Jump to content
VA Disability Community via Hadit.com

VA Disability Claims Articles

Ask Your VA Claims Question | Current Forum Posts Search | Rules | View All Forums
VA Disability Articles | Chats and Other Events | Donate | Blogs | New Users

saints13

First Class Petty Officer
  • Posts

    189
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    1

Everything posted by saints13

  1. The VARO is requesting another C&P to gather another opinion from another examiner. Bring every piece of information you can think of. Give it to the examiner, even if he does not want it. Tell them that the records he has may not include all the information that you have and also tell the examiner that you have previous exams, the examiner may get tired of it and concede in your favor as they did for me because I told them of the numerous exams and brought in all my information. He was surprised I had more information that what was given to him. The other exams was not even given to him either so he knew the raters were trying to deny. Keep the advise from all the experienced people as well but make sure to bring everything with you and be prepared!!! The appt may end up only being 10 to 15 mins long after reading all your previous exams and information that you have. God Bless!!!!! "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God"
  2. I don't know the in's and outs of workers comp and VA. But after my knee surgeries I submitted a claim for convalescent leave. Got a statement from the doctor which was written on a piece of paper that said what procedure was done and how long I would be out of work. I also submitted the hospital discharge paperwork and within 3 weeks it was approved and started getting 100% Temp for convalescent leave for the months the doctor stated. Remember that it is better to have the surgery at the end of the month as convalescent doe not start until the first day of the following month after the surgery. Example doctor give you 6 months leave, have surgery on May 1-15th. Convalescent won't kick in unto June 1st but may is included but without pay. Have the same surgery but May 20th-30th the effective date is June 1st. Then you get paid from June first thru November. Your actual checks would reflect July 1st thru December 1st cause VA pays in the rears. Just my experience after 8 different knee surgeries and my 2 cents. May Gob Bless you and hope that you recover as quick as possible. Anything is possible thru Christ!!!
  3. Just my two cents. I looked up my C&P examiners and most of them even at the VAMC were contracted by the VA. 2 of them had contracts well over 2 million dollars for the contract. You can find anything on Google if your willing and determined. I also showed that piece of paper to my last examiner which I knew would make him mad and in his report he did not metion much except the fact he did not undertand why I had so many C&P exams for the same condition when 3 exams were already completed. His last statement was he conceded the fact and gave me benefit of the doubt and referred the rater to look over the other examiners notes.
  4. One last question. Should I submit just a plain Nod requesting a DRO review and just show up with all my evidence or should it be all submitted? Seems like playing a poker game, don't want to show my whole hand just so it gives them time to gather evidence to dispute or deny. Honestly don't care about backpay just what I deserve. I have asked God for direction and seems I have to submit it for anything to be done on it. Weither approved or not that is God's will as he is the only higher power and ultimate authority. May God Bless everyone!!!!
  5. Send in a NOD for denial of TDIU but with a DRO review? Or just submit it as a NOD and see what path it takes? Also should I put in the reason for TDIU for bilateral knees or PTSD? Both or just one of them, cause new regulations state any new TDIU claim is automatically looked at as in an request for increase. Or is the NOD just stating I disagree with the denial of TDIU and be grandfathered into the old regulation not requesting a reason for TDIU claim? thank you for your time, help and support. Have all information reading just want to make sure before I hit the FDC button. I also kept my NOD very short and sweet and let all the letters speak for themselves and hopefully get a DRO review which from seeing in posts you have a better chance just like I did with my SSDI claim.
  6. R3Neck, I was awarded in April 2014 after a lengthy battle. Gastone, Hopefully everything will go smoothly as yours did, Thank you both for your time, help and support!!! Guess I will be submittting my FDC packet this weekend. Sending in a NOD for denial of TDIU but with a DRO review? Or just submit it as a NOD and see what path it takes? GOD Bless Everybody!!!! and hope everyone has a great weekend. May everyone be healthy as possible, happy as possible and good fortune coming your ways!
