So I have been going through the IDES process since October 2011 and I think I might be almost done, with a little problem.
I received my VA ratings packet back a couple of days ago, finally!! I am still waiting on the PEB for final confirmation, but I might have an issue with my ratings and not sure if I could get a higher rating. I currently take Advair 500, singular, albuterhal through rescue inhaler when needed, and a nebulizar when needed.
Upon looking at my ratings I have received 30% from the VA for my asthma because of "intermittent oral bronchodiliater therapy and a FEV-1 of 71 to 80 percent of predicted value (73%)". Which is exciting until I read the next line down that says "A higher evaluation of 60 percent is not warranted unless there is: ...intermittent (at least three per year) courses of systemic (oral or parenteral) corticosteroids."
I read that statement, get this, I know what it means! I have taken those steroids in the past: prednisone. But thing thing is, I usually only take them when I have flare ups in my asthma, so not currently with my list of meds. So what do I do? I looked through all of my papers that I have submitted and can't find any mention of prednisone in them. I could go get a letter from my primary care stating I have taken these three times within the past year (but NOT with dates I think?).
Would this look bad to the VA or the PEB? Or can I go back after this whole thing is over and submit to them that I take prednisone at least 3 times a year when I get better documentation and after I get discharged?
I received my VA ratings packet back a couple of days ago, finally!! I am still waiting on the PEB for final confirmation, but I might have an issue with my ratings and not sure if I could get a higher rating. I currently take Advair 500, singular, albuterhal through rescue inhaler when needed, and a nebulizar when needed.
Upon looking at my ratings I have received 30% from the VA for my asthma because of "intermittent oral bronchodiliater therapy and a FEV-1 of 71 to 80 percent of predicted value (73%)". Which is exciting until I read the next line down that says "A higher evaluation of 60 percent is not warranted unless there is: ...intermittent (at least three per year) courses of systemic (oral or parenteral) corticosteroids."
I read that statement, get this, I know what it means! I have taken those steroids in the past: prednisone. But thing thing is, I usually only take them when I have flare ups in my asthma, so not currently with my list of meds. So what do I do? I looked through all of my papers that I have submitted and can't find any mention of prednisone in them. I could go get a letter from my primary care stating I have taken these three times within the past year (but NOT with dates I think?).
Would this look bad to the VA or the PEB? Or can I go back after this whole thing is over and submit to them that I take prednisone at least 3 times a year when I get better documentation and after I get discharged?