lostinthailand

Regarding the rating criteria below, I'm failing to understand why higher range of motion gets a higher rating. Since it's surely worse to have a lower range of motion, can someone please explain this? Thanks, LIT 5270 Ankle, ankylosis of: In plantar flexion at more than 40°, or in dorsiflexion at more than 10° or with abduction, adduction, inversion or eversion deformity 40% In plantar flexion, between 30° and 40°, or in dorsiflexion, between 0° and 10° 30% In plantar flexion, less than 30° 20 %

Ok, I just realized I failed to mention an important detail. I'm currently waiting for a decision on an application for Chapter 31 benefits. I read on the forums that TDUI, and specifically TDUI that is P&T, can make you ineligibility for VR&E. If I want to remain eligible, which I do, would it be advisable to forget (or at least postpone) the UI claim?

Congrats! I'm just starting my own TDIU claim. Do you have any advice on building a winning case? I'm in the middle of filling out Form 21-8940. I'm a bit concerned because, since I lost my last job in 2011, I haven't applied for another a full-time job. Just some short-term consulting gigs. Also, the full-time job I lost in 2011 was at a company I started and still own. (I had to hire a manager as my replacement) The only evidence I have is a statement from my Thai doctor saying I'm not able to work due to my disabilities and the fact that I haven't had a full-time job in a few years. The statement is a strong one though. Do you mind if ask what other evidence you provided? Also, did you specifically ask for or in some way claim P&T? Thanks! LIT

Great!

Yes, I'm 10% for tinnitus. I'll list it as a third cause of the headaches. Thanks!

the evidence should reflect the veterans condition within the past 12 months and include but not limited to, results of a va exam; hospital reports and/or outpatient medical records. Here's what I was thinking I should include. 1. a statement from my physiatrist opining on my inability to maintain gainful employment. 2. Statement from my GP connecting headaches to sleep apnea and depression. ...if there are two or more disabilities that cause you not to work, one disability must be at 40% or more with a combined rating of 70%, 80% or 90%. So I'm claiming TDIU resulting from the combined effects of sleep apnea, depression, and migrains (which is a result of the apnea and the depression) My combined rating for apnea (50%) and depression (30%) is 65% even according to my math. 65% round to 70%. So I think I already meet that requirement based on the existing award levels, right?

Ok, I posted that last one before I saw your reply, meghp. It's not going to take me very long to get all my evidence together so I might as well wait. Thanks for the info.

Thanks for the heads up on the 21-526ez. That looks like the better options. I'm surprised the DAV guy I'm working with didn't bring it up. Dot, yes, so I'll send the TDIU application in now and wait on the rest until I have the rest of the documents to substantiate my claim. I took the DBQ to my Thai psychiatrist today and she agreed to interview me next week and provide an IMO. I think she wants me to tell her what to say and let her sign it. Hmm. LIT

Thanks for the information!

Thanks. That's what I'll do then. "What was your MOS?" Aircrew/Avionics Tech "Is there any other medical problems you have?" The only other problem I can think of is something called PLMD, (periodic limb movement disorder) that seems to be related to my sleep apnea. I twitch when I sleep - drives my wife nuts!

Thanks, Dot09. I'm also claiming a new disability with the headaches though. I'm thinking I'll need to submit a new 22-526 for that instead of just applying for TDIU, correct? Thanks for pointing out the DBQ form! My main question is will getting opinions and documentation from local doctors here in Thailand help my case or should I just wait for the C&P exams? Sincerely, LIT

I'm preparing to apply for an increase in my rating for depression, ankle pain and submit a new claim for headaches, which result from my antidepressant medication and sleep apnea. I no longer work as a result of these. I planning to submit my claim and return to the U.S. in July. My antidepressants and the narcotic pain killers I take for the headaches are all over the counter here in Thailand so I've haven't seen a doctor about these issues in a long time. So, my question is, should I go to a local doctor to establish some documentation before I submit the claim in July, or will the VA scheduled exams be enough? Regarding my ankle pain, the pain has increased significantly over the years. However, unless I walk a few miles, it looks and moves like it should. No swelling or stiffness. It does swell and get stiff if I walk very far, so naturally I don't do that. Do I have any chance of getting an increase for the ankle or should I let it be? Finally, should I also claim total disability since I can no longer hold a job? I have a hard time getting my head around the VA process, acronyms, etc. It's incredibly taxing to even think about. So thanks for your help. Sincerely, LIT Sleep Apnea 50% Major Depression 30% Residual of Right Ankle Pain 10% Tinnitus 10%

Thanks for all the great info! That's just what I was looking for. I haven't had a real job since I left the Navy in 2008 so I'll take a look at the TDIU info. I live in Thailand, is it possible to submit a claim and get everything taken care of without returning to the US? Much of my medical stuff over the last three years has been taken care of at small clinics without any documentation or records to speak of. I could probably ask them to write us some records of past treatments though. I'm wondering if foreign medical records and doctors opinions from international doctors satisfy the VA? Once I get all my records together, who is the best organization to contact for help submitting my claim. The DAV helped me with my last claim. I was planning to ask their assistance again. Thanks again! LIT

Hi Everyone, I got out of the Navy in 2008 and was awarded a 70% combined rating for sleep apnea (50%), major depression (30%), and tinnitus (10%). I also got a 0% rating for an ankle injury. I'm now wondering if the depression was actually misdiagnosed PTSD, and if I should submit a new claim. I was aircrew and our plane was regularly intercepted by enemy aircraft and locked onto by guided missile radar. I told this to the doctor that saw me for my first VA benefits claim. I now have nightmares about it, get uncomfortable on flights, etc, and other standard symptoms of PTSD. For anyone who thinks I'm being a pssy, you can kiss my ass until you've been there. My depression is now much worse than it was in 2008. So, would I be wasting my time if I submit a new claim for PTSD. What would I need to show to prove it? I'm also wondering if I could claim my frequent migraine headaches which I think are a result of the sleep apnea, and ask for an increase on my ankle injury which is getting worse. I hate dealing with the VA and am really embarrassed/ashamed to even be writing about all this. However, if I'm entitled to more compensation my family could sure use the extra income. Thanks, LIT