Nexus Statement- military request

[buddababa]

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Any of you guys writing this? I've had a bunch of VA patients ask me to review their records and write a statement. Quick google search says to charge $$$, but want to make sure i'm not opening myself up to legal concerns.

If not writing it, which specialist should I refer patients to?

 

[MitchLevi]

Nope. Refuse it. Overwhelmingly fraud.

 

[Agast]

With the recent DOGE efforts I'd be surprised if anyone applying for consideration is getting favorable outcomes

I had a patient ask me to do this once, I said it would be more appropriate from a physician who established care closer to the original injury date and not...30 years later

 

[MitchLevi]

Prob 85% of claims should be denied, and I only know one guy I served with who does not have a VA rating.

 

[Dr. Ice]

I just had a patient draft a letter and send it to me to sign..

I signed it. I’m almost positive it won’t work for her

 

[bedrock]

I say no every time.

As a WW2 history buff, it makes me vomit that the majority of all vets today, typically while retiring before age 40, have almost always wangled themselves the designation of being seriously disabled. Just so they get more $$$ for retirement. It is such a racket and it really makes me lose respect for modern members of the military. Unfortunately it appears that the majority of them are serving themselves far far more than they are serving their country.

I've stopped "thanking military personel for their service". Unless they are/were special forces, or combat figher pilots, I don't hold modern vets in particularly high esteem.

However, I have nothing but the utmost respect for those who truly served and sacrificed for their country. I lived near and was fortunate to meet Major Dick Winters (of Band of Brothers). Major Winters, Easy Company, and everyone like them has my ultimate respect and gratitude.

 

[MitchLevi]

I say no every time.

As a WW2 history buff, it makes me vomit that the majority of all vets retired in their 30s and the majority are considered seriously disabled. Really makes me lose respect for modern members of the military. Many are serving themselves far far more than they are serving their country.

It makes my veins itch.

Every dude I served with except one has a rating.

You should go to a VFW or American Legion hangout...It's literally all they talk about, how to boost your rating. They have those rules memorized.

None of these guys are legit. NONE...

 

[pastafan]

We had a CRNA who was receiving disability for having had a hysterectomy while in the service:

Ratings for Hysterectomy
• The VA assigns a 100% disability rating for three months directly after the hysterectomy—regardless of whether just the uterus or both the uterus and ovaries are removed.
• After the initial three months:
• If both the uterus and ovaries are removed (total hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy), the rating is 50%.
• If only the uterus is removed (the ovaries remain), the rating is 30%.
• If the uterus remains but the ovaries no longer function, the rating may be 20%.
• For partial procedures (e.g., only part of the uterus removed), ratings can vary and may be lower.

 

[buddababa]

Thanks for the insight. I'm going to decline all going forward. I watched a social media visit and the amount of people "disabled" from the military is way too high. In fact, some couples are getting combined 8-10k a month from our tax dollars. I wish a special committee would look into all of this and fix it fast.
For the legitimate veterans with actual injuries, I empathize; but situations like fraud make it more difficult for them to get any benefit.

 

[BobBarker]

It is a bad deal. They want the 100% so they don’t have to pay property tax and sales tax here.

 

[Baron S]

I say no every time.

As a WW2 history buff, it makes me vomit that the majority of all vets today, typically while retiring before age 40, have almost always wangled themselves the designation of being seriously disabled. Just so they get more $$$ for retirement. It is such a racket and it really makes me lose respect for modern members of the military. Unfortunately it appears that the majority of them are serving themselves far far more than they are serving their country.

I've stopped "thanking military personel for their service". Unless they are/were special forces, or combat figher pilots, I don't hold modern vets in particularly high esteem.

However, I have nothing but the utmost respect for those who truly served and sacrificed for their country. I lived near and was fortunate to meet Major Dick Winters (of Band of Brothers). Major Winters, Easy Company, and everyone like them has my ultimate respect and gratitude.

Same sentiment a lot of people have about doctors now.

 

[MitchLevi]

It is a bad deal. They want the 100% so they don’t have to pay property tax and sales tax here.

Some states you don’t pay tax and tag on vehicles too. Tons of other little nickel and dime benefits that add up.

 

[MitchLevi]

One of my best friends is 100% disabled and is a full time nurse. You know how much money he makes?

 

[BoardingDoc]

One of my best friends is 100% disabled and is a full time nurse. You know how much money he makes?

