Originally Posted by rlj1959

Well, more bad news. My lawyer sent me an RFC form (I think that’s what it's called) to take to my doctor at the VA today. My doctor told me that an MD or any other medical personnel employed by the government at a VA hospital are prohibited by federal regulation from signing any kind of medical document other than for internal use only by the facility they are employed at. He wouldn't fill out the damn form. I guess I'm screwed again by government regulations. Any body else ever heard of such? I haven't told my lawyer yet because I got back from the hospital late. I’m going to call the patient advocate at the hospital tomorrow and see if she can help me. If it ain't one thing, it’s fifteen.
Forgot to mention this. My knee is still infected, not bad but infected. My doctor decided to weight for a while to see if the infection would go away with oral antibiotics. If not, then they would go ahead and replace the knee again.

Originally Posted by don1956

your right "Rlj" if its not one thing its fifteen!! found out today that i may have to have another operation ,this time to my neck.not only do i hope its "WC'but they put it down as and addition to the first one(and over site on there part).but im going to be on my back with no income(WC,SSDI,unemployment).even welfare cant help.see i do feel what your going through.cant even sleep or ea over this.i stand to loose everything i worked so hard for,what are we to do friend

Originally Posted by finz

RLJ,

If your VA doc is still adament in his belief after you instruct him of your lawyers info, you could also point out that he could write the exact same info on a VA form/blank progress note.....then you get the info you need and he can keep to his 'rule'

It frustrates me that so many of us have difficulty getting our docs to be detailed enough in their notes. I understand they are under a time crunch, but neglecting to adequately document so we cannot easily get the benefits we are entitled to directly adds STRESS, which is no good for any medical or psychological condition. Hurting a patientthat way violates their oath to do no harm.......so tell your lazy doc to fill out the damn form !

It bothers me even more that it's a VA doc giving you the runaround. How about some respect for our vets !

Originally Posted by don1956

your right "Rlj" if its not one thing its fifteen!! found out today that i may have to have another operation ,this time to my neck.not only do i hope its "WC'but they put it down as and addition to the first one(and over site on there part).but im going to be on my back with no income(WC,SSDI,unemployment).even welfare cant help.see i do feel what your going through.cant even sleep or ea over this.i stand to loose everything i worked so hard for,what are we to do friend

Originally Posted by don1956

hey thanks for the tips"Rlj"&"Legal",if i dont have the surgery to my neck then what should i do instead

Originally Posted by rlj1959

Hi Don,
It may be to the point that you have to have the surgery in order to keep functioning. If so, make sure that you totally understand the risks involved. If you do decide not to have the surgery because of the risk and you think you can get along without it. I would then ask the doctor to put in writing that the surgery could very well make your situation worse and that you are not willing to take the risk. I would then take what the doctor writes to SSA AFTER I MADE COPIES. I may be wrong but this may help with your SSDI claim. I do know that you definitly need to keep SSA updated on changes to your condition. Legal may be able to offer better advice but just hang in there.

Originally Posted by don1956

Hey,hey you could be right this could help my claim...Unfortunately

Originally Posted by rlj1959

Why unfortunately? Anything that could help your claim can't be unfortunate. I think that you are very fortunate to be able to get something to help your claim.