Michelle

Vike17: They do have all of my medical documentation from 2004 that is when I received an increase to my current rating of 70% Combined. I took the EMG/NCS and my civilian docs report because this is what the C&P office told me to do since I had my NCS/EMG just a week prior to the C&P. Plus I emailied VA thru IRIS after I received the Doctor's (C&P) report and notified them that she didn't report anything about what my Doctor's evaluation stated or the NCS/EMG. I saved the emails as well; I also asked them that if for some reason the Doctor didn't turn them in to please let me know and I would send them again. They never notified me of this until I received the rating. And yes, they are idiots because they have all of my EMG/NCS from 2004, 2002, 1999 which all diagnose me with the disease and that it has continually gotten worse each time I have the tests. Michelle

Thanks Everyone: I just received this new rating on Friday and talked briefly to the VSO at the American Legion. To tell you the truth I think that I probably have done more research in the regulations and the laws then they have because they had to ask me a question the other week. But at any rate, Once I got my thoughts together I read over the rating again and it was kind of funny because they told lies, after lies. They stated they never received any of my new information (EMG/NCS , Documentation from my Civilian Medical Doctor). I personally took it with me to the C&P and gave to the MD (this is what they told me to do) and I told her that this was important but evidently she threw it in the trash so they went by a EMG/NCS that I had in 2004 which was still fine with me but they either didn't know how to read it or just lied about what it stated. Funny thing is it's documented on every EMG/NCS that I've had since 1999 that I have Chronic Polyneuropathy Bilateral, and in all extremities with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. On the Rating Decision it stated that they denied my hands for nerve damage that their was no documentation to support this (What Idiot's) I've started preparing my NOD and addressing each thing that I've caught them on, like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is Nerve Damage! and it just like they have someone that knows nothing rating these claims. They stated I was denied TDIU because the C&P MD stated "in their opinion I could do some type of sedentary work" Like I stated before my doctor is preparing a new letter which flat out states I am permanently and totally disabled, etc.etc... I have every piece of information that I've ever sent to VA. Yes my claim was brokered out to Huntington, WV but I believe it's been sent back to Montgomery. I'm going to go see the VSO and what ever letter they give me and hand deliver everything that they stated they never received. I sent them an IRIS the day I received a copy of my C&P Report from the Doctor and told the VA that I had given her my NCS/EMG, Doctors Report and that if they didn't have it please let me know. They never stated that they didn't have it. I also complained in that email about the doctor because she didn't do anytype of exam on me she just talked. At any rate I know that I will eventually get TDIU and T&P but you know how it feels when you wait for over a year and then receive this Crap from them. I'm a lot better today and will keep you all posted. Sixth Sense don't worry about me really...we will talk this week. Michelle

Thanks Vike17: The VA can't hold that against me can they, If I go to a Private Mental Facility with my own insurance rather than going to the VA hospital? Also my last two C&P exams the doctors and my civilian doctor diagnosed me with Chronic Major Depressive Disorder, and the last C&P with Sleep Impairment; but the rating didn't address it. These are probably all secondary to my PTSD don't you think? Michelle

Thanks Everyone for your suggestions and support. After yesterday, I start thinking that I needed to go sign myself in for a Mental Break because I felt like I was about to loose it. Let me ask you all a question. I still probably will go sign myself in at this civilian place here in town (Mental) because I have private insurance and really don't want to go to the VA Hospital. I did a few years ago for a week, but they treat everyone like sh_ _. Mentally, I can't handle that. I felt like going up to the VA RO yesterday but I would have ended up in Prison. I know that I'm like everyone of you in that I'm so mentally exhausted and frustrated that I can't stand it. My husband is supportive and he tells me "just don't worry about it" "We are fine financially" Well, that's not the point. I want the Military/VA to compensate me for all of the damage that was caused by me serving my country. I didn't grip or complain when they sent me to the Gulf War and now they shouldn't grip and complain about awarding disabled veterans their just compensation. I know they are tired of me I'm tired of them to. But, I've told them I'm not giving up unless I die first. Between dealing with my disabilities, the VA, SSD, my family, husband, I don't think I can handle much more. As far as SSD I have a firm working on that and I feel that it will come out favorable especially after I submit the Letter from my doctor. I just continue to ask God to bless all of the veterans and to keep us in perfect peace no matter what happens. Really, I couldn't do it without all of you and I really mean that (starting to cry)....Thanks so much for being there.... I'll talk to you all very soon and let u know if and when I go check myself in. \ Michelle

Well; I wanted to talk to you all yesterday but I had to Cry a while, take anxiety med and just try to get myself together first. Recap: Berta, SixthSense and other's already know but anyway. I was already 70% Combined SC for PTSD and Chronic Polyneuropathy (in all extremities). I've been SC since 1999, first at 40%, then 70% and once I stopped working Oct/05 I reopened my claim and asked for an increased to IU and T&P. Submitted all the evidence; New EMG/NCS that Neuropathy had gotten worse, private medical documentation, etc. Well after 15 Months they told me I received a increase on the PTSD from 30% to now 50% and they left the Neuropathy at 60% which equals 110% (A new Combined Rating of 80%). However they denied my IU and didn't address the P&T but I guess since they denied my IU that was denying my P&T. They stated that the MD at my C&P stated they didn't see why I couldn't perform some type of Sedentary Work. I also have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my hands but this is all a part of the Polyneuropathy. I saw my civilian doctor yesterday and basically she is now preparing a letter for me to pick up this coming week that states: She has been treating me for the past six years, every month I have an appointment and that in her professional opinion I am permanently and totally disabled and can no longer perform any type of substantial gainful employment. Primarily because I pose a danger of hurting others and myself with little provocation and due to the Chronic Polyneuropathy in all of my limbs I am restricted and can't sit, type, stand, walk, run, climb, bend, or use my hands and arms for over 10-15 minutes at a time. After that period I have to lie down and prop my feet up in order for the swelling, numbness and pain to subside (along with taking strong pain medications). She is also stating that I take a lot of strong medication throughout the day and evenings for my various SC Disabilities which have strong side affects including drowsiness, off balance, and can't operate a Motor Vehicle while on this medication. I'm going to personally hand carry this along with a letter from the American Legion who is now my VSO. But I'm a little skeptical about involving them. What do you all think?

