I retired from the Post Office 4 years ago due to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It was a regular retirement. I left on my doctor's advice because I could not do the job and the stress was making my CFS worse. I filed for SSDI and that was granted for CFS, as well as other issues. Since that time, My rating of 60% disabled for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been in effect for more than 20 years and I am 63 years old. I think I should file for Permanent & Total and or TDIU, but am hesitant on doing so. I tried to write up the paper work today, but it is so difficult to relive that time in my life. I should also add that my VA doctor has written up letters over the 20 years with the same restrictions the entire time and stated that my disability and these restrictions were permanent and no endpoint was defined. I was accommodated in my position until about 2007. At that time, things changed and they no longer wished to accommodate me, as well as others. They didn't want anyone there that had any type of restriction. After more than 17 years in a bid and being accommodated for that long, the bid was abolished and it took more than 3 years to get a bid and an accomodation. In that accomodation, I was told it was an accommodation of last resort and could be changed at any time. They also abolished the occupational code, so I took a bid that I thought I had a chance that I could do. It turned out that I was unable to do the bid and realized that I would have to start the whole process over again to find a job I could do and get accommodated. That is why I retired.
I feel paralyzed and am not sure if filing this is the right thing to do or if I should just keep the 60% and let the rest lie. I cannot risk my 60% rating. My Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and restrictions are what lead to my retirement. SSDI decision addressed the fact that I can no longer even do sedentary work. The stress of even thinking about and following through on another VA claim is taking its toll. I think that is why I have waffled on making this decision.
Your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks for your time.
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Penelope
I retired from the Post Office 4 years ago due to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It was a regular retirement. I left on my doctor's advice because I could not do the job and the stress was making my CFS worse. I filed for SSDI and that was granted for CFS, as well as other issues. Since that time, My rating of 60% disabled for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been in effect for more than 20 years and I am 63 years old. I think I should file for Permanent & Total and or TDIU, but am hesitant on doing so. I tried to write up the paper work today, but it is so difficult to relive that time in my life. I should also add that my VA doctor has written up letters over the 20 years with the same restrictions the entire time and stated that my disability and these restrictions were permanent and no endpoint was defined. I was accommodated in my position until about 2007. At that time, things changed and they no longer wished to accommodate me, as well as others. They didn't want anyone there that had any type of restriction. After more than 17 years in a bid and being accommodated for that long, the bid was abolished and it took more than 3 years to get a bid and an accomodation. In that accomodation, I was told it was an accommodation of last resort and could be changed at any time. They also abolished the occupational code, so I took a bid that I thought I had a chance that I could do. It turned out that I was unable to do the bid and realized that I would have to start the whole process over again to find a job I could do and get accommodated. That is why I retired.
I feel paralyzed and am not sure if filing this is the right thing to do or if I should just keep the 60% and let the rest lie. I cannot risk my 60% rating. My Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and restrictions are what lead to my retirement. SSDI decision addressed the fact that I can no longer even do sedentary work. The stress of even thinking about and following through on another VA claim is taking its toll. I think that is why I have waffled on making this decision.
Your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks for your time.
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broncovet
The VSO's and the VA would love your attitude. They want people to "not apply" for an increase, because they fear a reduction. However, you need to look at the reduction criteria. Nowhere does it s
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I left on my doctor's advice because I could not do the job and the stress was making my CFS worse. I filed for SSDI and that was granted for CFS, as well as other issues. My Chronic Fatigue Syn
broncovet
Your period of service connection is only relevant if you are seeking NSC Pension with A and A. If you are seeking compensation, it does not matter when you served. Expect your VSO to try to talk yo
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