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Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.
Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM. -
Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.
Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM. -
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Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.
Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM. -
Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.
Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM.Leah explores the complex relationships between tinnitus and various conditions in the context of VA disability. She emphasizes the individuality of each case, cautioning that the presence of tinnitus doesn't guarantee a causal link to other conditions like depression, anxiety, or migraines. Leab provides a comprehensive overview of tinnitus, describing it as a common issue characterized by ringing or other internal noises in the ears, often associated with acoustic noise exposure among veterans. She details the secondary conditions frequently connected with tinnitus on a service-connected basis, including migraines, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. She discusses the concept of tinnitus as an intermediate step, potentially leading to other medical conditions indirectly.
Take control of your medical evidence related to your benefits and visit https://www.prestigeveteranmctx.com for more information and support.
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Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities.
Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM.In this episode, Leah explores the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the context of veterans seeking disability compensation. Leah notes that while OSA is often linked to obesity, there is growing evidence of a connection to GERD. She emphasizes the importance of considering all risk factors, both positive and negative when evaluating a veteran's condition. Leah references various studies and articles that provide evidence of a link between OSA and GERD, highlighting how GERD might contribute to the development or severity of OSA. Throughout the video, she stresses the importance of having an objective, comprehensive medical opinion and encourages viewers to discuss these findings with their doctors to better understand the potential overlap between these conditions in their disability claims.
Take control of your medical evidence related to your benefits and visit https://www.prestigeveteranmctx.com for more information and support.
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Garren, an accredited claims agent and CEO of AVET Appeals explains the process of appealing to the Board of Veterans Appeals for VA disability claims. The discussion between Leah and Garren highlights various options available to veterans during the appeal process, such as selecting a decision review lane and the possibility of requesting a hearing. They emphasize the significance of preparing and presenting new and relevant evidence, the importance of timelines in the appeal process, and the impact of personal interactions during hearings. The video also touches upon the challenges veterans face in navigating the VA system and the importance of providing ample evidence to support their claims.
For more info on Garren and AVET Appeals check them out at: https://avetappeals.com/ -
Garen, an accredited claims agent, explains the benefits of the Appeals Modernization Act of 2019, particularly regarding supplemental claims, which can contest decisions made years ago. He emphasizes the necessity of submitting new and relevant evidence to support these claims. Garen and Leah also discuss the weight given to different types of evidence, like lay statements, and the importance of well-grounded claims with a nexus to service. They highlight the significance of gathering substantial evidence to tip the balance in the veteran's favour under the Reasonable Doubt Doctrine. Leah and Garen also acknowledge that while veterans can represent themselves in this process, having professional guidance can be immensely beneficial in navigating the complexities of VA claims and appeals. To contact Garen reach out to: https://avetappeals.com/
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Leah and Garren Cone, an accredited claims agent and legal advocate for veterans, discuss the appeals process for veterans who receive unfavourable decisions from the VA. Garren explains his role in assisting veterans with appeals, emphasizing the importance of the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) and the different options available under it. He outlines the higher-level review process, where veterans can challenge VA decisions based on errors in fact or law, without adding new evidence. The discussion also includes the importance of using the correct forms under the AMA and the option for an informal conference during the review process.
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Leah explains the difference between bruxism and TMJ, highlighting that while TMJ involves the jaw joint, bruxism is about teeth grinding, which can occur consciously or unconsciously, and may be linked to stress or previous oral trauma. She shares her personal experience with both conditions and discusses treatments, which can involve primary care doctors or dentists.
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Leah from Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a U.S. Army veteran and physician assistant, focuses on the relationship between fibromyalgia and mental health conditions like PTSD in the context of VA disability. Leah, addressing requests from veterans, explains that fibromyalgia, characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and emotional distress, affects about 2% of U.S. adults and is more prevalent in women and those with traumatic or stressful experiences.
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Leah a former US Army physician assistant and compensation and pension (C&P) examiner, provides insights into the C&P exam for hypertension, often known as high blood pressure. She clarifies that hypertension is defined as having a sustained systolic pressure of 140 or above, or a diastolic pressure over 90, and discusses prehypertension levels. Leah explains that veterans may seek service connection for hypertension if diagnosed during service if it's aggravated by another service-connected disability, or due to specific exposures like Agent Orange for Vietnam veterans.
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Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about Hearing Loss and Veterans' Disability.
Leah discusses the relationship between military service and hearing loss as it pertains to VA disability claims. She explains her expertise as a certified occupational hearing conservationist, which involves interpreting hearing loss data and operating audio booths. Leah highlights the VA's duty noise exposure level chart, which categorizes various military occupations (MOS) by their probable noise exposure levels (high, moderate, low), aiding veterans in assessing their risk for hearing loss. She emphasizes that even MOS with lower noise exposure can still experience significant hearing loss, drawing on her own experience as a paratrooper. The video also covers research articles on noise-induced hearing loss in the military, noting that both temporary and permanent threshold shifts can cause long-term hearing damage. -
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz interviewing Kim and Garren Cone from the AVET Project What is the AVET Project? (American Veterans Empowerment Team).
