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You can read the full report here or download it from the link below. CSP_Annual_Report_2023-Final-2.pdf View full record
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VA Caregiver Support 2023 Annual Report
Tbird posted a record in VA Disability and Benefits Information
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ScarlettFreeberg joined the community
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If you are happy with what you have, why bother! Why introduce more aggravation in your life! jmo
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PTSD Exacerbation
relatively happy camper replied to Wordsmyth's question in PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims
If the military accepted you, they accepted you as "fit for duty," unless you purposely hid or lied about something from them (fraudulent). Unknown problems can't be held against you. They often try to blame anything but themselves. I disagree w/rattler in that YOU do not have to prove the pre-existing condition was not active when you entered the service, as their acceptance s enough proof. There is a 38USC/38CFR on their presumption of fitness, but I can't quote it, now. I'm sure someone will post it. Try not to offer negative evidence on any of your claims. Always be honest and truthful but sometimes a yes or no answer is all that's needed. We as humans tend to offer too much info. -
If multiple new issue claims are filed within a year they get combined into one claim. Whether it’s 1 issue or 20 it all gets worked at the same time. If you are asking for increases those go on as well. If you are appealing something that’s a supplemental claim and is worked on its own.
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Hears the link to the PACT ACT at the VA. Just because you have presumptively issues doesn't mean that you will get service connected for a presumptive. You will need a doc to state. 1. You have one of the presumptive conditions on the list. 2. You will have to have it denoised by a doc. 3. How were you retired? Medical or retired with 20 etc.? The more information you give us the better we can help you. As brokensoldier244th has stated, "Diagnoses of hyperlipidemia, elevated triglycerides, and elevated cholesterol are laboratory results and are not, in and of themselves, disabilities. 61 Fed. Reg. 20,440 (May 7, 1996). " The fact that you had stents put in 2 coronary arteries I am betting that there is a diagnosis that will related to your cholesterol. depending on what the diagnosis is it can be ACT ACT. (Gulf War Syndrome.) Your 60% Chronic Fatigue, and Possibly 30% Insomnia, and the stents put in 2 coronary arteries. Are under the PACT ACT. (Gulf War Syndrome.) Your back conditions should be filed as a separate claim. The VA may combined the into one claim kind of separated by the PACT ACT. brokensoldier244th may be able to give you more guidance on how the VA will process them both. Lastly I just read an article that related DEET with PCB's and Dixon the same thing that is in Agent Orange
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PTSD Exacerbation
Rattler replied to Wordsmyth's question in PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims
Hears a couple of questions. 1. Did you complete your term of service? Hears why. If you had a preexisting condition and you completed your term of service with out any problems then the VA cannot claim it was a preexisting condition. It is assumed that if you pass the entrance medical you are fit for service. That's why part of the reg states in service injury or acervation of preexisting condition. Hera's the problem you will have to prove that the preexisting condition was not active when you entered service depending on what you tell them about it. I actually have a 2nd cousins son who has Asperger Syndrome. He went to a military school for Junior high and High School, and is now in the Air Force. 2. Is there any MH in your service treatment records? -
How do I file for chronic multisymptom illnes?
ShrekTheTank replied to Kuwaitin08's question in VA Disability Claims Research
I think it is just a catch all for issues and then they spread them out to the closest related issue. I know I filed and they sent it back as not service connected. They gave me most of the issues related to it, but I don't think there is a real just rating for this. -
How do I file for chronic multisymptom illnes?
