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Spinal Injuries
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PTSD
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Traumatic Brain Injury
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It should be noted that spine cases are difficult to understand due to their complexity and a recent New England Journal of Medicine -NEJM (March 26, 2015 page 1247) article touched on this issue by stating the following:
“…. MRI should be ordered by clinicians who can interpret the results; it is discouraged at the primary care level…”.
The NEJM recognizes the limitations of primary care physicians and thus in this complex spine case the VA deciders should defer to the spine experts and the neuro-imaging.
“…. MRI should be ordered by clinicians who can interpret the results; it is discouraged at the primary care level…”.
The NEJM recognizes the limitations of primary care physicians and thus in this complex spine case the VA deciders should defer to the spine experts and the neuro-imaging.
Dr. Bash may be available to help in the claims process for clients who suffer from PTSD or other psychiatric disorders as he works with several psychologists and psychiatrists.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Advisor Association
The Gulf war signature injury is TBI and the numbers of injuries are large (approximately 300,000+) and the VA is having a hard time providing accurate ratings for this condition because is involves many complex areas of the rating code. The TBI Association's goal is to help the veteran navigate the maze of rules surrounding TBI and help him or her obtain correct ratings for their head injuries
Currently, many patients are receiving a diagnosis and ratings for only a single PTSD psychological issue (see Eric Hunter ‘s case ABC news “Seven on your side”) when in fact these patients really have overlapping signs/symptoms that stem from a major previously un-diagnosed TBI. Many of these patients usually present with decreased cognition, headaches, vertigo and memory loss most of which has never been linked to a TBI. Many of the TBIs are in the mild to moderate category (80%) and these are not identified on routine MRI brain imaging because the MRI findings are subtle and not seen with the human eve.
A new technique called Neuroquant, a single add on 10 minute MRI sequence that is compatible with 90% of MRI scanners, uses a computer analysis to assess the loss of whole brain volume/regional volumes to help better define each patient’s pathology. TBIs are medically rated within the VA as either levels 1-2-3 and total. Most patient’s with serious TBIs have difficulty working and thus usually qualify for VA unemployability (TDIU aka IU).
Currently, many patients are receiving a diagnosis and ratings for only a single PTSD psychological issue (see Eric Hunter ‘s case ABC news “Seven on your side”) when in fact these patients really have overlapping signs/symptoms that stem from a major previously un-diagnosed TBI. Many of these patients usually present with decreased cognition, headaches, vertigo and memory loss most of which has never been linked to a TBI. Many of the TBIs are in the mild to moderate category (80%) and these are not identified on routine MRI brain imaging because the MRI findings are subtle and not seen with the human eve.
A new technique called Neuroquant, a single add on 10 minute MRI sequence that is compatible with 90% of MRI scanners, uses a computer analysis to assess the loss of whole brain volume/regional volumes to help better define each patient’s pathology. TBIs are medically rated within the VA as either levels 1-2-3 and total. Most patient’s with serious TBIs have difficulty working and thus usually qualify for VA unemployability (TDIU aka IU).