Possible MS Findings after NARSUM FWRD

Well, I have had what I feel was a great NARSUM submitted to AF just over three weeks ago. I have now got the initial results back from an MRI and it's consistant with MS as stating ther is some issues within the white brain matter, and quite a few consistancies with other issues that very well relate to conditions as such. I wonder, if this turns out to be positive after more testing and I in the mean time have my results back from the IPEB should I try and get this info to the board before I seperate or reapproach after I'm out via other channels. I truely feel I could be done very soon befor possible MS findings are settled. I suppose that if the MS is validated prior to my results/rating coming back from IPEB, how do I get this back to AF for addititional consideration for compensation? Request formal if I have validated MS at that time. Thoughts please....
 
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Jim,

looking at this and reads pretty much as follows:

Total Sleep Time (minutes) = 319 minutes
Sleep Effciency Index = 86.6
Sleep Latency (minutes) = 33 minutes
REM Latency (minutes) = 300 minutes
Baseline Apena-Hypopnea Index (events/hour) = 31.51
Lowest Oxygen Sanuration = 79.0%
Most Effective CPAP Pressure = 10 cmH20
Apnea-Hypopnea Index (events/hour) at this pressure = 1.7

Hope this is what you need! :D

jim1960 said:
Skywalker

Thanks
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Skywalker

Thanks for the info. One other thing if you would are your events obstructive or central?

I have central apnea, where your brain does not send a single to breath.

Baseline Apena-Hypopnea Index (events/hour) = 129
Lowest Oxygen Sanuration = under 70.0%
events lasting over 30sec at a time

I stated with a CPAP but now use a new machine called a VPAP that works like a hospital ventilator and breaths for you if you don't breath on your own.

I know not many have been given anything for apnea so it will be interesting to see if I get any.

I am on my way to MEB this weekend at Ft Bliss
 
Skywalker

Jim, mine are obstructive. I wish you the best of luck and wish I could tie this with my issues. I truely feel that my anxity/depression and nerve condition cause alot of my sleep problems and I still don't sleep well even with the machine. I wake every morning around 0200 - 0300. I grind my teeth and have worn the fronts way down and I know it's my nerves that continue to work on me. Keep us posted Jim and again... the best of luck to you!

quote=jim1960;8132]Thanks for the info. One other thing if you would are your events obstructive or central?

I have central apnea, where your brain does not send a single to breath.

Baseline Apena-Hypopnea Index (events/hour) = 129
Lowest Oxygen Sanuration = under 70.0%
events lasting over 30sec at a time

I stated with a CPAP but now use a new machine called a VPAP that works like a hospital ventilator and breaths for you if you don't breath on your own.

I know not many have been given anything for apnea so it will be interesting to see if I get any.

I am on my way to MEB this weekend at Ft Bliss[/quote]
 
Still fighting today to try and get this put on hold pending my outcome of the MS issues. Even though I have provided the AFI 36-3212, states :
"2.6. Recall of Case.
2.6.1. If a major change in the diagnosis or in member’s condition is discovered, the referring MTF commander must recall the case for further medical evaluation and new medical board or addendum, as appropriate. The commander sends a report of circumstances and request for recall to HQ AFPC/DPPD."
The MEB has denied the request due to the fact there is no definitive diagnosis as this time. However, I made the techs at the clinic today provide me with my CD and printout of the blood work thus far and it does state that there are leasons on my white brain matter and of course we all know what that means. The medical prople continue to pusure that I don't have a diagnosis yet and thus they don't have to put it on hold.

Anyone like to comment on this? I got our wing commander involved today in hopes I'll buy plenty of time for the final diagnosis which should have been done long ago since the 1st MRI was done 17 Mar 08 and they are still dragging there feet. What say you? I did turn in my response and requested a formal so at least I bought some time but I feel this will drag out and they intend to send me to the formal and not address the issue of the MS.​
 
I think it is clear they should recall the case. If they refuse, I think it boils down to this:
If you can get a diagnosis prior to approval of your case, I think it will require them to return your case to PEB for re-adjudication.
If you get no diagnosis, or a negative diagnosis, then you are in the position of having to fight this out after the case is approved (either at AF Board for Correction of Military Records, new 10 USC 1554a board, or in Federal Court).
Either way, I think you argue this at the PEB. Get it on the record (both as to the fact that the diagnosis should be included in the MEB and the actual rating). MS carries a minimum 30% rating under diagnostic code 8018.
 
