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Orthopedic and Veterans Disability Q&A

veterans disability rates 2024

Veterans often face unique challenges related to orthopedic injuries sustained during their service. In this Q&A session, Leah addresses questions from veterans, especially those related to orthopedic and veterans disability issues.

YouTube video

1. Orthopedic Injuries and Paratrooping

As a paratrooper, one veteran inquires about the possibility of connecting a compression fracture in the back to a jump and cervical neck problems. Leah shares her perspective, emphasizing the well-known fact that paratrooping imposes strains on the body, particularly during static line parachuting. She encourages the veteran to pursue a disability claim if they believe their injury is related to their service and recommends seeking a medical opinion from the treating provider, taking into account post-service injuries and experiences.

Key Takeaway: Paratrooping is associated with orthopedic injuries, making it crucial for veterans to explore disability claims for conditions resulting from their service.

2. Orthopedic Challenges: Knees, Hips, and Disc Bulge

Another veteran presents a complex case involving service-connected issues with both knees, hip problems (DJD), and disc bulges in the lumbar spine. Leah acknowledges the interconnectedness of these orthopedic conditions and highlights the importance of considering risk factors. She underscores the role of documented evidence, such as medical records, to support disability claims.

Key Takeaway: Veterans with interconnected orthopedic issues should carefully document their conditions and seek professional assistance from accredited legal professionals when navigating disability claims.

3. Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions

A veteran seeks clarification on the concept of aggravation, specifically regarding pes planus (flat feet). Leah explains that aggravation refers to the worsening of a pre-existing condition due to military service or another service connected disability. She emphasizes the need for a baseline assessment of the disability, distinguishing between causative and aggravational factors. Weight gain and other stressors can contribute to the aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

Key Takeaway: It is often important to consider a clear baseline for pre-existing conditions and demonstrate how military service aggravated these conditions to support disability claims.

4. Documentation of Pes Planus

A veteran shares that a podiatrist documented pes planus as due to injury, not congenital. Leah delves into the nuances of this situation, questioning the nature of the injury that led to the flat foot. She emphasizes the importance of understanding whether the condition was congenital or acquired during military service. Leah advises the veteran to explore further medical opinions and documentation to strengthen their disability claim.

Key Takeaway: Accurate documentation of the origin of orthopedic conditions is crucial, and veterans should seek additional medical opinions when needed.

5. Clarifying Aggravation Concept

The veteran seeks further clarification on aggravation, questioning the documentation of pes planus as an injury rather than congenital. Leah advises the veteran to discuss this with the veterans treating doctor to delve into the details of the documented injury and emphasizes the need to establish a clear link between military service and the worsening of the condition.

Key Takeaway: Veterans should thoroughly understand the aggravation concept and be prepared to provide comprehensive evidence linking their military service to the worsening of pre-existing conditions.

Conclusion

Navigating orthopedic disability claims as a veteran can be complex, and seeking expert legal advice from veterans service officers, accredited claims agents, or attorneys can be essential. Leah’s insights in this Q&A highlight the importance of accurate medical documentation, understanding aggravation, and obtaining professional opinions to strengthen disability claims. Veterans are encouraged to leverage this information as they pursue the compensation and support they deserve for orthopedic issues stemming from their dedicated service.

Also read: Central Sleep Apnea and Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans Disability

At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.

Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.

Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.

Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.

Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.

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Danielle McClaskey

Client Relations Specialist U.S. Navy Veteran

In her active-duty service in the United States Navy, Danielle undertook a variety of responsibilities, ranging from essential administrative duties to providing crucial medical care. Her multifaceted contributions played a pivotal role in enhancing her fellow service members’ operational effectiveness and well-being.

As a disabled veteran, she developed a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by her fellow service members. Now, in her civilian role, Danielle is a valued member of the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team, where she continues to leverage her extensive background and educational achievements to provide exceptional support to veterans.

Leticia

LETICIA

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Leticia has been in the medical field for nearly 14 years. She has always had a passion for medicine and caring for her community. Leticia has spent the last 4 years caring for veterans and first responders with alcohol and substance abuse in a medical rehabilitation setting whilst continuing her education working towards a degree in software development.

Someday she hopes to develop medical software that further enhances the patient’s experience in medical care. Leticia has a deep respect and love for those who have served as she comes from a family of law enforcement and military veterans.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Julie Pereira

JULIE PEREIRA:

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

During her Active-Duty time in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, Julie provided medical administration
and patient care services in the field, the hospital, and base medical office settings.  This military medical and
administrative background has given Julie the hands-on experience and extensive knowledge necessary to
provide unparalleled service to her fellow Veterans through the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team.

Julie’s educational achievements include a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Human Services and a pre-nursing associate in arts and science.

Julie has been inspired by her firsthand knowledge of navigating the VA Benefits process. She has dedicated
most of her adult life to serving Veterans through her knowledge derived from her military and civilian medical
education and training.

Jennifer Januta

JENNIFER JANUTA

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

During her Active-Duty service in the Army, Jennifer supported various research efforts centered on combat casualty care and Soldier performance. Her military background gave her unique insights into veterans’ distinct challenges, ultimately inspiring her to join the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team.

Jennifer’s educational achievements include a master’s in molecular biology from George Washington University and a master’s in data science from Texas Tech University. Jennifer wholeheartedly dedicates herself to utilizing her knowledge and expertise gained from 15 years of healthcare experience to impact the well-being of those who have served positively.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Leah - Meet the Team

LEAH BUCHOLZ, PA-C

U.S ARMY VETERAN, MEDICAL EXPERT & FORMER C & P EXAMINER

Meet Leah, the founder, and leader of our organization. ​​A combat veteran herself, she understands the unique challenges veterans face, making her mission about much more than running a successful business. It’s about the opportunity to provide a legacy of exceptional service for our heroes.​

​“It is essential to remember that there is no greater honor than caring for service members on the battlefield. Continuing to care for Veterans after separation is an opportunity that I have been afforded to extend that care in this new battlefield related to service-incurred disabilities.”

Her inspiration comes from years of military experience working alongside her fellow servicemembers, particularly key leaders who have influenced her journey, applying their wisdom to her path. She values her team deeply, most of whom are also disabled combat veterans, each member a trusted individual sharing her vision.

 “Driven by passion and purpose, I aim to create a sustainable change that empowers veterans and future generations.”

Leah’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From overcoming and living with her service-related disabilities to navigating work-life balance, she’s learned to face each hurdle head-on with resilience.  Like many of her veteran brothers and sisters, her early background consisted of limited resources and opportunities. Her military service has helped shape her into a steadfast leader, offering relatable inspiration to others.

Join us in celebrating Leah, a compassionate leader, and resilient veteran, driving our mission to serve those who served our nation.