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BionicVet, I want to share some information. Opioids are known to raise blood pressure. You may want to consider a HBP claim secondary to neuropathy (pain medicine usage). I'm sorry to post late, but this fact jumped out at me. NEVER GIVE UP.........

Good information Pacman x1.

How is a claimant notified when his BVA appeal is before a judge. The LEGACY system provided a template showing place in line. However the AMA system states, "waiting for appeal to be sent to judge".

Heading in the right direction with more man power and personnel.

Thanks for the information Berta.

I will add my experience and advice. Its human nature to worry about something which has a direct correlation on your wellbeing. In lieu of that, the only part of the process the veteran can control is medical information they submit. Yes, sometimes information is overlooked with no plausible explanation. However unfortunately its out of the veterans control. I tell vets, focus on the medical information. Medical information is undeniable. Stick to the CALUZA triangle and get your physician to be exact and thorough. Your claims process might be extended by an extra step or two, but eventually the medical evidence will prevail. Stay battle ready, get your medical evidence, be organized, and NEVER GIVE UP.

My TBI story. I encountered a veteran whom was in the Navy stationed in California. He was involved in a physical altercation aboard the ship with another seaman. The results was a pretty bad head injury which came with a nasty 7 inch scar. He spent 4 months in the hospital and awarded 100% due to TBI. This was early 1999 to 2000. I often wonder what happened to him and how the residuals of the injury affect him currently. NEVE GIVE UP.........

Never resided in Florida, but I like the sunshine state. The weather and no state income tax are good too.

To the BVA... Make sure your evidence is tight and good luck.

Many urologist often connect ED to high blood pressure. ED has many causes, but high blood pressure has been cited. A nexus letter might not be needed, but the office notes need to reflect the ED by high blood pressure causation. Good Luck...........

Good Luck 1454th Solider. Just make sure you understand the claimed disability requirements. If you meet the rating criteria for increase, full steam ahead. Medical evidence is the key.

Ebenefits is like the old model war ship that's being retired. VA.gov is the new nuclear powered ship. I would consult with the ship captain (VSO) and see if they can figure it out. In lieu of being retired, EBENEFITS has served us well.

God conversation....

Good information............

500,000 is a huge number. Throw bodies and money at the problem until the issue is resolved. Offer short contracts with the federal government, three years, with medical and pension benefits. Decent pay for a good days work.

Good Luck JIMMER.......

I wanna add to the list. 1. Filing claim without C-File or medical records. 2. Failure to know rating criteria for disabilities. 3. Not knowing benefit of a medical specialist vs general medicine doctor or nurse practitioner. 4. Failure to have a reliable VSO to ask questions 5. Non adherence to CALUZA standard. 6. Being stubborn. Trying to make a square peg fit into a round hole. 7. People stating the process is easy. Lastly, there is no magic pill for securing VA benefits. Medical facts are the key. You need supporting medical documentation (current diagnosis) and documentation regarding the effects of the disability. You can't effectively claim a disability unless you have information. Medical facts are the key. Your energy and concentration is paramount to success.

What is the best way to change your address with the VA? A. 1-800-827-1000 B. VSO C. VA.gov or Ebenefits D. Form 20-572

I'm hopeful for the 6.1%.

McRay good information. The pandemic has caused a multitude of issues including responsible childcare. If telework is an option, its still complicated by parents not having available child care. Parenting is about managing responsibility, however its hard when daycares and afterschool care were closed. I'm hopeful with the government, schools, and local municipalities fully reopening, that will relieve the burdens. I am still of the opinion hiring more attorneys will severely dent the problem. Offer three year contracts and have them trained within 5-6 months with strong basic knowledge. The bonus is they are familiar with general law. They then only need to learn VA law as it relates to the M-21 manuel. I think it could work. Throw manpower and extra money at the problem until the back log is cleared. Just my opinion.

Thanks BroncoVet.........

The fact is federal workers aren't back at work full time. And many business are just rounding into a pre-COVID schedule. Hopefully when the federal government orders workers back, the BVA and other agencies can be full tilt ahead. I'm hopeful outsourced C&P examiners will also become more readily available to do exams. The wait is real. I would offer two year contractor positions to help with processing, organizing, and forwarding VA notices to claimants. I would attempt to free up regional office personnel simply to judge medical evidence. Raters then would only apply the appropriate rating based on office personnel medical findings. Kinda like a well oiled assembly line. Claims move quickly from paperwork being organized and ready for evaluation. Regional office personnel can evaluate only evidence and raters apply rating based on evidence.

My opinion. You are very much in the ball game. You filed in 2000, but was denied. You didn't continue the appeal. You need to file a supplemental claim with new and relevant information to get the claim reopened. I will assume you have a documented in-service incident, but probably a current diagnosis, residuals for rating purposes, and a nexus connection wasn't present. First, if the in-service incident is present, we will focus on service connection. 1. See a orthopedic back doctor and let them do a CT-Scan or MRI to properly diagnosis your back issue. This should satisfy the requirement for current disability. 2. Next, have him document by DBQ the limitations the back issue causes. The DBQ is on line. 3. Last, ask for an opinion on the in-service incident connection to the current back issue. You don't need a letter just a medical statement, "after reviewing all medical records, the back issue is more likely than not" related to the in-service incident/complaint. Make sure the doctor has availability of all medical records related to the back. Military and civilian. All of the information is considered new/ relevant and should allow the claim issue to be reopened for service connection and rating purposes. It may seem daunting, but medical evidence is undeniable by a specialist in that medical field.

Thanks for all replies. In lieu of 3.156 c establishing EED back to 2003. The actual rating would have to justify 10% back in 2003. I thought that was the case, but wanted more imput in the matter.

May GOD bless your wife and aid in a speedy recovery.