Can someone explain how you can be 100% disabled and still able to work? Isn't that literally a contradiction in terms?

 

[Ducttape]

you can be 100% disabled at the work situation you were at before yet able at a different position.

ie construction worker that becomes a telemarketer.

 

[bedrock]

Same sentiment a lot of people have about doctors now.

This is not the same and you know it.

There isn't a dramatic shift in why people become doctors in the last 50 years, or doctors faking disability. Are you claiming some amount of disability from your military service?

 

[MitchLevi]

I’m have so much to say about this, probably one of only two to three things in my life that truly bothers me.

 

[Baron S]

This is not the same and you know it.

There isn't a dramatic shift in why people become doctors in the last 50 years, or doctors faking disability. Are you claiming some amount of disability from your military service?

None of your business.

I also wasn't trying to be antagonistic -- a lot of people do feel like docs are just in it for the money, not trying to help their community, not worthy of our respect anymore, etc.

 

[MitchLevi]

None of your business.

I also wasn't trying to be antagonistic -- a lot of people do feel like docs are just in it for the money, not trying to help their community, not worthy of our respect anymore, etc.

It is not the same thing dude.

There’s a massive, intentional and organized effort by groups of individuals with the sole intent of defrauding the American ppl for monetary gain.

You either admit that’s true or admit you’re full of it.

 

[hyperalgesia]

I’m have so much to say about this, probably one of only two to three things in my life that truly bothers me.

The DOD could theoretically just provide commercial disability insurance like every other job, including ones that are arguably more dangerous.

 

[Baron S]

It is not the same thing dude.

There’s a massive, intentional and organized effort by groups of individuals with the sole intent of defrauding the American ppl for monetary gain.

You either admit that’s true or admit you’re full of it.

That is rich coming from a pain doc.

 

[MitchLevi]

That is rich coming from a pain doc.

Bro, I have several close friends who died on active duty (one was my old roommate), one buddy who is now a paraplegic, a few GSW who are doing good, etc…I was not a doctor in the military, I believe you were or are???

If I had to guess, you were in active duty and had a medical issue that had NOTHING to do with your being in the military and you’re now getting a fat rating.

If I had to guess, that’s prob your story.

Am I correct?

You are a VA doctor right? Ever on active duty?

 

[Baron S]

Bro, I have several close friends who died on active duty (one was my old roommate), one buddy who is now a paraplegic, a few GSW who are doing good, etc…I was not a doctor in the military, I believe you were or are???

If I had to guess, you were in active duty and had a medical issue that had NOTHING to do with your being in the military and you’re now getting a fat rating.

If I had to guess, that’s prob your story.

Am I correct?

You are a VA doctor right? Ever on active duty?

Are we now at the point in thread where we are comparing and disparaging each other's military service? I'll pass.

Thank you for your service. I mean that sincerely. Regardless of what some people think, I think the decision to serve is a big one and admirable.

 

[MitchLevi]

Are we now at the point in thread where we are comparing and disparaging each other's military service? I'll pass.

Thank you for your service. I mean that sincerely. Regardless of what some people think, I think the decision to serve is a big one and admirable.

Was I right or not?

 

[Baron S]

Was I right or not?

No.

 

[MitchLevi]

No.

I don’t believe you.

This is ALWAYS the story.

 

[Baron S]

I don’t believe you.

This is ALWAYS the story.

While active duty, I was nearly paralyzed with rapidly progressing neurological deficits and required emergency C-spine surgery as a direct result of training for a PT test. I have permanent deficits as a result. It changed my life. I have adjacent segment disease and there's a high likelihood that I will need further surgery in the future. It affected my mental health pretty badly and I developed anxiety afterwards and take daily medication for it. Yes, I have a VA rating for these issues.

It doesn't feel great to disclose that while I'm being attacked, but there you go.

 

[buddababa]

While active duty, I was nearly paralyzed with rapidly progressing neurological deficits and required emergency C-spine surgery as a direct result of training for a PT test. I have permanent deficits as a result. It changed my life. I have adjacent segment disease and there's a high likelihood that I will need further surgery in the future. It affected my mental health pretty badly and I developed anxiety afterwards and take daily medication for it. Yes, I have a VA rating for these issues.

It doesn't feel great to disclose that while I'm being attacked, but there you go.

Sorry for your condition, and your experience. Hope you stay healthy and stable. and not that my(or anyone else opinion matters) Your VA rating is certainly valid

 

[Agast]

I respect anyone brave enough to enlist because it means theoretically death and dismemberment so that the rest of us can have our happy mediocre lives. It also means we don’t need to have a draft or compulsory service.

