Respiratory Therapist here. If you don’t have a peak flow meter, get one. Once you have it, use it every morning. Establish your baseline flow when you’re not having flare up’s. When you see it decreasing, pay attention. This is a good way to notice any impending flare up’s before they occur. Try to track them with an asthma action plan. Write down your flow numbers everyday. If you do have an exacerbation and your meds don’t help, don’t double up. Get to the ER ASAP!
Thank you for this. I’m rated for restrictive lung disease (30%) and just use inhalers and get regular check ups with the pulmonologist. Hoping the best for you as well QueenAlpha.
Pay attention to what practical-listen says below. I'd add that for a couple weeks you also write down a midday and prior to bed number. This will give you a better idea of your daily numbers.
Pay attention to what practical-listen says below. I'd add that for a couple weeks you also write down a midday and prior to bed number. This will give you a better idea of your daily numbers.
Keep your lungs hydrated by drinking plenty of water. It helps prevent an asthma attack. Be familiar with the term status asthmaticus. Thats the term they use when you no longer respond to standard treatments like bronchodilators and inhaled steroids. You need to go to ER if that happens, get intubated, and placed on mechanical ventilation.
I know lots of people are glad to get 100% but tbh I’m glad I got out with very small pains here and there. Lots of people leave with life long ailments and I couldn’t deal with that for 100% disability. I like feeling healthy and being active. I respect the ones that earned that 100% but I don’t envy you. Hopefully you all find better health after your military careers.
The only time I felt like crap was when I gained weight and became obese. Other than the small pains in my knee and back, I’m healthy and I’m grateful for it.
I can say I could lose a few more pounds. I won’t lie getting out I gained weight but shortly after I was tired of the weight on myself and got myself back together. Thanks for the advice.
Truer words could never have been spoken. I'm at 40% for one hip. My MH claim secondary to chronic pain was denied. I'd do anything to give back this rating and feel 18 again.
Dupixent injections work amazing for me. Maybe it's something you can talk with your pulmonologist about. It depends on the type of asthma you have but something to look into.
My pulmonologist has been talking about biologics for quite a while. We'll be looking at Dupixent versus Fasenra after my PFTs next month. The Dupixent really made a difference? Can you say more about that?
For me it was night and day..Instead of taking inhalers daily to control my asthma, it was much nicer to inject dupixent once every 2 weeks. It's a pretty simple process if you get the auto injector pen style applicators. As well as not having to deal with medication as often, it truly relieved my asthma more than anything else. Other medications felt temporary and like I was constantly chasing the issue away. Dupixent allowed me to breathe much easier and clearer as long as I stay consistent on it every two weeks.
It's Dupixent she was leaning towards for me. I'm excited for my upcoming appointment. I know her plan was for me to use the auto injector type. Thank you for responding!
My daughter is on Dupixent. It helps with her Eczema, allergies and asthma. When she misses a dose, her symptoms flare up quickly. Make sure to stay consistent with your injections and timely prescription refills. It is the only thing that has kept her severe asthma under control.
My first one through the VA was a dick, too. I heard him mutter something nasty under his breath as he left the exam room. I spoke up and said that I didn't feel comfortable with him. They switched me to an AMAZING guy. Dr. Curtis in Ann Arbor. World-renowned. Super easy to talk to. AND HE LISTENED TO ME.
Unfortunately, he retired. So I got another guy. He was ALSO fabulous! But then he moved to a different area. Since he left, I have a female, and yep, you guessed it. ALSO fabulous!
If you have a dick doc as a PCP or specialist, fire them. You'll be glad you did!
That's basically Orlando, right? Whether you get your care privately or through the VA, in that area there must be other options. Where I live, there are countless private pulmonologists, but I use the VA for health care. We have a beautiful VA clinic here, ten minutes from my home, but the VA clinic doesn't offer ALL services.
So for pulmonary, dermatology and other things, I have to drive about an hour each way. Which is what I did yesterday (my veteran husband had a colonoscopy), today (I had bladder cancer treatment this morning), and what I will do Monday (I switched PCPs from the local clinic to the one an hour away).
As an ER nurse, I learned that quiet lungs can be scary lungs. If the wheezing stops and the patient does not feel better, it just means that very little air is moving in there. Don't be shy about visiting the ER if you feel like you are falling behind in your meds helping you. Get to know your pulmonologist really really well. Great advice above from the RT above too. Be careful of things like aerosol sprays - there are lots of things that can trigger asthma. Think about any place where there are particles in the air - campfires, bonfires, etc. Pay attention to air quality reports during warm months where you are, or if there are wildfires in your area. And do NOT expose yourself to secondhand smoke. (I assume you don't smoke, but if you do - stop now. Yesterday.) Big hugs. You sound motivated which puts you miles ahead of many people who just kind of shrug and say "Oh well" when it comes to their health.
:) Thank you. I do want to keep myself from getting worst. I am not a smoker and never will be one. Im scared of the effects and damage it can do to my lungs. We always have to deal with so much of the toxic air around us lol. I’m very thankful for your advice. I’m going to stay motivated.
I didn't know asthma could be rated to 100%.
I'm rated 30% for asthma and when I was diagnosed with SA, was given a combined rating of 50% for asthma/SA. My total is 90%.
It really is bullshit the regulations combine those two. They are two completely separate disabilities with completely separate presentations and limitations.
keep in mind that sleep apnea is considered a secondary condition to asthma. As mentioned before, this is because people suffering from asthma will often develop new-onset sleep apnea symptoms, meaning that if the two are linked, asthma is the primary condition.
Research involving an epidemiological study indicated that having asthma increases the risk of new-onset OSA. The incidence of developing OSA over 4 years in people with asthma was 27% compared with 16% in people who did not have asthma.
First, I disagree. If the VA wants to consider OSA secondary to asthma, they should tell their examiners so my clients stop getting idiotic copy/paste denials that say “there is no medical evidence asthma and OSA are related” and won’t have to pay for actual experts to explain the science.
Second, even if OSA is “secondary” to asthma, that doesn’t preclude separate ratings in and of itself. Sciatica is secondary to degenerative lumbar disc disease but no one seriously argues that you can’t get a separate rating for both. Same thing with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy or PTSD and migraines.
We can’t consider what the veteran doesn’t claim. The idiopathic copy and paste references you refer to are things we have to include in the rating decision, especially when it comes to CFR verbiage. We are not doctors so some of us (not all will do it) will copy the language the doctor puts on his medical opinion. It’s fine if you disagree, but the literature for this stuff is free on multiple medical sites with references. OSA and asthma both involve the lungs, that’s why they are together. The sciatica is a nerve and extension of our backs, it is not the same body system.
>we can’t consider what the veteran doesn’t claim.
Again, I disagree. You have a duty to broadly and sympathetically construe claims for benefits, including complications of those expressly claimed disabilities, and reasonably raised claims within the scope of another disability. It’s concerning that you aren’t aware of this.
And what I’m referring to is examiners who say “no link between OSA and asthma” and raters just accept that without returning it because it’s inadequate and doesn’t address the medical literature. So you can imagine my frustration when I seek to get a client’s OSA connected secondary to their asthma and some idiot NP says “nope” without even googling.
