Conflicting assessments for DEC
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EZRider
Kramer
6 posters
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Re: Conflicting assessments for DEC
I'm only bumping this because I will eventually be in this same position being forced into a "career" I'm not suitable for.
Figowa- CSAT Member
- Number of posts : 46
Location : Ontario
Registration date : 2021-02-08
Re: Conflicting assessments for DEC
I don't see how opinion can be based solely on an OT and not input from your family doc or specialist. You might have physical ability but be affected by PTSD or something other than what the OT tests for. OT is not a doctor.
Nemo- CSAT Member
- Number of posts : 464
Location : canada
Registration date : 2010-08-13
Re: Conflicting assessments for DEC
Thanks for the input Riddick and EZRider,
I have discussed this with my Doctor and the main issue is that OA will never get better...just worse over time. It's also notable that over use of the joints tends to make things far worse. I never actually looked at the stages until now but with the information I would be at Stage 3. And yes, you can only take anti-inflammatories, such as advil or naproxin...I have been thinking of trying cannabis oil. The use of anything stronger usually comes with the possibility of addiction, so it's very rare a doctor will write you a prescription. When I was in the Military I would get a cortisone shot every year or two in my hips but I've had so many...I would rather avoid it unless it is absolutely necessary. I already discussed the OT's findings with my case worker as he stated a couple of things to me that did not impress me. Such as..."Doctor's should have no say in whether you can go back to work or not". And yes, I got the it's all in your head...not exactly said that way...it was more like, I think you are mentally blocking yourself from pushing yourself harder.
I've been told my file is with ECA to decide what to do with it, not sure if that means they are making a decision on an outcome or just deciding if it's worth sending in for a decision.
I have discussed this with my Doctor and the main issue is that OA will never get better...just worse over time. It's also notable that over use of the joints tends to make things far worse. I never actually looked at the stages until now but with the information I would be at Stage 3. And yes, you can only take anti-inflammatories, such as advil or naproxin...I have been thinking of trying cannabis oil. The use of anything stronger usually comes with the possibility of addiction, so it's very rare a doctor will write you a prescription. When I was in the Military I would get a cortisone shot every year or two in my hips but I've had so many...I would rather avoid it unless it is absolutely necessary. I already discussed the OT's findings with my case worker as he stated a couple of things to me that did not impress me. Such as..."Doctor's should have no say in whether you can go back to work or not". And yes, I got the it's all in your head...not exactly said that way...it was more like, I think you are mentally blocking yourself from pushing yourself harder.
I've been told my file is with ECA to decide what to do with it, not sure if that means they are making a decision on an outcome or just deciding if it's worth sending in for a decision.
Crockett- CSAT Member
- Number of posts : 26
Location : Maitland Bridge
Registration date : 2019-04-04
Re: Conflicting assessments for DEC
VAC works in mysterious ways, just as the granting of CIA varied from veteran to veteran, but one would think that if either a psychologist or an occupational therapist say a veteran has a DEC, then it should be granted. I know veterans that are built like brick shithouses, but they are also crazier than a shit house rat. If a veteran can pass all the physical tests but has mental difficulties or a veteran is sharp as a tack but has limited appendage,torso mobility , VAC shouldn’t be able to force them into the work place, they are a liability and an accident waiting to happen. What is the point of VAC sending vets for these 3rd party medical opinions,,if they are just going to disagree with the specialists recommendations.?Crockett wrote:Anyone have an issue with their Doctor and an Occupational Therapist having conflicting views on whether you should go back to work? Two years ago, March of Dimes started the paperwork for Dec, I went to the occupational therapist and the Doctor and the Therapist agreed I should only work part time. March of Dimes sat on it for another year and decided they needed to update the paperwork. Last spring I redid both, but this time my doctor believes I shouldn't go back to work at all and the occupational therapist thinks with therapy I can go back to work full time. Has anyone had this happen? If so what was the outcome?
Unknown Soldier- CSAT Member
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Registration date : 2019-05-15
EZRider likes this post
Re: Conflicting assessments for DEC
Crockett wrote:Anyone have an issue with their Doctor and an Occupational Therapist having conflicting views on whether you should go back to work? Two years ago, March of Dimes started the paperwork for Dec, I went to the occupational therapist and the Doctor and the Therapist agreed I should only work part time. March of Dimes sat on it for another year and decided they needed to update the paperwork. Last spring I redid both, but this time my doctor believes I shouldn't go back to work at all and the occupational therapist thinks with therapy I can go back to work full time. Has anyone had this happen? If so what was the outcome?