Also the vets I’ve met really have back problems….the same crap we all get over time, but they’re not educated enough to understand that. It’s like all the people who relate their stenosis to playing high school football. If there is a reason or a culprit and someone else could be financially responsible, I would want that as well.

 

[hyperalgesia]

Bro, I have several close friends who died on active duty (one was my old roommate), one buddy who is now a paraplegic, a few GSW who are doing good, etc…I was not a doctor in the military, I believe you were or are???

If I had to guess, you were in active duty and had a medical issue that had NOTHING to do with your being in the military and you’re now getting a fat rating.

If I had to guess, that’s prob your story.

Am I correct?

You are a VA doctor right? Ever on active duty?

I've worked at several VAs, never actually met a doc who was a veteran. At a military hospital, one doc was active duty, top quality doc. All others were contracted civilians, none veterans.

 

[MitchLevi]

While active duty, I was nearly paralyzed with rapidly progressing neurological deficits and required emergency C-spine surgery as a direct result of training for a PT test. I have permanent deficits as a result. It changed my life. I have adjacent segment disease and there's a high likelihood that I will need further surgery in the future. It affected my mental health pretty badly and I developed anxiety afterwards and take daily medication for it. Yes, I have a VA rating for these issues.

It doesn't feel great to disclose that while I'm being attacked, but there you go.

You sound like the extremely rare person (1/1000) who should be covered, but you’re describing an incredibly rare event that occurred while on active duty.

I am awfully sorry this happened to you, but my perspective is completely different bc of my experience in two VA facilities, countless VA pts that I see now and being surrounded by vets in my personal life.

Vets are liars until proven otherwise, and should not be covered for basic health issues that are not DIRECTLY the result of the military.

A rating should ONLY be given if someone’s condition is the result of the military doing something to you.

Edit - I wrote and erased my own physical injuries bc I am not trying to take away from yours or compete with you. I got F’d up a few times. I’ll never hear out of my right ear well enough to use a phone, and I can tell that story if you’d like.

Chronic pain happens to ppl, not veterans. It happens commonly to ppl in Tokyo, Dublin, Atlanta, Johannesburg, etc…It is the most abused Dx bc you can’t prove I don’t have pain, and I can limit my rom during a PE and you have to give me a rating. They coach one another on how to do this. It is BS.

 

[cowboydoc]

If we disclosed the cost of "disability" of previous service members, what I think of as the "true cost of ownership," many would be far less hawkish toward our participation in conflicts. We're still paying for Vietnam!

IMO, we should be all kinds of generous for those KIA, paralyzed, etc., but knee OA, stenosis, DM2 and the hysterectomy examples above highlight the absolute joke the VA disability rating system is.

 

[Baron S]

Edit - I wrote and erased my own physical injuries bc I am not trying to take away from yours or compete with you. I got F’d up a few times. I’ll never hear out of my right ear well enough to use a phone, and I can tell that story if you’d like.

I'll extend you the courtesy of not accusing you of lying and take your word for it.

 

[MitchLevi]

If we disclosed the cost of "disability" of previous service members, what I think of as the "true cost of ownership," many would be far less hawkish toward our participation in conflicts. We're still paying for Vietnam!

IMO, we should be all kinds of generous for those KIA, paralyzed, etc., but knee OA, stenosis, DM2 and the hysterectomy examples above highlight the absolute joke the VA disability rating system is.

Yep.

 

[Baron S]

If we disclosed the cost of "disability" of previous service members, what I think of as the "true cost of ownership," many would be far less hawkish toward our participation in conflicts. We're still paying for Vietnam!

IMO, we should be all kinds of generous for those KIA, paralyzed, etc., but knee OA, stenosis, DM2 and the hysterectomy examples above highlight the absolute joke the VA disability rating system is.

I wish they'd incentivize years in service and not % disability.

For example, for VA home loans you pay 3.60% in additional closing costs but that is completely waived if you have 10%(i think?) disability. Why would something like that be tied to disability at all? Why not a sliding scale based on years in service?

Property tax exemptions are another example. It makes no sense for it to be based on % disability and would be better for all if tied to years of service.

 

[MitchLevi]

I'll extend you the courtesy of not accusing you of lying and take your word for it.

You do recall trying to create a false parallel between me as a pain doctor and those committing VA fraud correct?

