Neuropathy in Diabetes II Forum

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Neuropathy

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poppy1234

Neuropathy

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Posts: 53

Jul 29 12 7:12 PM

My Neurosurgeon, and the Va's Neurosurgeon didn't get the same results in the EMG test that they performed, My Dr. said I have Neuropathy in my hands. The VA Dr. said I have carpel tunnel in my hands, not related to diabetes. We filed an appeal on March the third, 2011. I have heard it will take 2 years to hear back from the VA. Was an appeal the right way to go on this, or should we have done something else? How do they make their decision, when the Drs. do not agree on the medical problem? I would appreciate for someone to comment on my problem with the neuropathy in my hands. Thank you, Danny!!!

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GlendaBoyd

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Posts: 587

Jul 30 12 12:44 PM

It's possible to have carpal tunnel and neuropathy. I hope you went the DRO route for your appeal. It might take awhile but You'll have another bite at the apple if you disagree with the DRO decision and still can appeal via the BVA route. The BVA takes much longer.
Don't be discouraged - we have found DRO decisions to be fair and very thorough. There are a lot of claims and this causes long waits. Someone else more knowledgeable may can advise you on what happens when you have conflicting medical opinions.

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dab60

#2

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Posts: 632

Jul 30 12 2:10 PM

poppy1234 wrote:
My Neurosurgeon, and the Va's Neurosurgeon didn't get the same results in the EMG test that they performed, My Dr. said I have Neuropathy in my hands. The VA Dr. said I have carpel tunnel in my hands, not related to diabetes. We filed an appeal on March the third, 2011. I have heard it will take 2 years to hear back from the VA. Was an appeal the right way to go on this, or should we have done something else? How do they make their decision, when the Drs. do not agree on the medical problem? I would appreciate for someone to comment on my problem with the neuropathy in my hands. Thank you, Danny!!!

I have read quite a few BVA decisions over the last couple of years and it gives me some insight into how they arrive at a decision. I would think the DRO level would be similar. They will try to assign a weight to each medical opinion. This depends on the reasoning and scientific background given for each diagnosis. If the VA is given more weight they will go with that. If they give equal weight to both decisions then I think you would get the benefit of the doubt. Could you have an independent third doctor give a opinion on your tests? That would help you if that doctor agrees with your nerosurgeon. You may find that he/she agrees with the VA though.

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poppy1234

Neuropathy in my hands not Carpel tunnel like the VA says I have.

#3

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Posts: 53

Mar 12 13 3:17 PM

I got the decision back from my appeal about the Neuropathy in my hands, I was turned down, it took a year and a half. I was just wondering how many of you guys with neuropathy in your feet, and in your hands, is the VA telling you, you have carpel tunnel instead of Neuropathy in your hands.

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ArtilleryHill

#4

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Posts: 230

Mar 13 13 9:29 PM

Good question - I have been told by a civilian PCP that I have PN in lower extremities and carpal tunnel in my upper extremities. What's weird - is the feeling is the same! Numbness - tingling - pain - needles sticking in you - on and on. Both the civilian PCP and the VA Neuro Doc said the same thing and said secondary to my Type II Diabetes. Oh well - I don't even know if Carpal Tunnel can be compensated for even if diagnosed secondary to presumptive Type II from Nam. I have a QTC exam this week after a 11 month wait. So - I guess I'll know in 60-90 days after the exam. I can't hardly button my shirt buttons now - can't change channels on the remote without looking directly at it, can't feel the keyboard and have to see where my fingers are etc.

I'll let you know the outcome - but I'm not very confident - despite 2 EMG tests by civilian doc and VA Neurologist Doc that indicate PN and Carpal tunnel.

Good luck to you.

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GlendaBoyd

#5

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Posts: 587

Mar 14 13 1:10 PM

Husband had both (carpal tunnel and neuropathy ) ie. emg results and I got the best advice about this from Old Medic - applied for the neuropathy only and was successful. I think it's a hard road to connect carpal tunnel but neuropathy is known to be secondary. If your emg shows neuropathy, too, it's better (IMO) to file for neuropathy in affected limbs. I wouldn't muddy the waters applying for CT, too. Poppy, artilleryhill, hope this helps. The emg must show neuropathy, though.

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