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Tbird

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  1. The email you received explained it. It is quoted below for your reference. asked and answered Locked
  2. Added the regulation to be helpful. Didn’t mean to cause a stir and didn’t realize I had posted already.
  3. Not sure what is going on with the 2022 post showing up in the unread and no responses from 2022 to 2024, I’ll do some research.
  4. @Navy_Vet I am sorry you were attacked. That is unacceptable. We have such a large active community so I don't see every post.
  5. If you get a chance drop one of the donors a PM and let them know you appreciate them jumping in to keep the lights on for all of us! You are all HadIt.com!
  6. Thank you to the following members for donating to our Jan 29, 2024 fundraising: @vmo @Ken Dillon @Raybob @slangpdx @pawmbi @Corwin @Sgt. Wilky @mgw616 @Mark D Worthen PsyD @David brown @VictorTot @Blaise @John Gutierrez @Cat4Christ777 @IndySam @Harv @ColdWarVet @greenwrench @Indy_CV62_OS @MrJay58 @bennet8 @Meteesee1 @ScottCGAS @Aviation Electrician @Dustoff1970
  7. Can you help HadIt.com? We came up short on the bills this month, so we are very concerned about next month. Since becoming a non-profit, we rely on donations like yours to keep the site open and operating for you. If you can make a one-time donation, it would benefit our planning. If you could afford a monthly commitment of even $5, that would help. Click Here To Donate Now - Donations are Tax-Deductible Thank you for your time and your continued support. Tommy R. Smith "Rattler", President Theresa M. Aldrich "Tbird", Founder
  8. Its not you. Its us. We are switching from hadit.com to our new address community.hadit.com but we have to do somethings before we can create an automatic redirect. We are working on it, but it is taking some time.
  9. What is the best way find a lawyer?
  10. VA Disability Articles on the Community Click here to view the full list. I’ll be adding more each week. VA Disability Calculator: Combined Ratings Explained The VA Disability Calculator page will open in a new window. When the VA page opens, scroll down to locate the calculator. If the VA finds that a Veteran has multiple disabilities, the VA uses the Combined Rating Table below to calculate a combined disability rating. Disability ratings are not additive, meaning that if a Veteran has one disability rated 60% and a second disability 20%, the combined rating is not 80%. This is because subsequent disability ratings are... 10 Tips To Prepare for Your VA Compensation and Pension Exam A Compensation and Pension Exam Tips That Stand the Test of TimeA VA Compensation and Pension Exam isn’t like a normal medical exam. The provider won’t treat you for any illness or injury, give you referrals to other providers, or prescribe medicine. That’s because the exam aims to gather information to help decide on your claim. During your exam, the provider may do any or all of these things: Perform a basic physical exam. This may or may not include physical contact. Ask you questions based on the medical records in your claim file. These may include questions from the Disability Benefits Questionnaire for... VA Disability Claims Status Messages (formerly eBenefits) Your claim can go from any step to back a step depending on the specifics of the claim so that you may go from Pending Decision Approval back to Review of Evidence. VA.gov status is helpful but not definitive. VA Claims Status: Your VA claim status indicates the current stage of your claim in the review process. It allows you to stay informed and updated on the progress of your claim. Below are the VA claims status messages you may see and their definition. VA Disability Retroactive Pay: Understanding and Calculating: VA Historical Compensation Rates 1974 - Current Won Your VA Claim? This reference will help you calculate your retroactive pay. VA Disability rates listed below are for calculating your retroactive pay once you win your claim. For example, if you were awarded 50% from 1997 to the present, you will be paid at the 50% rate for the corresponding years. VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service. Find out how to apply for and manage the Veteran’s disability benefits... Establishing VA Service Connection for Disability VA Claims Folders, the infamous C-File We can not stress enough how important it is to View your VA Claims Folder at the Veterans Affairs regional office (find your Regional VA Office here). Call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and request an appointment to view your C-File (VA Claims Folder). Ensure that all the records in your VA Claims Folder or C-File are yours. Check that everything you have sent to the VA is included in your VA Claims Folder. After viewing your VA claims folder (c-file) and correcting any mistakes you may find, you should request a hard copy of your C-File. Suppose you need help obtaining your VA Claims Folder from your Regional VA Office. In that case, you can file a written Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request. See... VA 100 Percent (Totally Disabled) and Employment By Tbird, in VA Claims and Benefits Information !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2024_01/disabled-employment.thumb.jpeg.81e7a5e2e35c0f178530c5d892af8030.jpeg You will find these articles helpful in understanding employment when you are rated 100% and wondering If you can work100% VA Disability Benefits and Employment: Your Guide to Success - Hill & PontonAs a veteran with a 100% VA disability rating, you have earned the highest level of disability compensation for your service-connected disabilities. However, it’s important to understand the impact of this rating on your employment options. This article will explore the different ways to achieve a 100% VA disability rating, discuss the challenges, and... USCAVC No. 17-0781 Ray v. Wilkie "Substantially Gainful Occupation" or "Substantial Gainful Activity" !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2024_01/case-law.thumb.jpg.73bfdeb17e2a7bcc8d4166a9a8b74e13.jpg Summary: This document analyzes the interpretation of "substantially gainful employment" within VA regulations. It highlights the need for a clear definition, the role of the Court in interpreting regulations, and the inconsistencies in the VA's interpretation. The document argues that the VA's current interpretation is inconsistent and absurd, as it fails to consider essential factors outlined in the regulations.USCAVC NO. 17-0781 RAY v. WILKIE (PDF)UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMSNo. 17-0781 VACP TREAS 310 is a Compensation Payment. Retro? You May Have Won Your VA Disability Claim !