Thanks Jason. when I met with the DAV just this past week he indicated immediately "you have MS"! I said they were working on it for a final diagnosis... he said, records shows MS and I'm putting it down for the VA as a rating. I felt then the base then must know I have it. So, today when I got the CD from my MRI and two CT's and the reading sates that I have lesions on my white matter then they must know I have it and that is what makes me made for not one thing is being treated. I need treatment now for this is a cripling disease and they are all just useing they thumbs imappropriately and I'm on the side line needed help for treatment to head this thing off and they don't feel it's a concern and do not want me to have a higher rating. Jason with the 40 they already offered then could this MS be tied in with that overall rating because we know they only looked at the two things prior... my OSA and the major portion which was the stomach issues with nerves and anxiety as well. So, could this be put in with that offer of 40 and make it a 70? Please keep me straight. I need to go in tomorrow and build a fire to get this going now that today I hit the Wing Commander vfr direct with my concerns and he now has hit the MED Group commander up and this will be good ammo to run with in the morning if I understand it correctly. Little more info please...

Jason said:
I think it is clear they should recall the case. If they refuse, I think it boils down to this:
If you can get a diagnosis prior to approval of your case, I think it will require them to return your case to PEB for re-adjudication.
If you get no diagnosis, or a negative diagnosis, then you are in the position of having to fight this out after the case is approved (either at AF Board for Correction of Military Records, new 10 USC 1554a board, or in Federal Court).
Either way, I think you argue this at the PEB. Get it on the record (both as to the fact that the diagnosis should be included in the MEB and the actual rating). MS carries a minimum 30% rating under diagnostic code 8018.
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Yes, it should be combined. Remember, though that 40% (which leaves 60% left over) combines with 30% to equal 60%.
 
Perfect. I as well have an Army Officer next door and wife work local hospital and has a doctor ready to assist and I may pay an office visit but can provide all info we have at this time to get a diagnosis to take to the formal board if these guys do not do their job as they should. Very good info here tonight and even seems to help my head quite hurting a bit! Your so great Jason... thanks for looking out for all of us!



Jason said:
Yes, it should be combined. Remember, though that 40% (which leaves 60% left over) combines with 30% to equal 60%.
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Skywalker,

Glad to help! And thank you for being part of this community. Hope all goes well with the intervention from your Wing Commander.
 
Update, intervention with the SW Commander is a no go! My Chief continues to tell me there is no difinitive diagnosis therefore they can go forward. I have passed out twice over the past few months even prior to knowing I have the lesions on my brain and possible MS. As well some serious numbness on the left side of the head from eyebrow to rear of my neck and below my ear. I continue daily to have burning and numbness in the brain and twitching in the right thumb and a little in my legs. Woke up Tuesday morning, left side of head very numb and as well threw up and a little nose bleed which I don't have those hardly ever. Called the clinic to get in with my PA and there were no availables. Sent me to local hospital and was there about 3 hours and did all they could do with the
Headache with emitrex which somewhat helped but don't think that was the problem at all and I briefed them on the lesions and such but they would not touch that. Refered me to a local Neurologist and put me on bed rest for the rest of the week. I called triwest and ask about a referal and said sure but you will need approval from your PA. Since the UAFA has been working since 17 Mar 08, spinal tap, 10 vials of blood, two MRI's and CT and they still have not got all results back yet then no one wants me to get a second opinion. So, I have requested the Formal Board to buy time and I still need or wished I was getting treatmet for what ever I have that is not difinitive at this time. I just contine on without anything except to wait on the formal board. I would just about bet a difinitive diagnosis will not be available before the formal so they will not have to deal with it! Do you ever wonder why the hell we stayed in or ever joined! The wing man concept is only a dream and for the select few that are taking care of one another but for the most of us roaches we are just bugs! I have a close friend that has had MS for many years... he told me today that stress is what feeds this beast and the frustration is constant with me due to the anxity and depression, ulcers, Chronic GERD and just an upper GI mess. Sorry guys.... bla bla bla :mad:

