in more and have a calcification on my coccyx. It hurts to sit, usually have tp get a pillow (no not Hemorrhoids). I found it interesting.

Response by SPC Virginia Morgan made Apr 24 at 2018 9:54 AM

2018-04-24T09:54:09-04:00

SI joint x-ray demonstrates well demarcated SI joints
bilaterally. There is a trace of sclerosis along the iliac
aspect of the joint at its mid one third bilaterally. There are
some phleboliths overlying the left superior pubic ramus. Soft
tissues in the pelvis are unremarkable. No arthropathy of the
hips.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2018 10:48 AM

2018-04-24T10:48:31-04:00

I got diagnosed with MS in 2001, right after 9/11. I was medically retired by April 02 with 30%. According to the schedule of ratings from the VA, the minimum rating for MS is 30%. I included the link. https://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/bookc.asp#p. It says the file or directory is not found, but the link works.

404 - File or directory not found.

Response by SPC Virginia Morgan made Apr 24 at 2018 1:42 PM

2018-04-24T13:42:09-04:00

I put in a request to change my current PCP. Like me, I think she is stuck on blaming the MS for everything. I need/want a fresh pair of eyes. I have a MS specialist and they told me that MS does not hurt.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Apr 27 at 2018 11:36 AM

2018-04-27T11:36:32-04:00

How does one prove Service Connection for MS ?

Response by SPC Virginia Morgan made Aug 22 at 2018 9:48 AM

2018-08-22T09:48:24-04:00

I feel that due to the Fact that I have RRMS I have been treated unfairly. My symptoms would come and go. They did not do a MRI of my brain and lumbar spine until…[See More]
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