Can I File For Backpay For Service Connected Issues?

[ihateliver]

I have never applied for increased benefits. However readng HADIT it appearsthat I may be entitled to more than I am currently receiving.

Below is my current rating as it stands in eBenefits.

The Pes Planus is service related. Hearing loss is service related (I was a 13E in artillery). Nothing for vericose vein stripping? I just had the right leg in surgery. I have other items that I had while in service that have just gotten worse over the years. Can I file for those as well?

Secondary to bilateral varicose vein status post stripping 0% Service Connected 02/04/2011

Varicose veins, right leg 10% Service Connected 03/31/1998

bilateral varicose veins status post stripping 10% Service Connected 09/16/1996

pes planus (flatfoot) Not Service Connected

hearing loss Not Service Connected

varicose vein stripping left leg 0% Service Connected 03/31/1998

left ankle sprain (claimed as nerve pain) Not Service Connected

skin condition (colored skin, right leg, chest and right side of head) Not Service Connected

hallux valgus, right great toe with degenerative changes 10% Service Connected 06/09/1992

status post fracture, distal phalanx of the index finger 0% Service Connected 06/09/1992

right ankle sprain Not Service Connected

chondromalacia of the patella left knee 20% Service Connected 07/18/1994

Not sure where to go with all of this. Hope I can get some help. Currently I'm going after my C - File.

[Pete53]

You can file for bankruptcy for financial reasons like you don't get enough money to live and pay your bills. As far as am imvrease in your ratings it has to be ;looked at cause as you suspect from this post the VA has probably low balled you.

Good Luck

[Navy04]

Sad to say that Pete is on the money. Sorry to hear of your issues bud. Good luck and God Bless!!!

[Carl the Engineer]

ihateliver,

You need to get your medical records from whomever has them to include St Louis ?, your old units and all you civilian records related to you time in service. And yes, you need to get a copy of your c-file. Then you need to put them together cronologically and see what you claimed and what you can still claim. Also, concider secondary issues that you have now that could have been cause by your initial claimed issues.

As for as backpay for your service connected issues, I think you have one year to file for those after seperation, etc. You can file anytime after one year, but thats your start date for that claim.

FYI, I started with 30 and then went to 40, then 60 and now 70. Currently monitoring my maledies to see if/when to file for an increase or any secondary issues. You need to do this, the VA will not look out for your compensation. And remember your VA clinic you seek medical assistance at is not the same VA that compensates you for Service Connected issues. Two seperate agendas.

Most of my claims I had supporting documentation from civilian doctors, even though I go to the VA for their semi-annual checkup. I present myself as pretty positive and in good shape and the VA doctors have yet to send my anywhere when I have a health issue, whereas my civilian doctor send me to a specialist when I think something is up. The VA doctors keep telling my I am getting old. No shit batman!

Anyway, you have to drive this train if you want to succeed, knowone will help you. And it will be a slow trip..

Good luck

Hamslice

[ihateliver]

Thanks for the info Hamslice. Navy and Pete I don't need sympathy. I'm a fighter bros. I ain't broke, just fighting for what I freakin earned!!! I don't need no stinkin bankruptcy and don't feel sorry for me. Either help with some productive advice or stay in the bushes and watch!

[georgiapapa]

ihateliver,

Excellent advice from Hamslice. More than likely the VA has your service medical records in your c-file. If you get a copy of your c-file and do not find the service medical records, you can get them by going to the National Archives website and filling out and submitting the appropriate form requesting the records. Their website is Archives.org

Good luck to you.

GP

[OSC]

Thanks for the info Hamslice. Navy and Pete I don't need sympathy. I'm a fighter bros. I ain't broke, just fighting for what I freakin earned!!! I don't need no stinkin bankruptcy and don't feel sorry for me. Either help with some productive advice or stay in the bushes and watch!

Just to let you know...I misread that word Backpay for Bankruptcy the first time I saw your post. The two people you just chastized are senior people on this site and VERY knowlegable regarding the VA, so I recommend you lighten up a little when seeking help...which is the reason we are all here.

OSC