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/what-is-vacp-treas-310-deposit.thumb.jpg.6bf8c54bc714a6711dc8f2a0d3a49def.jpg A TREAS 310 unexpected deposit into your checking account may be puzzling, usually, it is good news. Perhaps your VA disability compensation claim was granted, and the deposit made it to the bank before your letter arrived. It happens. To be on the safe side, wait for the letter confirming it. You can also call the VA at 800-827-1000. Or check e-Benefits. Once you log into e-Benefits, you can check your letters and see what percentage is listed. A few of the codes labeled 310 on your US Government Check: VACP is for VA disability compensation or pension payment. VAED is for GI Bill payments. IRS is from Internal Revenue Service Log Into e-Benefits to View Your Payment History You Must File A Claim Before You See That VACP TREAS 310... Additional 100% Disabled Veteran Benefits !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/100-additional-benefits-300.thumb.png.2c3e8b343d7111877b48ce9932eec76a.png If you reach 100% - Permanent and Total, more benefits are available to you. This is by no means an extensive list. Be sure to check your state benefits.BenefitsCheck your states veterans benefits here. Dental treatment for 100% disabled veterans benefits. Educational Assistance for Dependents: (under chapter 35) Must be rated a 100% disabled veteran by the VA. Civilian health and medical program for dependents/survivors (CHAMPVA). Must be rated a 100% disabled veteran by the VA. Specially Adapted Homes Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance: Decreasing term mortgage insurance up to $90,000 for... VA Compensation and Pension Exam – Dos and Donts !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/va-compensation-exam-do-and-dont-2023-001.thumb.png.af911ee600ed4d8a34d365688e6f5202.png An Examiners' perspective relating to psychiatric compensation and pension exams. It is still a good guideline for all exams. A Guideline for your VA compensation and pension examA VA Compensation and Pension Examiners’ perspective relating to psychiatric exams. It is a good guideline for all exams, but they only did psych exams. The VA has examined me for multiple problems, and this is my format when I go to be examined. A little common sense and clarity of thinking will go a long way toward getting you what you are entitled to. Written by: Steve A. Neff MSW 10 Tips to Help You Keep the VA C and P Exam in Perspective. !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/10-Tips-001.thumb.png.a39ff38b72cdb08542de4231b1805255.png Every C&P Exam has 2 Goals.The first goal is to have the doctor confirm that your injury, disability, or limitations are related to your military service – to prove the Nexus Pillar – and/or to establish the degree you are disabled – the Impairment Pillar.The second goal is to draw out the “evidentiary gap” in your claim through a C&P exam. The evidentiary gap is the difference between what is IN the record and how the VA SEES what is in the record. If you are denied service connection, it is almost always because of an evidentiary gap. Rather than throwing a haystack at the RO and then.. Disabled Veterans State Benefits Including Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemptions !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/disabled-veterans-property-tax-exemptions-by-state.thumb.png.b2a422ee0e6f3142bcf3c3c02f9a7df5.png Looking for information on property tax exemptions for disabled veterans by state? We’ve got you covered. Click on any state below to find out whether or not they offer tax exemptions, and if not, you’ll be redirected to the veteran’s benefits page for that state. You can also view veteran statistics from the Census Bureau by clicking on the image next to the state name. More Likely Than Not: What You Need to Know About Reasonable Doubt Rule !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/more-likely-than-not-reasonable-doubt-001.thumb.png.f9307461a536aa7c12ac1971394284a7.png The Reasonable Doubt rule is one of the most important liberalizing rules that the VA uses to grant veterans benefits and is defined under 38 CFR, §3.102. The Reasonable Doubt rule means that when there is an equal balance of evidence for and against the claimant, the claimant is awarded their claim. This is like in baseball, as the “tie goes to the runner.” Keep in mind this doesn’t mean that just because there are ten pieces of evidence for your claim and ten against that, you will be granted your claim. It means that after consideration by the decision maker at VA, they have weighed the evidence, and there is an equal balance in their judgment. They must resolve reasonable doubt in the claimant’s favor. It also doesn’t mean that if, for example, there are five pieces of evidence in favor of a... See What the Government HA Been Up To: VA Federal Register Announcements 2023 !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/va-federal-register.thumb.jpg.8b9a8023eaf083561e458b2285dd0294.jpg See What the Governments Been Up To: va-federal-register-announcements-2023.pdf How Long Before VA.gov Updates My VA Claim Status? !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/va-claim-closed-how-longdoes-ittake-to-update-va-govcopy.thumb.jpg.5db0093d68758c8fa30696b7918acbd1.jpg Average Time to Complete VA Disability Claim 114.1 Days The average number of days to complete disability-related claims in November 2023 (The latest wait times here). How long before I see an update on my VA Claim Status? The timeline for how long it takes to update VA.gov after a VA claim is closed will vary depending on the types of claims and processes involved. If you win your VA claim, retroactive pay can sometimes appear in your account before you receive a decision letter. Demystifying VA Disability Claims: A Comprehensive Guide for Veterans and Their Dependents !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/demystifying-va-disability-claims.thumb.png.785904c06ffaf2f9d1fe5493ec4a9072.png The VA disability claims process can often be complex and overwhelming for veterans. However, understanding this process is crucial for veterans to access the compensation they deserve. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of VA disability benefits, including the types of compensation available, the importance of legal representation, and insights into the claims process. By the end of this post; you will have gained valuable knowledge to navigate the complexities of VA disability claims and maximize your entitled benefits.VA Disability Claims ProcessThe VA disability claims process can be broken down into several key steps. Each step plays a crucial role in... Eligibility for VA Health Care !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/va-healthcare-eligibility.thumb.png.1a440f7542556ab25b1547c8723be675.png Eligibility for VA Health CareYou may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge. If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981. Unless any of the descriptions below are true, you must have served 24 continuous months or the entire period the government called you to active duty. This minimum duty requirement may not apply if any of these are true: You were discharged for a disability caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, or You were discharged for a hardship or... 5, 10, 20 Rule VA Disability Rating Protections https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/va-disability-ratings-protection(800x800px).thumb.jpg.17ccc713d63a939ae25afc0d96dd1015.jpg The 5, 10, 20-year rules... Five-Year Rule The five-year rule states that the VA can’t reduce a veteran’s disability that’s been in place for five years unless the condition improves over time on a sustained basis. The veteran will likely need to present medical evidence to prove the material improvement of their condition. Hill and Ponton The VA Disability Five-Year Rule: What Veterans Need to KnowThe VA Disability Five-Year Rule, which requires the VA to re-evaluate veterans with certain types of disabilities periodically, can have several effects on veterans. One potential effect of the Five-Year Rule is that a veteran’s disability rating may be adjusted based on the re-evaluation results. If the VA determines that a veteran’s... How to Document Your VA Disability Claim: Reviewing Your Service Medical Records !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/documenting-your-va-claim.thumb.png.d8687a5450274896fcc48029a10e1d3c.png Reviewing your service medical records. Whether your records are PDF or paper, this system will work. The information below is written as if the service medical records were paper. However, you can substitute the electric version for my suggestions below. This work, and it is work, can produce a lot of anxiety. Take Breaks. Below is my system for going through service medical records. I hope you find it helpful.The first thing I do after receiving a service medical record is number each page. When I reach the end, I add 1 of 100, and so on. Second, I then make a copy of the service medical records on a different color paper... Breaking Down the Stigma: A Guide to Understanding VA Disability Service-connected disabilities are those disabilities caused by service in the military, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hearing loss, or a traumatic brain injury. Non-service-connected disabilities are those not caused by military service, such as degenerative joint disease or chronic pain. And lastly, unemployability means a veteran is unable to work due to their disability. You will hear the term extra-schedular... VA disability can be broken down into three categories !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/38-cfr-black-and-white-large-1024x400.thumb.jpg.5eea0037a1e0cb1deedf42b4abedb295.jpg VA disability can be broken down into three categories: service-connected, non-service-connected, and unemployability. Service-connected disabilities are those disabilities caused by service in the military, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hearing loss, or a traumatic brain injury. Non-service-connected disabilities are those not caused by military service, such as degenerative joint disease or... Eligibility VA Pensions !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/va-pension-eligibility.thumb.png.26f3e9e3229f626a17d9396aafc06b6f.png You may be eligible for the Veterans Pension program if you meet these requirements. Both of these must be true: You didn't receive a dishonorable discharge, and Your yearly family income and net worth meet certain limits set by Congress. Your net worth includes all personal property you own (except your house, car, and most home furnishings) minus any debt you owe. Your net worth consists of the net worth of your spouse. Find out about Veteran's Pension rates. And at least one of these must be true about your service: You started on active duty before September 8, 1980, and you served at least 90 days on active duty with at least 1... Eligibility for Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly Voc Rehab) !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/va-vre-eligibility.thumb.png.d9153decfe75a5457557320ecf811ac1.png You’re eligible to apply for VR&E (formerly Voc Rehab) benefits and services if you meet both of these requirements: All of these must be true: You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, and You have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the VA When we receive your VR&E application, we’ll schedule your initial evaluation with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). The VRC will determine if you can receive VR&E benefits and services. If you were discharged from active duty before January 1, 2013, your basic eligibility period ends 12 years from... Eligibility for VA Disability Benefits !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/va-disability-benefits-eligibility.thumb.png.d153af5319ca284e30f2d0c476db8845.png Eligibility for VA Disability BenefitsYou may be eligible for VA disability benefits or compensation if you meet both requirements: You have a current illness or injury (known as a condition) that affects your mind or body, and You served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training And at least one of these must be true: You got sick or injured while serving in the military—and can link this condition to your illness or injury (called an in-service disability claim) or You had an illness or injury before you joined the military—and serving made it worse (called a pre-service disability claim), or You have a disability related to your active-duty service that didn't appear... 5 Year VA Year Rating Protection !