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  1. Today

  2. MyhealthVet/Ebenefits?

    pwrslm replied to Buck52's question in E-Benefits Questions

    Password pain. Norton has a free password program that keeps all your PW safe. It automates many of them, but not the EB site. EB is an elevated level of authentication and it does not work w/Norton. I also have a card file and 3 X 5 cards that I use alphabetically for PW's. Got some stored in there from the 90s still...maybe I oughtta clean in out someday.

  3. MyhealthVet/Ebenefits?

    pwrslm replied to Buck52's question in E-Benefits Questions

    www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage Bookmarked. Then you just sign in at EB. After that you can get Heathevent info linked from EB.
  4. Thanks for clarifying the time frame on this as being about right. In your case, once the Form 9 was submitted and then acknowledged by VARO how much longer was it that you actually got a DRO Hearing date. Just curious. Thanks brother.
  5. jfrei started following Appeal Question to ask and Migraines c and p exam soon....etc
  6. Make sure you know the definition of prostrating and what it means my mistake got me nothing but Service connection... better then a denial I'm guessin..
  7. And it may be a bit unless your experiencing a financial hardship losing your home or death bed as such is what I have been told. And yes this sounds about the right time for as SOC or SSOC if it's a remand as my experience has gone with my 4 appeals so far all in my favor it's funny how the BVA practices their own law but the Regional Office ignores it until upheld by the BVA...

  8. Finally after lucky 7 years

    DICK HILL replied to jfrei's topic in Success Stories

    Congratulations. Don't think you will have problem with SSI. I just went to 100% P&T on 29 Aug 17. Haven't seen my first new monthly check yet, but will on 1 Oct 17. Again Congratulations. Dick Hill
  9. Got a question....I filed five NODs 17 months ago....... eBenefits under Open Appeals for these 17 months just said - Appeal Pending -Notice of Agreement received and dated. Well, sometime over the past week days that changed to Appeal Pending - Statement of the Case (SOC) VA has received your Form 9 and will begin completing final actions regarding your appeal before it is sent to the Board of Veteran's Appeals. I requested a DRO Hearing when I filed NODs. Is this just routine procedure to be sent a Statement of the Case at this stage? I have not received a DRO Hearing date yet?
  10. I was 90% P and T IU SMC S and when I filed for an Adjustment disorder it triggered one DBQ which then in turn triggered two increases for my TBI residuals and my PTSD. Now today I am 100% scheduler P and T and SMC S ...

  11. MyhealthVet/Ebenefits?

    jfrei replied to Buck52's question in E-Benefits Questions

    Lol to many passwords for me and I thought i was smart to keep a page on my desktop that had all my passwords until my computer was hacked changed all my passwords now I just deal with forget your passwords procedures over and over

  12. Finally after lucky 7 years

    jfrei replied to jfrei's topic in Success Stories

    I'm told for the big one property tax in Delaware I have to be a resident for another 1 1/2 to apply for exemption living in Delaware

  13. Am I Wasting My Time?

    Seabee Wife replied to Seabee Wife's question in DIC

    John, I have been watching the documentary. Gut wrenching. Just kids fighting a war that we couldn't win. Makes me nauseous.
  14. DeMarco joined the community
  15. Yesterday

  16. Finally after lucky 7 years

    eagle1012004 replied to jfrei's topic in Success Stories

    Congratulations!!!! Yes...it will absolutely help with your SSDI hearing in December!! It's certainly not a guarantee of what they will decide, but it will be hard for them to ignore the VA decision. Now enjoy the moment...relax and totally focus on you!! Be sure and check out your state benefits for your 100% rating. Again....congratulations!! All the best to you and your family!! Greg

