The Veterans Disability Nexus - Leah Bucholz

Latest Episodes:

Coronary Artery Disease & Obesity in Veterans Disability Aug 09, 2023

Show notes

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses Coronary Artery Disease and weight gain as an intermediate step.
Leah explores the connection between coronary artery disease (CAD) and VA disability, with a focus on obesity as an intermediate factor. She clarifies that while not specialized in internal medicine or cardiology, she has relevant experience in treating CAD. CAD, characterized by plaque buildup in heart arteries, can be a result of both modifiable (e.g., smoking, sedentary lifestyle) and non-modifiable (e.g., age, gender) risk factors. Leah discusses how conditions like hypertension, sleep apnea, PTSD, depression, and especially obesity can be linked to CAD. She emphasizes the role of obesity, caused by factors like mental health conditions or physical disabilities, in increasing CAD risk. When evaluating VA disability claims, she considers the totality of the evidence, including various risk factors and their relation to military service.
If you would like more information on our services including Independent Medical Opinion Letters often referred to as nexus letters and records review, please check us out here: https://www.prestigeveteranmctx.com/

#veterans #va #medical

Erectile Dysfunction and PTSD in Veterans Disability | All You Need To Know Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses Erectile Dysfunction as it relates to PTSD in VA disability.
Leah discusses the relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and mental health disorders like PTSD, depression, and anxiety in the context of VA disability. She explains that ED can be service-connected either directly (primary) or secondarily due to other service-connected disabilities, such as mental health disorders. Leah emphasizes the importance of supporting VA disability claims with peer-reviewed literature, citing several studies from the Journal of Sexual Medicine that establish a significant link between PTSD in veterans and sexual dysfunction. She also mentions that medications used for treating mental health disorders, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, can contribute to ED. While not an expert on VA disability ratings, Leah briefly touches on them, explaining that ED generally receives a special monthly compensation, and the rating can vary based on specific conditions like testicular atrophy or physical deformities.

If you would like more information on our services including Independent Medical Opinion Letters often referred to as nexus letters and records review, please check us out here: https://www.prestigeveteranmctx.com/

#veterans #va #medical

What to Expect in a GERD C&P Exam | VA Disability Aug 02, 2023

Show notes

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses what happens during a VA C&P exam for GERD
Leah provides a detailed walkthrough of the Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination process for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and other esophageal conditions. She emphasizes that the exam is standardized, following a specific formula and set of questions outlined in the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). She advises veterans to review this questionnaire on the VA.gov website in advance. The exam includes verifying the diagnosis (which can also be made during the exam), detailing the condition's history, symptoms, and impact on the individual's life, and discussing medications and treatments used. It covers various symptoms, like epigastric distress, dysphagia, and vomiting, and may inquire about weight loss, sleep disturbances, and any related complications. B

#veterans #va #medical

Anxiety & Tinnitus in Veterans Disability | All You Need To Know Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz Anxiety related to Tinnitus in VA disability.
Leah explores the relationship between anxiety, tinnitus, and VA disability. She discusses how veterans can be service-connected for anxiety and other mental health conditions either directly, if diagnosed and treated during active duty and continuing post-service, or secondarily, as a result of other service-connected disabilities. Leah highlights several studies illustrating the strong association between tinnitus, depression, and anxiety, including their impact on sleep quality and workdays missed. Although not a legal expert, she provides insights into the VA’s mental health ratings, which range from 0 to 100 per cent based on severity.

#veterans #va #medical

How to Download your VA Medical Records Jul 26, 2023

Show notes

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 7AM.

Leah provides a detailed tutorial on how veterans can access their VA medical records online. She explains that veterans can log into the My HealtheVet platform to not only review their medical records but also refill prescriptions, communicate with their care team, schedule appointments, and view lab and x-ray reports. Leah demonstrates step-by-step how to navigate the website, starting from logging in at myhealth.va.gov to downloading medical records. She emphasizes selecting the appropriate date range and types of information to ensure a comprehensive record is obtained. The process involves clicking the “Blue Button Medical Report,” choosing records from the desired time frame and submitting the request, after which the records can be downloaded as a PDF.

