3 yrs AD Navy O2. Currently undergoing a MEB for Ankylosing spondylitis of multiple sites in spine (M450) and Secondary noninfectious iridocyclitis, right eye (H20041). Received informal board results Oct 2023 for 0% eye and 20% AS... 20% DOD, and 100% VA P&T.
During the C&P exams I was on Humira injections weekly to treat AS and it is also studied to suggest treating Uveitis flares. I have since switched medication to Cimzia and now am on Cosentyx. Cosentyx does not limit Uveitis flares.
I am contesting the results in hopes of getting at least 30% for medical retirement. My main concern is the healthcare associated because of my conditions long-term costs.
For my eye, the C&P exam did not acknowledge my prior Uveitis flare that occurred within a year, triggering my MEB. It has been over a year since my last flare, due to being on Humira, and the VA accesses Uveitis based off incapacitating episodes. I have since switched biologics that will not prevent flares, but only time will tell for when I have another flare. Pre biologics, I would have flares yearly. I also have eye scaring on my eye from a previous major flare where I went temporarily blind. I have recently gone to a civilian ophthalmologist exam to articulate the cause of the scaring being from the flare and not from PRK eye surgery, like the VA claimed.
For my back, the VA access based off of mobility or incapacitating episodes. I have since began working from home weekly because of the pain associated with commuting. I would be able to meet 40% VA if that can get certified as a weekly incapacitating episode. Is that possible? I am also working with a provider for a narrative to show my symptoms have increased and my mobility has decreased since my C&P exams.
The majority of my AS is centralized within my SI joints and at L5-S1. However, the C&P exam and MEB claim is for my back and does not include SI joint information. How do I get that added? With a supplement narrative from a provider? Can an additional C&P be assigned now to support SI joints that were not annotated previously?
I am still awaiting information on an informal board date (expected JAN/FEB 24'), but what do you all suggest to work on now in support of medical retirement and preferable formal board results? Do you suggest a civilian lawyer?
During the C&P exams I was on Humira injections weekly to treat AS and it is also studied to suggest treating Uveitis flares. I have since switched medication to Cimzia and now am on Cosentyx. Cosentyx does not limit Uveitis flares.
I am contesting the results in hopes of getting at least 30% for medical retirement. My main concern is the healthcare associated because of my conditions long-term costs.
For my eye, the C&P exam did not acknowledge my prior Uveitis flare that occurred within a year, triggering my MEB. It has been over a year since my last flare, due to being on Humira, and the VA accesses Uveitis based off incapacitating episodes. I have since switched biologics that will not prevent flares, but only time will tell for when I have another flare. Pre biologics, I would have flares yearly. I also have eye scaring on my eye from a previous major flare where I went temporarily blind. I have recently gone to a civilian ophthalmologist exam to articulate the cause of the scaring being from the flare and not from PRK eye surgery, like the VA claimed.
For my back, the VA access based off of mobility or incapacitating episodes. I have since began working from home weekly because of the pain associated with commuting. I would be able to meet 40% VA if that can get certified as a weekly incapacitating episode. Is that possible? I am also working with a provider for a narrative to show my symptoms have increased and my mobility has decreased since my C&P exams.
The majority of my AS is centralized within my SI joints and at L5-S1. However, the C&P exam and MEB claim is for my back and does not include SI joint information. How do I get that added? With a supplement narrative from a provider? Can an additional C&P be assigned now to support SI joints that were not annotated previously?
I am still awaiting information on an informal board date (expected JAN/FEB 24'), but what do you all suggest to work on now in support of medical retirement and preferable formal board results? Do you suggest a civilian lawyer?
