Claim OwnershipThe Veterans Disability Nexus
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Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Tuesday & Wednesday at 7AM Central.
Take control of your medical evidence related to your benefits and visit https://www.prestigeveteranmctx.com for more information and support.
Take control of your medical evidence related to your benefits and visit https://www.prestigeveteranmctx.com for more information and support.
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Leah explains the difference between bruxism and TMJ, highlighting that while TMJ involves the jaw joint, bruxism is about teeth grinding, which can occur consciously or unconsciously, and may be linked to stress or previous oral trauma. She shares her personal experience with both conditions and discusses treatments, which can involve primary care doctors or dentists.
Leah from Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a U.S. Army veteran and physician assistant, focuses on the relationship between fibromyalgia and mental health conditions like PTSD in the context of VA disability. Leah, addressing requests from veterans, explains that fibromyalgia, characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and emotional distress, affects about 2% of U.S. adults and is more prevalent in women and those with traumatic or stressful experiences.
Leah a former US Army physician assistant and compensation and pension (C&P) examiner, provides insights into the C&P exam for hypertension, often known as high blood pressure. She clarifies that hypertension is defined as having a sustained systolic pressure of 140 or above, or a diastolic pressure over 90, and discusses prehypertension levels. Leah explains that veterans may seek service connection for hypertension if diagnosed during service if it's aggravated by another service-connected disability, or due to specific exposures like Agent Orange for Vietnam veterans.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about Hearing Loss and Veterans' Disability.Leah discusses the relationship between military service and hearing loss as it pertains to VA disability claims. She explains her expertise as a certified occupational hearing conservationist, which involves interpreting hearing loss data and operating audio booths. Leah highlights the VA's duty noise exposure level chart, which categorizes various military occupations (MOS) by their probable noise exposure levels (high, moderate, low), aiding veterans in assessing their risk for hearing loss. She emphasizes that even MOS with lower noise exposure can still experience significant hearing loss, drawing on her own experience as a paratrooper. The video also covers research articles on noise-induced hearing loss in the military, noting that both temporary and permanent threshold shifts can cause long-term hearing damage.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz interviewing Kim and Garren Cone from the AVET Project What is the AVET Project? (American Veterans Empowerment Team).Leah is interviewing Kim and Garren Cone from the AVET Project. This non-profit organization assists veterans, particularly in understanding VA benefits and providing emotional and psychological support. Garen is an accredited claims agent, and Kim is an aspiring one. They discuss the impact of their work, such as helping veterans receive significant monthly benefits, which can be life-changing. The AVET Project also organizes PR&R (Project Recuperation Reintegration) Retreats for combat veterans and their families, offering a safe space to share experiences and receive professional support for issues like PTSD. The video highlights the importance of community and shared experiences in aiding veterans and their families. Leah shares her positive experiences with the AVET Project, including participating in a Veterans Day cruise.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a PTSD C&P Exam.Leah provides insight into what veterans can expect during a VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for PTSD. Leah emphasizes the importance of being honest and prepared for the exam, which includes filling out a Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ). She explains that the exam, typically conducted by psychologists or psychiatrists, may involve an emotional recounting of experiences related to PTSD. The DBQ covers various aspects, including diagnostic criteria for PTSD, symptoms, and the impact on social and occupational functioning. Leah advises veterans to be forthcoming about their mental health history, substance abuse, and legal issues, as these factors play a crucial role in the evaluation. Additionally, she touches on the possibility of telehealth exams and the significance of distinguishing symptoms attributable to PTSD from other conditions like TBI.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about Paratroopers and Veteran's Disability.Leah is discussing the intersection of paratrooper activities and VA (Veterans Affairs) disability. She focuses on the specific injury patterns associated with paratrooper duties and the impact these have on VA disability claims. Leah shares her experience as a former paratrooper and medic, referencing her time at the Airborne school at Fort Benning, Georgia, and serving in the 82nd Airborne Division and 101st Airborne Division. She emphasizes the various forces acting on the body during static line jumps, such as quick, intense landings, and the resulting risk of injuries to joints and bones. The video delves into literature reviews and articles that highlight the mechanical forces involved in military parachute operations and the common injuries resulting from them, particularly to the lower back, knees, hips, and in some cases, the head.