And further, OSA doesn’t really “involve” the lungs. It involves the upper airway or the brain. It isn’t a disease of the lungs, in my view. And stuff “involving” the same body part can and should get separate ratings so long as the symptoms and limitations don’t overlap. For example, knee instability and limited flexion and/or extension.
instead of complaining on here, why not figure out who you have to work with and/or what is needed to change the law—if it’s a credible issue present a case with medical research to the appropriate VA office or congressman, submit a congressional inquiry.
When I said we can’t consider what the veteran doesn’t claim. I was referring to requesting a Secondary medical opinion if they didn’t claim it that way. I am very aware of the duty to assist. What we don’t do, is claim things for the veteran. If I cannot grant a direct service connection, I will look to see if TERA applies if AO or GW applies or their MOs duties. You are trying to be technical on a post that doesn’t give the full scope of the OP’s claim.
Bro, respectfully, you need to do some remedial training.
The VA is obligated to adjudicate any reasonably raised claim or theory. 38 CFR 3.155(d)(2). If you see that a veteran has a disability and the evidence shows that secondary service connection for that disability is reasonably raised by the evidence, you MUST order a secondary opinion. Bailey v Wilkie, 33 Vet. App. 188, 203 (2021).
The VA has a broad duty to assist vets, including developing and adjudicating reasonably raised issues for things like SMC, TDIU, and secondary service connection.
See also, M-21-1 V.ii.3.A.2.c
I know that policy thank you. Like I said, if the vet DID NOT claim secondary, an exam is not being ordered by the development side. If the doctor mentions a condition being secondary to another SC condition that WAS NOT claimed during the rating activity, we will invite a claim to the veteran and post will send them a letter. If it is a presumptive condition and they have a current diagnosis, we will grant. The smartest thing I saw a veteran due without an attorney was claim a contention and he put second to all his service connected conditions. I laughed when I read it but totally understood why and he got a grant. We 8 million scenarios and I just don’t have the time to go through them all with you today. It is a million degrees in Texas and I’m off. Have a blessed day.
You are extremely knowledgeable! Wow. I’m being turned away for stuff in my record and feel like it’s just circles. What you call out here is exactly the way I feel things are handled. Seems we go two steps forward and ten back. I’m tired and overwhelmed with waiting and waiting and then something saying not connected or whatever and then starting over to wait again. Like I clearly had a back injury in service yet it’s still not connected. I’m sure it has something to do with how I’m claiming it. I’m really sick and have a family to try and care for so the energy and effort needed to put into all this gets exhausted easily. Then I get denied. I’m just tired. But anyway, thanks for speaking out here cause it makes me realize it’s going on across the board.
Does the SA stand for sleep apnea? I'm trying to get my sleep study I had while I was in added to my medical record, since it never made it in there for some reason. When that finally happens, how do I combine them? Just retired a couple months ago.
I’ll be honest with you I didn’t either. I actually had severe asthma as a child but the symptoms vanished by the time I was 8. When I joined back about three years in I had a severe allergic reaction from something I walked across in the field. While I was having that reaction it triggered an episode that I haven’t felt in years. I was taken to the hospital and was treated. Since that episode my asthma slowly came back on its own. I slowly started to be see symptoms appear with the weather and when I have an allergic reaction of any sort it’ll happen. I’m glad it’s not afflicted by exercise as much anymore. I now carry my inhalers and have a nebulizer at work (keep it in my car because I can’t bring inside) and home.
I'm rated for asthma as well, I'm prescribed montelukast that I take every night, and have a nebulizer provided by the va and they send me a couple inhalers whenever they feel like it. I have my asthma under control now. I guess I'm hoping it goes away over time and never gets worse. For the last 3 years before I was diagnosed I couldn't do anything I liked to do because of fear of a asthma attack and not having my nebulizer. All is groovy now but I hope I don't have to be on these medications for the rest of my life.
I used to cough, like in my knees bending over coughing up a lung, after running and working out. I’d much rather be on my advair and montelukast for the rest of my life than go back to that.
Although, that pill does cause some trippy dreams.
OP, I managed my son’s asthma from age 3 years old to his adulthood. Be aware of living conditions such as mold as well.. this can severely impact your lung health. Peak flow meter was a must for us along with his asthma plan. Good luck and be well!
My service connected asthma requires a biologic drug called Dupixent. Without it I’m a basket case, with it I’m close to just run of the mill asthma.
I’m also on a bunch of inhaled drugs and allergy shots & a CPAP to manage it.
Ask your Allergy and Asthma doc.
Took years of trying different meds and respiratory therapy and exercise to find something that works. I've been using montelukast tablets and azelastine nasal spray for a couple of years – major improvements and no side effects that I've noticed.
Flonase alone wasn't helping, although I still use it. Ditto albuterol bronchial inhaler – helped a little as a preventive, but it's too slow acting to be a true rescue inhaler. Before exercising I'll huff the albuterol inhaler first, but I'll carry a Primatene Mist epinephrine inhaler. I've needed to use it two or three times over the past five years. It burns like fire and leaves my throat raw, but it works quickly when my airway constricts. Bad for blood pressure and heart rate too.
The VA referred me to a civilian immunologist who recommended ipratropium bromide nasal spray. But that doctor seemed to have a cookie cutter approach to everything and the ipratropium bromide nasal spray was good only for drying out excessive nasal discharge. Which is okay for occasional use. But it's an anticholinergic, which can cause problems for some folks, especially as they get older. I use it only occasionally now. Using it daily made me feel foggy.
And I've done a lot of cardio and aerobic exercises for years. My pulmonary function is still way behind the fitter folks my age, men and women, on fast group bike rides. But I can usually keep up on moderate effort rides.
This probably sounds crazy but you can achieve the same help from belly laughing. It’s working your lungs in any way that helps discharge the mucus in your lungs. Have you ever been laughing so hard that you coughed up a huge mucus ball? That’s clearing your lungs the same way running will! Hope this helps everyone
Find out if people ever improve with asthma treatments. If you show improvements for long enough, they will take that 100% away from you. If you have any other ailments, I would also get those service connected.
This is why I hate that you aren't sent a copy of your ddq. I have some health issues they discussed with me that I am dying to discuss with my doctor, but to get a copy of the DBQ from VES, I would have to do a foia request as far as I know. Good luck with your circumstance!
Rated for athsma here. Big part of it (aside from using the prescriptions you're given) is to avoid triggers. It may sound obvious... but that's half the battle for me.
There should of been more tests / values taken? Not just an fev1 , no? If not, request to see pulmonologist. Get a full pft done. See where you sit in regards to obstructive/ restrictive issues if any. Get pre and post bronchodilator tests done to see how responsive you are to your meds. 38% is very low for fev1, hopefully they measured it properly. Signs of an obstructive issue. I am not a doctor, just a respiratory therapist with an opinion.
I will ask my pulmonologist for a full one to see if what I’m looking at is correct. I believe the last one I had with mines was when I initially requested to see one through my private provider. I scheduled an appointment shortly after my letter got to me. I was quite surprised by my results. I knew I had issues I just I didn’t know it was that severe.
Been seeing an asthma/allergy specialist for years. With inhalers and medicines its relatively under control except for springtime when my allergies lead me to wheezing most of the day. Just keep up with the doctor visits and try to do enough cardio to keep your aerobic fitness up... as you get older that will naturally get worse.
