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2. robby joined the community 20 minutes ago
3. 

   IME in Ohio

   broncovet replied to RetiringArmy's question in IMO Independent Medical Opinion

   You are premature for an IME while still in service. We dont know what disabilities you are applying for. Generally, you need to apply for benefits within a year of discharge. (You wont get any benfits on disabilities you predict you will have after service) . You only get benefits on disabilities related to service that have occurred, not that you predict will occur. Its good to think ahead, but, unless you have an "in service event" or aggravation, it wont be linked to service. A doctor can not provide "an in service event". There are a few docs who do IMO's...on many different disorders, such as DR. Bash. Keep in mind you need 3 things for service connection, not "just" an IME/IMO: 1. Current diagnosis (that is, after service). It wont hurt that you have an in service diagnosis, but keep in mind the VA does not pay for "acute" disorders. They have to be "chronic" and demonstrate symptoms over time, not just hurt for a while and then the pain goes away, such as a sprain. 2. In service event or aggravation. 3. Nexus or doc opinion that your current (post service) diagnosis is "at least as likely as not" due to the in service event. There is a bdd, but I dont know how that one works exactly, but its probably similar.

   • 34 minutes ago
   • 2 replies
4. Today
5. 

   PTSD EXTRA STUFF ON CLAIM?

   ShilohLee replied to hansjolo's question in PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims

   Navy4life is correct 100%, the others will be "moot"

   • 1 hour ago
   • 2 replies
6. 

   Dad filed claim for PTSD with no diagnosis..Seriously..But..

   ShilohLee replied to msh789's question in PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims

   When I first applied for my initial claim for PTSD it started from just a "unspecified anxiety disorder" and it was not until a routine visit with mental health that I even picked up the PTSD diagnosis. Sometimes you still find doctors in the system how are blunt and point blank in that manner. My social worker said something very similar to me about my VA Comp early on and encouraged me to file in the first place. Which I am glad I did or otherwise I would be like your dad waiting til I was in my twilight years.

   • 1 hour ago
   • 10 replies
7. 

   SSDI Battle for 100 P&T Combat Vet

   ShilohLee replied to AimSmall's question in PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims

   Relax and be cool, I had the same experience and won at the hearing. A lot of us do and all my life all I ever heard was they denied everybody first couple times although from other vets ive been in contact with locally it seems to be getting better as far as first time approvals. One of my buddies applied in October with VA 100 for ptsd they approved him in December and is expecting his back pay and first check here in a few months. I know they are fast tracking for vets too on first applying as well. Good luck, you can do this.

   • 1 hour ago
   • 15 replies
   • • ptsd
     • ssdi
8. 

   PTSD increase via Dr. Ellis

   ShilohLee replied to El Train's question in PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims

   they are suppose to take it with the same weight but with the VA who knows?

   • 1 hour ago
   • 1 reply
9. 

   Im scared plz help Does this mean....what does this mean

   ShilohLee replied to ShilohLee's question in PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims

   Well Ebennies finally shows 100% P&T and an effective date going back to 2014....glad its finally close to being done. My jump from 70 to 100 was more money than expected but atleast now I can live and support my family.

   • 1 hour ago
   • 9 replies
10. 

    IME in Ohio

    MrStryker replied to RetiringArmy's question in IMO Independent Medical Opinion

    Not sure about Ohio. I'm flying to OKC next week to see Dr Ellis. I think it's worth 3 investment. $500 for 4 disabilities plus $100 for each additional.

    • 2 hours ago
    • 2 replies
11. 

    Worth filing?

    BuddyLoveAK posted a question in VA Disability Compensation Benefits Claims Research Forum

    Hi all, and thanks in advance for any input and advice! I'm considering filing a new claim but am not sure if it's worthwhile. While I was in-service I had chronic bronchitis. I just went through my medical records and they circled acute bronchitis every time except one, where they circled chronic. It lasted for like 9 months. After discharge my primary care physician told me I had significant scarring form the bronchitis and it caused me to have a lower than expected PFT, so I should file a claim, which I did. However, I put pneumonia down instead of bronchitis and they denied me right away saying I didn't have pneumonia. And I left it at that. Now I am having a harder and harder time breathing and have asthma. I had asthma when I was in elementary school but it went away when I was in middle school, and it appears to have come back some years ago. Anyways, is it worth filing for some kind of respiratory condition? I'm not sure what pulmonary scarring is called or if that's the cause or my asthma, and if my asthma was aggravated by service. I was exposed to chemicals once for several hours. My Sgt made me and my roommate mix bleach and ammonia and scrub the floors with hand brushes, which got us pretty sick. I'm not familiar with pulmonary issues, my claim I'm fighting for right now is mental health related. Thanks again and sorry if I rambled a bit.

