Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses the relationship between GERD & PTSD in VA Disability. Leah discusses the relationship between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and PTSD, especially in the context of veterans' affairs and disability claims. GERD is characterized by symptoms like heartburn, coughing, and nausea due to the malfunction of the esophageal sphincter. Leah explores how GERD can be directly connected to military service if diagnosed and tre...
Jun 28, 2023•6 min•Ep. 33
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 discusses the relationship between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and PTSD...
Jun 22, 2023•5 min•Ep. 32
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz chats about hypertension and VA disability. Leah discusses the nuances of hypertension (high blood pressure) in the context of VA disability claims. She explains the medical definition of hypertension, referencing the Joint National Committee guidelines, and differentiates between systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Leah emphasizes the ease of receiving service connection for hypertension developed during active duty and mentions con...
Jun 22, 2023•15 min•Ep. 31
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses IBS and VA disability compensation Leah addresses the topic of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) concerning VA disability for veterans. She clarifies that IBS can be diagnosed by a range of medical providers and does not always require invasive tests like colonoscopies, especially if symptoms match the Rome criteria (chronic symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea). Leah notes that many veterans seek service connec...
Jun 21, 2023•8 min•Ep. 30
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 7 AM. Leah discusses the significance of reviewing VA rating decision letters when assessing...
Jun 15, 2023•4 min•Ep. 29
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses IBS as it relates to PTSD in VA disability. Leah discusses the relationship between IBS, PTSD, and other mental health conditions in the context of VA disability. She explains that IBS, diagnosed based on the Rome criteria, includes symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Leah highlights several pathways for veterans to establish a service connection for IBS: diagnosis during active service, associa...
Jun 14, 2023•8 min•Ep. 28
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 7 AM. Leah offers an in-depth guide for veterans undergoing a Compensation and Pension (C&am...
Jun 08, 2023•17 min•Ep. 27
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses VA Disability Range of Motion Measurement for Ratings Leah explains the importance of range of motion (ROM) measurement or goniometry in evaluating orthopedic or musculoskeletal conditions for VA disability ratings. She clarifies that the severity of a condition doesn't directly determine the disability rating; instead, it's based on functional limitations as assessed by ROM. Leah demonstrates how to measure elbow flexion usin...
Jun 07, 2023•7 min•Ep. 26
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 7 AM. Leah explains that while obesity itself isn't directly service-connected, it can act a...
Jun 01, 2023•13 min•Ep. 25
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 supporti...
May 31, 2023•8 min•Ep. 24
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses Hip pain and VA Disability. Leah discusses hip conditions and their relevance to VA disability claims. The video is targeted at veterans seeking service connection for hip-related issues. Leah explains that her team, comprising mostly combat veterans and former compensation and pension examiners, assists veterans by reviewing medical records and writing independent medical opinions or nexus letters. These documents, while not ...
May 25, 2023•24 min•Ep. 23
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses GERD and VA disability compensation Leah addresses veterans about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and its relation to VA disability compensation. She explains GERD symptoms, like heartburn and difficulty swallowing, is caused by stomach contents moving back into the esophagus. Leah discusses various causes and connections of GERD, including its relation to mental health conditions, sleep apnea, and NSAID use. She touche...
May 24, 2023•10 min•Ep. 22
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses Female Sexual Arousal Disorder and VA Disability. Leah Bucholz discusses Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD), a common condition among female veterans that often leads them to seek VA service connections. She explains how FSAD can be associated with other service-connected disabilities like PTSD, depression, anxiety, and the side effects of medications like SSRIs. FSAD falls under the broader category of female sexual disord...
May 18, 2023•6 min•Ep. 22
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses Fibromyalgia & VA Disability. Leah explains fibromyalgia in the context of VA disability. Fibromyalgia is a complex condition without specific diagnostic tests, often identified through a constellation of symptoms. Primary care providers or rheumatologists can diagnose it, and it's possible, though not guaranteed, to receive a diagnosis during a CMP exam. Leah highlights that fibromyalgia affects 2-4% of people, more women...
May 17, 2023•7 min•Ep. 21
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 explains the importance of range of motion (ROM) measurement or goniometry in eval...
