(cell phone 240-506-1556)

To: All veterans

Date: 2015

From:

Topic: Infectious disease

Independent Veteran Medical Opinion (IMO)

Veteran Medical Nexus Opinion (VMNO)

for Veteran benefits

Craig N. Bash, M.D.

Neuro-Radiologist
www.veteransmedadvisor.com

Pages: 2
NPI or UPIN-1225123318- lic #--D43471
4938 Hampden lane, Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 767-9525 Fax: (301) 365-2589
E-Mail: drbash@doctor.com

Most veterans enter service without chronic illnesses but are exposed to an array of infectious
diseases - many of which can have life-long complications.
For example, I recently evaluated a patient with a chronically swollen right lower extremity. He
had Filariasis (elephantiasis) that had been smoldering for 40 years, in an undiagnosed state.
The patient had lymphatic filariasis, which caused his massive elephantiasisedema of the skin
of his the lower extremities. During his work-up the patient case was of such significance that he
was seen by the NIH who had interest in his cases due to the fact that the patient had gone
untreated for many decades.
I also recently had a patient who had a chronic fungal infection (Melioidosis AKA Vietnamese
tuberculosis) in his right foot due to a Viet Nam Punji stick/stake puncture as the sick inoculated
his skin with his clothing which contained local decaying soil. This patients fungal infection had
also lingered for decades without treatment.
It is not uncommon for soldier patients to also have life long complications from infections such
as malaria and hepatitis, which are common diseases throughout the world.
Occasionally, some patients have complications from vaccinations that are given to prevent
infectious diseases. For example, I have had a recent patient who likely had secondary
thyroiditis complications from his 6 dose anthrax vaccination series.

***Many of these infectious diseases are rated at the 100% rate because they are a multisystem process and can cause serious primary and secondary medical issues.
Recommendations:
1. All soldiers should maintain a current shot record.
2. All soldiers should be aware of any fluctuations with either body temperature or night sweating
as these symptoms can indicate a serious chronic infection.
3. Any chronic infection should be evaluated in light of its possible origin in service as many
infections can lay relatively dormant for decades.
Craig N. Bash M.D.
Associate Professor
drbash@doctor.com
cell 240-506-1556
Independent Veteran Medical Opinion (IMO)
Veteran Medical Nexus Opinion based on Veterans medical records for veteran benefits