  17. Ihd -Va Definition And

    treysnonna replied to Berta's question in Agent Orange

    Since this is something you guys are already talking about, may I jump in? Hubby has a situation, he is approved now or ihd due to having his aortic valve replaced in sept of 2013. They found he had ihd in left branch just Dow from the aortic valve. So they rated him at 60 %. Now before this in April of 2009, he filed for a heart condition which was deferred. Service connection for mitral and tricuspid regurgitation also "valvular heart disease" disease (claimed as heart disease) is denied. Ther also deferred peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes. His private cardo dr. Diagnosised valvularheart disease manifested by moderately severe aortic insufficiency. C and p noted min dilated aortic root with aortic insuffiency and mild mitral regurgitation mild tricuspid regurgitation. i have found in pub med new evidence as of 2012 that states diabetes predisposes to aortic stenosis. Diabetes is associated with enhanced inflammation within as valves measured by crop expression, which may contribute to faster as progression. Aortic valve stenosis shares several similarities with atherosclerosis. Factor xllll has been detected within atherosclerotic plaques and may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis via mechanisms. I have pulled up other claims where vets were denied for valvular disease secondary to diabetes. And I guess they appealed it and was approved. Here are the dockett numbers 09-41-933a,10-43-947,08-17-821, and 08-11-503 and my hubby found his medical records. He had previously claimed hop and they denied it. But they stated they never looked in service record and it shows in his service med records he clearly had hip. And also pre diabetes. He retired in 92. I'm asking advice on what to do. Do we reopen it as April 09. any advice is greatly appreciated.
  18. Berta I am watching it every night and sort of surprised at how most knew this war was probably unwinnable so early, but we poured 500,000 men into the meat grinder and dropped millions of tons of bombs on open jungle. I was in 111 Corp and we had the arc light raids in what I believed were pretty populated regions. After the War in Iraq and Afghanistan I wonder if the military and government learned a thing from Vietnam. I doubt it. When we were in Vietnam we were completely cut off from the "world" and got our unbiased news from Stars and Stripes. I blame most LBJ and Nixon for prolonging that war when they knew it was a loser. Land war in Asia was something even McArthur knew was a bad idea. Ike knew it but they all continued it via lack of guts to just say "we can't win this". The USA believed in the Domino Theory and many still do as if we own the world and have to defend our empire.

  19. Exam Result Opinions

    john999 replied to CaliBay's question in Veterans Compensation Benefits Claims Research

    They are using the fact that you continue to work against you. Also you should be seeing a VA shrink on a regular basis. You also need an IMO to refute what that C&P doctor says or you will probably lose your claim for an increase. You need an IMO/IME saying you are a basket case more or less. I never got more than 30% until I stopped working and got SSDI. The VA says not working is bad for disabled vets and yet the only way to get 70% or better is not to be employable. Get the IMO and get a private shrink you can work with for the long run. These VA cretins will never grant you more than 50% if you work. If you see a VA shrink you need to complain your head off and never crack a smile. They write down everything and always try to minimize symptoms in my experience. This is war. You can also get statements from wife and friends saying you are in bad shape. Doctor's evidence is really what is needed. Do you have ability to take disability pension from your job? John

  20. TDIU granted, but also PERMANENT?

    john999 replied to SecurityForces03's question in TDIU Unemployability Claims

    I know you want to keep busy, but pushing against TDIU and bring you a world of hurt. I have SMC "S" which is housebound. Since you are 80% TDIU if you get another 60% somehow you can get "S" which is another $300 a month. If you are over 40 and have TDIU volunteer, but don't work or you may have big problems since VA checks with SSA regarding work done or SSA taxes paid. The VA makes these rules hard to live with on purpose. Your TDIU is for life and when you are 70 years old and your buddies are scraping by on tiny pensions and SSA you will be getting tax free dollars. IRS taxes both me and my wife's SSA and my federal pension. Soon I will start to take RMD's from our IRA's and that will be taxed, so the VA money will help pay all those taxes. I have looked for every loophole there is to find some dignity in forced retirement, but money is the best reward.

  21. Am I Wasting My Time?

    john999 replied to Seabee Wife's question in DIC

    Berta Have you been watching the PBS series about Vietnam. It is depressing knowing the war could have been ended in 1966 and the outcome would have been the same as 1975. Our government are such liars. I always thought the Vietnamese were laughing at us and now I know it. They always knew we were coming even when they chose to die in place. John