May 11, 2023•7 min•Ep. 20
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses VA Disability Gerd/IBS Quick Q&A. Leah addresses questions related to Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims, specifically focusing on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) concerning other service-connected conditions. The speaker confirms that medications for service-connected orthopedic ailments, such as NSAIDs, can lead to GERD and highlights the possibility that hypertension is lin...
May 10, 2023•6 min•Ep. 19
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz chats about Kidney disorders and VA disability compensation. Leah provides an overview of kidney disease in the context of VA disability. She explains that kidney disease, a serious condition affecting the body's ability to filter blood and regulate blood pressure, is often service-connected for veterans. This can be due to active duty developments, exposure (e.g., Agent Orange), or as secondary to another service-connected disability l...
May 04, 2023•5 min•Ep. 18
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 7 AM. Leah provides an overview of what veterans can expect during a Compensation and Pensio...
May 03, 2023•12 min•Ep. 17
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses VA disability Presumptive Conditions related to Agent Orange Exposure. Leah discusses the intricacies of Agent Orange exposure and its related presumptive conditions for VA disability benefits. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the VA's guidelines regarding service locations and timelines, such as service in Vietnam, on certain US military vessels, or at Thai and Korean bases during specific dates. Leah highlights...
Apr 27, 2023•12 min•Ep. 16
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses tinnitus and VA disability compensation Leah discusses tinnitus (ringing in the ears) in the context of veteran disability compensation. She explains that tinnitus, often resulting from acoustic noise exposure and possibly related to hearing loss, is a common condition for which veterans seek service connection. The condition can be linked to different military occupational specialties (MOS) with varying probabilities of noise...
Apr 26, 2023•9 min•Ep. 15
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses VA Disability Orthopedic Quick tips. Leah discusses the connection between orthopedic injuries and military service, particularly in the context of paratroopers. Leah, an ex-paratrooper and medic who became an army officer, acknowledges the high risk of orthopedic injuries like compression fractures and cervical neck problems due to the physical demands of para trooping, especially with static line parachuting and carrying com...
Apr 20, 2023•5 min•Ep. 14
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses Migraine Headache Logs and VA disability Leah emphasizes the importance of maintaining a headache log for individuals suffering from various types of headaches, such as migraines, tension, or cluster headaches. This log is crucial not only for medical treatment but also for VA disability claims. She highlights how a detailed log should include the frequency, duration, and characteristics of the headaches. Laah recommends using...
Apr 19, 2023•5 min•Ep. 13
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses The MOS smart book and VA Disability. Leah emphasizes the importance of maintaining a headache log for individuals suffering from various types of headaches, such as migraines, tension, or cluster headaches. This log is crucial not only for medical treatment but also for VA disability claims. She highlights how a detailed log should include the frequency, duration, and characteristics of the headaches. Laah recommends using di...
Apr 13, 2023•12 min•Ep. 12
Leah discusses various aspects of diabetes concerning veteran service connection. She explains that veterans are typically service-connected for either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Type 1, often insulin-dependent or childhood-onset, can still be diagnosed in adults, including active-duty service members. This diagnosis usually ends their active-duty careers due to insulin dependency. Type 2 diabetes, more common in veterans, is often adult-onset and can be managed to allow service retention. She o...
Apr 12, 2023•7 min•Ep. 11
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses knee pain and VA disability Leah discusses various knee injuries common among active duty personnel and veterans, and how these injuries can transition into chronic disabilities eligible for VA disability. She provides an anatomical overview of the knee using a model, explaining different components such as the femur, tibia, fibula, patella, and associated tendons and ligaments. Leah highlights common conditions like patellar ...
Apr 06, 2023•20 min•Ep. 10
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 7 AM. Leah explains the role and importance of a Nexus letter or independent medical opinion...
Apr 05, 2023•18 min•Ep. 9
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 7 AM. Leah explains the concept of presumptive conditions related to military service and ho...
Mar 30, 2023•8 min•Ep. 8
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 explains the significance of 'buddy letters' in VA disability claims. These letter...
Mar 29, 2023•9 min•Ep. 7
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 discusses the importance of veterans describing to their healthcare providers the ...
Mar 23, 2023•4 min•Ep. 6
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. In this episode, Leah emphasizes the importance of detailed communication between a pat...
Mar 22, 2023•4 min•Ep. 5
