RichSal2451

Congrats to you!! Yours went easier than mine. I filed for SSDI in April of 2012 and was denied. Hired attorneys and appealed, which got me in front of an admin law judge in December of 2013. But just got the letter saying fully favorable decision back to my last day of work on March 22, 2012! Now lets see how long it takes for the retro monies to show up.

Got a response to an IRIS request in which they verified the new rating is 100% schedular and granted as permanent and total! Once again thanks to all on here who provide constant advice and support.

Thanks Carlie. Confusion came in because TDIU is what I originally applied for. Then when they added the 4 additionally ratings, I also qualified for schedular. I will check with VARO later as you suggest. I see I'm not the only one up late tonight.

I wonder if Carlie, Berta, or someone can help clarify something for me. I received my decision letter, and I did receive 100% plus two SMCs. During this process they also added four new disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy. But on one page it says "we granted entitlement to the 100% rate effective April 5,2012, because you are unable to work due to your service connected disability/disabilities." This suggests TDIU to me. Then two pages later it says "your overall or combined rating is 100% from April 5, 2012. And this suggests 100% schedular to me. Now I'm happy either way, but just wondering which it is so I know whether or not I need to file the annual form stating whether or not I have worked. I have attached the appropriate documents if they will help. Thanks everyone for your support, info, and help. scan0001.pdf scan0002.pdf scan0003.pdf scan0004.pdf

Good for you my friend!

Thanks everyone!

Thanks guys! I checked again this morning, and there is an AB3 letter that says I qualify for commissary priveleges due to 100% disability that is permanent and total with no future examinations scheduled. I know I haven't received anything in the mail yet, but I have to believe this is the real thing.

Checked ebenefits today, and it says my TDIU open claim is unavailable at this time. But the AB8 letter states 100% instead of my normal 90%. So I think the package may be coming in the mail soon. Thanks one and all for advice. I'm cautiously optimistic right now.

Nothing like this in my experience.

First thank you to all of you for all your past advice. It has really helped. Another question if I may. Until today, 12/11/12, e-benefits showed my claim for TDIU and 100% temporary as being in the gathering evidence stage with an estimated completion date of 11/27/12 to 01/23/13. Now it shows it is still gathering evidence with an estimated completion date of 02/10/13 to 04/08/13-- no surprise, this is the VA. But as of today it also states they determined my claim needs additional review, and it further states they did not receive four items they requested from me. Evidence of surgery and convalescence for the temporary 100% claim, a 21-4138 form, a VCAA Notice Response form, and employer information forms. For all of these items I responded within less than 30 days and sent them certified mail, return receipt requested. I have all of these receipts. Any advice on how I should proceed? Thanks,

Thanks all.

According to my VARO records, the VFW is my current power of attorney. Fully expecting my TDIU claim to be denied initially, I intend to use an attorney for the appeal. As I understand it, the VSO can send the appeal on without waiting for my decision, and I do not want that to happen. How do I best eliminate them? Thanks.

Guess I'll have to sigh also. My TDIU claim was sent in 4/5/12. Still shown as "Under Review" on ebenefits. So far I've had a general C&P exam, a hearing C&P exam, and am now scheduled for a diabetes C&P exam next week. Why hasn't the claim advanced to gathering evidence? Answer: ebenefits is useless IMHO. What I didn't do and didn't know I could until after the filing is request my 'c-file'. I figure I'll wait and request it for an NOD if the claim is denied. Good approach?

Thanks Mark. Got your response to my private message.

Thanks Mark. Audio C&P went well. Good luck to both of us. Also Mark, I have a question to ask you. How do I send you a private email?