Jason said:
Skywalker,

Glad to help! And thank you for being part of this community. Hope all goes well with the intervention from your Wing Commander.
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As I suspected my doctor called Friday and i feel it was only becuase I had emailed the SW commander with my concerns of taking for ever or since 14 Mar 08 and still noting going and the drag their feet syndrom was what was on order to get me to the board without a diagnosis. Well, the doctor did call me Friday to let me know that all test are back and I do not have MS. I would like to beleive that but I really don't. Not sure if the doctor knows but I was able to get copies of my CD's with my MRI/CT and blood work on it and as they state that I have lesions on my brain and some very strange abnormalities that highly suggest MS. So, I ask the doctor...then what are the lesions and he quickly replied "well, that could be from colesterol medication or something". I have demaned a 2nd opinion from a civilian and will meet tomorrow, Monday and what do you want to bet they will say your FPEB will be here prior to being able to get you scheduled and thus as I have suggested, I will be boarded without a difinitive diagnosis. That was easy to accomplish.... just everyone plays dumb about leasions and give no treatment and AF is good to go! Remember, per AFI this was supposed to have been put on hold until a diagnosis was accomplish and they lied and did it anyway and forcing me into a formal to buy time on the MS and or lesions stuff. Sounds like a good story for CNN of how AF treats our 20 year vets and make sure we take what we can from them! Sorry for the vent guys but want you all to know I'm not at all happy with what I'm going through without a single individual at my base. My commander admited calling AFPC back in Nov 07 when I requested a normal retirement, that he contacted Randolph and told them to shut down my retirement and deny it because he said I was requesting retirement in leu of an AEF. Was he ever wrong... I've been about sixteen places over there supporting my 3 star and staff many times and setting up MR SATS on 20 story facilities all by my lonsome. I new I was sick and my nerves was totally shot and I wanted out then but due to an IG complaint and many more from others he had other plans. So, I would think he is still in a pissing contest and droping hints at the FPEB as well... that is the kind of folks I have around me for sure. Please pray for me and hope that I get a diagnosis and treatment started before to much longer. Cheers! Sub pondere sursum
 
skywalker,
a friend of mine has a similar "ms type" issue. he initially was mis-diagnosed, now they say it a condition call ?adem? his screen name here is sfreddy. i think he even posted a thread about the issue. i'll look for it for you. get ahold of him, he's a solid dude. hope this helps, good luck!
 
i feel your pain man,
my friend (FREDDY10)has a similar "ms-type" issue. he is now diagnosed w/adem. if you have any questions he's a good dude. here's 1 of his posts. hope this helps.

What is Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis?
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is characterized by a brief but intense attack of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord that damages myelin – the protective covering of nerve fibers. It often follows viral infection, or less often, vaccination for measles, mumps, or rubella. The symptoms of ADEM come on quickly, beginning with encephalitis-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures and coma. It may also damage white matter (brain tissue that takes its name from the white color of myelin), leading to neurological symptoms such as visual loss (due to inflammation of the optic nerve) in one or both eyes, weakness even to the point of paralysis, and difficulty coordinating voluntary muscle movements (such as those used in walking). ADEM is sometimes misdiagnosed as a severe first attack of multiple sclerosis (MS), since some of the symptoms of the two disorders, particularly those caused by white matter injury, may be similar. However, ADEM usually has symptoms of encephalitis (such as fever or coma), as well as symptoms of myelin damage (visual loss, paralysis), as opposed to MS, which doesn’t have encephalitis symptoms. In addition, ADEM usually consists of a single episode or attack, while MS features many attacks over the course of time. Doctors will often use imaging techniques, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), to search for old and new lesions (areas of damage) on the brain. Old “inactive” brain lesions on MRI suggest that the condition may be MS rather than ADEM, since MS often causes brain lesions before symptoms become obvious. In rare situations, brain biopsy may show findings that allow differentiation between ADEM and severe, acute forms of MS. Children are more likely than adults to have ADEM.


What is the prognosis?
Corticosteroid therapy can shorten the duration of neurological symptoms and halt further progression of the disease in the short term, but the long term prognosis for individuals with ADEM varies. For most, recovery begins within days, and half will recover completely. Others may have mild to moderate lifelong impairment. Severe cases of ADEM can be fatal. Some individuals who initially diagnosed as having ADEM will later be reclassified as MS, but there is currently no method to determine whom those individuals will be.
 