  22. Am I Wasting My Time?

    Berta replied to Seabee Wife's question in DIC

    Yes John autopsies , I have learned over the years , are Very costly ,...I dont know if the Organ Bank here in NY does them for free- I heard the VA will do one for free if the vet dies at the VA-----not sure----a VA employee told me that... and then again who would they get to even do the autopsy? Under unusual circumstances I think a coroner can order an autopsy for any one whose death was very unexpected or suspicious..but dont know who would pay for it. The problem is that many vets die before the ten year DIC rule , and die of NSC causes, and something they never claim might contribute to their death and be on the death certificate or found on the autopsy findings. Or due to something they died of or contributed to death ,with a claim pending for it , that would involve DIC but the surviving spouse would have to prove that it was a SC disability. The VA would have continued their statement in a 1997 denial that my husband died of cocaine overdose, because tyhe failed to give the posthumous Doc ( and even the VACO doctor) a copy of the autopsy, whih revealed only minimal amount of VA meds in my husband's system. In any case where the vet or their survivors feel the health care was inadequate and could have caused their loved one's death, they will either wonder about that the rest of their lives or they will somehow get the money for an autopsy to be done, but that decision has to be made right away. I know a family that still wonders why a member, after getting a clean cardio bill of health, suddenly dropped dead of a massive heart attack.He was not a veteran and they didnt want an autopsy done, but it still haunts them as to why he died.The doctors gave them a reason, saying it was a rare congenital heart condition, but I wonder how the doctors , who treated him, never picked up on it. A Death Cert is usually always correct, and it is an educated guess ,done often by a coroner who does not have the deceased medical records or any knowledge of the living habits, meds, etc etc of the deceased ,but an autopsy ,without all those things too, is a very definite way to determine the cause of death and any contributing factors a coroner or Dr at an ER might be completely unaware of. In any event ,even without an autopsy, hopefully the vet has claimed anything in their lifetime that could possibly cause their death. I have seenmany widows claims here John, with 1151 potential , that will be denied ,unless the widow gets an IMO, and the cost of the IMO might be a similar cost to having had an autopsy done.
  23. CaliBay started following Exam Result Opinions
  24. Hello everyone, Just trying to get a larger opinion from the forum. I am currently at 50% for Major Depression, seeking 70%. I went to my examination in stained sweats, a faded shirt, flip flops, unshaven, and hair frizzy and not brushed. For some reason, I believe my C&P examiner was wishing I did not come so she could go to lunch early based on her reaction to my arrival and her BSing with the receptionist prior. Anyway, I feel angry after reading her assessment and would like to know what you all think. I think she checked the box for 30% which is a decrease but all the symptoms are 70% looking. It feels really bad she is trying to make me out to be a liar when she doesn't know how I really feel. I have been suicidal, I have made attempts, I have researched the best methods, made plans, etc. The closest I have come is purchasing roper, tying it in a noose, and testing out a bar at work to see if it could support me in hanging myself. But I have really been feeling like crap and feel I have to fight really hard to not let my thoughts become the truth. All things she did not ask. What do you think will happen based on the below exam results? I thank you for your time and responses. CaliBay Mental Disorders (other than PTSD and Eating Disorders) Disability Benefits Questionnaire Is this DBQ being completed in conjunction with a VA 21-2507, C&P Examination Request? [X] Yes [ ] No SECTION I: - - - - - - - - - - 1. Diagnosis - - - - - - - - - - - - a. Does the Veteran now have or has he/she ever been diagnosed with a mental disorder? [X] Yes [ ] No ICD code: F33.2 If the Veteran currently has one or more mental disorders that conform to DSM-5 criteria, provide all diagnoses: Mental Disorder Diagnosis #1: Major Depressive Disorder, severe, recurrent ICD code: F33.2 Mental Disorder Diagnosis #2: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, with panic attacks ICD code: F41.1 b. Medical diagnoses relevant to the understanding or management of the Mental Health Disorder (to include TBI): severe sleep apnea 2. Differentiation of symptoms - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - a. Does the Veteran have more than one mental disorder diagnosed? [X] Yes [ ] No b. Is it possible to differentiate what symptom(s) is/are attributable to each diagnosis? [X] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not applicable (N/A) If yes, list which symptoms are attributable to each diagnosis and discuss whether there is any clinical association between these diagnoses Depression - depressed mood, not feeling pain, poor motivation, nightmares, few friends, feel worthless and helpless. Anxiety: doesn't like to leave his house, uncomfortable in crowds, some paranoia shakes c. Does the Veteran have a diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)? [ ] Yes [X] No [ ] Not shown in records reviewed 3. Occupational and social impairment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - a. Which of the following best summarizes the Veteran's level of occupational and social impairment with regards to all mental diagnoses? (Check only one) [X] Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, although generally functioning satisfactorily, with normal routine behavior, self-care, and conversation b. For the indicated level of occupational and social impairment, is it possible to differentiate what portion of the occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by each mental disorder? [ ] Yes [X] No [ ] No other mental disorder has been diagnosed If no, provide a reason that it is not possible to differentiate what portion of the indicated level of occupational and social impairment is attributable to each diagnosis: symptoms of GAD and MDD overlap and it is nearly impossible to differentiate between disorders. c. If a diagnosis of TBI exists, is it possible to differentiate what portion of the occupational and social impairment indicated above is caused by the