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I was just rated 50% s/c for DM2 and PN. DM2 was diagnosed a couple years ago by private physician and hypothyroidism has been a problem since the 80's. VA did not approve hypothyroidism or sever sleep apnea, only DM2 and the PN. We know that AO effects the endocrine system although all that VA recognizes as a direct link appears to be DM. I was disappointed although I have to say my initial evaluation and venture into the system was extremely customer friendly. I had an exceptional experience and was greeted in the parking lot walking in by staffers saying "Good Morning", etc. A real pleasant experience at the Orlando VA Hospital for my C&P. My claim was also timely, about 6 months from start to approval and I did it myself.

Mary, thank you for the warm welcome. I intend to press the endocronologist who has treated me for the last 15 years to clarify his finding of idiopathic secondary hypogonadism since the VA declined my claim for hypogonadism. The C&P examiner opined it was primary hypogonadism and opined that testicular size was 25% smaller than normal. I did receive DM2 and PN for 50% rating but I am at a loss to understand his comments since he did not examine my "private" parts. Unless he possessed some paranormal vision that allowed him to measure and compare anatomy to "standard" sizes, I am at a loss to explain his argument. Rather than raise a big stink over comments indicating an examine that was never performed, I will press my Endocronologist of 15 years for a statement that clarifies the medical position he offered the VA in the first place and that was that I have idiopathic (no know cause) secondary (affected by something else) gonadism or in laymans terms, extremely low testosterone for which I take daily medication to increase it. The regional claims examiner also indicated that my testosterone blood sample was low but within normal limits and that I take 7.5g of Androgel medication for it daily and that I appear to be well titrated (good dose). If my personal physician provides a written opinion stating my idiopathic secondary hypogonadism is indeed secondary to my SC diabetes2 (which is all too common I am afraid), then I intend to file a NOD, I am well within my year. My question is, in your opinion should I raise the issue about the examiner opinion that was based on an exam that he never did or am I correct in just dropping it and appealing with my doctors written evidence? I tend to think the record should be corrected but I don't know how much of a stink it would raise and how it may affect my interactions with the VA in the future. Any words of wisdom to share?