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/5-year-va-rating-protection.thumb.jpg.145d0dd338146a920b84fc02e18dcc29.jpg 5-Year VA Year Rating ProtectionThe five-year rule states that the VA can’t reduce a veteran’s disability that’s been in place for five years unless the condition improves over time on a sustained basis. The veteran will likely need to present medical evidence to prove the material improvement of their condition. Hill and Ponton The Wait: Are you a VA Claims Waiter? !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/the-wait-are-you-a-va-claims-waiter-dont-become-a-hater.thumb.png.42fa5ccf45f5108406cc2b173291c88f.png The wait begins for many of us as soon as we consider filing a claim. For others, it begins when they file a claim or talk to a service officer. Don't let the wait for your claim become the weight that you carry. The wait then becomes the weight, and there it sits on you. The wait is damn near unbearable for many, exacerbating many of our symptoms. Don't even get me started on "triggers."I say, "Don't Let Being A Waiter Turn You Into A Hater," for your protection. The VA will piss you off sometimes routinely, sometimes randomly. I truly believe they could piss off the Pope. You... VA Disability Law References !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/veterans-affairs-va-law-code-and-manuals.thumb.jpg.aa3a2d13ee725b4072be0dd8c2d09b8d.jpg VA Disability Law, Manuals, etc.VA Law – VA Disability claims are governed by law. You may want to bookmark this page as a reference as you proceed with your claim. It can be a bit daunting. Just remember, the U.S.C. is the law, the C.F.R. is how they interpret the law, and last but certainly not least is the V.A. adjudication manuals, which is how they apply the law. The law's section covering veterans' benefits is Title 38 in the U.S.C. The C.F.R. is usually written 38 C.F.R. or something similar. Bankruptcy Protection for VA Disability Compensation: The HAVEN Act !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/haven-act-va-disability-compensation-bankruptcy-protection.thumb.png.98f58e3b38059f99455b8e773743d355.png The Honoring American Veterans in Extreme Need Act of 2018 (“HAVEN Act”) provides disabled military veterans and their families with greater protections in bankruptcy proceedings by allowing the exclusion of Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense Disability payments from the calculation when doing means testing and disposable income calculations. The Haven Act places military disability benefits in the same protected category as Social Security Disability Benefits. Note: Benefits to current service members may still be included. For example, monthly special compensation from the Department of Defense (DOD), and retirement pay for people on the temporary disability list. LinkedIn Premium Free for a Year for Veterans !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/linkedin-premium-signup.thumb.png.8e91a357adc96da5c0958ade9cb76e30.png This is a great deal at no cost to you. I encourage you to take advantage of the LinkedIn Learning courses. They are excellent, and the topics are endless. Learning something new at no cost to you. In collaboration with SheerID, LinkedIn offers eligible members of the U.S. military community one year of access to LinkedIn Premium. You’ll also get unlimited access to more than 10,000 courses through our LinkedIn Learning platform as a part of the program. Grow your skills. Learn in-demand skills with 20,000+ online courses taught by real-world professionals. 2024 VA Disability Compensation Rates !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_12/2024-cola-pay-rates.thumb.png.3678ec32b8fcdb48a5cc4dd700374000.png VA Disability Basic Rates for 20242024 VA Disability Compensation Rate COLA Increase: The 3.2 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to Social Security beneficiaries and veterans receiving VA Disability Compensation in January 2024. Source: VA Disability Rates. Compensation rates for Veterans with a 10% to 20% disability rating. Effective Date 12/01/2023 Note: If you have a 10% to 20% disability rating, you won’t receive a higher rate even if you have a dependent spouse, child, or parent. These are the basic rates for rates with dependents; click here. VA Disability Rates 10% to 20% Rating Disability... VA Compensation Issue - What Does It Mean? https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/4c8dbef3-e1d8-4d3a-84c0-242397bc9bf5/8f3ea60b-17ae-4a6d-9b3c-6ff7dc1a147c/va-compensation-issue-002.jpg Question Posed: Answer: Compensation issue simply means your claim is for disability compensation as opposed to some other kind of claim. Maybe upgrade for discharge, for example. Most claims that are submitted are designated compensation issues—nothing to worry about. We Closed the Notice for Request 1 !https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_11/va-claim-status-message-we-closed-the-notice-for-request-1.thumb.png.34cdc139bec2895a6c0269c84ad1c183.png Question Poised: We closed the notice for request 1. VA message states Closed the for Request 1 or 2 or some #. What does it mean? It is a status message that doesn't tell you where your claim is. I logged into eBenefits today, and my (migraine/headache) claim went from PFD back to GOE. The estimated completion dates have been moved back to another 4 to 6 months! The message states, “We closed the notice for Request 1,” which was a C&P exam. It states the developmental letter sent. The previous post says a C&P exam has been scheduled, while another vet posted this means a C&P is not needed because I have enough evidence. VACP TREAS 310 is a Compensation Payment. Retro? You May Have Won Your VA Disability Claim! https://content.invisioncic.com/r264491/monthly_2023_11/vacp-treas-310-deposit(1540x800px).thumb.jpg.a9f8758667a599d66721f685af7a8011.jpg A VACP TREAS 310 unexpected deposit into your checking account may be puzzling. Usually, it is good news. Perhaps your VA disability compensation claim was granted, and the deposit made it to the bank before your letter arrived. It happens. To be on the safe side, wait for the letter confirming it. You can also call the VA at 800-827-1000. Or check e-Benefits. Once you log into e-Benefits, you can check your letters and see what percentage is listed. A few codes labeled 310 on your US Government Check: VACP is for VA disability compensation or pension payment. VAED is for GI Bill payments. IRS is from the Internal Revenue Service.