  7. This happened to me for PTSD. First C&P was unfavorable and had all the wrong information, was very rude and only asked me very few questions then sat on computer for 45 mins. I asked for a reconsideration and supplied them with multiple Mental health providers letters etc. I was scheduled to have an exam in Florida on a Friday and I live in Texas. Made the trip anyways and come to find out it was really in Mississippi, good for my wife she got me to the appt on time but was very, very upset. Then had 2 other psychologist review the finding of the unfavorable and the favorable one. Then a third C&P was setup and I provided all the paperwork and asked why in the hell was I being reviewed so many times even after all the positive evidence. That examiner said he was mad and said in his report I just give into the positive reviews and grant the PTSD on grounds of benefit of the doubt. After everything I provided, incident times (Multiple incidents!!!) proof from news paper articles, etc, multiple mental health providers letters, etc All this is a way to deny in hopes veteran gives up, misses the exam, etc. Just make sure to keep all documentation and make sure all your medical records are correct and bring in everything you have to your exams because all my exams none of the examiners had any of the information, just enough information to deny a claim. This is just my two cents. May God Bless you!!! Only one that can judge you is GOD himself. Have faith, belief, love and you will prevail against all evil.
  8. Just an update, Have 2 letters from VA PCP stating I'm unemployable and un-trainable, also stating I can not work or attend training as it would worsen my disability, symptoms Have letter from VOC REHAB ILP Counselor stating I can not work or attend training as it would worsen by disabilities, symptoms Have letter from Highly rated Orthopedic Doctor that did my bilateral knee surgery saying both knees are moderate to severe (This is now total of 8 surgeries on my knees) Have multiple letters from Mental health, Neuropsychogist, Cognitive Therapist, along with their findings of all their tests Have 4 different VA Mental Health C&P exams. 2 of them in my favor, 1 not in my favor and last one just conceding to the other 2 favorable. (I have never heard of 4 exams, sounds like VA trying to get a VA C&P to deny it) Have approval letter from SSDI and Judge stating PTSD and bilateral knee conditions are severe along with the Vocational Expert saying no jobs are available for my age, education, amount of appts, etc Letter from last employer stating why I was fired Form VA 21-4192 filled out by both employers. First employer made it short and sweet as they are a corporation afraid of being sued so did not mention any missed days but I was salary employee, Second Employer explained everything and all the time missed. IU form-- 21-8940 almost filled out and still reviewing before I actually submit it. About 10+ MRI, Xrays, CT of knees, back 2 Letters from previous employer that was a corporation that did not mention anything except that I did in fact work there but did not mention any time lost from work. So that is why I got letters from my supervisors to explain the absences, decline in work productivity, etc since they knew first hand about me being there or not, etc. Should I put in for TDIU for my knees or PTSD as the reason for disability? New TDIU regulation treat TDIU as a request for increase unlike the older version. My PTSD was the hardest to get and don't feel like going thru 5+ more C&P exams for it, cause I know that is what they will do, they already did it the first time I applied for it. I'm new to a different VAMC so getting letters is non existant My knees never got increased and TDIU was denied saying I was on convalacent leave and you can't get TDIU while on convalacent leave and also that VA can not find jobs that I can do but they know there are sedatory jobs that I can do Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!! As I want to send in one packet, FDC and not have any hangups that is why I printed out the VA Form 21-4192 to have last two employers fill them out.
  9. Oh one last letter was from my last employer that laid me off/fired me. Stated they made all the accomendations but I was still unable to perform my duties which had to be given to others and I was missing too much work due to my disabilities and dr appts.
  10. Thank you everyone for your advise. I was diagnosed with PTSD, Anxiety, HBP, GERD, IBS, lower back disorder all about the same time frame back in 2013. I was fired from my job so applied for SSDI and haven't worked since. I was denied SSDI the first two times but at the judge level she approved it. I got the judges letter fully favorable within 1 week. Now just waiting for my award letter before SS will talk to me or let me add my bank info or add my dependants. As far as VA claim it was denied for PTSD, knee derangement increase (even after 8 knee surgeries) and denied all other conditions even TDIU. I got a letter from my all my VA mental health providers stating I'm unemployable as well as what they say I fall in the category of mental conditions. Also that I'm untrainable and unemployable and if did Persue it that it would make all my conditions worse. Also got letters from my VA PCP stating the same thing basically. Also my VOC REHAB ILP counselor wrote a letter stating I was unemployable and untrainable and needed ILP, SSDI, etc. The SSDI judge said in her report all the letters weighted heavily and considered my condition of PTSD and knee derangement SEVERE. She also stated the state vocational expert said I was unemployable and there are no jobs I could preform in the labor market. I was hoping since VA denied my TDIU that I could just resend all the VA provider letters, VOC REHAB letter and now SSDI judge report it would change the raters opinion and finally grant me TDIU. Just afraid to rock the boat and possibly having rating lowered. I have a family of 7 so money is being stretched on 70% and no SSDI yet. God was great in granting me the 70% and also SSDI. I have appts with VA about 2-3 times a week between mental and physical appts which makes me even more unable to get a job even if I could work which I can't due to my conditions. Also my wife can't work due to having to take me to my appts. Again God bless everyone and thank you for all your input!!! If ever approved will pass on my experience and procedures to help others obtain their needed benefits. God wants everyone to tell their testimonies and blessings. thank you everyone for all your time, help and support, it is greatly appreciated!!!