broncovet replied to Kuwaitin08's question in VA Disability Claims Research
I dont work for VA, but I dont think there is a seperate form for this, just list them and list "chronic multisymptom illness". Just file. Since you are already at 90 percent, this will be an increase. Are you working? If not, consider filing it with TDIU, if you think the reason you are not working has anything to do with SC conditions, "whether or not" the VA has yet recongized them as SC or not. You stated something about they are "all on record at VA". Good. But, are you sure? Have you gotten a copy of your records and do you know they are complete? If you have, good, you are ahead of the curve. If not, you have some alternatives: 1. Do nothing. Not recommended. "Assuming" va has all your records (like I did) led to disappointments and delays. And worse. Denials. 2. Be proactive by doing one, or more of the following: A. Make an appointment with your VSO "who has VBMS access" and review your records, and make sure they are complete, including c and p exams, "in service events" which may have led to service connection, such as in service medical records documenting an illness or injury. B. Order your own copy of your records (if you dont have them) and keep them. When they arrive compare them with the VBMS records and send in new relevant evidence which may be missing. C. You may also be able to get paper copies of at least some of your records at your local VAMC, if you ask at the "release of information" office. I have done all of the above, over the years, "beginning with number 1. (big mistake). I was a shreddergate victim, and did not know it. Many, many Veterans have had key evidence "mysteriously disappear from their file". Yep. I assumed "that wont happen" with VA. Boy, was I ever wrong. -
Sgt. Wilky started following How do I file for chronic multisymptom illnes?
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How do I file for chronic multisymptom illnes?
Sgt. Wilky replied to Kuwaitin08's question in VA Disability Claims Research
A lot of my ratings are claimed under "undiagnosed illness". I didn't specifically file under that, it was the VBA ALJ that grouped and granted many of my claimed conditions under it, and that was back in July of 2015. Do some looking under the C.F.R. for that and see if claiming all those under that. Best of Luck! Semper Fi, Sgt. Wilky -
Need you opinion on this outcome. Should I be worried?
broncovet replied to boomerps2's question in VA Disability Claims Research
Stop worrying. It wont help. It sounds like you already have an attorney who is looking out for you. Generally, once you give the law firm POA, they dont call you or even inform you each time they file a document, to include a HLR. It sounds like you "not only" have retro coming, but you also may have still more Retro, with the DTA (duty to assist), because, it sounds like there is "something" in those federal records the VA failed to get that will help you. Under 38 CFR 3.156 C, New Service records, when VA finds service records related to your claim that were not previously available (for whatever reasons, it sounds like the previous reason was laziness) then you get an effective date back to when you first applied, if awarded benefits. While I have not reviewed your file, and your attorney has, this could well mean more retro for you. Instead of worrying, you can start thinking of what you will do with your retro. I recommend you do that. When I knew mine was coming, but I did not know how much, I did a "3 tiered plan". I knew the retro could be up to about 100kplus. I also knew it could be less. So, I built a financial plan that went something like this: A. Retro 5000 to 25,000 Tithe to my church. Pay off bills. From that left over, Save 50 percent. Enjoy spending 20 percent of wants, such as take my wife on a trip (short). B. Retro. 25000 to 50,000. Tithe. Pay off bills. From that left over. Save 50 percent. Invest in dividend stocks. Take wife on longer trip. C. Retro 100k or more. Tithe. Pay bills. From the left over. Invest. Go on a longer trip. Consider new car. Sure enough, the retro was (C). -
Top 10 Discussions 1. VACP TREAS 310 is a Compensation Payment. Retro? You May Have Won Your Claim 2. "Exam request - processing -- No longer needed" View full record
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Buie v. Shinseki, 24 Vet. App. 242, 250 (2011) SMC
pacmanx1 replied to pacmanx1's topic in SMC Special Monthly Compensation
Bump Since more veterans are having questions about SMC, I decided to bump this post. SMC is quite tricky and hard to understand and follow. I suggest that all veterans should seek out an accredited attorney for assistance. -
Need you opinion on this outcome. Should I be worried?
pacmanx1 replied to boomerps2's question in VA Disability Claims Research
You never know what the VA will or will not do until you get your notification letter in hand. With that said, it is not likely they will try to reduce or even collect any benefits that you just received. Take a deep breath, based on your own post it may very well be that you are owed even more retroactive pay. You posted that your claims were denied between 2019 and 2022 but your most recent letter states your last award went back to 2022. That means the VA may still be working on if you are owed benefits back to 2019. Don’t quote me, unfortunately you will have to wait for your new decision letter. Your VAMC Medical Records may show an even earlier effective date of when you were diagnosed and treated for your conditions that may go back to 2019 and could shed light on additional pay that was not considered and owed. -
Need you opinion on this outcome. Should I be worried?
