Episodes
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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 âNexus Lettersâ in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM.In this video Leah addresses the issue of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its connection to obesity in the context of VA disability. She explains that NAFLD is a common liver condition affecting individuals who consume minimal to no alcohol, primarily seen in those who are overweight or obese. This condition, which affects about 25% of the global population and 100 million people in the U.S., can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), leading to severe liver damage similar to that caused by heavy alcohol use. Leah highlights the importance of recognizing obesity as a contributing factor to NAFLD and discusses various studies on the relationship between obesity, physical inactivity, and NAFLD. She emphasizes the role of weight loss and physical activity in managing NAFLD, referencing guidelines that recommend these as primary treatments. Additionally, she outlines the VA disability ratings for conditions related to NAFLD, stressing the need for a current diagnosis, an in-service event, injury, or illness, and a link between the service event and the current disability.
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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 âNexus Lettersâ in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM.In this video, Leah discusses how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be connected to chronic sinusitis and its implications for VA disability claims. She explains that sleep apnea can be rated on a direct basis if diagnosed in service or as a secondary condition related to another service-connected disability, such as sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, obesity, or GERD. Through various studies, Leah highlights that nasal congestion significantly increases the prevalence of OSA and that conditions like chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis contribute to upper airway patency impairment, thus exacerbating OSA. She also delves into how nasal pathologies, including deviated septum and nasal inflammation, play a role in OSA by causing breathing obstructions.
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Missing episodes?
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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 âNexus Lettersâ in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM.In this video Leah shares insights on what to expect during a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for heart or cardiac conditions for VA disability claims. She emphasizes that understanding the process can alleviate anxieties veterans may have. Information about the exam is available on the VA website, where veterans can download the Disability Benefit Questionnaire to review or have filled out by their doctor, potentially aiding their VA claim. Leah highlights that the exam can assess heart conditions on a primary or secondary basis, including conditions caused or aggravated by service. The process involves receiving a packet with details about the provider conducting the evaluation, which could be a variety of healthcare professionals, not necessarily a cardiologist.
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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 âNexus Lettersâ in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM.In this video, Leah delves into the specifics of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and their connection to VA disability. She starts by explaining the anatomy of the knee using a model to pinpoint the location and role of the ACL, detailing how such injuries can lead to knee instability. Leah further discusses how veterans can acquire ACL injuries either directly during active duty through activities such as jumps or sports or indirectly as a secondary consequence of other knee conditions. She underscores the importance of understanding the medical literature and encourages consulting with healthcare providers to support claims related to knee injuries stemming from service. Highlighting the commonality of ACL injuries, their diagnosis, and the potential long-term complications of untreated injuries, Leah advises veterans on the claims filing process and the utility of finding accredited support through va.gov.
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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 âNexus Lettersâ in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM.In this video, Leah discusses the water contamination at Camp Lejeune and its health implications for veterans. She explains that volatile organic compounds, found in products like dry cleaning solvents, contaminated the camp's groundwater due to nearby industrial activities, surpassing Environmental Protection Agency limits. This contamination, discovered in 1982 but present for years prior, has been linked to several health conditions, including various cancers. Leah highlights the importance of understanding VA disability and healthcare benefits available for veterans exposed to these toxins between 1953 and 1987. She outlines the concept of presumptive conditions, which are health issues presumed to be caused by military service, eliminating the need for veterans to prove the link themselves. Conditions like leukemia, bladder cancer, and Parkinson's disease are among those recognized for eligibility for compensation.
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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 âNexus Lettersâ in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Wednesday at 7 AM.In this video Leah discusses the concept of individual unemployability among veterans, particularly how mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression can render a veteran unemployable and eligible for a 100% disability rating from the VA. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the VA's criteria for eligibility, which include the inability to maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, and explains the process of applying for such benefits, including consulting with an accredited legal professional. Leah B also highlights the significance of supporting documentation, such as personal statements or reports from vocational assessors and psychologists, in demonstrating how mental health conditions affect workplace performance and eligibility for increased compensation.
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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 âNexus Lettersâ 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 âNexus Lettersâ 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 âNexus Lettersâ 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 âNexus Lettersâ 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 âNexus Lettersâ 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 âNexus Lettersâ 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. - Show more