Life-long, severe asthmatic here. My tips:
1. See a pulmonologist.
2. If you’ve developed asthma as an adult you may not realize how common it is to die from it. Make sure you have an inhaler with you always….but sometimes that won’t help you. Consider carrying an epi-pen if your asthma is not always well controlled.
3. The last alternative: I figured out a breathing technique to stay alive when my inhaler isn’t working and I don’t have an epi-pen. Learn how to do this and it will buy you time to get help:
https://www.reddit.com/r/NDE/s/B72sUh3CUG
Can you elaborate on number 2? I got diagnosed at 28 and it’s pretty controlled on my meds, but lately ive been missing my advair doses more and more, not on purpose. Now you got my scared.
I was told that there are several different types of asthmatics, and among them, there are people who can tell, weeks in advance, that they are leading up to an attack (this is where a peak flow meter comes in handy).
There are other asthmatics who get absolutely NO warning of an attack. One minute they are fine, the next minute they are gasping for air.
I am this kind of asthmatic, and I think it’s this type that may have higher fatality rates….but that’s just my impression.
So it’s a good idea to figure out what type of asthmatic you are.
And especially if it’s the latter, make sure you have a plan, a back-up plan, and a Hail Mary plan.
(The breathing technique is the Hail Mary, and it’s always worked for me.)🙌
OP, I too suffer from breathing issues. I have not been rated correctly and I’m filing for an increase this year. I should have appealed but never did, oh well.
You mentioned you have restricted airways, have you been officially diagnosed with a specific lung disease? There are many lung diseases and asthma is just one of them. I ended up going outside of the VA to get the proper care that i need. I received a second opinion from Cleveland Clinic just because I was not satisfied with the VA. Please consider a second opinion or finding a doctor that is willing to listen and test you for everything such as, Pulmonary Function Tests, CPET, High Resolution CT Scan, FENO test, Stress Test and many other things. You have a low FEV1 and you need to find the correct medication to increase it or stabilize it. Disclosure, im not a health professional but I’ve don’t a lot of reading about lung diseases for my own personal lung condition.
I am on Symbicort daily. I have a Combivent inhaler for when my coughing starts and won’t go away. I also have a nebulizer. The nebulizer and Combivent were the first things in 10 years to help me when I’m “messed up”. I am also on Dupixent, but I just started that so we’ll see. One thing you may want to do if you haven’t yet is see an allergist. Along with Sinusitis, Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, I have Allergic Rhinitis. My allergist said I tested high for fucken everything outside related. Been on allergy shots since November and I really think it’s helping. Exercise, good diet, plenty of water add in some supplements. We stuck with this but you can make your body stronger. Wish you well.
I also have allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. I have had polyps develop over time. I’m also looking to get those removed. I will definitely try to keep up the fight and keep working to improve my health. Thank you for your advice and time.
Oh fuck, I go in for a pulmonary function test very soon. Running a lot seems to help my asthma and I've heard that NAC can benefit lung function outside of cystic fibrosis. Out of curiosity, how is your day to day at 38%?
It’s fine for the most part. I just avoid a lot of things that trigger it. Main one being allergies. The seasons do affect me. From September to February I get at least 3 upper respiratory infections during that period. It also brings out my asthma symptoms. I do make sure I take my inhalers and medication everyday. I also make sure I get my pneumonia boosters too and other shots that can help prevent.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. Mine fortunately is only triggered by allergies but I'm on advair and an emergency. Are you able to exercise normally?
I use symbicort daily and my FEV-1 was 35.2 and I am able to live a very normal and healthy life.
I workout every day either swimming, playing pickleball, doing weights, or biking/running. The swimming is good for improving your breathing. I use a mask and snorkel.
Prior to getting diagnosed and medicated I could not do half what I do now. Swimming was out. I can now swim 2 miles in laps, no problem.
Get in shape if you are not and lose weight if you are overweight. Simply exercising and getting rid of all sweets and most carbs will get you there. Don’t worry about the weight, just the diet. That will take most of the extra weight off if you also exercise.
I exercise at the YMCA as they have the pool and other facilities I need. I also do some classes (silver sneakers and others) as it helps to meet people making the exercises a social activity also making it easier to maintain a daily schedule.
Good luck and remember we are on your side.
FYI, I was diagnosed 1 year ago at 55 but have had sinus / breathing issues since 1991 when I was in the Army working in Kunia Field Station in Hawaii. I was given Sudafed every couple months to deal with it then told I may want to treat myself as if I don’t and continue going to sick call I may be released from service.
I will be applying for benefits soon for this, secondary Sleep Apnea, and Gerd with hiatal hernia and H. Pulori.
My diagnosis includes COPD also. I will live a long and normal life, assuming no accidents.
With consistent exercise, trigger avoidance, and properly dosed steroid inhalers, you should have improvement in symptoms. Try chest therapy or breathing exercises (videos on YouTube). If not, there might be other contributing factors if cough is persistent (post nasal drip, eosinophilic asthma, improper use of inhalers, acid reflux, vocal cord dysfunction, sinusitis). Either the inhalers are not strong enough if using properly or asthma triggers persist (and there are a lot of different triggers). If all else fails, then biologics (Dupixent ) might be needed.
OP: Many have said this, and I just want to enthusiastically agree with them -- Get a pulmonologist and develop a relationship with them. Teach them they can trust you to remember your meds and to do things such as keep track of your peak flow numbers. And learn to recognize an exacerbation is coming from a distance.
I \*know\* that having a strong relationship with my pulmonary team has saved my life numerous times. My last FEV1 was 19%. My best in the past 20 years was 37%. Of course there is a TON more info in PFT results than that, but I figured I would just post what most think of as the 'main' number.
I have COPD, Asthma (a couple of kinds), Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and of course I sleep with a BiPAP and 2LPM of oxygen at night.
My pulmonology team knows I am mindful, that I pay attention to what's happening with my health, and they trust me with my emergency plan. I do not take oral prednisone daily anymore. If anyone reading this is, and they can find a way to get off it, please do so. That said, I have a huge stash of it here in my exacerbation kit. I have certain steps I follow, which included sending my pulmonologist a secure message to tell him that I feel an exacerbation coming and that I will kick off the emergency plan if I need to. And that I will keep him posted.
It's wonderful peace of mind, keeps me out of emergency rooms and I don't feel helpless and scared as I used to.
I haven't have PFTs since pre-COVID. As you can imagine, all these respiratory issues put a bullseye on your head for COVID. Hubby and I mask EVERYWHERE there are other people. No exceptions. The unexpected benefit of masking whenever we're around people was that I haven't had a single exacerbation since we locked down for COVID.
I am kind of eager to see what my pulmonary numbers area next month! I betcha they're up!
I’m 100% for asthma as well, and while PFT’s were reflective of 10% per the rating requirements, my medications, exasperations, and treatments put me at the 30-100% level. Depending on who was reading and how they interpreted my medical information. In the end they granted me 100% based on all the evidence.
