Hello everyone,

I recently received a positive Character of Discharge (COD) determination from the VA, making me eligible for VA compensation. I originally filed my claim in November 2020, but it was denied because of my COD. I've continuously pursued both my COD and disability claims ever since, and I'm now preparing to file a supplemental claim.

While I was in the Navy, I developed a large tumor on one of my ribs. I ultimately underwent surgery at Walter Reed while on active duty to remove both the tumor and the affected rib. As a result, I have a missing rib, a surgical scar, chronic back pain at the surgical site, and significant nerve damage in my abdomen.

These are the conditions I'm planning to claim:

Mental Health (Other Specified Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorder)
As part of my COD appeal, I completed a VA Mental Health C&P exam. The examiner diagnosed me with Other Specified Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorder, identified a specific in-service trauma, and checked the box stating my condition was "at least as likely as not" caused by my military service. The examiner also found occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, along with numerous associated symptoms.

Tinnitus
I served in the V-2 Division on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, routinely working within 10-50 feet of multiple aircraft at full power during launches and recoveries. I never sought treatment while in service because I was dealing with much more serious medical issues at the time.

Nerve Damage (Post-Surgical)
Since the rib removal surgery, I've had an area of numbness and abnormal sensation across my abdomen. It frequently aches, but the biggest issue is severe muscle cramping. About once or twice a week, the area suddenly locks up in what feels like the worst Charlie horse imaginable. The pain is excruciating, makes it difficult to breathe, and lasts anywhere from 5-10 minutes, sometimes recurring multiple times during the same episode.

Missing Rib
One rib was surgically removed during the biopsy and tumor removal.

Back Pain
I have chronic pain around the surgical site, especially at night. Lying in bed often causes pain in my upper back where the rib was removed, making it difficult to get comfortable and fall asleep.

Surgical Scar
I have a surgical scar from the rib removal.

GERD
I've had significant GERD since everything I went through in the Navy. I believe it developed because of the prolonged stress and anxiety surrounding my medical situation. I never sought treatment while on active duty and instead self-treated with Tums and Rolaids. I've now been taking Prilosec, prescribed by my primary care physician, for more than 20 years. It helps, but I still wake up at night with esophageal spasms that feel like a heart attack.

My Questions

1. Mental Health: Since I already have a favorable VA C&P diagnosis and medical opinion, is there anything else I should submit besides my personal statement?
2. Tinnitus: Should I obtain a civilian diagnosis before filing, or will the VA simply schedule me for an audiology C&P exam? If I should get a diagnosis first, who would be the best provider to see?
3. Missing Rib, Surgical Scar, and Back Pain: Since the surgery is fully documented in my service treatment records, do these conditions require an additional diagnosis or nexus letter?
4. Nerve Damage: Should I obtain a formal diagnosis and nexus opinion for the nerve damage, or is the documented surgery enough for the VA to connect it?
5. GERD: I'm planning to claim GERD as secondary to my mental health condition. Should I wait until my mental health claim is service-connected before filing the GERD claim, or is it better to file everything together? Should I obtain a formal diagnosis and nexus letter beforehand?
6. For any conditions that require additional diagnoses, should I simply start with my civilian primary care physician and request referrals? I don't have VA healthcare established yet.

I appreciate any advice from those who have gone through a similar process. Thanks in advance!

Hello,

Random question. I had a supplemental for a COD Decided favorably earlier this week. The person that conducted my informal hearing emailed me the decision letter on Tuesday and said it would get mailed via USPS that day, however I do not see the letter online and the supplemental is still active. The API data also still shows this as active under appeals. Should the have closed out by now? I have to submit a supplemental for previously claimed items and don't want them to be denied/have issues because the COD supplemental reflects as not complete.

Thanks

I've been looking for a 48 COA for a little bit and can't seem to find one anywhere. 43X COAs seem to be flowing, but is there a reason the 48 is non existent at the moment? I prefer the 48 over the 43X