boomerps2 posted a question in VA Disability Claims Research
VA lawyer opened High Level Review for backpay I should have gotten for years of denials without my permission. I was angry but decided to let it ride. Originally was denied from 2019 to 2022 then got 100% P&T on those denied claims with enough rating to qualify for SMC-S (170%) but didn't get it for some unknown reason. I decided not to "Poke the Bear" because I was more than happy where I was at. Fast forward to a couple days ago and noticed decision was made. Turns out they noticed their error and bumped me to SMC-S with $8000 in backpay. Then looked again and it changed to "Duty to Assist" "We failed to get federal records. We will develop for VAMC records (EHRM)". What does that mean after I have gotten a decision on my rating? Says "VA will make a new decision" even though I already have the decision letter. VA website doesn't have anything under the "issues" tab but the VA app under the "issues" tab says "Currently on appeal." Is more money owed? What does this mean and would they lower my rating after raising my rating for some unforeseen issue? Should I be worried? Thank you for your help https://preview.redd.it/should-i-be-worried-need-your-opinion-w-outcome-v0-p7pw3xjddzoc1.png?width=736&format=png&auto=webp&s=b489e51eae23f489d42139e755e2573bd4f3fa31 REASONS FOR DECISION 1. Entitlement to special monthly compensation based on housebound. Entitlement to special monthly compensation is warranted in this case because criteria regarding housebound have been met from July 27, 2022. (38 CFR 3.350) 2. Higher Level Review for mild neurocognitive disorder and traumatic brain injury. The issue of mild neurocognitive disorder and traumatic brain injury was returned for correction of a duty to assist error in the prior decision. We failed to get federal records. We will develop for VAMC records (EHRM). 3. Higher Level Review for post concussive headaches. The issue of post concussive headaches was returned for correction of a duty to assist error in the prior decision. We failed to get federal records. We will develop for VAMC records (EHRM). -
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brokensoldier244th started following ...Consider the need for SMC and A&A
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Smc is a separate tier. Instead of “regular” tier you are paid at SMC tier, they aren’t stackable. Smc has nothing to do with caregiver. Housebound doesn’t mean being a vegetable or chained to your house. Remand means sent back to RO level to fix something. It’s in your decision letter.
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OP again here - Much thanks again for the well written guidance. it's really helped me get my brain around this. Pretty sure I'll complete the PACT Act request this week. Seems having this on my VA file will qualify me presumptively for issues that may come up later. A s a medical logistics troop from 1981-2000 (significant AD periods 1981-1985; 1991) my daily duties included personally opening with my hands and disposing outdated and suspended medications, medical cleaners, biological agents, vaccines, laboratory reagents, and insect repellants. In the 1980s I was the junior member of a two-person medical logistics office so was the one doing most of the hands on destructions. I listed this and several other TDY locations in my claim where I participated in this same standard medical logistics task. Next week or later I may request separately the cardiac stuff and back stuff. I may also request the depression secondary to my rating for insomnia. Much thanks again. Hoping I've enough for VA to approve the PACT Act.
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Thanks for the enlightenment. So does this mean I get SMC in addition to my current VA Compensation? or does it switch over? I do have a caregiver, my wife, to assist with ADL as well. She had to quit her job for me. I'm wondering if she loses the Caregiver status and stipend if I get switched to SMC. I'm unsure why they may adjudicate me at SMC S since im not house bounded. I'm still confused for why they granted 100% rating for PTSD with TBI residuals rather than 2 individual ratings. Please forgive my multiple questions for I am still uncertain with the what-if scenarios. Simply worried.