    • 3 hours ago
12. leonard changed their profile photo 4 hours ago
13. 

    Best Way to Help Your Claim - From a Veteran Service Representative

    dajoker12 posted a question in VA Disability Compensation Benefits Claims Research Forum

    I am a Veteran Service Representative for the Dept of Veterans Affairs for compensation on the rating side. For those unfamiliar with my job, there are two key figures processing compensation claims. RVSRs (raters) and VSRs; they do the medical side and we do the administrative side. Essentially my job is to do everything but rate the claims. I have seen some on here disputing the merits of DBQs. That being said, I think that is foolish to advocate that DBQ's for musculoskeletal exams are the only worthwhile DBQs to submit. One very worthwhile one to submit is Sleep Apnea. Yes, the VA will do it for free, but if you have a decent insurance policy, you can get DBQs done for a $25 co-pay w/ a medical opinion. I get that that not everyone has good medical insurance and that that is a disadvantage for some, but for those that do have it, that is one course of action to take. One might make an argument that you could even essentially write up a medical opinion and save them the legwork and have them edit it to their liking...........don't like the opinion........go to the next doctor and only submit the ones that are favorable to you. If you want to really cement your claim, get cross disciplines to and do multiple DBQs i.e. have an orthopedic surgeon and a podiatrist do foot and ankle DBQs and medical opinions. Have a chiropractor and an orthopedic surgeon do your knees, back, neck, hips, shoulders. Want to get sleep apnea, well, get a handful of "buddy statements" from people that you served with on active duty written on 21-4138 forms so that they become affidavits if you have no complaints/treatments/sleep study while on ACTIVE DUTY, submit them so they become part of your "C-file", see a sleep specialist for a sleep apnea DBQ, get a medical opinion for direct service connectedness...........make sure that he sees the buddy statements.........if you legitimately had sleep apnea in service, your buddies will make adequate statements. Then, if you have PTSD, see a psychologist and try to get sleep apnea secondary to PTSD. Double whammy. Lots of studies out there to corroborate that. Make sure that you have your C-file. Doctors filling out DBQs are supposed to have access to your C-file to adequately make a medical opinion. If you don't care about the medical opinion, then don't worry about it. For presumptive issues such as gulf war i.e. chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal, I wouldn't even bother trying to get a medical opinion as it will not carry much weight. Again, DBQs accompanied by medical opinions, especially in number, are in your favor for getting a favorable decision. Don't like the PTSD rating that you just got last month............go right away and get a PTSD Review DBQ and Medical Opinion by a Psychiatrist, Ph.D. Psychologist or a Psychologist under a Ph.D. psychologist. Learn about the M 21-2 references.............google is your friend. Learn about the rating references...........google is your friend.............. Don't want your claim held up............take your damn time when filling out all of your paperwork and make sure everything is filled out completely and send us everything from the get-go. I would suggest doing an intent to file call the 1800 827 1000 number, fax in a 21-0966 form etc. That way everything will be back paid to whenever we receive that. Take your time filling everything out. If you want to claim dependents, have a 686c form filled out............every damn line that is there fill out.........don't have the information........get it.........I am guessing that you can get it quicker than 15-30 days, so get it. Have birth certificates of your kids and marriage certificate for your wife. We don't need social security cards....just numbers. Have records from private doctors scanned and ready to submit. If you have copies of your Service treatment records, DD 214's, OMPF (Personnel FIle) scan them and have them ready to submit (we still have to send out for them, but if we can't retrieve them, then we have them there ready to use as a last resort. If you are wanting to claim aid and attendance, have those forms scanned and ready to submit. Wanting to claim PTSD, have a 0781 or 0781/a scanned and ready to submit unless you were in combat and it is easily verified. Wanting to claim IU, have an 8940 and 4192 filled out and scanned ready to submit. I would also suggest making a brief (5-6 sentences at most) statement on a 21-4138 for each contention you are claiming; be specific with what you are claiming.............don't say foot pain..........be more specific i.e. pes plan (flat foot)..........when did it start.......was an injury involved.........where did you initially get treated..........where have you continued to get treated............etc... When filling out the 526ez be specific............ especially if you were in the reserves or the guard..........tell us the name of unit you were with, current address and contact information. If you have a line of duty reports (again, guard and reserves) better believe that you should submit those. It pays to take your time. You will be more likely to have a quicker turn around if you take your time and do everything completely. If you don't like your rating, don't appeal it right away...........that should be the last resort. Send it new and material (relevant) information. Do not get disheartened. For direct service connected exams, we can generally only send you out for exams if there is a complaint/treatment/injury in your service treatment records for a contention that you are making. Secondary connected issues are different. This is why it is highly intelligent for anyone wanting to file a claim to actually be in possession of their service treatment records BEFORE filing for a claim. It would also be intelligent to have a copy of your Personnel records which you can actually get off of DPRIS which can be accessed via va.gov or e-benefits if you got out of the service within the last twenty or so years. If not, I would recommend downloading an SF 180 form and sending it out.........hopefully the government shutdown won't slow it down too much. Once you have all of that done, sit back, relax and have a cold one. Believe it or not, people sending out original claims (first time claims) that have everything put together and in which the claims are not overly complex i.e. 35+ contentions w/ aid and attendance, IU, 4142/4142a etc ad nauseum, are actually having exams ordered for them within 2-3 weeks of the claim being received. Best of luck.