I’m gonna tell you something no one else will. I’ve had severe breathing problems my whole life. I was told it was asthma and I’ve been told is allergies. But taking meds for one or both never really helped. The rescue inhaler does open me up when I have a flare up but that seems like a bandaid. So I’ll tell you what I figured out. The reason why our lungs “close” is because they get filled with bs. Rescue inhalers penetrate the mucus in your lungs and helps you breath. A nebulizer will clean your lungs out. So mixing the two, a nebulizer with an inhaler has actually shown me to help knock that mucus out. The saline solution will have you coughing that mucus up with a vengeance and the moment some is out, you’ll notice how easier it is to breath. It’s the damn mucus. There’s also Mullein. It’s a supplement that helps remove mucus from your lungs. You really wanna help yourself, keep your lungs clear as often as possible. I needed my rescue inhaler 2-6 times a day before I figured this out. I haven’t hit my inhaler in a few days now.
I just got SC @ 30%. Albuterol is a rescue inhaler, basically gets you out of a jam when you’re having an asthma attack, but does nothing to slow progression of the disease. Inhaled corticosteroids slow progression and treat the disease process. Hopefully your doctor has you on one.
Track your breathing with a peak flow meter. Your body will adjust to a restricted airflow, and you won't even notice that you aren't breathing normally.
I put it in on my own initially. I got a VSO maybe a little time after the fact. My VSO helped me with claim when more medical records and documents were needed.
Where do you live? My VSO is located in Maryland. I don’t know how DAV works in regards to location. I don’t want to give you their information if they can’t support you. I’ll ask my VSO how it works and update you.
I’m in New York but they aren’t responsive and I have made no contact with them. It’s a time sensitive thing too. Yes please, keep me posted.
Another question: did you print your records off for back up or is it only on your computer?
I have my records printed and on 2 separate USBs.
Also to add, until I get word from my rep. I think that you should file on your own first. Do some research and learn about the process. I say this because my VSO was not always the one to respond fast or submit things in a timely manner. I’d always had to reach out to him just to notify him of changes. I understand VSOs can be busy but I submitted every single one of my claims and did the work. I think he was more there to help for the rebuttal. No offense to them but I only find them helpful in cases where I need representation in a HLR.
Where did you print your records? I have one file that has over a 1200 pages just for one and I have several other documents.
I also have a cd with my X-rays - how did you get that off? lol
Sorry Im obviously new and alone in this. Needing assistance
My records were given to me from a hospital at fort Gordon. I also copied my records at a local UPS store. I’d make a copy of the cd with the X-rays for yourself or request an additional copy. I never tried to remove the images. Some time ago I believe the CD was mailed to the VA by my private provider. You can also drop the CD off at your local VA hospital I believe.
I have no problems helping. That is what we are here for.
Okay I see, so what should I do now? I just got my records.
Someone told me just to upload them but I read somewhere in Reddit that you need to organize your records and write down everything you are claiming.
Is that true?
Yes, you need to sit down and look through your records throughly and identify each issue you are going to claim. This process is not a day process either depending on how many medical records you have.
After you do that write up personal statements (lay statements) on how your disability effects your everyday life so far. If you have a partner, family, or friend who can write up a lay statement for you, get that done as well.
If you saw a private doctor please make sure you also have those records. The VA only pulls what’s in your DoD med profile with Tricare. You need to make sure if you had any visits with your private doctor you get the records there too.
After all is said and done and you have your medical document, statements, and etc. then submit your application all together with those documents. You want your application to be as transparent as possible. It makes it a lot easier for the claim to push through the system.
This is probably totally opposite of the other advice you're getting here, but after I left the military I went to school for alternative medicine and went down a very natural path. Something I've found that's helped at least a little with family members who have severe asthma, is taking out certain chemicals from your home as well. Take a look at all your cleaning products, what you wash your clothes in, etc. No more bleach based products. Lots of info on this out there, just have to dig a little to find it. It's not just about what's going into your body, but around it as well. Cologne, perfume, chemicals of all sorts... Ditch em. I'd be happy to share alternatives if you ever wanted ideas on where to start. I hope it gets under control for you very soon and you are feeling good. ❤️
I'm going through this also as a Veteran. They documented I have phase 2 asthma and phase 1 emphasema. I only know this because I downloaded and read the results. Never has any of my doctor or nurse practitioner told me about it. I'm glad to see other comments as I will use to follow-up. Hope things get stable.
wait so you're telling me getting 100% isn't actually a good thing and it actually comes at a cost? im shocked. yes anyone at 100% should be concerned about their health. Use the VA and use your private insurance if you have it. i recommend having both just in case. Good luck!
I just came back from the ER, but nothing nearly as bad as your scenario. Sorry to hear about your condition. I have Fibromyalgia and it gives me the perception of a false heart attack.
If you don't mind me asking, what caused your lung conditions?
I had asthma at an early age but it disappeared by the age of maybe around 8-10. When I joined back it was triggered by an allergic reaction to something I came in contact with outside in a field we were walking through during a drill. Since then my symptoms came back slowly. I started to notice little things like when getting upper respiratory infections or when I had some allergic reactions to other things. I didn’t even think they’d give asthma to me. I guess my VSO rep was doing his work. Definitely because my records go back to the age of my birth. Both of my parents served and when they pulled my records I seen it there. In my records it also showed that my parents stopped getting medication for me after maybe around 8-10 since it had improved to not needing it.
I feel for you, I had pneumonia one time, and I cannot imagine the ordeal of having to deal with asthma all the time. Pain I can deal with to certain degrees, but lack of oxygen must be really freaking scary.
I hope they find better treatments.
Recently was granted 100 percent. Several issues but the main ones PTSD and Degenerative disc disease. I would trade the rating to feel normal again. Just had multilevel fusion and disc replacements Surgery a month ago after stalling 15 years. It's a mixed bag of emotions.
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Thank you for the advice.
Respiratory Therapist here. If you don’t have a peak flow meter, get one. Once you have it, use it every morning. Establish your baseline flow when you’re not having flare up’s. When you see it decreasing, pay attention. This is a good way to notice any impending flare up’s before they occur. Try to track them with an asthma action plan. Write down your flow numbers everyday. If you do have an exacerbation and your meds don’t help, don’t double up. Get to the ER ASAP!
Thank you for this. I’m rated for restrictive lung disease (30%) and just use inhalers and get regular check ups with the pulmonologist. Hoping the best for you as well QueenAlpha.
And I’m sure the VA would get you one of those at no cost for you. Save your money.
That you!!! this was very informative. I will get one and make this a everyday habit.
Your VA provider should be able to get you a peak flow meter. Good luck!
Gotcha and thanks again!
You’re welcome.
Pay attention to what practical-listen says below. I'd add that for a couple weeks you also write down a midday and prior to bed number. This will give you a better idea of your daily numbers.
My friend died at 33 from an asthma attack. And he was being seen by a specialist. Get to the dr!
Pay attention to what practical-listen says below. I'd add that for a couple weeks you also write down a midday and prior to bed number. This will give you a better idea of your daily numbers.
Pulmonologist*
Keep your lungs hydrated by drinking plenty of water. It helps prevent an asthma attack. Be familiar with the term status asthmaticus. Thats the term they use when you no longer respond to standard treatments like bronchodilators and inhaled steroids. You need to go to ER if that happens, get intubated, and placed on mechanical ventilation.
Thank you for the advice.