  11. Thank you for you help and responses. I will resend in all my information again but this time also include the SSDI that I was just awarded.God willing, he will work thru the rater and see how obvious it is and grant the TDIU. Again thank you!!
  12. Good Afternoon, I had taken time off from my experience with the VA disability system. I was finally awarded 50% PTSD, 40% bilateral knees, 10% tinnitus, 0% hearing loss and a statement saying that I did meet High Blood Pressure compensation but no records making it as a secondary condition. Now my total is 70% as of April 2014. How would I go about getting HBP secondary? Also I have written letters from my VA doctor stating that I'm unemployable, Mental Health stating I'm unemployable and also my Voc Rehab counselor stating I'm untrainable and unemployable. They all stated that even if I was trained or employed it would make all my conditions worse. I just was awarded SSDI last week with a fully favorable decision by the Judge. I received the Judges letter but still waiting on the actual award letter stating how much I will receive, for how long, etc But her report stated everything was SEVERE for my PTSD and Knee problems (Which are both service connected) and also the vocational expert stated there are no jobs that I would be able to be employed in within the labor job market due to my conditions and amount of appointments I have to go to with the VA. Would this finally be enough information for the VA to approve me for 100% TDIU now? Any help, suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!!! I'm somewhat hesitant to send anything in as I know VA will do another 10+ exams to try to reduce my PTSD and my knees as what they were trying to do when I asked for service connection and for increase. Should I wait and just don't rock the boat? Just wondering since I was approved just this year and also given increases but denied TDIU, On the TDIU form it now states which condition I think makes me unemployable. I have been unemployed for over 2 1/2 years now. Again that you in advance for any help, support, ideas, etc, it is greatly appreciated. Also my wife and I both have had visions and thoughts from God that We should send it in for another go around with the system for TDIU only this time.
  13. I submitted my letter of termination from my employer stating they could no longer keep me employed even after all the accommodations they made for me. Terminated middle of 2013 and haven't worked since. Also submitted my letter from my VA PCP about being unemployable and un trainable. I submitted my letter from ILP counselor stating I was unemployable and un trainable due to my conditions. Multiple exams from neuropsychologist, speech pathologists both stating almost borderline morbid state line. I'm 42 years old and was denied for TDIU, rated at 70%. (VA stated I could perform intermittent sedentary work.) Intermittent sedentary work will not fly with all the VA appointments I have to go to. Average about 2-3 a week. No job I could ever find would work around that schedule. And to top it off my wife or mom take me to all my VA appointments, so guess VA determines they can take me and drop me off at a job if I did ever got one. Applied for SSDI in 2013 and was denied the first two times, in a few weeks finally have a meeting in front of the ADJ with a lawyer. With God's blessings, maybe she will see that I'm unemployable. PTSD/ Anxiety/ Cognitive Disorder Tinnitus Bilateral knee problems (After 8 surgeries thought I would have been increased but was denied increase but left at same rating Not service connected or denied: Insomnia High Blood Pressure (Award letter stated I was at a compensational state but no records to connect why I have it) Lower Back pain L5-S1 Arthritis of back/ knees with X-ray, CT, MRI evidence) Gerd/Ibs Left Hand Medial nerve damage (No feeling in thumb, pointer finger or middle finger) There is alot of good information on this website with alot of great people that may chime in. IMO/IME is the best route to go and see your VA doctors as much as possible and make sure their notes are correct!!!!! I asked all my VA providers for more letters and they said they are no longer able to do that. So seems like some of us need to use the civilian specialists for IMO/IME, etc. I Pray that someone chimes in and is able to help you out. You do need to provide alittle more information so they can help you though. Also the new TDIU regulations require you to list at least one disability that restricts you from being unemployable. Sets things up for more c&p exams and perhaps lowering of your ratings, that's why I have just left things alone in my own case. I can't afford to lose any ratings and also not able to find a job. If did find a job I wouldn't last more than a week or two if most. Also I wouldnt be able to attend my VA appointments so VA would assume I'm better now. God Bless you and I pray that you get better information from the experts on this site, and that you have better luck than I had. I gave up and just letting God decide on what he has determined is my plan in life.