  11. Great News! @roy talker Thanks for sharing your great news.
  12. VA Compensation and Pension Exam Tips That Stand the Test of Time VA Compensation and Pension Exam tips to help you prepare for your exam. Claimants must attend at least one compensation and pension examination when filing a VA disability claim. A VA Compensation and Pension Exam isn’t like a normal medical exam. The provider won’t treat you for any illness or injury, give you referrals to other providers, or prescribe medicine. That’s because the exam aims to gather information to help decide on your claim. During your exam, the provider may do any or all of these things: Perform a basic physical exam. This may or may not include physical contact. Ask you questions based on the medical records in your claim file. These may include questions from the Disability Benefits Questionnaire for each service-connected condition you claim. Review the Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) Ask for other tests (like X-rays or blood work) for free. Show up. Do not miss your Compensation and Pension examination. You must be open, honest, and truthful. Be Informed. Read through your records. The Compensation and Pension examiner will have read through it, and so should you. Know the law 38CFR4 Schedule For Rating Disabilities. When responding to examiners, you must pick the worst moment relating to that question. You need to be rated for the worst times you have had. I always chose a bad day and related all my answers to that day. The day I could not sleep, was anxious and startled easily, was grouchy to my wife and friends, felt like my heart was coming out of my chest, and nothing went right for me. That day should have been in the last 30-90 days. If it was a year ago, you might not need to be having this exam. The questions you are being asked are on a script before the examiner. After examiners do this for a while, they get a sense of what is in front of them. Determining when someone is lying and struggling with memory is not too difficult. See VA Compensation and Pension Exam – Do’s and Don’ts You are going to be uncomfortable. You will be asked things you don’t want to discuss. It makes you feel vulnerable. This is a necessary evil. The doctor has to know these things to evaluate your claim. They read your record, but your emotional and physical reactions when answering are part of the exam. So, as much as possible, for the short time the compensation and pension exam lasts – embrace your vulnerability and release your burden long enough to let the examiner see it. Tell them how your disabilities affect your work, life, social, etc. Example Answers: At a VA C and P Exam for a PTSD rating, don’t say: “I have trouble getting along with co-workers.” Paint the picture, and say: “I spend 2 hours a day hiding in the bathroom at work on the floor of the accessible stall because I’m so scared of being around other people with my PTSD.” ”If I’m here, I can’t be doing very well now, can I? I haven’t been able to sleep for the past ten days over worrying about this exam, and my wife says I’m really grumpy, and the bill collectors call all of the time.” Be on time or a little early. Your exam begins the moment you drive onto the VA property. You would be surprised how many doctors watch for you to pull up and get out of your car. You should assume you are always being observed. Be polite. Yelling at the examiner for the injustices you perceive will do nothing but alienate them. Curse at your own risk. You can get your point across better with proper English. View full record
  13. VA Compensation and Pension Exam Tips That Stand the Test of Time VA Compensation and Pension Exam tips to help you prepare for your exam. Claimants must attend at least one compensation and pension examination when filing a VA disability claim. A VA Compensation and Pension Exam isn’t like a normal medical exam. The provider won’t treat you for any illness or injury, give you referrals to other providers, or prescribe medicine. That’s because the exam aims to gather information to help decide on your claim. During your exam, the provider may do any or all of these things: Perform a basic physical exam. This may or may not include physical contact. Ask you questions based on the medical records in your claim file. These may include questions from the Disability Benefits Questionnaire for each service-connected condition you claim. Review the Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) Ask for other tests (like X-rays or blood work) for free. Show up. Do not miss your Compensation and Pension examination. You must be open, honest, and truthful. Be Informed. Read through your records. The Compensation and Pension examiner will have read through it, and so should you. Know the law 38CFR4 Schedule For Rating Disabilities. When responding to examiners, you must pick the worst moment relating to that question. You need to be rated for the worst times you have had. I always chose a bad day and related all my answers to that day. The day I could not sleep, was anxious and startled easily, was grouchy to my wife and friends, felt like my heart was coming out of my chest, and nothing went right for me. That day should have been in the last 30-90 days. If it was a year ago, you might not need to be having this exam. The questions you are being asked are on a script before the examiner. After examiners do this for a while, they get a sense of what is in front of them. Determining when someone is lying and struggling with memory is not too difficult. See VA Compensation and Pension Exam – Do’s and Don’ts You are going to be uncomfortable. You will be asked things you don’t want to discuss. It makes you feel vulnerable. This is a necessary evil. The doctor has to know these things to evaluate your claim. They read your record, but your emotional and physical reactions when answering are part of the exam. So, as much as possible, for the short time the compensation and pension exam lasts – embrace your vulnerability and release your burden long enough to let the examiner see it. Tell them how your disabilities affect your work, life, social, etc. Example Answers: At a VA C and P Exam for a PTSD rating, don’t say: “I have trouble getting along with co-workers.” Paint the picture, and say: “I spend 2 hours a day hiding in the bathroom at work on the floor of the accessible stall because I’m so scared of being around other people with my PTSD.” ”If I’m here, I can’t be doing very well now, can I? I haven’t been able to sleep for the past ten days over worrying about this exam, and my wife says I’m really grumpy, and the bill collectors call all of the time.” Be on time or a little early. Your exam begins the moment you drive onto the VA property. You would be surprised how many doctors watch for you to pull up and get out of your car. You should assume you are always being observed. Be polite. Yelling at the examiner for the injustices you perceive will do nothing but alienate them. Curse at your own risk. You can get your point across better with proper English.