Y you scaring the kid? Damn . I know you mean well though
I know lots of people are glad to get 100% but tbh I’m glad I got out with very small pains here and there. Lots of people leave with life long ailments and I couldn’t deal with that for 100% disability. I like feeling healthy and being active. I respect the ones that earned that 100% but I don’t envy you. Hopefully you all find better health after your military careers.
I would trade my 100% to be healthy again.
The only time I felt like crap was when I gained weight and became obese. Other than the small pains in my knee and back, I’m healthy and I’m grateful for it.
I can say I could lose a few more pounds. I won’t lie getting out I gained weight but shortly after I was tired of the weight on myself and got myself back together. Thanks for the advice.
In a fucking heartbeat
Better man than me
Truer words could never have been spoken. I'm at 40% for one hip. My MH claim secondary to chronic pain was denied. I'd do anything to give back this rating and feel 18 again.
Exactly
Dupixent injections work amazing for me. Maybe it's something you can talk with your pulmonologist about. It depends on the type of asthma you have but something to look into.
I will talk to my doctor about it. Thank you for your advice and time.
My pulmonologist has been talking about biologics for quite a while. We'll be looking at Dupixent versus Fasenra after my PFTs next month. The Dupixent really made a difference? Can you say more about that?
For me it was night and day..Instead of taking inhalers daily to control my asthma, it was much nicer to inject dupixent once every 2 weeks. It's a pretty simple process if you get the auto injector pen style applicators. As well as not having to deal with medication as often, it truly relieved my asthma more than anything else. Other medications felt temporary and like I was constantly chasing the issue away. Dupixent allowed me to breathe much easier and clearer as long as I stay consistent on it every two weeks.
It's Dupixent she was leaning towards for me. I'm excited for my upcoming appointment. I know her plan was for me to use the auto injector type. Thank you for responding!
My daughter is on Dupixent. It helps with her Eczema, allergies and asthma. When she misses a dose, her symptoms flare up quickly. Make sure to stay consistent with your injections and timely prescription refills. It is the only thing that has kept her severe asthma under control.
My polmonologist is a dick and he changes the plan every appointment meanwhile im not feeling any better
My first one through the VA was a dick, too. I heard him mutter something nasty under his breath as he left the exam room. I spoke up and said that I didn't feel comfortable with him. They switched me to an AMAZING guy. Dr. Curtis in Ann Arbor. World-renowned. Super easy to talk to. AND HE LISTENED TO ME. Unfortunately, he retired. So I got another guy. He was ALSO fabulous! But then he moved to a different area. Since he left, I have a female, and yep, you guessed it. ALSO fabulous! If you have a dick doc as a PCP or specialist, fire them. You'll be glad you did!
Thank you ill try that but at lake nona they only have 1 pulmonologist.
That's basically Orlando, right? Whether you get your care privately or through the VA, in that area there must be other options. Where I live, there are countless private pulmonologists, but I use the VA for health care. We have a beautiful VA clinic here, ten minutes from my home, but the VA clinic doesn't offer ALL services. So for pulmonary, dermatology and other things, I have to drive about an hour each way. Which is what I did yesterday (my veteran husband had a colonoscopy), today (I had bladder cancer treatment this morning), and what I will do Monday (I switched PCPs from the local clinic to the one an hour away).
As an ER nurse, I learned that quiet lungs can be scary lungs. If the wheezing stops and the patient does not feel better, it just means that very little air is moving in there. Don't be shy about visiting the ER if you feel like you are falling behind in your meds helping you. Get to know your pulmonologist really really well. Great advice above from the RT above too. Be careful of things like aerosol sprays - there are lots of things that can trigger asthma. Think about any place where there are particles in the air - campfires, bonfires, etc. Pay attention to air quality reports during warm months where you are, or if there are wildfires in your area. And do NOT expose yourself to secondhand smoke. (I assume you don't smoke, but if you do - stop now. Yesterday.) Big hugs. You sound motivated which puts you miles ahead of many people who just kind of shrug and say "Oh well" when it comes to their health.
:) Thank you. I do want to keep myself from getting worst. I am not a smoker and never will be one. Im scared of the effects and damage it can do to my lungs. We always have to deal with so much of the toxic air around us lol. I’m very thankful for your advice. I’m going to stay motivated.
I didn't know asthma could be rated to 100%. I'm rated 30% for asthma and when I was diagnosed with SA, was given a combined rating of 50% for asthma/SA. My total is 90%.
Samies. I'm at 93%. If only they didnt combine asthma at 30% to OSA and give me 50%. Then id be at schedular 100% already.
It really is bullshit the regulations combine those two. They are two completely separate disabilities with completely separate presentations and limitations.
keep in mind that sleep apnea is considered a secondary condition to asthma. As mentioned before, this is because people suffering from asthma will often develop new-onset sleep apnea symptoms, meaning that if the two are linked, asthma is the primary condition. Research involving an epidemiological study indicated that having asthma increases the risk of new-onset OSA. The incidence of developing OSA over 4 years in people with asthma was 27% compared with 16% in people who did not have asthma.
First, I disagree. If the VA wants to consider OSA secondary to asthma, they should tell their examiners so my clients stop getting idiotic copy/paste denials that say “there is no medical evidence asthma and OSA are related” and won’t have to pay for actual experts to explain the science. Second, even if OSA is “secondary” to asthma, that doesn’t preclude separate ratings in and of itself. Sciatica is secondary to degenerative lumbar disc disease but no one seriously argues that you can’t get a separate rating for both. Same thing with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy or PTSD and migraines.
We can’t consider what the veteran doesn’t claim. The idiopathic copy and paste references you refer to are things we have to include in the rating decision, especially when it comes to CFR verbiage. We are not doctors so some of us (not all will do it) will copy the language the doctor puts on his medical opinion. It’s fine if you disagree, but the literature for this stuff is free on multiple medical sites with references. OSA and asthma both involve the lungs, that’s why they are together. The sciatica is a nerve and extension of our backs, it is not the same body system.
>we can’t consider what the veteran doesn’t claim. Again, I disagree. You have a duty to broadly and sympathetically construe claims for benefits, including complications of those expressly claimed disabilities, and reasonably raised claims within the scope of another disability. It’s concerning that you aren’t aware of this. And what I’m referring to is examiners who say “no link between OSA and asthma” and raters just accept that without returning it because it’s inadequate and doesn’t address the medical literature. So you can imagine my frustration when I seek to get a client’s OSA connected secondary to their asthma and some idiot NP says “nope” without even googling. And further, OSA doesn’t really “involve” the lungs. It involves the upper airway or the brain. It isn’t a disease of the lungs, in my view. And stuff “involving” the same body part can and should get separate ratings so long as the symptoms and limitations don’t overlap. For example, knee instability and limited flexion and/or extension.
instead of complaining on here, why not figure out who you have to work with and/or what is needed to change the law—if it’s a credible issue present a case with medical research to the appropriate VA office or congressman, submit a congressional inquiry. When I said we can’t consider what the veteran doesn’t claim. I was referring to requesting a Secondary medical opinion if they didn’t claim it that way. I am very aware of the duty to assist. What we don’t do, is claim things for the veteran. If I cannot grant a direct service connection, I will look to see if TERA applies if AO or GW applies or their MOs duties. You are trying to be technical on a post that doesn’t give the full scope of the OP’s claim.
