Thank you for taking the time to give me more of an insight into all of this!

My son is 30 and has always been healthy. He is a pipefitter/welder apprentice-finishing up his final year. As you know-this professional requires strength and durability in all types of weather and conditions. He lives in St Petersburg Fl - therefore - the weather is hot most of the time. When welding he has to wear full gear-hat, welding helmet, welding jacket and gloves. His TBI occurred in September of 2011. He has had previous "blows" to the head while sparring and according to his medical records - he has had blackouts before,

With this injury-we are not sure if he will be able to go back into this field.

His recovery from the head injury as been miraculous! He has short term memory loss and word loss at times. He still has headaches, anixiety and a few bouts of depression.

He is not allowed to work out or do strenuous activities.

At this time-he is on Dilantin for seizures and pain medication (Vicidin) for the headaches.

He has had two painful breakouts - his blisters are on his head, across his face, across his chest and in between fingers. He says that his body hurts all the time when he has this breakout.

He has cut gluton out of his diet...and that has seemed to help. He sweats easily and more than most of us.

I will continue to research the appeal process. I will follow your insight regarding an attorney and how this should proceed. I filed the appeal online and according to his case worker-his file will now be sent to another case worker and a new set of doctors for review. The answer on the appeal shouldn't take too longer (according to case worker). Not sure how many times this can be removed and when to turn this over to an attorney.

I hope that I have answered a few of your questions so that you may understand his case better.

Again........Thank you for your time!

D