I have been fighting for 100% SC Disability since 2004. I have successfully earned 10% Hep C  and 50% Depression 10% Hypothyroidism secondary to Hep C.

I’m currently seeking DRO and plan to submit additional evidence from my Infectious disease doctor who has offered to help with a letter.

Will this letter provide for a nexus?

                Sir,

If the letter is to be instrumental in the VA determination at the ratings board it must satisfy the following guide lines:

The letter must in each case list the individual issues reading “Secondary to Hep C” and optionally an explanation or journal reference supporting the statement. In fact it need only relate that these issues are secondary to the Hep C and its medicinal treatment. It should NOT address severity, or percentage of effect of the diseases. The rating board will determine those issues. Below is a working example. The document maybe on letterhead or preferably recorded in my medical file under the doctors progress notes.

                Please notify me upon completion @ 301-357-4640 or Email fgrouell@yahoo.com and I will obtain a copy from medical records.

The pt’s primary diagnosis is Hep C as well as the following illnesses are secondary to the Hep C.

                A             Depression as secondary to the Hep C

                B             Hypothyroidism as secondary to the Hep C

                C             Diabetes Type II as secondary to the Hep C

    D             Hypertension as secondary to the Hep C

                E              Coronary Artery Disease as secondary to the Hep C

                F              Peripheral Arterial Disease as secondary to the Hep C

                The Interferon & Procrit from the Hep C treatment caused depression and hypothyroidism leading to inactivity and diabetes as well as elevated cholesterol resulting in Hypertension, Coronary Artery Disease and Peripheral Arterial disease. All of these issues are at this time being treated with either surgical procedures or medications.

                The patient is considered unemployable at this time.

                Thanks again for your repeated effort to help with this project.

Sincerely,

                        Fred Grouell 

__________________
Fred H Grouell

If and when they rate you 100% then you wait 6 months and file for Permanent and Total. Contact me on my private e mail here for more detailed info @ NOD.

If you do this right, and they still haven’t done the Decision Review yet, you can amend it and stick in another VCAA notice prior to that decision. Otherwise, you can amend the claim when you file the Form 9. Are you representing yourself or do you have a VSO?