    • 5 hours ago
14. 

    Compensation question and otherd

    dajoker12 replied to creek chub's question in VA Disability Compensation Benefits Claims Research Forum

    I would put in for an increase for foot condition, and claim pes planus (flat foot) and plantar fasciitis. You might want to try to get a DBW and MO to go along with that to help out your claim.

    • 5 hours ago
    • 1 reply
15. 

    Dbqs - This Doctor Will Do Them

    dajoker12 replied to ArmyDude1997's question in Veterans Compensation & Pension Exams

    I am going to have to disagree with you. I am a Veteran Service Representative for the Dept of Veterans Affairs for compensation on the rating side. For those unfamiliar with my job, there are two key figures processing compensation claims. RVSRs (raters) and VSRs; they do the medical side and we do the administrative side. Essentially my job is to do everything but rate the claims. That being said, I think that is foolish to advocate that DBQ's for musculoskeletal exams are the only worthwhile DBQs to submit. One very worthwhile one to submit is Sleep Apnea. Yes, the VA will do it for free, but if you have a decent insurance policy, you can get DBQs done for a $25 co-pay w/ a medical opinion. One might make an argument that you could even essentially write up a medical opinion and save them the legwork and have them edit to their liking...........don't like the opinion........go to the next doctor and only submit the ones that are favorable to you. If you want to really cement your claim, get cross disciplines to and do multiple DBQs i.e. have an orthopedic surgeon and a podiatrist do foot and ankle DBQs and medical opinions. Have a chiropractor and an orthopedic surgeon do your knees, back, neck, hips, shoulders. Want to get sleep apnea, well, get a handful of "buddy statements" from people that you served with on active duty written on 21-4138 forms so that they become affidavits if you have no complaints/treatments/sleep study while on ACTIVE DUTY, submit them so they become part of your "C-file", see a sleep specialist for a sleep apnea DBQ, get a medical opinion for direct service connectedness...........make sure that he sees the buddy statements.........if you legitimately had sleep apnea in service, your buddies will make adequate statements. Then, if you have PTSD, see a psychologist and try to get sleep apnea secondary to PTSD. Double whammy. Lots of studies out there to corroborate that. Make sure that you have your C-file. Doctors filling out DBQs are supposed to have access to your C-file to adequately make a medical opinion. If you don't care about the medical opinion, then don't worry about it. For presumptive issues such as gulf war i.e. chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal, I wouldn't even bother trying to get a medical opinion as it will not carry much weight. Again, DBQs accompanied by medical opinions, especially in number, are in your favor for getting a favorable decision. Don't like the PTSD rating that you just got last month............go right away and get a PTSD Review DBQ and Medical Opinion by a Psychiatrist, Ph.D. Psychologist or a Psychologist under a Ph.D. psychologist. Learn about the M 21-2 references.............google is your friend. Learn about the rating references...........google is your friend.............. Don't want your claim held up............take your damn time when filling out all of your paperwork and make sure everything is filled out completely and send us everything from the get-go. I would suggest doing an intent to file call the 1800 827 1000 number, fax in a 21-0966 form etc. That way everything will be back paid to whenever we receive that. Take your time filling everything out. If you want to claim dependents, have a 686c form filled out............every damn line that is there fill out.........don't have the information........get it.........I am guessing that you can get it quicker than 15-30 days, so get it. Have birth certificates of your kids and marriage certificate for your wife. We don't