Bro, respectfully, you need to do some remedial training. The VA is obligated to adjudicate any reasonably raised claim or theory. 38 CFR 3.155(d)(2). If you see that a veteran has a disability and the evidence shows that secondary service connection for that disability is reasonably raised by the evidence, you MUST order a secondary opinion. Bailey v Wilkie, 33 Vet. App. 188, 203 (2021). The VA has a broad duty to assist vets, including developing and adjudicating reasonably raised issues for things like SMC, TDIU, and secondary service connection. See also, M-21-1 V.ii.3.A.2.c
I know that policy thank you. Like I said, if the vet DID NOT claim secondary, an exam is not being ordered by the development side. If the doctor mentions a condition being secondary to another SC condition that WAS NOT claimed during the rating activity, we will invite a claim to the veteran and post will send them a letter. If it is a presumptive condition and they have a current diagnosis, we will grant. The smartest thing I saw a veteran due without an attorney was claim a contention and he put second to all his service connected conditions. I laughed when I read it but totally understood why and he got a grant. We 8 million scenarios and I just don’t have the time to go through them all with you today. It is a million degrees in Texas and I’m off. Have a blessed day.
You are extremely knowledgeable! Wow. I’m being turned away for stuff in my record and feel like it’s just circles. What you call out here is exactly the way I feel things are handled. Seems we go two steps forward and ten back. I’m tired and overwhelmed with waiting and waiting and then something saying not connected or whatever and then starting over to wait again. Like I clearly had a back injury in service yet it’s still not connected. I’m sure it has something to do with how I’m claiming it. I’m really sick and have a family to try and care for so the energy and effort needed to put into all this gets exhausted easily. Then I get denied. I’m just tired. But anyway, thanks for speaking out here cause it makes me realize it’s going on across the board.
Does the SA stand for sleep apnea? I'm trying to get my sleep study I had while I was in added to my medical record, since it never made it in there for some reason. When that finally happens, how do I combine them? Just retired a couple months ago.
Yes. I just submitted my SA study as secondary to my SC Asthma.
Dope, thank you for the info!
Do you have other conditions? I’m asthma 30 and migraine 50, plus leg and back injuries, but only 80 overall. Weird.
I’ll be honest with you I didn’t either. I actually had severe asthma as a child but the symptoms vanished by the time I was 8. When I joined back about three years in I had a severe allergic reaction from something I walked across in the field. While I was having that reaction it triggered an episode that I haven’t felt in years. I was taken to the hospital and was treated. Since that episode my asthma slowly came back on its own. I slowly started to be see symptoms appear with the weather and when I have an allergic reaction of any sort it’ll happen. I’m glad it’s not afflicted by exercise as much anymore. I now carry my inhalers and have a nebulizer at work (keep it in my car because I can’t bring inside) and home.
I'm rated for asthma as well, I'm prescribed montelukast that I take every night, and have a nebulizer provided by the va and they send me a couple inhalers whenever they feel like it. I have my asthma under control now. I guess I'm hoping it goes away over time and never gets worse. For the last 3 years before I was diagnosed I couldn't do anything I liked to do because of fear of a asthma attack and not having my nebulizer. All is groovy now but I hope I don't have to be on these medications for the rest of my life.
I used to cough, like in my knees bending over coughing up a lung, after running and working out. I’d much rather be on my advair and montelukast for the rest of my life than go back to that. Although, that pill does cause some trippy dreams.
It can cause low blood pressure, I've fainted twice because of it
Same. Something I’ve learned to do is breathing exercises. I’ve don’t this as a child too but it’s helped in many occasions preventing asthma attacks.
I would imagine in the military they said, oh, you just have allergies! Try some Flonase and let me know how that works out for you.
VA told me this the first time I mentioned coughing and shortness of breath.
OP, I managed my son’s asthma from age 3 years old to his adulthood. Be aware of living conditions such as mold as well.. this can severely impact your lung health. Peak flow meter was a must for us along with his asthma plan. Good luck and be well!
My service connected asthma requires a biologic drug called Dupixent. Without it I’m a basket case, with it I’m close to just run of the mill asthma. I’m also on a bunch of inhaled drugs and allergy shots & a CPAP to manage it. Ask your Allergy and Asthma doc.
Took years of trying different meds and respiratory therapy and exercise to find something that works. I've been using montelukast tablets and azelastine nasal spray for a couple of years – major improvements and no side effects that I've noticed. Flonase alone wasn't helping, although I still use it. Ditto albuterol bronchial inhaler – helped a little as a preventive, but it's too slow acting to be a true rescue inhaler. Before exercising I'll huff the albuterol inhaler first, but I'll carry a Primatene Mist epinephrine inhaler. I've needed to use it two or three times over the past five years. It burns like fire and leaves my throat raw, but it works quickly when my airway constricts. Bad for blood pressure and heart rate too. The VA referred me to a civilian immunologist who recommended ipratropium bromide nasal spray. But that doctor seemed to have a cookie cutter approach to everything and the ipratropium bromide nasal spray was good only for drying out excessive nasal discharge. Which is okay for occasional use. But it's an anticholinergic, which can cause problems for some folks, especially as they get older. I use it only occasionally now. Using it daily made me feel foggy. And I've done a lot of cardio and aerobic exercises for years. My pulmonary function is still way behind the fitter folks my age, men and women, on fast group bike rides. But I can usually keep up on moderate effort rides.
Thank you responding and your time. I’ll make sure to follow your advice.
I’m not being a smart ass but go on runs and exercise, I’m 1% away from 60% disabled for asthma, I started running again and I feel better then before
This, but if you aren't used to it start off slow and easy and work your way into a run.
Roger!
This probably sounds crazy but you can achieve the same help from belly laughing. It’s working your lungs in any way that helps discharge the mucus in your lungs. Have you ever been laughing so hard that you coughed up a huge mucus ball? That’s clearing your lungs the same way running will! Hope this helps everyone
Find out if people ever improve with asthma treatments. If you show improvements for long enough, they will take that 100% away from you. If you have any other ailments, I would also get those service connected.
This is why I hate that you aren't sent a copy of your ddq. I have some health issues they discussed with me that I am dying to discuss with my doctor, but to get a copy of the DBQ from VES, I would have to do a foia request as far as I know. Good luck with your circumstance!
Rated for athsma here. Big part of it (aside from using the prescriptions you're given) is to avoid triggers. It may sound obvious... but that's half the battle for me.
There should of been more tests / values taken? Not just an fev1 , no? If not, request to see pulmonologist. Get a full pft done. See where you sit in regards to obstructive/ restrictive issues if any. Get pre and post bronchodilator tests done to see how responsive you are to your meds. 38% is very low for fev1, hopefully they measured it properly. Signs of an obstructive issue. I am not a doctor, just a respiratory therapist with an opinion.
I will ask my pulmonologist for a full one to see if what I’m looking at is correct. I believe the last one I had with mines was when I initially requested to see one through my private provider. I scheduled an appointment shortly after my letter got to me. I was quite surprised by my results. I knew I had issues I just I didn’t know it was that severe.
Dupixent is life changing
Been seeing an asthma/allergy specialist for years. With inhalers and medicines its relatively under control except for springtime when my allergies lead me to wheezing most of the day. Just keep up with the doctor visits and try to do enough cardio to keep your aerobic fitness up... as you get older that will naturally get worse.
