Today's operating rooms
Michael Alan Stuart 
Accepting Community Care for major surgery is akin to letting the enemy’s doctor operate on you. It can leave you permanently disabled with no one willing to take responsibility. When you get care inside the VA system, it comes with a guarantee — if something goes wrong, the VA owns it. Under 38 U.S.C. § … Read more
Claimant: Michael A. Stuart Date of Birth: January 13, 1959 Claim Date: November 27, 2024 Claim Type: Federal Tort Claims Act (Standard Form 95) for personal injury/wrongful death, specifically an “1151 claim” related to VA negligence. Federal Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel, Torts Law Group Executive Summary Michael A. Stuart is … Read more
Understanding Spinal Surgery Spinal surgery can be a daunting journey, but understanding the basics of spinal anatomy, types of procedures, and the recovery process can empower patients to advocate for themselves and achieve better outcomes. This guide provides a detailed look at spinal surgery, from preparation to long-term recovery, and offers valuable resources to help … Read more
This VA 1151 disability claim filed by veteran Michael Stuart for ankylosis of the spine, a condition resulting from a series of events stemming from a car accident. The claim centers on alleging VA negligence following a failed spinal fusion surgery performed within the VA system, which necessitated corrective surgery resulting in the claimant’s current disability. Crucially, … Read more
Neurosurgeon and attorney Dr. Larry Schlachter makes a case that most patients enter the healtyhcare system without any idea of the risks they face, due to a medical culture that denies there is a patient safety problem. He argues that medical culture actively avoids transparency, perpetuates an atmosphere of blind deference to doctors, and protects … Read more
John Oliver on HBO recently delved into the problematic nature of state medical boards and their frequent inability to safeguard patients from incompetent physicians. He highlighted several disturbing trends: One case involved a doctor in Texas performing surgery on the incorrect part of a patient’s spine. This incident directly relates to my experiences with Dr. … Read more
Dr Patel, UT Southwestern failure to diagnose and treat spine issues after radilogy found loose pedicle screws The UTSW consultation highlights a series of systemic failures in the care of a patient with a history of lumbar surgeries. There were communication breakdowns between the VA and outside providers, a conflict of interest in referring the … Read more
Medical Opinion Summary Joseph David, D.O., a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist in New Jersey, provides a medical opinion on Michael Stuart, a veteran who served in the US Air Force from 1981 to 1987. Dr. David reviewed extensive medical records, including CT and MRI scans, surgery notes, and statements from Stuart’s family. Stuart … Read more
This article illustrates just how common it is for doctors to hide their medical mistakes and make up excuses. Even this famous surgeon made a mistake and did not tell the patient. The issue of doctors hiding medical mistakes and making excuses is indeed a significant concern in the medical community. It’s been noted that … Read more
What Happens When Spinal Fusion Screws Loosen? Limited spinal mobility. Spasms in the back. Insomnia. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities. Persistent back pain. How do I know if my spinal fusion screw is loose? Often, excessive pain is a symptom of a loose screw after spinal fusion or other hardware complication. “If the … Read more