  14. Your claim can go from any step to back a step depending on the specifics of the claim so that you may go from Pending Decision Approval back to Review of Evidence. VA.gov status is helpful but not definitive. VA Claims Status Your VA claim status indicates the current stage of your claim in the review process. It allows you to stay informed and updated on the progress of your claim. Below are the VA claims status messages you may see and their definition. Source: VA.gov VA Disability Claim Status - Initial Claim VA Claim Status Meaning Claims received We received your claim. We haven’t assigned the claim to a reviewer yet. Initial review We assigned your claim to a reviewer. The reviewer will determine if we need any more information from you. Evidence gathering, review, and decision We’re getting evidence from you, your healthcare providers, government agencies, and other sources. We’ll review the evidence and make a decision. Preparation for notification We’ve made a decision on your claim. We’re getting your decision letter ready to mail to you. Complete We’ve sent you a decision letter by U.S. mail. This letter includes details about how we made the decision on your claim. VA Supplemental Claim Status Supplemental Claim Status What it means A reviewer is examining your new evidence We received your Supplemental Claim and assigned it to a reviewer. They will determine if we need any more information from you. We made a decision. We sent you our decision on your Supplemental Claim. Your Supplemental Claim was closed. We closed your Supplemental Claim. This may be because you didn’t take an action VA requested. VA Higher-Level Review Status Higher-Level Review Status What it means A higher-level reviewer is reviewing your case We received your request for a Higher-Level Review and assigned it to a higher-level reviewer. They will determine if we need any more information from you. We are correcting an error. The higher-level reviewer found an error that must be corrected before they decide your case. We’ll contact you if we need more information. We made a decision. We sent you our decision on your Higher-Level Review. Your Higher-Level Review was closed. We closed your Higher-Level Review. This may be because you didn’t take an action VA requested. Board of Veterans Appeals Status Status What it means You’re waiting for your hearing to be scheduled We received your request for a hearing but haven’t scheduled it yet. Your hearing has been scheduled. We’ve scheduled your hearing. You’ll receive the hearing information by mail. You can also find information about your hearing in the claim status tool. Check your VA claim status. Your appeal is waiting to be sent to a judge. Your appeal is at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. We haven't assigned it to a Veterans Law Judge yet. Your appeal is with your Veterans Service Organization Your Veterans Service Organization (VSO) is reviewing your appeal to prepare additional arguments to support your case. A judge is reviewing your appeal. A Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals is reviewing your appeal. The judge is seeking more information before making a decision The judge is getting more evidence or an outside opinion from a legal, medical, or other professional. This additional information will help them make a decision about your appeal. The Board is waiting until a higher court makes a decision A higher court is reviewing a group of appeals. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals is waiting for their decision because it may affect your appeal. The Board made a decision on your appeal. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals sent you a decision letter about your appeal. Your appeal was merged. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals merged your appeal with one of your older appeals that was closer to receiving a Board decision. The Board merges appeals so that you can receive a single decision on as many appeals as possible. Your appeals file is open for new evidence. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals is holding your case open for new evidence for 90 days. We corrected an error A judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals either: Found an error and had it corrected, or Made a decision that changes your disability rating or eligibility for benefits We sent you a corrected decision. The Board made a decision on your appeal The Board of Veterans’ Appeals sent you a decision letter about your appeal. We granted your appeal We decided to overturn the original decision. You withdrew your appeal You told us not to continue your appeal. Your Motion for Reconsideration was denied The Board of Veterans’ Appeals decided not to reopen your appeal. The appeal was closed. VA records show that the Veteran filing the appeal is deceased, so we closed this appeal. Your appeal was closed. We dismissed or closed your appeal. Please contact your Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or representative for more information. Legacy VA Appeal Status Status What it means A Decision Review Officer is reviewing your appeal We received your Notice of Disagreement and assigned your appeal to a Decision Review Officer. They will determine if we need any more information from you. Please review your Statement of the Case. We sent you a Statement of the Case (SOC) that explains why we can’t grant your appeal. To continue your appeal, you have 60 days to take one of these actions: Submit VA Form 9 to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, or Opt into the decision review process The Decision