I can’t believe they made you do the testing again! I assume you are on IRB? My initial testing and rehab consisted of an OT Physio and Kinesiology. Not sure who carries the most weight but wouldn’t think the OT would.
Musculoskeletal injuries seem to not carry as much weight in the eyes of the DEC decision makers, figuring we can just manage the pain suck it up and carry on. I especially liked the OT’s thought that pain is all in our head.
Having said that....after talking to the BPA on another matter I was informed there is apparently one table for physical injuries and three for mental...certainly long term physical pain leads to mental challenges.
EZRider- CSAT Member
- Number of posts : 117
Location : West
Registration date : 2013-07-25
Re: Conflicting assessments for DEC
Crockett wrote:My doctor is the family GP, the problem is OA in hips and knees plus degenerative disc disease in my back. I've been through physio twice but no long term results.
From the information you provided and the quick research I just did....something doesn't seem right? Apparently there are 4 stages to OA.....the first stage being "minor" and the fourth stage "severe"....does this sound right? The information also indicates OA is not reversible, but can only at best "manage" the symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight and being active can help.....So.... not sure what stage your at or who did the assessment/diagnosis?
Trying to keep active doesn't mean (to me) that it means the same is being able to be "gainfully employed" or hold down a job. One might have to be on pain management, which is not always conducive with a work environment as safety concerns come to mind and it is fair to say (unfortunately) that there is much greater chance you will only continue to get worse and work could certainly aggravate/exacerbate your existing condition?
Sorry....I can't be more definitive but I would suggest seeing a different therapist and discuss the situation with your doctor. I would venture to guess, that too much movement or too much repetitive movement could adversely affect/cause your hips, knees and back to get worse....I am not sure how sound the therapist's recommendation is? I would question it.
Riddick
Kramer- CSAT Member
- Number of posts : 671
Location : Where I live
Registration date : 2015-03-19
Re: Conflicting assessments for DEC
My doctor is the family GP, the problem is OA in hips and knees plus degenerative disc disease in my back. I've been through physio twice but no long term results.
Crockett- CSAT Member
- Number of posts : 26
Location : Maitland Bridge
Registration date : 2019-04-04
Re: Conflicting assessments for DEC
Crockett wrote:Anyone have an issue with their Doctor and an Occupational Therapist having conflicting views on whether you should go back to work? Two years ago, March of Dimes started the paperwork for Dec, I went to the occupational therapist and the Doctor and the Therapist agreed I should only work part time. March of Dimes sat on it for another year and decided they needed to update the paperwork. Last spring I redid both, but this time my doctor believes I shouldn't go back to work at all and the occupational therapist thinks with therapy I can go back to work full time. Has anyone had this happen? If so what was the outcome?
I am no expert....but I offer this:
From my limited understanding "Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working."
To me this says they help individuals get their physical strength/mobility back (as best they can), for everyday activities which doesn't mean they help people with PTSD with sleep, depression, paranoia, coping mechanisms, concentration etc. A therapist won't have all the answers....a person might not have a broken arm, no tendon/ligament issues but has nerve damage or a mental issue preventing it.
In life, often one professional can contradict another. If someone gets into an accident, and the police officer says the other person was 100% at fault, while the insurance adjuster says it was 50/50! Although a huge bone of contention for me....Is this fair or right? it is reality and not much anyone can do about it. On one hand, you won't lose points/be charged, but that still won't have any bearing on what the insurance company says/does!
The physical can often affect the mental, just as the mental can affect the physical!
Was yr doctor a specialist (psychologist/psychiatrist) or a family/gp?
Riddick
Kramer- CSAT Member
- Number of posts : 671
Location : Where I live
Registration date : 2015-03-19
Conflicting assessments for DEC
Anyone have an issue with their Doctor and an Occupational Therapist having conflicting views on whether you should go back to work? Two years ago, March of Dimes started the paperwork for Dec, I went to the occupational therapist and the Doctor and the Therapist agreed I should only work part time. March of Dimes sat on it for another year and decided they needed to update the paperwork. Last spring I redid both, but this time my doctor believes I shouldn't go back to work at all and the occupational therapist thinks with therapy I can go back to work full time. Has anyone had this happen? If so what was the outcome?
Crockett- CSAT Member
- Number of posts : 26
Location : Maitland Bridge
Registration date : 2019-04-04
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