ptsd Dro Hearing

[Joe01]

Im just writing because I just found out that I have been schedule for two DRO hearing's (one for PTSD and the other for neck and back) on the same date. Now, I dont know what to expect or even what to do when I go for my hearings. Do I need to bring any kind of paperwork and what should I expect...On my appeal for neck and back, i had a C&P exam not to long ago, im currently rated 10% each and really dont expect this to increase because i have no loss of range of motion, even know I deal with pain and other issues every day. On PTSD Im rated at 30% and havent work for about a year now due to this and back and neck disabilities. I havent been schedule for a 2nd C&P exam for my PTSD, Just had the initial C&P done and I was working at that time. I was approved SSDI not too long ago due to SC disabilities. What should I expect from this DRO hearing? How should I prepare myself for it?

[Berta]

having problems posting today ----hope this one goes through

TDIU 21-8940.pdf

[Joe01]

Thanks for the help Berta. I Will get everything organized in folder like you recommended. And yes, I am service connected for back, neck, and PTSD and my SSD is for anxiety disorder (I guess they refer to PTSD because that's what I mention on the application) and back disabilities. You mention voc rehab. Well I'm starting my second semester. On my first semester I was having a lot o issues but I manage to pass two out of three classes. Oh, they weren't college credit hours, they where beginner classes to get me ready for the actual college classes. I talked to my voc rehab counselor wich Is pretty cool, and asked him for another chance this semester and he agreed. So here I am ...

[Joe01]

Berta: I never got an SOC for my PTSD appeal. After I received my PTSD rating me and my rep filed an NOD and now have this DRO hearing. Was I supposed to get one?

[carlie]

If you got a Rating Decision, it will have the Evidence used and Reasons and Bases Sections

that will state why they granted the PTSD and why they granted XX percentage.

Go thru it to see if they used all the Evidence that you submitted or gave them a ROI form to get.

Be sure they actually list and used the evidence.

Form your argument from this and the Reasons and Bases Section.

[john999]

What I like about DRO Hearing is you can explain the details of your claim. The DRO gets to ask questions of you. If you were not there to answer the DRO would just guess and make a decision based on what he knows without you there to untangle the knots in your claim. One simple misunderstanding can and often does result in a denial. For instance, for some reason the DRO may not know you are on SSD or that you are not working. He goes with what he knows.

[Joe01]

Thanks for the help John and Carlie.