  14. Should I get my VA podiatry doctor to write me an IMO? If he does this for me how do I get this to the RO office? Get the IMO Asap!!! Send it thru ebenefits, mail it to the RO office with certified, signature mail and fax, just so you know that they get it. If your close which you probably arent I would also hand deliver it to the office. Most Vets are not close to the RO office. ​Don't forget to do your convalescent leave as well. That can be a separate FDC claim and at the end put no further evidence and click button to decide claim now, include discharge paperwork, what type of procedure done, doctor recommending x period amount of time off, but including rehab (Type of procedure, Dr recommending x time off including rehab can be written on a Dr prescription script). My FDC claim for convalescent leave was approved very, very fast especially with decide claim now. This is my opinion and my experience though. God Bless and hoping for quick, pain free recovery!
  15. I would check on both VA doctor and doctor your boss suggested. See which one has better qualifications. My uncle is a doctor he told me once, what do you call a doctor that graduated with a "A" in medical school? He said a doctor. Then said what do you call a doctor that graduated with a low "C" in medical school? He said a doctor. Ha ha Point is like forest gump, you never know what you get from a box of chocolates! I just do my research and see which one has practiced longer, qualifications, any negative reviews, schools they attended, if they are part of any other accreditations, etc. then let my gut and God tell me which way to go. My old VAMC I would let operate on me in a heart beat. The one I have now I'm afraid they will kill me by taking my blood pressure. Sorry not much help on deciding. VA doctors will give you the least amount of convalacent leave time as outside doctors tend to give longer leave times. Every outside doctor I have been too has 2 hospitals they do surgery out of. I check out the hospital reviews as well. Guess that's the part of PTSD I have and lack of trust of people especially the VA. My civilian doctor notes, etc are all correct about 98%. All my VA records are about 90% wrong! Things added, things not added, tests they said they did when they didn't, etc. heck even nursing notes at VA all say that I deny any pain, depression, PTSD, any flu shots, my pain scale and what pain score I can tolerate. Say walk in normally when my mother in law pushed me in on a wheel chair due to bilateral knee surgery. Puts in my blood pressure is 130/80 when it is always averaging 150/98. So when your getting your blood pressure checked and nurse is typing away on the computer she is answering questions for you on her opinion. I was probably no help what so ever, just my opinion and what I have experienced. My old VAMC doctors saved me on accuracy, most of them redid all the blood pressure and questions which were total opposite of what nurse said she did and what she said she asked me. God bless and hope that I didn't ramble on too much. Just do your research of each doctor, hospital, gut feeling and ask God and don't stress over it.
  16. You are suppose to have the bilateral factor. At first I didn't until I requested it. My next claim I asked for bilateral factor and it was granted. Maybe they messed up due to trying to clear the claims. Should be an easy fix, maybe an IrIS complaint but make sure you put in your reference number that is listed on your letter. Or call the toll free number and request a call back from the RO office, specifically the rater and give them the reference listed on letter 10% + 10% is only 19 if not bilateral 10%+10% plus bilateral factor is 21 If have multiple conditions those 2 extra points count!!!
