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RAMP Rapid Appeals Modernization Program
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44 questions in this forum
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Why RAMP is not living up to expectations (Just my newbee 2 cents)
Hi all, New here, but want to share my experience with RAMP. I came here looking for advice/ info/ direction, and it looks like some of you have had similar experiences with RAMP as I have had so far. I have been in an appeal for almost 3 years now, I elected a DRO review. During my appeal, I made contact with an old platoon mate who agreed to write a buddy letter on my behalf. Since this was considered "new" evidence, the lawyers' office helping me said I should opt into RAMP as I now have new evidence. I took their advice and went the RAMP route. The VA received my RAMP package Aug 2018. Since then, nothing has changed. When I call, they simp…
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Ramp was a waste of time
Ok... so I have been confused by what is going on with my claims, I opted in to ramp Jul 2018 . The claims were already in an appeals status and I had already requested de- novo reviews. So they took a claim that did not even exist in one case (Heart) and requested a C&P exam. In another case they decided to ignore the issue and what had been written when I requested an earlier effective date for my TBI rating and then denied the EED. In another case I asked for a separate rating for my sleep apnea, ( separate and apart from my asthma/copd) and I requested a step increase in my SMC from L 1/2 to M, because any rating 50% or more entitles the veteran to additio…
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RAMP-Screw me twice, shame on me.
After a careful review of the new, improved VA Appeals Modernization Act by our good buddies in DC, I report back. All the forms and all the info. https://asknod.org/2019/02/24/ramp-screw-me-twice-shame-on-me/
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Sleep Apnea secondary to PTSD and Sinusitis
I had made another post but I think this title is more appropriate. I got my RAMP decision letter for my OSA denial. In a nutshell, "The evidence does not show that sleep apnea is related to the service-connected condition of PTSD personal trauma, alcohol use disorder, nor is there any evidence of this disability during military service. In general, there is not a relationship of sleep apnea to post traumatic stress disorder. Sleep apnea involves the respiratory system and the airway where as PTSD is a mental condition. However, all cases are different. If you have a medical opinion from a physician stating that your sleep apnea is caused by PTSD with a reasona…
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RAMP: SMC S denial
I just got the envelope yesterday. SMC S was denied "even tho" my doc gave evidence that I was homebound, and, of course, I have not worked since 2003, and should be eligible for SMC S per Howell. (From Alex website) https://asknod.org/2014/08/25/cavc-howell-v-nicholson-what-smc-s-really-says/ In relevant part: I noticed that the M21 manual "includes" references to Howell, but, that does not mean this rating specialist read it. He also did not read my evidence. Of course, I knew that GS9 rating specialists dont have the authority to award when it could mean 5 or 6 figure retro's, so its off to the BVA I go. I am considering Berta's "cue me…
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duty to assist
So I've had my claim since 2011, I went through RAMP.... basically nothing changed when I got their decision (8 Feb 19) and 3 days later I got a letter from the VA, Evidence Intake Center, Janesville, WI stating, "We completed your request for Higher-level review, and discovered an error in our duty to assist in gathering evidence in support of your claim. We will take action to correct our error and forward your claim to the rating activity for further processing under RAMP." It's now 22 Feb, and I see nothing in Ebenefits or Va.gov. other than it's closed. Is this worth getting excited about?
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RAMP Appeal Closed In Less Than 30 Days
I filed my appeal via RAMP on January 24, 2019 and just checked VA.gov and saw that it was decision ready on Feruary 13, 2019. It says the letter will arrive in 7 to 10 days with the decision and I can check my status on ebenefits. I just checked ebenefits and it's not showing an increase. I've heard ebenifits can be slow to update at times and my appeal was just closed yesterday. Has anyone seen there claim move this quickly through RAMP? My first thought is that the quick decision probably isn't a good thing.
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RAMP Completed for EED
I filed a NOD and opted for a higher level review via RAMP in November 2018. Today they completed my case, the senior rater had called me last Monday to discuss my case. I had requested an EED for the nerve issues in my legs (I have four different ratings for my legs). I was granted an EED for two of the four nerve issues, the date was moved up by 12 months. I live in VA but the senior rater was from the Seattle RO, he was very friendly and even took time to answer some questions unrelated to my NOD. So far as far as the processing times goes I have had good luck with them taking four months (this was my second RAMP). I have also filed an appeal with the BVA and have…
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TDIU without Dr. opinion
Hello fellow veterans! My question is this. My psychologist at a VA facility told me he does "not provide letters with regard to unemployability." Not that he opined negatively, but that he simply doesn't do it! Now PTSD programs (Cinncinnati) in their brochure say they will not provide any letters with regard to VA benefits. I have now moved to Vietnam in order to be able to live (got my ticket right before my decision that gave me 70% arghhh!) so any ideas what I can do now? I have a truly horrible work history but mostly I would quit because the stress would be too much. This was before I had any benefits to lean on, I simply lost everything and became homeless.…
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NEW RAMP Regulations on effective dates
Take particular notice: Some of the more generous early effective date rules apply only to the SUPPLEMENTAL CLAIM LANE. This means you should "EXERCISE CAUTION" when opting into ramp using HLR. I also note "new and material" evidence has been replaced by "new and relevant" evidence. This would appear to be a "liberalization" of benefits because the term "material" suggests that the new evidence be somewhat outcome determinative. However, "relevant" evidence suggests that, altho it must pertain to the claim, the new evidence need only be relevant and not necessarily be outcome determinative. Example: Your claim submitted lacked BOTH an in service event a…
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C&P Exam 2nd
I just received a call today from VES in Houston scheduling some exams. I moved my appeal over to the RAMP program. I am just curious why they would not use the exam data that they have on file from my initial visit. Why would they need me to come back for a second visit. I was denied previously, not because the issues did not exist, but because they said that they were not service connected. I submitted a Nexus letter from a physician stating that the conditions were most definitely caused from my time in service to be put in the appeal record. I am just curious what y'alls thoughts are on them scheduling this second exam?
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Opt in Ramp or not?
Hi all, I have a Remand from the BVA in August 2018 and the VA sent me a letter asking me to opt in the Ramp program. They also called asking if I wanted to opt in the Ramp program. I said no! The main reason I said no is because part of the board decision was a grant of an EED from 1993 til 2013. I''m looking to get a hefty back pay deposit. Now the problem is the RO has not implemented the BVA decision yet and my understanding is they should implement the board decision before working the Remand. I feel if I opt in for the remand they will not implement the board decision until they finish with the remand. My question is do anybody know or had any experien…
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