The Veterans Disability Nexus Leah Bucholz

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a PTSD C&P Exam.Leah provides insight into what veterans can expect during a VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for PTSD. Leah emphasizes the importance of being honest and prepared for the exam, which includes filling out a Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ). She explains that the exam, typically conducted by psychologists or psychiatrists, may involve an emotional recounting of experiences related to PTSD. The DBQ covers various aspects, including diagnostic criteria for PTSD, symptoms, and the impact on social and occupational functioning. Leah advises veterans to be forthcoming about their mental health history, substance abuse, and legal issues, as these factors play a crucial role in the evaluation. Additionally, she touches on the possibility of telehealth exams and the significance of distinguishing symptoms attributable to PTSD from other conditions like TBI.

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about Paratroopers and Veteran's Disability.Leah is discussing the intersection of paratrooper activities and VA (Veterans Affairs) disability. She focuses on the specific injury patterns associated with paratrooper duties and the impact these have on VA disability claims. Leah shares her experience as a former paratrooper and medic, referencing her time at the Airborne school at Fort Benning, Georgia, and serving in the 82nd Airborne Division and 101st Airborne Division. She emphasizes the various forces acting on the body during static line jumps, such as quick, intense landings, and the resulting risk of injuries to joints and bones. The video delves into literature reviews and articles that highlight the mechanical forces involved in military parachute operations and the common injuries resulting from them, particularly to the lower back, knees, hips, and in some cases, the head.

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about The Benefits of Psychedelics on PTSD | Ben "Doc" Askins Interview.Leah and former PA Ben "Doc" Askins discuss the integration of psychedelic medicine within veteran healthcare. Ben shares his journey from being a combat medic and National Guard member to pursuing a career in medicine, leading to his involvement in psychedelic science, particularly regarding mental health. He details his experiences with ketamine and MDMA, discussing their therapeutic potential in treating conditions like chronic depression, PTSD, and pain. Despite the challenges of navigating medical regulations and ensuring patient access, there's optimism for the rescheduling of these substances to allow for broader therapeutic use. Ben also touches on his work outside the clinic, including his podcast "The Anti-Heroes Journey" and his book "The Zero with a Thousand Faces," which plays on Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" to advocate for self-compassion and understanding in human behaviour.

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a TMJ Veterans Disability C&P Exam.Leah discusses how veterans can be service-connected for AFib, emphasizing the necessity of a current diagnosis and a nexus linking the condition to an in-service event or another disability. She highlights that AFib can be directly service-connected or related to other issues like cardiac disorders or sleep apnea. Particularly, she focuses on the relationship between AFib and PTSD, referencing studies that show psychological stress contributes to arrhythmias. Leah encourages viewers to empower themselves with this knowledge and consult with professionals for potential service connections.

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a Low Back Pain C&P Exam.Leah discusses what to expect during a lumbar spine or low back pain C&P (Compensation and Pension) exam for VA disability. After filing a claim for a low back condition, veterans receive a packet detailing their examination details. At the exam, physicians use a Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ) to document medical history, current condition, and the results of various tests like range of motion, goniometry, reflex tests, and more. The DBQ also inquires about related conditions like radiculopathy and any other neurological abnormalities. Leah emphasizes the importance of understanding and verbalizing pain points during the exam and recommends viewing her other related videos for a deeper understanding.

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses to Obtaining VA Disability for Jet Fuel Exposure is possible.Leah, explains the connection between jet fuel exposure and potential VA disability claims for veterans. She clarifies that while jet fuel exposure is not a disability, the medical conditions resulting from it can be. Various military roles, including those in the Air Force and others working on flight lines, might face exposure to different types of jet fuels like JP5, JP8, and Jet A. This exposure isn't limited to direct contact; it can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, sometimes due to environmental contamination like at Camp Lejeune. Health issues from this exposure can range from neurological conditions, including a potential link to Parkinson’s disease, to respiratory, liver, gastrointestinal issues, and possibly renal cancers. To file a VA disability claim, a veteran needs to establish a connection (Nexus) between their current medical condition and their service-related jet fuel exposure.