Question:
Is there a form that you can file if you have a surgery or something that renders you 100% incapacitated for more than 30 days that requires the VA to pay you a certain amount of money? I was told that there was when I was on active duty, due to a serious neck injury requiring surgery, more than the expected 6 weeks recovery leave, and I was put on a “No Duty” status where I was put on a call in to muster each day status for well over 6 months. (Almost 9 months) In fact, while on this status, I was unable to drive, had to have a duty driver pick me up at home to take me to doctor appointments, and this status lead right up to another surgery and consequently I was med-boarded out after 15 years at 100% disability and the “No-Duty status remained until I checked out on terminal leave.
At the time, I found a form like this, filled it out and took it to work where my Chief told me no, there is no such thing for members who haven’t lost a limb, and I wasn’t eligible for it. I had to have a family member live with me for months as I was unable to even brush my teeth, let alone shower or bathe, brush my hair, dress myself, feed myself, or take care of my children, or do much of anything. Recently, I had surgery on both feet at the same time. This was recommended by my podiatrist. Rather than have to come back after healing from one, then have another one. I was led to believe that I would be able to walk out. This was not the case. The post-op instructions were to not walk on the “foot” operated on for at least 3 weeks and then to begin to try to bear weight as tolerated. I was wheeled to the door, carried to the car by my father, and carried into the house when I got home. I was not prescribed any pain medication even though I had one toe “degloved”, part of the bone removed, the bones shaved down then pinned, the tendons and ligaments reattached, and then stitches inside and out. It was then wrapped and packed tightly. Also, a second bunyonectomy on the other foot, where the doctor removed an entire triangular section of bone from my foot and it was screwed together before being sewn inside and out. The post-op directions were similar for this foot, except that I couldn’t attempt to bear weight on it for 4-6 weeks as it was broken and only held together by a screw. No cast or anything, just a pressure bandage. After 4 days of calling repeatedly in severe pain, I was told that the doctor didn’t want to write a prescription for pain medication because there was a current “epidemic of opiate abuse and I could go to the emergency room if I was in that much pain.” I called and spoke with a physician’s assistant who sent a note to my PCM after reading my chart, that asked her to prescribe medication. She prescribed 3 days worth of medication which I found ridiculous under the circumstances. I hardly think an epidemic applies to surgical patients with no history of abuse of any kind. The ER doctor also sent a note in the computer to let the podiatrist know that she had overlooked the fact that she had sent home a patient who should have been in a wheelchair. (Up until that point my brother had been carrying me to the bathroom and back.) my father got my prescription and wheelchair, which I was unable to use due to my disability and dystonia. Also, my bathroom is on the second floor of my house.
So I’d like to know if there is such a form still that would apply a montetary value to my being unable to walk, wheel, shower, or even go to the bathroom by myself? For over 45 days.
Jim's Reply:
I don't think such a form or benefit exists. I can't account for anything you were told by some anonymous person while you were on active duty. We hear a lot of things as soldiers, all of which should be taken with a grain of salt.
Veterans who have a rated service connected disabling condition and who have surgery to help fix the problem may be eligible for a temporary 100% benefit while they recuperate. If your podiatry problems are rated as service connected and you had surgery, you're eligible. Otherwise not so much.