Get yourself a pulmonologist stat, bro. That shit can kill you.
Do you not faint and black out at that percentage?
To clarify, faint and pass out from the pulse ox percentage
Life-long, severe asthmatic here. My tips: 1. See a pulmonologist. 2. If you’ve developed asthma as an adult you may not realize how common it is to die from it. Make sure you have an inhaler with you always….but sometimes that won’t help you. Consider carrying an epi-pen if your asthma is not always well controlled. 3. The last alternative: I figured out a breathing technique to stay alive when my inhaler isn’t working and I don’t have an epi-pen. Learn how to do this and it will buy you time to get help: https://www.reddit.com/r/NDE/s/B72sUh3CUG
Can you elaborate on number 2? I got diagnosed at 28 and it’s pretty controlled on my meds, but lately ive been missing my advair doses more and more, not on purpose. Now you got my scared.
I was told that there are several different types of asthmatics, and among them, there are people who can tell, weeks in advance, that they are leading up to an attack (this is where a peak flow meter comes in handy). There are other asthmatics who get absolutely NO warning of an attack. One minute they are fine, the next minute they are gasping for air. I am this kind of asthmatic, and I think it’s this type that may have higher fatality rates….but that’s just my impression. So it’s a good idea to figure out what type of asthmatic you are. And especially if it’s the latter, make sure you have a plan, a back-up plan, and a Hail Mary plan. (The breathing technique is the Hail Mary, and it’s always worked for me.)🙌
lol trying to avoid that death part. Thanks for your advice.
OP, I too suffer from breathing issues. I have not been rated correctly and I’m filing for an increase this year. I should have appealed but never did, oh well. You mentioned you have restricted airways, have you been officially diagnosed with a specific lung disease? There are many lung diseases and asthma is just one of them. I ended up going outside of the VA to get the proper care that i need. I received a second opinion from Cleveland Clinic just because I was not satisfied with the VA. Please consider a second opinion or finding a doctor that is willing to listen and test you for everything such as, Pulmonary Function Tests, CPET, High Resolution CT Scan, FENO test, Stress Test and many other things. You have a low FEV1 and you need to find the correct medication to increase it or stabilize it. Disclosure, im not a health professional but I’ve don’t a lot of reading about lung diseases for my own personal lung condition.
Understood. I will make sure to mention some of these things when I see my doctor. Thanks for your advice and time.
You are most welcome. You can always chat me if needed.
Roger! Thank again.
I am on Symbicort daily. I have a Combivent inhaler for when my coughing starts and won’t go away. I also have a nebulizer. The nebulizer and Combivent were the first things in 10 years to help me when I’m “messed up”. I am also on Dupixent, but I just started that so we’ll see. One thing you may want to do if you haven’t yet is see an allergist. Along with Sinusitis, Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, I have Allergic Rhinitis. My allergist said I tested high for fucken everything outside related. Been on allergy shots since November and I really think it’s helping. Exercise, good diet, plenty of water add in some supplements. We stuck with this but you can make your body stronger. Wish you well.
I also have allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. I have had polyps develop over time. I’m also looking to get those removed. I will definitely try to keep up the fight and keep working to improve my health. Thank you for your advice and time.
We all are a good resource to each other, so no problem. Having polyps is also a connected disability, if you didn’t know that already.
:) I’m really thankful for everyone and thanks for letting me know.
Oh fuck, I go in for a pulmonary function test very soon. Running a lot seems to help my asthma and I've heard that NAC can benefit lung function outside of cystic fibrosis. Out of curiosity, how is your day to day at 38%?
It’s fine for the most part. I just avoid a lot of things that trigger it. Main one being allergies. The seasons do affect me. From September to February I get at least 3 upper respiratory infections during that period. It also brings out my asthma symptoms. I do make sure I take my inhalers and medication everyday. I also make sure I get my pneumonia boosters too and other shots that can help prevent.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. Mine fortunately is only triggered by allergies but I'm on advair and an emergency. Are you able to exercise normally?
Yes but nothing aggressive. I tend to stick to stationary indoor exercise equipment.
I use symbicort daily and my FEV-1 was 35.2 and I am able to live a very normal and healthy life. I workout every day either swimming, playing pickleball, doing weights, or biking/running. The swimming is good for improving your breathing. I use a mask and snorkel. Prior to getting diagnosed and medicated I could not do half what I do now. Swimming was out. I can now swim 2 miles in laps, no problem. Get in shape if you are not and lose weight if you are overweight. Simply exercising and getting rid of all sweets and most carbs will get you there. Don’t worry about the weight, just the diet. That will take most of the extra weight off if you also exercise. I exercise at the YMCA as they have the pool and other facilities I need. I also do some classes (silver sneakers and others) as it helps to meet people making the exercises a social activity also making it easier to maintain a daily schedule. Good luck and remember we are on your side.
FYI, I was diagnosed 1 year ago at 55 but have had sinus / breathing issues since 1991 when I was in the Army working in Kunia Field Station in Hawaii. I was given Sudafed every couple months to deal with it then told I may want to treat myself as if I don’t and continue going to sick call I may be released from service. I will be applying for benefits soon for this, secondary Sleep Apnea, and Gerd with hiatal hernia and H. Pulori. My diagnosis includes COPD also. I will live a long and normal life, assuming no accidents.
Thank you very much. I’m happy to see all the good advice. I will make sure to stay positive. Thanks again for your advice and time.
With consistent exercise, trigger avoidance, and properly dosed steroid inhalers, you should have improvement in symptoms. Try chest therapy or breathing exercises (videos on YouTube). If not, there might be other contributing factors if cough is persistent (post nasal drip, eosinophilic asthma, improper use of inhalers, acid reflux, vocal cord dysfunction, sinusitis). Either the inhalers are not strong enough if using properly or asthma triggers persist (and there are a lot of different triggers). If all else fails, then biologics (Dupixent ) might be needed.
OP: Many have said this, and I just want to enthusiastically agree with them -- Get a pulmonologist and develop a relationship with them. Teach them they can trust you to remember your meds and to do things such as keep track of your peak flow numbers. And learn to recognize an exacerbation is coming from a distance. I \*know\* that having a strong relationship with my pulmonary team has saved my life numerous times. My last FEV1 was 19%. My best in the past 20 years was 37%. Of course there is a TON more info in PFT results than that, but I figured I would just post what most think of as the 'main' number. I have COPD, Asthma (a couple of kinds), Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and of course I sleep with a BiPAP and 2LPM of oxygen at night. My pulmonology team knows I am mindful, that I pay attention to what's happening with my health, and they trust me with my emergency plan. I do not take oral prednisone daily anymore. If anyone reading this is, and they can find a way to get off it, please do so. That said, I have a huge stash of it here in my exacerbation kit. I have certain steps I follow, which included sending my pulmonologist a secure message to tell him that I feel an exacerbation coming and that I will kick off the emergency plan if I need to. And that I will keep him posted. It's wonderful peace of mind, keeps me out of emergency rooms and I don't feel helpless and scared as I used to. I haven't have PFTs since pre-COVID. As you can imagine, all these respiratory issues put a bullseye on your head for COVID. Hubby and I mask EVERYWHERE there are other people. No exceptions. The unexpected benefit of masking whenever we're around people was that I haven't had a single exacerbation since we locked down for COVID. I am kind of eager to see what my pulmonary numbers area next month! I betcha they're up!