need social security cards....just numbers. Have records from private doctors scanned and ready to submit. If you have copies of your Service treatment records, DD 214's, OMPF (Personnel FIle) scan them and have them ready to submit (we still have to send out for them, but if we can't retrieve them, then we have them there ready to use as a last resort. If you are wanting to claim aid and attendance, have those forms scanned and ready to submit. Wanting to claim PTSD, have a 0781 or 0781/a scanned and ready to submit unless you were in combat and it is easily verified. Wanting to claim IU, have an 8940 and 4192 filled out and scanned ready to submit. I would also suggest making a brief (5-6 sentences at most) statement on a 21-4138 for each contention you are claiming; be specific with what you are claiming.............don't say foot pain..........be more specific i.e. pes plan (flat foot)..........when did it start.......was an injury involved.........where did you initially get treated..........where have you continued to get treated............etc... When filling out the 526ez be specific............ especially if you were in the reserves or the guard..........tell us the name of unit you were with, current address and contact information. If you have a line of duty reports (again, guard and reserves) better believe that you should submit those. It pays to take your time. You will be more likely to have a quicker turn around if you take your time and do everything completely. If you don't like your rating, don't appeal it right away...........that should be the last resort. Send it new and material (relevant) information. Do not get disheartened. For direct service connected exams, we can generally only send you out for exams if there is a complaint/treatment/injury in your service treatment records for a contention that you are making. Secondary connected issues are different. This is why it is highly intelligent for anyone wanting to file a claim to actually be in possession of their service treatment records BEFORE filing for a claim. It would also be intelligent to have a copy of your Personnel records which you can actually get off of DPRIS which can be accessed via va.gov or e-benefits if you got out of the service within the last twenty or so years. If not, I would recommend downloading an SF 180 form and sending it out.........hopefully the government shutdown won't slow it down too much. Best of luck.

    • 5 hours ago
    • 5 replies
    • • dbq
      • exam
      • (and 1 more)

        Tagged with:

        • dbq
        • exam
        • c&p
16. Inarticulate&Distorted started following VA disability appeal Attorney recommendation... 5 hours ago
17. 

    VA disability appeal Attorney recommendation...

    Inarticulate&Distorted replied to AtlMarine's question in Appealing Your Veterans Compensation Disability Claims NOD, DRO, BVA, USCAVC

    Robert Friedman out of Everett Washington got me everything i have. Took about a year, very thorough and no BS.

    • 5 hours ago
    • 5 replies
18. 

    Compensation question and otherd

    creek chub posted a question in VA Disability Compensation Benefits Claims Research Forum

    I am rated 10% for a bunion and have been since around 1995. I had surgery to correct it not too long ago. The recovery process is still ongoing. Is my 10% rating protected now? also, I believe my bunion aggravated and or caused other medical conditions. My arch is now fully fallen and I have reoccurring plantar fasciitis. Could I file a secondary claim on these due the bunion even though I had it recently operated on? Thanks for any suggestions

    • 6 hours ago
    • 1 reply
19. 

    SMC possibilities 21-2680

    MrStryker replied to jfrei's question in VA Disability Compensation Benefits Claims Research Forum

    I don't think you qualify for aid and attendance. Your best bet is SMC S with a 100% + 60% rating. The exception for A&A is you're a danger to yourself or others, which is not documented on the form. You should apply for the VHA caregiver program also.

