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Disability Benefits Questionare

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Penelope

Question

I am filing for TDIU. My rating has been at 60% for more than 20 years.  I am trying to make sure that I have everything I need before submitting the claim.  I am wondering whether I need to have my doctor complete the Disability Benefits Questionare.  I am applying for TDIU for a condition that is already service connected.  I also have a nexus letter from my doctor.

As far as the DBQ, my VA doctor, who has now retired, answered most of these questions over the years in filling out forms related to my job.  That is why I am not sure whether the form is needed or not.

Thanks for your input.

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The 60% SC, in and of itself, doesn't guarantee an IU award. Do you have New or Evidence of Record, that supports an IU Claim? Why have you waited to file for IU, what changed?

Being out of work, unemployed or under-employed, doesn't do the trick. Has it been verified by any Medical Professional or Employment Specialist, that your SC condition (and only your SC Condition) precludes you from earning, even doing Sedentary work, above the VA SGI ($12,400 yrly)?

youu may want to give the VA Vocational Rehab "Denial Letter," consideration. The "Letter," has worked for myself and a number of other Vets, with 1st Claim or DRO Hearing for IU.

Semper Fi

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Gastone -- I was able to work the entire time, but was accommodated because of medical restrictions at my job.  The letters were written by my VA doctor and solely due to my Service Connected condition.  In 2012, my condition became a lot worse and work was not anxious to continue to accommodate me, although they did.  As my condition worsened, my family doctor took me out of work and has written a letter saying that I can no longer secure and maintain gainful employment, including sedentary work, solely due to my SC disability.  I think the correct term is a nexus letter because it relates all my medical conditions back to the SC disability. I filed for Social Security Disability and it was approved.

Since 2012, when I left work, I have been trying to concentrate on getting my medical self under control.  I have wondered whether I should go to VA Voc Rehab or not, since my SSDI file, contains testimony stating and the judge found that there are no relevant jobs that I can do.

It took 8 years to get my SC approved and I hope to submit a better claim from the start this time even though I know the wait for approval will be a long one.

Do you think I should go to VA Voc rehab in spite of Social Security and the letter from the Dr.?  If so, I am more than willing to make an appointment to see what they say.

Thanks for your comments and time.  I appreciate it.

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I trust you have started the IU FDC Claim, on your E-Ben site, just haven't hit the Submit Button.

You can either File for Voc Rehab on-line or as a walk-in at your RO. Expect an appointment with a VA Voc Rehab Councilor within about 2 to 3 weeks, give or take. At the 1st appointment, explain your SC situation and how you can't even do Sedentary work. You should be able to get the very important Voc Rehab Denial letter, right away, if not sooner.

With the "Denial Letter" scanned as an attachment to your IU FDC Claim, hit the Submit Button. If all your "Evidence of Record," supports your IU Award, with the inclusion of the Voc Rehab Denial Letter taking any posibility of Sedentary Work off the table, it should be a done deal.

Currently not unusual, for FDC's  getting awarded in 3 - 6 months.

Semper Fi

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Gastone - Thank you for your reply.  I will contact Voc Rehab this morning and set up an appointment.  I requested one a few months back, but missed it.  They said I had a year to request another appointment.

I have started the claim on ebenefits and have been trying to get all the evidence together.  I am just having trouble putting it all together and want to do it right.  I have a lot of docs, my VA doctor said the condition was permanent with no improvement expected, as well as the reduced work schedule at work.  My family doctor, who helped me get the original service connection and was mentioned in the BVA claim, wrote a current letter.  I think I am well on my way, I am just a bit slow putting it together.

Thank you for your comments.

 

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All the Med Evidence that is already in your VMC Med Records, doesn't need to be copied. Just point the Rater in that direction on the FDC.

If you want to dress this FDC up a bit, do a Notarized Sworn Affidavit. This takes the place of the VA Statement in Support of Claim. Read up on it, at VA Lawyer Chris Attig's Vet Law Blog. I think it helped me, at least the DRO Hearing Officer seemed impressed.

Semper Fi

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Gastone and others -- Thank you so much for your comments and help.  I have learned a lot and appreciate your comments and advice.  Thanks, again.

 

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