I don’t quite understand how the military hurt you, but I can state with certainty that I see many VA ppl every week, and virtually every pt at one point or another has asked me to do something to boost their rating.

If the military did something TO YOU, fine.

 

[Centurion38]

The guys I served with in combat- two tours (20 months) in Afghanistan- who had real disabilities were often ashamed to seek help because of all the malingerers and abusers taking advantage of this fraudulent disability system.

Two suicides post deployment from PTSD/ETOH self treatment. They never even sought out help, except I suppose at the bottom of a bottle.

The disability system is a disgrace and the way it is abused dishonors not only the abusers but all those who have served honorably.

 

[MitchLevi]

The guys I served with in combat- two tours (20 months) in Afghanistan- who had real disabilities were often ashamed to seek help because of all the malingerers and abusers taking advantage of this fraudulent disability system.

Two suicides post deployment from PTSD/ETOH self treatment. They never even sought out help, except I suppose at the bottom of a bottle.

The disability system is a disgrace and the way it is abused dishonors not only the abusers but all those who have served honorably.

I know several suicides too. Awful. My first team leader blew his brains out despite having everything going for him. We had a month or two period of time where like 5 guys in my community killed themselves. Prob last yr or 18 months ago maybe.

 

[Agast]

Two mass shootings over the weekend from veterans. Hope the VA cuts don’t include mental health resources, but I have a veteran who gets her psych meds from me because it’s easier for me to refill it than for her to get in with the VA psychiatrist.

 

[Ducttape]

there is a significant increase in VA benefits in the big beautiful bill.

however, that is occurring at the same time that the trump administration has implemented significant cuts in VA workforce.

 

[MitchLevi]

there is a significant increase in VA benefits in the big beautiful bill.

however, that is occurring at the same time that the trump administration has implemented significant cuts in VA workforce.

VA workforce is bloated and inefficient, no pressure to perform so nothing gets done.

 

[hyperalgesia]

Two mass shootings over the weekend from veterans. Hope the VA cuts don’t include mental health resources, but I have a veteran who gets her psych meds from me because it’s easier for me to refill it than for her to get in with the VA psychiatrist.

Money going to resources doesn't always translate into better care.

 

[Ducttape]

money being taken from resources generally means less available care.


theres obviously a balance but removing resources usually doesnt help.

 

[Agast]

Money going to resources doesn't always translate into better care.

Give me more money and I will care a lot more 🙂

 

[MitchLevi]

Probably a third or more of the VA facilities should be closed down.

 

[hyperalgesia]

Probably a third or more of the VA facilities should be closed down.

It's hard to justify VA hospitals treating diabetes and other common ailments.

It would probably be a better value to give every veteran, regardless of service connection or disability, healthcare and disability insurance options like all other federal employees...

 

[cowboydoc]

It's hard to justify VA hospitals treating diabetes and other common ailments.

It would probably be a better value to give every veteran, regardless of service connection or disability, healthcare and disability insurance options like all other federal employees...

This assessment assumes the VA exists to take care of the medical needs of veterans. I’m convinced employing veterans who would otherwise probably not be employed is nearly as important as the delivery of healthcare at the VA.

 

[MitchLevi]

This assessment assumes the VA exists to take care of the medical needs of veterans. I’m convinced employing veterans who would otherwise probably not be employed is nearly as important as the delivery of healthcare at the VA.

Dang, never thought about it that way.

 

[bubaghanush]

Probably a third or more of the VA facilities should be closed down.

It's hard to justify VA hospitals treating diabetes and other common ailments.

It would probably be a better value to give every veteran, regardless of service connection or disability, healthcare and disability insurance options like all other federal employees...

This assessment assumes the VA exists to take care of the medical needs of veterans. I’m convinced employing veterans who would otherwise probably not be employed is nearly as important as the delivery of healthcare at the VA.

I thought general consensus from studies was VA delivered as good or better care compared to non-VA hospitals at a lower cost?

Am I off? I haven't set foot in a VA hospital since 3rd year of medical school.

 

[Ducttape]

It's hard to justify VA hospitals treating diabetes and other common ailments.

It would probably be a better value to give every veteran, regardless of service connection or disability, healthcare and disability insurance options like all other federal employees...

what other options would they have, especially if they do not have access to employer-based coverage?


we should take care of our vets even if we disagree with their disability ratings etc. thats a process change inside the system, not tearing it all down.