Thanks Rob,

great info right there! Met with my doctor today and he wanted to go over what had been done and all results revealed no MS of course. He said maybe the lesions could be from Cholestrol or maybe even a prior stroke. Now, I'm the one that wants a difinitive diagnosis and requested a referral which was granted and he put in for it and will be accomplished at the University at Denver. Question is, will this get accomplished prior to my formal and will my reprensation be able to get the formal board to understand I have severe abnormalities with lesions on my brain and buy any time to get a diagnosis from a real doctor and with what ever the diagnosis my daily burning within the left side of my brain and numbness be enough to warrant an additional rating. 1st and formost my concern for my health is of greatest concern. I can not receive any treatment if I don't know specifically what the leasions are or the burning and numbness is caused by. Thanks for all the support and to Jason for bringing us all together!

robs42 said:
i feel your pain man,
my friend (FREDDY10)has a similar "ms-type" issue. he is now diagnosed w/adem. if you have any questions he's a good dude. here's 1 of his posts. hope this helps.

What is Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis?
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is characterized by a brief but intense attack of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord that damages myelin – the protective covering of nerve fibers. It often follows viral infection, or less often, vaccination for measles, mumps, or rubella. The symptoms of ADEM come on quickly, beginning with encephalitis-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures and coma. It may also damage white matter (brain tissue that takes its name from the white color of myelin), leading to neurological symptoms such as visual loss (due to inflammation of the optic nerve) in one or both eyes, weakness even to the point of paralysis, and difficulty coordinating voluntary muscle movements (such as those used in walking). ADEM is sometimes misdiagnosed as a severe first attack of multiple sclerosis (MS), since some of the symptoms of the two disorders, particularly those caused by white matter injury, may be similar. However, ADEM usually has symptoms of encephalitis (such as fever or coma), as well as symptoms of myelin damage (visual loss, paralysis), as opposed to MS, which doesn’t have encephalitis symptoms. In addition, ADEM usually consists of a single episode or attack, while MS features many attacks over the course of time. Doctors will often use imaging techniques, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), to search for old and new lesions (areas of damage) on the brain. Old “inactive” brain lesions on MRI suggest that the condition may be MS rather than ADEM, since MS often causes brain lesions before symptoms become obvious. In rare situations, brain biopsy may show findings that allow differentiation between ADEM and severe, acute forms of MS. Children are more likely than adults to have ADEM.


What is the prognosis?
Corticosteroid therapy can shorten the duration of neurological symptoms and halt further progression of the disease in the short term, but the long term prognosis for individuals with ADEM varies. For most, recovery begins within days, and half will recover completely. Others may have mild to moderate lifelong impairment. Severe cases of ADEM can be fatal. Some individuals who initially diagnosed as having ADEM will later be reclassified as MS, but there is currently no method to determine whom those individuals will be.
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Just a quick update. As stated in previous post I was put in for a referral at Denver University. However, it turned out it was to be at Evans Army Hospital and as I indicated to TRICARE when they called "the referral was put to Denver for a reason" Lesions on the brain is no joke and some of my initial work CT was done at Evans anyway and would prefer a civilian doctor with no influance from the military doctors network. I still continue daily with numbness and burning on left side of my head and now some twitching in the right hand. I may just have to wait until I'm with the VA to get a definitive diagnosis and hope I don't have a meltdown in the meantime. I just can't seem to understand why a simple referral and a straight answer and starting of treatment is so hard for big blue to ingage in.
 
IAW AR 40-501 Chap 3 if a Soldier is being medically boarded all medical issues are to be addressed, the MOI for physicians completinga MEB state that all medical conditions should be listed whether they are ratable or not. If you have access to a obudsman file a complaint, if not the file a complaint through congress, if you file a grievance article 138, then the Sectary of the Army is supposed to investigate your case. When ever you ask for additional medical treatment send a e-mail also, and cc the Wounded Warrior I G at Fort McPherson, GA or call the Wounded Warrior Hotline.
 
I am not trying to be negative or scare you, a friend of mines had lesions on her brain, she had cancer that had spread to her brain she had 3 lesions, gama therapy removed the lesions and they came back, this time she has 10-12 lesions on her brain and she is terminal. I have also heard of a disease called whipples which is sores on the brain. Ask your doctor to check you for cancer. Good luck
 
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