Carpal Tunnel/Repetitive Stress Syndrome in TN-Workers Comp Issue

[UndercovrAngel]

Tizz,

Be glad at this time that you are at least getting some kind of treatment for your injury. It may just be a band aid for now, but at least they are working on finding out what is causing your problems.

I started having problems with my right hand, arm and shoulder 1 year ago today. My employer finally filed a claim on it the 27th of February and the WC IC denied it the 13th of March. I have been fighting ever since to get the claim accepted.

In April of 08, I had a state appointed IME that said my injury was work related. I have had a computerized FCE that shows there is something wrong and stated it was caused because of my work and a desk that was ergonaomically incorrect. I had an MRI last month that showed bone bruises from a traumatic event and yesterday when I saw the Dr that has kept me out of work, we went over my EMG/NCV. The EMG came back showing nothing wrong, but the NCV showed not only problems with my right arm, but also my left arm now where I have overused it protecting my right one from further injury.

I was originally told that if the MRI showed anything wrong, my claim would be automatically accepted by the IC and I would start getting treatment, TIBS and travel reimbursement. This was agreed to between my attorney and the IC's attorney the day before we were to go to a contested claim hearing back in October. I finally got the MRI on January 14th and they are still denying my claim.

I have been living on short term disability through my ex-employer since August, but when I got home yesterday, there was a letter from the company that handles the STD that stated they were denying any further STD dating back to January 5th as they never received the paperwork for January from my Dr and after several attempts to contact him as well as me (which is a flat out lie as there is no phone record of any calls from them on either the home phone or my cell phone), they no longer would be paying me. Not only did I see where the Dr's office faxed them the paperwork 3 times, I also faxed it to them. It's just their way of messing with me as I am due to go on long term disability the 23rd of this month..and because I have other health problems non related to my wc injury that my insurance is having to pay for. This way, if they deny my claim, they no longer have to pay for my insurance..and I am left out in the cold as far as meds that I have taken for over a year that have some wicked withdrawal symptoms..and I am due for a refill tomorrow which I now can't get.

Hang in there and have some patience. I know it is hard when all you want to do is get better. This is my second time with a work injury..and neither of them have been a cake walk.

Angel ^j^