Leah is interviewing Kim and Garren Cone from the AVET Project. This non-profit organization assists veterans, particularly in understanding VA benefits and providing emotional and psychological support. Garen is an accredited claims agent, and Kim is an aspiring one. They discuss the impact of their work, such as helping veterans receive significant monthly benefits, which can be life-changing. The AVET Project also organizes PR&R (Project Recuperation Reintegration) Retreats for combat veterans and their families, offering a safe space to share experiences and receive professional support for issues like PTSD. The video highlights the importance of community and shared experiences in aiding veterans and their families. Leah shares her positive experiences with the AVET Project, including participating in a Veterans Day cruise. -
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a PTSD C&P Exam.
Leah provides insight into what veterans can expect during a VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for PTSD. Leah emphasizes the importance of being honest and prepared for the exam, which includes filling out a Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ). She explains that the exam, typically conducted by psychologists or psychiatrists, may involve an emotional recounting of experiences related to PTSD. The DBQ covers various aspects, including diagnostic criteria for PTSD, symptoms, and the impact on social and occupational functioning. Leah advises veterans to be forthcoming about their mental health history, substance abuse, and legal issues, as these factors play a crucial role in the evaluation. Additionally, she touches on the possibility of telehealth exams and the significance of distinguishing symptoms attributable to PTSD from other conditions like TBI. -
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about Paratroopers and Veteran's Disability.
Leah is discussing the intersection of paratrooper activities and VA (Veterans Affairs) disability. She focuses on the specific injury patterns associated with paratrooper duties and the impact these have on VA disability claims. Leah shares her experience as a former paratrooper and medic, referencing her time at the Airborne school at Fort Benning, Georgia, and serving in the 82nd Airborne Division and 101st Airborne Division. She emphasizes the various forces acting on the body during static line jumps, such as quick, intense landings, and the resulting risk of injuries to joints and bones. The video delves into literature reviews and articles that highlight the mechanical forces involved in military parachute operations and the common injuries resulting from them, particularly to the lower back, knees, hips, and in some cases, the head. -
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about The Benefits of Psychedelics on PTSD | Ben "Doc" Askins Interview.
Leah and former PA Ben "Doc" Askins discuss the integration of psychedelic medicine within veteran healthcare. Ben shares his journey from being a combat medic and National Guard member to pursuing a career in medicine, leading to his involvement in psychedelic science, particularly regarding mental health. He details his experiences with ketamine and MDMA, discussing their therapeutic potential in treating conditions like chronic depression, PTSD, and pain. Despite the challenges of navigating medical regulations and ensuring patient access, there's optimism for the rescheduling of these substances to allow for broader therapeutic use. Ben also touches on his work outside the clinic, including his podcast "The Anti-Heroes Journey" and his book "The Zero with a Thousand Faces," which plays on Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" to advocate for self-compassion and understanding in human behaviour. -
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a TMJ Veterans Disability C&P Exam.
Leah discusses how veterans can be service-connected for AFib, emphasizing the necessity of a current diagnosis and a nexus linking the condition to an in-service event or another disability. She highlights that AFib can be directly service-connected or related to other issues like cardiac disorders or sleep apnea. Particularly, she focuses on the relationship between AFib and PTSD, referencing studies that show psychological stress contributes to arrhythmias. Leah encourages viewers to empower themselves with this knowledge and consult with professionals for potential service connections. -
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a Low Back Pain C&P Exam.
Leah discusses what to expect during a lumbar spine or low back pain C&P (Compensation and Pension) exam for VA disability. After filing a claim for a low back condition, veterans receive a packet detailing their examination details. At the exam, physicians use a Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ) to document medical history, current condition, and the results of various tests like range of motion, goniometry, reflex tests, and more. The DBQ also inquires about related conditions like radiculopathy and any other neurological abnormalities. Leah emphasizes the importance of understanding and verbalizing pain points during the exam and recommends viewing her other related videos for a deeper understanding. -
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses to Obtaining VA Disability for Jet Fuel Exposure is possible.
Leah, explains the connection between jet fuel exposure and potential VA disability claims for veterans. She clarifies that while jet fuel exposure is not a disability, the medical conditions resulting from it can be. Various military roles, including those in the Air Force and others working on flight lines, might face exposure to different types of jet fuels like JP5, JP8, and Jet A. This exposure isn't limited to direct contact; it can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, sometimes due to environmental contamination like at Camp Lejeune. Health issues from this exposure can range from neurological conditions, including a potential link to Parkinson’s disease, to respiratory, liver, gastrointestinal issues, and possibly renal cancers. To file a VA disability claim, a veteran needs to establish a connection (Nexus) between their current medical condition and their service-related jet fuel exposure. -
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a TMJ Veterans Disability C&P Exam.
Leah discusses Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with Veterans Affairs (VA) disability. She explains that MS, an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, can be linked to service-related factors, including exposure or symptoms that began during active duty. MS has various types, including Clinically Isolated Syndrome, Relapsing-Remitting MS, Primary Progressive MS, and Secondary Progressive MS, each with distinct characteristics and progression patterns. For VA disability, a current MS diagnosis, an in-service event, and a nexus linking the event to MS are essential. Leah highlights the VA’s presumptive criteria, which considers MS diagnosed within seven years of service exit as service-connected if it’s compensable to a 10% degree. She suggests that medical records can help establish a connection even if diagnosed later. - Visa fler