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Please answer the poll has HadIt.com helped you.
Tbird replied to Tbird's question in VA Disability Claims Research
@CapnHaddock Thanks for letting me know. You explained using hadit.com well. @ErcIm97 Support is a big part of hadit.com. I've felt that from the very beginning that building community and providing support would be an instrumental part of hadit.com -
The VA has a duty to maximize your benefits. Further, the maximum "is not" 100 percent, contrary to a popular myth. 100 percent is about 3737 per month, while SMC R2 is over $10,000 per month. Therefore, 100 percent "is not" the max benefit. "Within reach" for you is "at least" SMC S. SMC S, (statuatory) whenever the Veteran has a single 100 percent (tdiu counts) plus additional disabilities that combine to 60 percent seperate and distinct. You may even already be there. I have not reviewed your file, nor your disabilities so IDK, but the Board has. Thus, at a minimum, the BVA wants the VARO to "adjuticate" SMC S, that is, to consider you for it. (Its about another 450 or so per month). A service connection for OSA would almost certainly put you at SMC S, if the other rating(s) did not. Remember, they have to be "seperate and distinct", and I dont know about that. Service connection for SMC is inferred. That means the VA is supposed to award it, whenver you meet the criteria, that is, you do not have to apply for it. Its presumed you want it once you reach 100 percent. This said, if SMC has not been awarded, you can still apply. It wont be the first time VA failed to adjuticate or award SMC, even tho they are supposed to. This is regulation, and the Board insists the VARO follow regulation and adjuticate SMC. Generally, when ever you are awarded a single 100 percent, the VARO should adjuticate SMC S. Thus, the Board remanded the claim to do that. You can read the decision, it should specify the reasons for remand, but, for sure that is one, based on your post. In short, its good news, you could/should be getting additional compensation and/or retro. Now, if you have "loss of use" of hand, foot, reproductive organ, eyes, ears, etc. OR if you need help of others for ADL (daily living activities like bathing eating, dressing, etc, then you could should be eligible for aid and attendance. You should apply for any of these if you need A and A, have loss of use due to Service connected injuries.
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I wrote, PACT ACT claim for bladder cancer, Agent Orange. Whatever you handled or were exposed to. I do not think it matters if you are not on the presumptive list of PACT ACT exposure locations as long as the substances were where you were, and military records will show that. Mine was easy. For yours, it may require the RO to do a little research. But with your medical opinion, it should not be a problem. Just may take a lot longer than mine did.
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chris_2pher started following ...Consider the need for SMC and A&A
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Hello everyone. First post here. Hope all is well. Currently 70% PTSD with TBI and on IU since 2010. I also have 40% total of other ailments (back, neck, knees). My wife is my official VA caregiver and on the Post 9-11 Cargiver program. In 2018, I made attempts to get a higher rating but was denied not long after the OTC appointments. I then submitted an appeal to the BVA. In Feb of 2024, I received a letter from the VBA that a 100% rating for PTSD with TBI residuals was granted. A few more pages in the letter regarding Diagnostic Code 8045. It is written that the 'VA should consider the need for Special Monthly Compensation for such problems....." It also states a remand for sleep apnea. I have searched the internet about this topic but still don't understand. I did not apply for SMC at all. Does this mean they are going to switch me? What do they mean about remand? Please chime in if you have any insight. I would love to hear from you. Thank you in advance.
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Improving on SC 0% or did I blow the chance
CapnHaddock replied to CapnHaddock's question in VA.gov Questions (formerly E-Benefits)
This has all been very helpful because in the back of my mind I have worried about getting independent medical care and then taking it to the VA. Thank you for this! -
Lemuel started following Community Care TKR-how to file
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Community Care TKR-how to file
Lemuel replied to auenone's question in VA Disability Claims Research
I think my grand son obtained his father's unused educational benefits. His father served in two periods of war. One in the marines and one in the navy. Out of the marines on a medical discharge in the gulf war, I think. Do not know how that worked.
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