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about The Benefits of Psychedelics on PTSD | Ben "Doc" Askins Interview.Leah and former PA Ben "Doc" Askins discuss the integration of psychedelic medicine within veteran healthcare. Ben shares his journey from being a combat medic and National Guard member to pursuing a career in medicine, leading to his involvement in psychedelic science, particularly regarding mental health. He details his experiences with ketamine and MDMA, discussing their therapeutic potential in treating conditions like chronic depression, PTSD, and pain. Despite the challenges of navigating medical regulations and ensuring patient access, there's optimism for the rescheduling of these substances to allow for broader therapeutic use. Ben also touches on his work outside the clinic, including his podcast "The Anti-Heroes Journey" and his book "The Zero with a Thousand Faces," which plays on Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" to advocate for self-compassion and understanding in human behaviour.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a TMJ Veterans Disability C&P Exam.Leah discusses how veterans can be service-connected for AFib, emphasizing the necessity of a current diagnosis and a nexus linking the condition to an in-service event or another disability. She highlights that AFib can be directly service-connected or related to other issues like cardiac disorders or sleep apnea. Particularly, she focuses on the relationship between AFib and PTSD, referencing studies that show psychological stress contributes to arrhythmias. Leah encourages viewers to empower themselves with this knowledge and consult with professionals for potential service connections.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a Low Back Pain C&P Exam.Leah discusses what to expect during a lumbar spine or low back pain C&P (Compensation and Pension) exam for VA disability. After filing a claim for a low back condition, veterans receive a packet detailing their examination details. At the exam, physicians use a Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ) to document medical history, current condition, and the results of various tests like range of motion, goniometry, reflex tests, and more. The DBQ also inquires about related conditions like radiculopathy and any other neurological abnormalities. Leah emphasizes the importance of understanding and verbalizing pain points during the exam and recommends viewing her other related videos for a deeper understanding.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses to Obtaining VA Disability for Jet Fuel Exposure is possible.Leah, explains the connection between jet fuel exposure and potential VA disability claims for veterans. She clarifies that while jet fuel exposure is not a disability, the medical conditions resulting from it can be. Various military roles, including those in the Air Force and others working on flight lines, might face exposure to different types of jet fuels like JP5, JP8, and Jet A. This exposure isn't limited to direct contact; it can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, sometimes due to environmental contamination like at Camp Lejeune. Health issues from this exposure can range from neurological conditions, including a potential link to Parkinson’s disease, to respiratory, liver, gastrointestinal issues, and possibly renal cancers. To file a VA disability claim, a veteran needs to establish a connection (Nexus) between their current medical condition and their service-related jet fuel exposure.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a TMJ Veterans Disability C&P Exam.Leah discusses Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with Veterans Affairs (VA) disability. She explains that MS, an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, can be linked to service-related factors, including exposure or symptoms that began during active duty. MS has various types, including Clinically Isolated Syndrome, Relapsing-Remitting MS, Primary Progressive MS, and Secondary Progressive MS, each with distinct characteristics and progression patterns. For VA disability, a current MS diagnosis, an in-service event, and a nexus linking the event to MS are essential. Leah highlights the VA’s presumptive criteria, which considers MS diagnosed within seven years of service exit as service-connected if it’s compensable to a 10% degree. She suggests that medical records can help establish a connection even if diagnosed later.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about 11B Infantryman and Veterans Disability.Leah discusses the specific occupational challenges and long-term physical impacts faced by 11B Infantrymen in the U.S. Army. She explains how the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) Smart Book outlines the physical and skill requirements for different army roles, highlighting how these requirements can lead to disabilities eligible for compensation. Leah focuses on the 11B Infantryman, presenting the D.A. Pam (Department of Army Pamphlet) which details the major duties and physical demands at various skill levels, from private to senior non-commissioned officers. This includes tasks like carrying heavy loads, identifying targets at long distances, and physical endurance challenges. She points out that these documented requirements can be crucial for veterans seeking disability compensation, especially in cases where injuries or strains weren’t well recorded during service.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a TMJ Veterans Disability C&P Exam.Leah discusses common conditions linked to PTSD in veterans. She outlines five key secondary conditions: headaches (including migraines and tension headaches), sexual dysfunction disorders (often related to PTSD treatments like SSRIs), gastrointestinal disorders (like IBS and GERD, connected to stress), sleep apnea (controversially linked to PTSD, with emphasis on showing causation), and various conditions stemming from PTSD-related weight gain, such as plantar fasciitis, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Leah highlights the importance of understanding these connections for veterans seeking disability claims and provides references to studies and resources for further information.