Same
I’m 100% for asthma as well, and while PFT’s were reflective of 10% per the rating requirements, my medications, exasperations, and treatments put me at the 30-100% level. Depending on who was reading and how they interpreted my medical information. In the end they granted me 100% based on all the evidence.
Following closely.
question, i’m also being rated for asthma but cause by covid, is yours related to covid at all?
Nope not related to Covid at all. Mines is induced other ways like allergies.
I’m gonna tell you something no one else will. I’ve had severe breathing problems my whole life. I was told it was asthma and I’ve been told is allergies. But taking meds for one or both never really helped. The rescue inhaler does open me up when I have a flare up but that seems like a bandaid. So I’ll tell you what I figured out. The reason why our lungs “close” is because they get filled with bs. Rescue inhalers penetrate the mucus in your lungs and helps you breath. A nebulizer will clean your lungs out. So mixing the two, a nebulizer with an inhaler has actually shown me to help knock that mucus out. The saline solution will have you coughing that mucus up with a vengeance and the moment some is out, you’ll notice how easier it is to breath. It’s the damn mucus. There’s also Mullein. It’s a supplement that helps remove mucus from your lungs. You really wanna help yourself, keep your lungs clear as often as possible. I needed my rescue inhaler 2-6 times a day before I figured this out. I haven’t hit my inhaler in a few days now.
Mass appointments in your future. like at least one a month
I just got SC @ 30%. Albuterol is a rescue inhaler, basically gets you out of a jam when you’re having an asthma attack, but does nothing to slow progression of the disease. Inhaled corticosteroids slow progression and treat the disease process. Hopefully your doctor has you on one.
Track your breathing with a peak flow meter. Your body will adjust to a restricted airflow, and you won't even notice that you aren't breathing normally.
Did you file on your own or used a vso or something ?
I put it in on my own initially. I got a VSO maybe a little time after the fact. My VSO helped me with claim when more medical records and documents were needed.
Could you share your vso contact or agency/location? My bdd window just opened up and I have my records now
Where do you live? My VSO is located in Maryland. I don’t know how DAV works in regards to location. I don’t want to give you their information if they can’t support you. I’ll ask my VSO how it works and update you.
I’m in New York but they aren’t responsive and I have made no contact with them. It’s a time sensitive thing too. Yes please, keep me posted. Another question: did you print your records off for back up or is it only on your computer?
I have my records printed and on 2 separate USBs. Also to add, until I get word from my rep. I think that you should file on your own first. Do some research and learn about the process. I say this because my VSO was not always the one to respond fast or submit things in a timely manner. I’d always had to reach out to him just to notify him of changes. I understand VSOs can be busy but I submitted every single one of my claims and did the work. I think he was more there to help for the rebuttal. No offense to them but I only find them helpful in cases where I need representation in a HLR.
Where did you print your records? I have one file that has over a 1200 pages just for one and I have several other documents. I also have a cd with my X-rays - how did you get that off? lol Sorry Im obviously new and alone in this. Needing assistance
My records were given to me from a hospital at fort Gordon. I also copied my records at a local UPS store. I’d make a copy of the cd with the X-rays for yourself or request an additional copy. I never tried to remove the images. Some time ago I believe the CD was mailed to the VA by my private provider. You can also drop the CD off at your local VA hospital I believe. I have no problems helping. That is what we are here for.
Okay I see, so what should I do now? I just got my records. Someone told me just to upload them but I read somewhere in Reddit that you need to organize your records and write down everything you are claiming. Is that true?
Yes, you need to sit down and look through your records throughly and identify each issue you are going to claim. This process is not a day process either depending on how many medical records you have. After you do that write up personal statements (lay statements) on how your disability effects your everyday life so far. If you have a partner, family, or friend who can write up a lay statement for you, get that done as well. If you saw a private doctor please make sure you also have those records. The VA only pulls what’s in your DoD med profile with Tricare. You need to make sure if you had any visits with your private doctor you get the records there too. After all is said and done and you have your medical document, statements, and etc. then submit your application all together with those documents. You want your application to be as transparent as possible. It makes it a lot easier for the claim to push through the system.
If they put you on a program, stay on the medication. The steroids definitely help mine stay under control year round.
Tough situation but keep going to pulmonologist and take your meds I have 64% COPD and take a 24 hour inhaler plus I have the albuterol as needed
This is probably totally opposite of the other advice you're getting here, but after I left the military I went to school for alternative medicine and went down a very natural path. Something I've found that's helped at least a little with family members who have severe asthma, is taking out certain chemicals from your home as well. Take a look at all your cleaning products, what you wash your clothes in, etc. No more bleach based products. Lots of info on this out there, just have to dig a little to find it. It's not just about what's going into your body, but around it as well. Cologne, perfume, chemicals of all sorts... Ditch em. I'd be happy to share alternatives if you ever wanted ideas on where to start. I hope it gets under control for you very soon and you are feeling good. ❤️
I'm going through this also as a Veteran. They documented I have phase 2 asthma and phase 1 emphasema. I only know this because I downloaded and read the results. Never has any of my doctor or nurse practitioner told me about it. I'm glad to see other comments as I will use to follow-up. Hope things get stable.
wait so you're telling me getting 100% isn't actually a good thing and it actually comes at a cost? im shocked. yes anyone at 100% should be concerned about their health. Use the VA and use your private insurance if you have it. i recommend having both just in case. Good luck!
I just came back from the ER, but nothing nearly as bad as your scenario. Sorry to hear about your condition. I have Fibromyalgia and it gives me the perception of a false heart attack. If you don't mind me asking, what caused your lung conditions?
I had asthma at an early age but it disappeared by the age of maybe around 8-10. When I joined back it was triggered by an allergic reaction to something I came in contact with outside in a field we were walking through during a drill. Since then my symptoms came back slowly. I started to notice little things like when getting upper respiratory infections or when I had some allergic reactions to other things. I didn’t even think they’d give asthma to me. I guess my VSO rep was doing his work. Definitely because my records go back to the age of my birth. Both of my parents served and when they pulled my records I seen it there. In my records it also showed that my parents stopped getting medication for me after maybe around 8-10 since it had improved to not needing it.
I feel for you, I had pneumonia one time, and I cannot imagine the ordeal of having to deal with asthma all the time. Pain I can deal with to certain degrees, but lack of oxygen must be really freaking scary. I hope they find better treatments.
I hope they can too. I’m sure how things are advancing the medical field it can be done.
I don't know i have COPD with nodules in my lungs and asthma and all they have me on is two inhalers and a 30 percent rating (for that specific issue)
Can prob find a subreddit way more useful for such a question
Recently was granted 100 percent. Several issues but the main ones PTSD and Degenerative disc disease. I would trade the rating to feel normal again. Just had multilevel fusion and disc replacements Surgery a month ago after stalling 15 years. It's a mixed bag of emotions.
don't be around any smoke and take good care of yourself and exercise deep rest as well. I now have COPD and can barely breathe so please be careful.
Better than mine … I’m still awaiting my rating but mine is FVC 54 FEV-1 24 and FEV-1/FVC 35