Review Officer is finishing their review of your appeal We received your VA Form 9. The Decision Review Officer is reviewing all the evidence in your appeal. Please review your Supplemental Statement of the Case We sent you a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) because: New evidence was added to your case, or We’re requesting more evidence, or We can’t grant your full appeal You’re waiting for your hearing to be scheduled We received your request for a hearing but haven’t scheduled it yet. Your hearing has been scheduled. We’ve scheduled your hearing. You’ll receive the hearing information by mail. You can also find information about your hearing in the claim status tool. Check your VA claim status. Your appeal is waiting to be sent to a judge. Your appeal is at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. We haven't assigned it to a Veterans Law Judge yet. Your appeal is with your Veterans Service Organization Your Veterans Service Organization (VSO) is reviewing your appeal to prepare additional arguments to support your case. A judge is reviewing your appeal. A Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals is reviewing your appeal. The judge is seeking more information before making a decision The judge is getting more evidence or an outside opinion from a legal, medical, or other professional. This additional information will help them make a decision about your appeal. The Board is waiting until a higher court makes a decision A higher court is reviewing a group of appeals. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals is waiting for their decision because it may affect your appeal. The Board made a decision on your appeal. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals sent you a decision letter about your appeal. Your appeal was merged. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals merged your appeal with one of your older appeals that was closer to receiving a Board decision. The Board merges appeals so that you can receive a single decision on as many appeals as possible. You requested a decision review under the Appeals Modernization Act You asked to continue your appeal through the decision review process. Your appeals file is open for new evidence. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals is holding your case open for new evidence for 90 days. We corrected an error A judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals either: Found an error and had it corrected, or Made a decision that changes your disability rating or eligibility for benefits We sent you a corrected decision. The Board made a decision on your appeal The Board of Veterans’ Appeals sent you a decision letter about your appeal. We granted your appeal We decided to overturn the original decision. You withdrew your appeal You told us not to continue your appeal. Your Motion for Reconsideration was denied The Board of Veterans’ Appeals decided not to reopen your appeal. The appeal was closed. VA records show that the Veteran filing the appeal is deceased, so we closed this appeal. Your appeal was closed. We dismissed or closed your appeal. Please get in touch with your Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or representative for more information. View full record
  15. Your claim can go from any step to back a step depending on the specifics of the claim so that you may go from Pending Decision Approval back to Review of Evidence. VA.gov status is helpful but not definitive. VA Claims Status Your VA claim status indicates the current stage of your claim in the review process. It allows you to stay informed and updated on the progress of your claim. Below are the VA claims status messages you may see and their definition. Source: VA.gov VA Disability Claim Status - Initial Claim VA Claim Status Meaning Claims received We received your claim. We haven’t assigned the claim to a reviewer yet. Initial review We assigned your claim to a reviewer. The reviewer will determine if we need any more information from you. Evidence gathering, review, and decision We’re getting evidence from you, your healthcare providers, government agencies, and other sources. We’ll review the evidence and make a decision. Preparation for notification We’ve made a decision on your claim. We’re getting your decision letter ready to mail to you. Complete We’ve sent you a decision letter by U.S. mail. This letter includes details about how we made the decision on your claim. VA Supplemental Claim Status Supplemental Claim Status What it means A reviewer is examining your new evidence We received your Supplemental Claim and assigned it to a reviewer. They will determine if we need any more information from you. We made a decision. We sent you our decision on your Supplemental Claim. Your Supplemental Claim was closed. We closed your Supplemental Claim. This may be because you didn’t take an action VA requested. VA Higher-Level Review Status Higher-Level Review Status What it means A higher-level reviewer is reviewing your case We received your request for a Higher-Level Review and assigned it to a higher-level reviewer. They will determine if we need any more information from you. We are correcting an error. The higher-level reviewer found an error that must be corrected before they decide your case. We’ll contact you if we need more information. We made a decision. We sent you our decision on your Higher-Level Review. Your Higher-Level Review was closed. We closed your Higher-Level Review. This may be because you didn’t take an action VA requested. Board of Veterans Appeals Status Status What it means You’re waiting for your hearing to be scheduled We received your request for a hearing but haven’t scheduled it yet. Your hearing has been scheduled. We’ve scheduled your hearing. You’ll receive the hearing information by mail. You can also find information about your hearing in the claim status tool. Check your VA claim status. Your appeal is waiting to be sent to a judge. Your appeal is at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. We haven't assigned it to a Veterans Law Judge yet. Your appeal is with your Veterans Service Organization Your Veterans Service Organization (VSO) is reviewing your appeal to prepare additional arguments to support your case. A judge is reviewing your appeal. A Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals is reviewing your appeal. The judge is seeking more information before making a decision The judge is getting more evidence or an outside opinion from a legal, medical, or other professional. This additional information will help them make a decision about your appeal. The Board is waiting until a higher court makes a decision A higher court is reviewing a group of appeals. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals is waiting for their decision because it may affect your appeal. The Board made a decision on your appeal. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals sent you a decision letter about your appeal. Your appeal was merged. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals merged your appeal with one of your older appeals that was closer to receiving a Board decision. The Board merges appeals so that you can receive a single decision on as many appeals as possible. Your appeals file is open for new evidence. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals is holding your case open for new evidence for 90 days. We corrected an error A judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals either: Found an error and had it corrected, or Made a decision that changes your disability rating or eligibility for benefits We sent you a corrected decision. The Board made a decision on your appeal The Board of Veterans’ Appeals sent you a decision letter about your appeal. We granted your appeal We decided to overturn the original decision. You withdrew your appeal You told us not to continue your appeal. Your Motion for Reconsideration was denied The Board of Veterans’ Appeals decided not to reopen your appeal. The appeal was closed. VA records show that the Veteran filing the appeal is deceased, so we closed this appeal. Your appeal was closed. We dismissed or closed your appeal. Please contact your Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or representative for more information. Legacy VA Appeal Status Status What it means A Decision Review Officer is reviewing your appeal We received your Notice of Disagreement and assigned your appeal to a Decision Review Officer. They will determine if we need any more information from you. Please review your Statement of the Case. We sent you a Statement of the Case (SOC) that explains why we can’t grant your appeal. To continue your appeal, you have 60 days to take one of these actions: Submit VA Form 9 to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, or Opt into the decision review process The Decision Review Officer is finishing their review of your appeal We received your VA Form 9. The Decision Review Officer is reviewing all the evidence in your appeal. Please review your Supplemental Statement of the Case We sent you a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) because: New evidence was added to your case, or We’re requesting more evidence, or We can’t grant your full appeal You’re waiting for your hearing to be scheduled We received your request for a hearing but haven’t scheduled it yet. Your hearing has been scheduled. We’ve scheduled your hearing. You’ll receive the hearing information by mail. You can also find information about your hearing in the claim status tool. Check your VA claim status. Your appeal is waiting to be sent to a judge. Your appeal is at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. We haven't assigned it to a Veterans Law Judge yet. Your appeal is with your Veterans Service Organization Your Veterans Service Organization (VSO) is reviewing your appeal to prepare additional arguments to support your case. A judge is reviewing your appeal. A Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals is reviewing your appeal. The judge is seeking more information before making a decision The judge is getting more evidence or an outside opinion from a legal, medical, or other professional. This additional information will help them make a decision about your appeal. The Board is waiting until a higher court makes a decision A higher court is reviewing a group of appeals. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals is waiting for their decision because it may affect your appeal. The Board made a decision on your appeal. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals sent you a decision letter about your appeal. Your appeal was merged. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals merged your appeal with one of your older appeals that was closer to receiving a Board decision. The Board merges appeals so that you can receive a single decision on as many appeals as possible. You requested a decision review under the Appeals Modernization Act You asked to continue your appeal through the decision review process. Your appeals file is open for new evidence. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals is holding your case open for new evidence for 90 days. We corrected an error A judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals either: Found an error and had it corrected, or Made a decision that changes your disability rating or eligibility for benefits We sent you a corrected decision. The Board made a decision on your appeal The Board of Veterans’ Appeals sent you a decision letter about your appeal. We granted your appeal We decided to overturn the original decision. You withdrew your appeal You told us not to continue your appeal. Your Motion for Reconsideration was denied The Board of Veterans’ Appeals decided not to reopen your appeal. The appeal was closed. VA records show that the Veteran filing the appeal is deceased, so we closed this appeal. Your appeal was closed. We dismissed or closed your appeal. Please get in touch with your Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or representative for more information.
  16. Also, include your day-to-day challenges, for example it didn't matter how many things I put in front of the bathroom door I was terrified in the shower. When I got my service dog it really helped, I mean like night and day. But include those little things. Another example, I would freeze in the grocery store for 30 minutes or more trying to decide which green beans to buy, like I was trying to decide to cut the blue wire or the green one. I would flee from the store with none of my shopping done.
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