  17. SECOP probably means second opinion. In my case the doctor was very well known, wrote journals in medical literature, board certified for over 30 years, I looked him up on the internet before letting him do my surgery. Found out he was even head director at the university of surgery, medicine, orthopedics at a well known University. Had multiple awards for top 100 doctors, etc. guess it all depends on what VAMC you are at. My VAMC let me choose the doctor I wanted but it took just a little more time. Your VA foot doctor would have to put in a consult to the fee based department stating which doctor you and he agree upon. I had one work on my hand but a different on my knees. This is before I moved. The VAMC I have now does not seem to care as much, not willing to work with me and have changed or taken me off all my previous medications from my old VAMC. Come to find out each VAMC is different with different policies, different levels of care or kindliness, etc. I'm very unhappy with the VAMC I have now. Example last VAMC was very clean, beautiful, caring doctors, appointments easy to get, consults happened immediately, etc, etc. the VAMC I have now I waited for over 2 hours just to get enrolled into their system so I got pissed and left. Did online application. They scheduled me for a first time patients about 2 months away. I called the sister VAMC/CBOC and got a nice lady and she made me an earlier appointment at the same VAMC I sat at for 2 hours and cancelled that 2 month long dr appointment. Have nothing good to say about my current VAMC at all. Really wish OIG would do a investigation on it. Sorry to ramble on but short answer is it all depends on the VAMC you are at now. Investigate the doctor doing the surgery, if not confident then ask your foot doctor for another consult for a different doctor and explain why and take in the credentials and any bad reviews, etc of the doctor that they are fee based you too. That is just my opinion
  18. After surgery get all your paperwork from all your injections, etc, dr notes, etc leading upto the surgery and all notes of the surgery and a letter from the doctor on lettered head this time. saying MR. X had xxxx surgery due to injections, therapy, not working which resulted in surgery. It is in my opinion that Mr. X (diagnosis) has worsened and in my opinion it is more likely than not worsened since his last evaluation or discharge from the military or last exam of disability. Have him write on same letterhead his credentials, expertise, schooling, etc and number of years practicing. Then last statement all is true to the best of my knowledge and you can contact me or my office at xxx-xxx-xxxx if you need any additional information. After all this submit yet another FDC claim but asking for an increase in your SC disability. And attach all prior evidence and surgery notes, etc and letter from dr on letter head. Hope all this helps!!!! May God Bless!!!
  19. Two ratings I mean for example the knee. You can have say 5261 for instability and 5260 for painful Range of motion (ROM). Each one gets a rating of say 10% which equals 19 but rounded up to 20% in VA math. For the surgery due it as close to end of month as possible. Get discharge paperwork from hospital, a very simple statement from the doctor about the date of surgery, the type of surgery that includes something relating it to your service connected ankle. And the # of months required off work not weeks. I would ask him to include the rehab time in that calculation as well. But keep it short, sweet and in months and can even be written on his prescription pad. Then file those 3 forms online as convalacent leave as an FDC claim as soon as you have those papers which should be day of surgery or day of discharge. Example: Mr. xxxx has procedure xxxx of the ankle/foot on May 26th and is expected to be out of work for x amount of months. As far as working that is up to you. You maybe surprised you need the full time off. If not I can't see the problem of working, I did not see it mentioned in the regulations about working during convalacent leave. VA has a book of recovery time periods for different procedures but those are estimated. My knee surgery they told me at first was only 3 months but the fee based doctor said nope he wanted me off 6 months which included rehab. Rehab for me is 3-4 days a week. I wouldn't be able to have or go back to work but for 1 day of that week. Do what your heart says to do. Not saying to mislead the VA but we all know on here VA misleads every vet at any chance they can get and lowball every vet. God bless and hope that all goes well!! send me a message if need anymore help. I just got done with this process twice, one for each knee, Back to back.
  20. You should do your research during your convalancent time frame as you will have hours to read up on the ratings. I assumed you could have two ratings, one for 5020 and one for ROM or pain limitations. Others will chime in and I can look around later as well.
  21. schedule the surgery as close to the end of the month as possible. Because the first month does not count for some reason. Then you start getting approved 100% the first day of the following month and paid 100%. Remember they are a month behind. So if you have it May 26th your eligible beginning June 1st and will receive June payment on July 1st. The day you are released ask for discharge paperwork. Also ask the doctor to write out the procedure done, the date it was done and say 2 months of convalancent or longer if rehab is necessary as well till your 100%. So if rehab is another month add that so have doctor write 3 months convalancent. Can even write it out on a doctor prescription pad. Don't have him put 6-8 weeks cause VA will choose the 6 week one. As soon as you get home scan it and upload it as an FDC claim and it should be approved and completed within a couple weeks. Discharge paperwork, date surgery was done, script for number of months convalacent. After surgery and your claim for convalacent is completed then apply for an increase using FDC, make sure to have ALL your documents so you don't have to upload something you forgot and risk turning it into a traditional claim.
  22. I took one as well and doctor tried to rush me out of the office. I said NO, I had information to give him and talk about. Eventually I got the report and it was favorable. Think those tests weed out people trying to get a mental disorder or for increase of disability of mental disability. It took me forever to take that test!!!!
  23. I use all the below. ChainThought WordLink Lumosity Matrix Game 3 iMazing 4 pics 1 word Free Flow Montezuma PTSD Coach CBT-i coach CPT Coach Anagram Word Jumbles and a few more and it seems to help me.
  24. Yea!!!!!!!!! It is always great to hear of a WIN!!!!
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Guidelines and Terms of Use