    • 6 hours ago
    • 1 reply
20. Airborne Pat changed their profile photo 6 hours ago
21. 

    BVA appeal shows closed-Now what?

    Jamezam replied to shrekthetank's question in Appealing Your Veterans Compensation Disability Claims NOD, DRO, BVA, USCAVC

    The incompetence and ineptitude of the Veterans Adminstration and the VARO’s is absolutely mind boggling! If by back to normal you mean FUBAR you are right.

    • 6 hours ago
    • 26 replies
22. 

    DONT USE VSO

    63Charlie replied to paulcolrain's question in OEF/OIF Veterans

    If I'm not mistaken, veterans represented by VSO have one of the lowest success rates at the Board of Veterans Appeals.

    • 6 hours ago
    • 79 replies
23. 

    BVA appeal shows closed-Now what?

    shrekthetank replied to shrekthetank's question in Appealing Your Veterans Compensation Disability Claims NOD, DRO, BVA, USCAVC

    Looks like it is now back to normal. Waiting lol

    • 6 hours ago
    • 26 replies
24. 

    C&P Exam 2nd

    63Charlie replied to indianstryker's question in RAMP Rapid Appeals Modernization Program

    Once a claim is denied, a veteran is entitled to have legal representation to prosecute an appeal. I have had attorneys file Notice of Disagreement for me once I have a contract with them for legal representation

    • 7 hours ago
    • 4 replies
25. theplasmaguy joined the community 8 hours ago
26. 

    Implementation of BVA grant

    11cvolley replied to rockerson's question in Appealing Your Veterans Compensation Disability Claims NOD, DRO, BVA, USCAVC

    If you were denied service connection and then the BVA says, 'hey, grant service connection,' the RO could go as low as 0%. So if you're not happy with the %. You have to appeal, then if denied; go back to the BVA. Same with backdate. I was granted but denied a better backdate. My case went to the BVA just for a better backdate.

    • 8 hours ago
    • 2 replies
27. 

    C&P Exam 2nd

    john999 replied to indianstryker's question in RAMP Rapid Appeals Modernization Program

    The main thing is to file your NOD on time. You have time to think over your strategy after than and you must file the NOD before you can get a lawyer if that rule is still in force. If you can win your claim at the VARO you are better off and much quicker.

    • 8 hours ago
    • 4 replies
28. Yesterday
29. davidlj1958 changed their profile photo 8 hours ago
30. 

    Completion estimate on Ebenefits

    Lameduck replied to jfrei's question in VA Disability Compensation Benefits Claims Research Forum

    hey you may want to delete those dox and re-upload. Your personal information is on the top

    • 9 hours ago
    • 7 replies
31. 

    Seconday SC DBQ

    MrStryker posted a question in VA Disability Compensation Benefits Claims Research Forum

    I had a hypertension and GERD c&p exam secondary to ptsd and other disabilities. The DBQs only have the severity and chronicity. Are they supposed to have the doctor's opinion on if it's related to my current disabilities?

    • 9 hours ago
32. Medievalbelle changed their profile photo 9 hours ago
33. 

    BVA appeal shows closed-Now what?

    BuddyLoveAK replied to shrekthetank's question in Appealing Your Veterans Compensation Disability Claims NOD, DRO, BVA, USCAVC

    I didn't notice that. It must be a typo, too much of a coincidence I think.

    • 10 hours ago
    • 26 replies
34. 

    Completion estimate on Ebenefits

    jfrei replied to jfrei's question in VA Disability Compensation Benefits Claims Research Forum

    Of course not but I was told it’s a FDC and my 21-2680 is here so you can maybe guess my slim chances of an easy dent or grant?..

    • 10 hours ago
    • 7 replies
35. 

    BVA appeal shows closed-Now what?

    Jamezam replied to shrekthetank's question in Appealing Your Veterans Compensation Disability Claims NOD, DRO, BVA, USCAVC

    Mine changes daily too. I was pointing out the fact that IRIS said the VARO transferred your appeal in “2018” and not 2019. Is that just an IRIS typo?

    • 10 hours ago
    • 26 replies

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