Thanks SixthSense: I sent you an email to your personal email address on the same subject and other things as well. You are right about the 800# because she really confused me. Berta and Everyone at Hadit, I really appreciate all of the talks and helping me and all of the other veterans. The waiting can kill you more than anything. Berta, so many people want to donate money to the website, maybe you should post a address for everyone. As soon as I know about my rating I wanted to send something. Thanks Again. Michelle

They don't do anything; I think that veterans do more to help veterans than any SO. My neighbor had been working with them for two years trying to get 100% T&P for Lupus. They just kept saying VA is working on it. I asked her why would you settle for that type of answer after two years? I started helping her and within two weeks she had received her rating of 100% T&P. It wasn't brain surgery, the vet got out of the Military with a Medical Retirement due to Lupus, this was in 1997 and it's 2007 and she is just receiving her rating but no thanks to the SO. Plus they only retro her back to Mar 2005. I think we should start our own Non-Profit Organization and we could get Grants from HUD/Federal Gov't to do what they aren't doing. I use to be in charge of grants when I was working for the City. Because No one else seems to want to do their job. Michelle

Berta: Thanks for responding. I did File the formal TDIU form so I should be getting the actual letter anyday now. But as far as calling the 1800# that is what they are there for and I wouldn't let it discourage me in the least. If you call five days a week they shouldn't be rude and say they can't work your claim if your continually calling. These are two different people the one that answering the phones and the ones that rating your claim. Personally I think a lot of them don't need to work at the RO because they don't know how to show compassion, or good customer service. Thanks again, Berta. Michelle

Thanks. I have a VSO but just within the last month or two. I have done everything by myself up to this point. I have the American Legion and we sent their POA in over a month ago to VA but no one has put it in the system so they can't read or access my stuff yet. Thanks though. Michelle

Vike17 Hello; I hate to interrupt but when your done can you go to this same forum and read what I posted today (Michelle). Subject: Just Talked to 1800#. I would appreciate any input that you may have (or anyone for that matter).. Thanks. Michelle

Hello Everyone: Well to recap a little: I currently SC at a combined Rating of 70% (really 90%, 60% for Nerve Damage in all extremities and 30% for PTSD). I reopened my claim in Nov/05 for an increase due to the PTSD getting worse and asked for IU and T&P. Today the VA Rep told me that my claim was completed but she couldn't see all of the screens however what she could see is that they left the Nerve Damage at 60% and increased the PTSD to 50% which equals 110% but VA's Math wouldn't that be 90%? The VA Person said I have a combined rating of 80%. But she stated that she couldn't see the full rating only portions of it. She said something about from Dec 05 to ? (I wasn't really listening) I'll get $1800 and something and then she listed other dates and amounts which didn't make since. It's only Myself, My Husband, and one child so I looked at the chart and the figures don't match so I'll have to wait until I get the letter or call back when someone can tell me what it states completely. Has anyone ever heard of VA awarding someone a Total Combined Rating of 80% and not granting IU or T&P. I have not been working since Oct/05 due to the PTSD primarily but the Nerve Damage as well and I did ask for it but I don't know if they addressed it. Don't they have to say something about Denied for IU or T&P? Michelle

Hay 1968 Army VV: Don't count on it though. I filed my claim for increase in Nov, 2005 and they just told me that a decisions has been made but it has to be signed off by a supervisor and no one would tell me at the 800# what the decision was but I kind of have an idea from my VSO but I'm going to wait and see. Michelle

Hello Everyone: I'm so tired of waiting on my rating but I wanted to know if anyone has dealt with the RO in Huntington, WV. I looked up their average claims approvals, disapprovals, etc and they were better than most RO but I don't know. Anyone know's?

Just my opinion but I would have contacted the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs in Washington D.C. by now..I'm going to pray for all of us because I am fed up as well. I have to try and make myself stay calm, so that I don't have multiple Anxiety attacks. Just keep complaining to higher up; eventually they will have to decide something. Michelle

Thanks you all for the support and Josephine; my claim is not in appeals yet. I'm live on the border of Georgia and Phenix City, Al actually my house is in Alabama write by Ft. Benning, Ga. I'm going to see a VSO this morning in my area plus like I said I called Washington D.C. yesterday to the Senate of Veterans Affairs Committee. The Montgomery RO said they were to busy and that's why they sent my claim their. I know they are sick of me because each time they tell me something stupid, I quote the regulation to them. I told them I'm not going away so they can prolong this until the cows come home. If they are trying to wait me out until I die, I've already told my family to pick up where I leave off. I'm going to see what today brings and anything I find out I will let you all know. Michelle