Hi! I am so glad you posted your reply because you bring up some issues I have
had for years with the VA. I was on active duty in the United States Navy in the
early 1970's when I was diagnosed (by the Navy) with FSH (stating that I was
"medically unfit for military service"). I was then strongly "encouraged" to
seperate from the Navy, and signed my Honorable Discharge papers under
considerable duress from the Medical Board that consisted of neurologists who
were senior officers. It was noted at that time and upheld since that time that
the FSH was EPTE (Existing Prior To Enlistment), and therefore, I am
disqualified for benefits -regardless that I passed the entrance physical exams
without any problems and successfully complete OCS in Newport,Rhode Island ( USN
Nurse Corps, LTJG). I still feel very badly that the Navy wanted me "gone" so
quickly once the diagnosis was made.

My most recent MDA Clinic visit was on June 12. Neither my physician nor the
physical therapist perfomed any type of FSH-related physcial exam that had
ALWAYS been anroutine and expected part of my previous Clinic visits (in a
different city) in order to track the progession of the FSH. I realized that my
appointment was over because my doctor and physical therapist left the exam room
while I waited for them to return - which they didn't. I believe it was
wonderful Triecia who suggested that I find out what I can expect from the MDA
Clinic visits. And so, I called the MDA coordinator, asking her this. She
suggested I call my doctor and ask him, however, he will be out of town for the
next several weeks.

So,now I am wondering if I can obtain physical therapy through the VA, and how
can I start the process of finding out. Do I have a right to benefits? Any
information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Willow

--- In fshsociety@yahoogroups.com, "phillips1223" <pbhardy@...> wrote:
>
> I know this thread is old and long, but I will not overlook an opportunity to
bash the MDA. All I will say is this: I am so thankful I am a military veteran
who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy while on active duty and given a
medical retirement. The VA gave me my wheelchair, the VA is my source when I
have a need. I am so thankful I am not dependent on the MDA for ANYTHING, and I
feel sorry for anyone who is.
>
> Read the article by Leslie Bennetts that was published in the September 1993
issue of Vanity Fair: "Jerry vs. The Kids." It will open your eyes. Dan and
Carol would never allow me to repeat the things Jerry Lewis was quoted as saying
about MDA's own patients in this article.
>