TBI? [ ] Yes [ ] No [X] No diagnosis of TBI SECTION II: - - - - - - - - - - - Clinical Findings: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1. Evidence Review - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Evidence reviewed (check all that apply): [X] VA e-folder (VBMS or Virtual VA) [X] CPRS 2. History - - - - - - - - - - a. Relevant Social/Marital/Family history (pre-military, military, and post-military): The veteran has been married for 25 years, and they have 4 children ages 17, 12, and 7. His father lives at their home, but he is self-sufficient and assists caring for the children. His spouse works at Kohls. b. Relevant Occupational and Educational history (pre-military, military, and post-military): He works for the Federal Government as Transportation Specialist at the GS-11 pay grade. He stated that his supervisor has made a verbal accommodation for his mental disabilities to let him come and go as he pleases including arriving late and leaving early for work for appointments. He states he does not know exactly what he does at work but feels like a government worker that is unqualified for his position and got lucky to obtain his current job. He states he answers email correspondence all day and surfs the Internet. He stated that his duties are not really defined and much of his job requires little effort mentally or physically. He creates spreadsheets in Excel and analyzes financial data for travel. He works from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. He stated that he has used his all of his vacation and sick time because of his disability. He was out of work on FMLA for three months to receive mental health care and has returned in May 2017 with difficulty adjusting. c. Relevant Mental Health history, to include prescribed medications and family mental health (pre-military, military, and post-military): He stated that he was feeling better during for two months in a 12-month period. Since he returned to work, his depression has increased and has a frequent panic on a daily basis. He stated that he feels paranoid that someone is out to get him. He feels like he is worthless at work even though his managers have never told him his performance is poor. He does not recall periods of remission and stated that he only remembers all the bad things that have happened to him. He uses a CPAP machine but states he rips it off his face every night due to nightmares. He has always had nightmares of when his daughter passed away and escorting human remains off of military cargo planes. He estimates waking up every hour to check on his children to see if they are still alive. He self-admitted to a Mental Health Hospital for 3 months. He was suicidal and very depressed. He has not seen a Therapist but he has spoken to his Psychiatrist. Nightmares: never decreased, nightly or every other night. His nightmares are of the same theme. No exercise Medical records review: DBQ from private provider Statement from veteran Treatment records from Private Hospital Treatment records from Mental Hospital These records are consistent with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Many medications have been tried. He is at low risk of suicide at this point. Current Medication: Wellbutrin Abilify Prozac d. Relevant Legal and Behavioral history (pre-military, military, and post-military): None e. Relevant Substance abuse history (pre-military, military, and post-military): He drinks occasionally and states he is a “lightweight” in consuming alcoholic beverages. Sometimes he inhales CO2 from whip cream to get a temporary high. f. Other, if any: No response provided. 3. Symptoms - - - - - - - - - - - For VA rating purposes, check all symptoms that actively apply to the Veteran's diagnoses: [X] Depressed mood [X] Anxiety [X] Chronic sleep impairment [X] Flattened affect [X] Disturbances of motivation and mood [X] Suicidal ideation 4. Behavioral observations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - No response provided. 5. Other symptoms - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Does the Veteran have any other symptoms attributable to mental disorders that are not listed above? [ ] Yes [X] No 6. Competency - - - - - - - - - - - - - Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs? [X] Yes [ ] No 7. Remarks (including any testing results), if any: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This 45-year-old veteran still struggles with depression and anxiety. I cannot diagnose him with PTSD because it appears to be secondary to MDD. He has not sought therapy other than admitting himself to a Mental Health Facility. The veteran has been advised to get help for his symptoms and he has not complied. There doesn't appear to be any changes in his mental health status. The fact that this veteran continues to work without incident suggests that he may be functioning better than what he is showing. I recommend that this veteran receives intensive therapy and be re-evaluated after a year of consistent treatment.
  25. jfrei, let everything run it's course, and don't back out of anything. See how things progress as far as you open cases, then act accordingly. You're pretty much in the "safe zone" now, so don't stress it. Allan 2-2-0 HUAH!
  26. jfrei started following Finally after lucky 7 years
  27. 100% scheduler P and T with SMC S man that was not easy. But here I am at this point need another hobby other then obsessing with my claim that's over now.... could this help my SSDI hearing in December? I hope so
  28. I still have an active appeal for my skull fracture and my DVTs. But really there is no point other then Service connection?
  29. Ok I'm SMC S 100% P and T no more exams this decision I'll be able to share to you all as to why my PTSD/TBI was kept together for a combined 100 scheduler rating.. for those attempting to seperate might be better to keep combined finally rest is due...
  30. jfrei, 100% scheduler is the best all around I'm sure. As a "hobby" I would work on the SMC's now, but don't stress over it. FYI, I'm at 90% scheduler, P&T IU, and am working toward 100% scheduler with an upcoming DBQ which should push me over the top. Good luck brother, and keep us updated, and give us your input as well. Allan 2-2-0 HUAH!
  31. It's all good I went to the RO ten minutes from my home. I've been awarded scheduler 100% p and t.... f*** me up the goat ass the worst typo ever officer in charge personally said sorry they didn't see you were already awarded 100% P and T now it's considered scheduler P and T your safe
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