I had an incisional right flank hernia repair (01-14-09) as a result of a kidney removal which is service connected. The surgery has resulted in a new hernia in the new incision. As a result of this,I have lost my job, I am suffering multiple medical problems including depression, lower back problems, walking with the aid of a cane, digestive problems, and constant pain at the surgery site. First, the doctor claims that my surgery is not service connected, yet I am rated at 30% for the kidney removal. Second, the doctor states there is nothing wrong with me and he has done the best he can do. Third, he states the difficulties I am having are a result of excessive weight gain since the surgery. But according to my VA medical record, I weigh .6 lbs less now than the day of the surgery.

Please read the PM I have sent to you. I strongly advise that you do not discuss this any further in an open forum. Your words might well end up biting you in the butt further down the line. You have some fairly substantial decisions to make and your legal options could be diminished or even damaged by what you say here. So until you decide exactly what you intend to do, the less you say publicly about your situation the better.

I would love to hear your doctor explain the different standards of care required for service-connected vs. non service-connected medical care! Let his words bite him in the butt not yours