John46

Pete Louisiana also has the exemption for widows of 100% Vets if she doesn't remarry. Check with each Parish (county) for details. The exemption is double the Homestead Exemption which is $75,000 for everyone.

For all veterans who qualify for VA care should be able to go to any doctor that accepts Medicare and let VA pick up the tab. Have the vets doctor fill out any C&P exams or better yet have a specialist (in that field) do the exam. That would solve the care we get overnight. I believe in the long run money would be saved.

They charged me extra for the lens that change, but that was the only charge.

Louisiana just passed a Constitutional Amendment for TDIU 100% veterans. The law now reads that wherever the parish (county) had passed the double homestead exemption for 100% vets it now would include the 100% TDIU vets. The exemption is $75,000 for everyone and is $150,000 for disabled 100% vets. Check each parish to make sure they passed the first exemption. This information can be found at each parish tax office.

Called in for my pain medication and got the runaround. I told the nurse that I was aware of the pressure by the DEA and she did not deny it. She stated that the Dr. could not refill the med because I had not seen him in the last 3 months. I advised her that it had been about one (1) month since my last appointment. They made an appointment for me and the meds arrived in two days. The Dr. himself has stated that he believes that I am not addicted because a 30 day supply lasts up to 75 days many times as the pain is not always constant. Will find out what is going on next month at the appointment.

Great news! Your statement about the kind and compassionate examiner I believe is the key. Evidence for a claim is important but the examiner can tilt the decision the wrong way many times. Again enjoy the increase and keep up the fight.

Following is a word for word: "We assigned a permanent 100% combined or overall disability evaluation for your service connected disabilities effective 11-01-11. Basic eligibility to Dependents Educational Assistance is granted from 11-01-11, the date entitlement arose" The award letter went on to give info about how to contact ChampVa and all the other stuff you mentioned. "The issue IU is moot as you are currently 100% schedular." Thanks, John46

Carlie, Maybe I can wear two pair at at time. Ha! Thanks, the cost of a stamp is worth it

First let me say that I have been receiving the clothing allowance for years (right knee brace). Recently I was issued a brace for the left knee (SC). I read here or somewhere that it was possible to get the clothing allowance for each SC condition. Does anyone have any information on this or was I just dreaming?

Just went to the mailbox and there it was the most beautiful white envelope that I had ever seen. I tore it open like a kid at Christmas. I saw the words permanent 100% schedular and moot for unemployability. It also contained forms concerning education etc. for dependants. Can't wait to call the number Monday for ChampVa. Thanks to all of you who unknowingly have helped me on this journey.

I have been 60% (right knee) for about 2 years and finally got the left knee (secondary 30%) about the same time. I have had about 11 surgeries on the right which include 3 TKR and a TKR on the left about a year and half ago. I already had 60% for IHD and an additional 10% in relation to clots related to the knees. At the last C&P the Dr. indicated that the severity of the left knee was equal to the right knee and checked the boxes that matched 60% on the rating schedule. The exam was for TDIU. What was ironic the echo test for the heart indicated that my METS were up which matched 30% (down from 60%) Even if there is a decrease for the heart and if there is an increase on the left knee to 60% I should be awarded 100% schedular but one never knows with the VA. To anyone who is reading this please don't give up. I have filed and filed to get the left knee secondary and was told by service officers that 60% for a knee condition was virtually impossible. The key is be diligent and determined like a bulldog and pray that you get a good honest C&P Dr. who tells the truth. I would trade all of it in tomorrow for good health again

My 1 year convelscent was up in Dec. '11 and I had filed for TDIU. As I had stated from an earlier post that the C&P Dr. had checked the boxes (Knees) that indicated an increase which would put me at 95%. I called the bank and the retro indicated that I have been awarded 100%. Will not know if it is for TDIU or Schedular until the envelope arrives. Thanks to all of you here at Hadit for encouraging others to never give up.

I reread the complete C&P report (28 pages). The part for knees the Dr. marked (Chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness) He checked this for both knees. I checked and this corresponds to 60% unter 5055. But I also noted that the echo for the heart corresponds to 30% down from 60%. I also have a 10% for problems related to blood clots which was not addresed in this exam. If this is correct then this would put me at 95%= 100% whereas I am currently at 93%=90%. This is the first time that I have seen this type of worksheet for the exams. Maybe the IU will be moot and I will get 100% schedular. Thanks for any imput.

My C&P has been turned in: Currently I am rated for 90%. Here is what the Dr. wrote: "IU" Opinion. "This veteran is unable to do or maintain any type of work that falls into the heavy category. He has significent heart disease with episodes of chest pain. Anything to do with heavy lifting and straining is contraindicated due to his heart disease. He also would be unable to do heavy work due to his knees with multiple surgeries on the right knee and instability. He would also be prevented from doing light work due to the instability and the heart problem, and due to instability of his knees he is at risk of falling and therefore at risk at work. He may be able to do some sedentary work but this would be very limited, he is a great risk of falling due to the instability of the knee, especially the right knee. He is in essence totally and completely disabled." What is your take on this? Sounds like if the rater goes along withe Dr. then I will be successful.

Lowe's in Ruston and Shreveport give 10% with VA card (Louisiana)