Take control of your medical evidence related to your benefits and visit https://www.prestigeveteranmctx.com for more information and support.

#veterans #va #medical #health

* This Podcast episode is not medical or legal advice and should not be substituted for advisement from your VSO, accredited agent, or Attorney.

#veterans #va #medical

Ketamine Therapy for Veterans | All You Need To Know Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

Leah discusses the emerging use of ketamine for treating chronic pain and mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and OCD. She highlights that ketamine, traditionally used for anesthesia and sedation since the 1960s, is now being explored for its neuromodulation effects on mental health, especially in veterans. Leah notes that while ketamine has a reputation as a street drug, its medical application shows significant benefits in brain function repair, particularly in cases where traditional treatments have failed. She mentions ongoing clinical trials and the possibility of insurance coverage for these treatments under certain circumstances. Leah also points out contraindications like active psychosis or substance abuse and emphasizes that the treatment is not universal but depends on individual assessments by healthcare providers.

Take control of your medical evidence related to your benefits and visit https://www.prestigeveteranmctx.com for more information and support.

#veterans #va #medical #health

* This Podcast episode is not medical or legal advice and should not be substituted for advisement from your VSO, accredited agent, or Attorney.

Obesity and Veterans Disability | All You Need To Know Jul 19, 2023

Show notes

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz Obesity as an Intermediate Step in VA Disability.
Leah explains that while obesity itself isn't directly service-connected, it can act as a bridge linking service-related conditions to other medical issues. For instance, a veteran's service-connected disability might lead to obesity, which in turn causes another condition. Leah delves into the definition and categories of obesity based on BMI (Body Mass Index) and mentions the landmark Walsh vs. Wilkie case, which set a precedent for obesity as an intermediate step in such claims. She outlines the criteria for establishing a connection between service-related disability, obesity, and subsequent health issues. Leah provides examples of conditions like mental health disorders, orthopedic ailments, and asthma, which can lead to obesity, and secondary conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnea that might be linked to obesity.

#obesity #veterans #health

Battlefield Acupuncture For Veterans Health | All You Need To Know Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

Leah discusses Battlefield Acupuncture, a technique developed by Air Force veteran Dr. Nimitzau. This form of auricular (ear) acupuncture is designed for rapid deployment among healthcare professionals in military settings, offering non-traditional, pharmacologic pain relief for various conditions, including orthopedic issues and migraines. Frequently used in the military and available in VA clinics, it involves placing small, semi-permanent ASP needles at five specific points in the ear. While not a universal remedy, many service members report benefits such as reduced stress and improved sleep. Leah, sharing her personal experience, mentions possible side effects like minor discomfort and infection risk, advising veterans to consult their healthcare providers to determine if it's suitable for them.

Take control of your medical evidence related to your benefits and visit https://www.prestigeveteranmctx.com for more information and support.

#veterans #va #medical #health

* This Podcast episode is not medical or legal advice and should not be substituted for advisement from your VSO, accredited agent, or Attorney.

What to Expect in a Sleep Apnea C&P Exam | VA Disability Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses what happens in a C&P examination for sleep apnea.
Leah provides an informative overview of what veterans can expect during a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for sleep apnea. She explains that these exams are primarily conducted by one of three main contractors and outlines the process of the exam, including possible paperwork and the types of healthcare professionals who might perform the evaluation. Leah details the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) and the kinds of questions veterans can expect, such as the type of sleep apnea, symptoms, use of CPAP or other devices, and the impact of the condition on daily life and work. She emphasizes that veterans can bring additional documents to support their case but reminds them that the examiner will not provide a medical opinion immediately.

#veterans #va #medical