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a TMJ Veterans Disability C&P Exam.Leah discusses the Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD), a condition many veterans suffer from, and its relationship with VA disability. TMJD can be related to service either primarily (diagnosed during service and persistent thereafter) or secondarily (related to other conditions like mental health issues or facial injuries). Veterans filing a claim for TMJD will likely undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam, mostly conducted by contract companies, not the VA. During the exam, dental professionals evaluate the veteran using a Disability Benefits Questionnaire for TMJ, which focuses heavily on the range of motion of the jaw. Ratings for disability due to TMJD can range up to 50% based on several variables, including diet and jaw movement limitations. Leah emphasizes consulting legal professionals to understand the ratings and refers to her other videos for more insights on TMJD.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about Insomnia and Tinnitus in Veterans' Disability.Leah provides an overview of how insomnia and tinnitus are considered in the context of VA disability. She explains that insomnia, defined by the DSM-5, is a mental health condition rated according to the schedule of mental health ratings, with specific diagnostic criteria including dissatisfaction with sleep quality and issues like difficulty in falling or staying asleep. Leah emphasizes the possibility of insomnia being service-connected directly if diagnosed during service or secondarily due to other conditions like tinnitus. She cites several studies highlighting the link between tinnitus and mental health issues in veterans. Finally, Leah briefly discusses the VA's rating system for mental health disorders, which ranges from 0% for mild symptoms to 100% for total occupational and social impairment. She advises veterans to consult legal professionals for claim filing and strategy and suggests discussing these issues with healthcare providers for potential support in claims.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What happens in a C&P examination for Knee pain.Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a Knee Pain C&P Exam.Leah offers an in-depth guide for veterans undergoing a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for knee pain. As a US Army veteran, former C&P examiner, and physician assistant, Leah discusses various knee conditions eligible for VA disability, including patellofemoral pain syndrome, meniscal tears, and arthritis. She explains how these conditions can be service-connected directly or secondarily due to other injuries or issues like weight gain. The video outlines the preparation for a C&P exam, detailing the contents of the pre-exam packet and the importance of the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ).If you would like more information on our services including Independent Medical Opinion Letters often referred to as nexus letters and records review, please check us out here: https://www.prestigeveteranmctx.com/ #veterans #va #medical
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a Hypothyroidism C&P Exam.Leah explains hypothyroidism and its relevance to VA disability evaluations. Hypothyroidism, often autoimmune (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), is characterized by an underactive thyroid, leading to symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, muscle weakness, menstrual changes, and memory issues. Leah discusses how hypothyroidism can be primary (diagnosed in active duty) or secondary (caused/worsened by another service-connected disorder). She advises veterans on the Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam process following a disability claim, emphasizing the role of the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) in documenting symptoms and their impact on daily life and work.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a Fibromyalgia C&P Exam.Leah explains the process and what to expect in a C&P exam for fibromyalgia. She describes fibromyalgia as a chronic pain syndrome characterized by sleep disturbances, fatigue, headache, and other symptoms, affecting mainly middle-aged females. She discusses how fibromyalgia can be service-connected directly (if diagnosed during active duty) or secondarily (as an aggravation of other conditions like PTSD). Leah provides a detailed walkthrough of the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) used in the C&P exam, covering aspects like symptom assessment, tender points examination, and the impact on daily activities. She also explains the importance of this questionnaire in determining VA disability ratings, which vary based on the severity and frequency of symptoms.
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a TMJ Veterans Disability C&P Exam.Leah provides an informative guide for veterans about the Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam specifically related to scars. She explains that veterans can get service-connected for scars either on a primary basis (directly incurred during service) or on a secondary basis (related to another service-connected disability). Leah emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the information provided by the VA but assures veterans that it's clearly outlined in the packets they receive, which include details about the exam and the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). She walks through the DBQ, highlighting the importance of each section such as scar locations, pain, stability, and how they impact functionality and ability to work. Leah urges veterans to report pain during the exam and explains that the ratings depend on various factors, including the size and characteristics of the scars.
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