boomer2

This is the only one I have. I don't know the date on it. http://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/M21_1MR1.asp

The link shows the salaries of the Phoenix VA check this out. http://www.openthebooks.com/search/?PensionCode=840&F_fiscalyear=2013&F_Station=Phoenix&F_Name=&perpage=100

Ping Jockey Here is the link to 38CFR 4.85 which covers hearing loss and test procedures. It should cover 4.85 to 4.87. http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?rgn=div5&node=38:1.0.1.1.5#38:1.0.1.1.5.2.100.36

Check the link. http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/06/10/ig-tells-congress-va-leaders-should-face-charges.html?ESRC=eb.nl

Thanks Berta I have already told her to see a VSO at the VA and take her records with her.

I have a friend of mine whose daughter was in the Navy and while she was aboard ship somebody opened a door that was not supposed to be opened and hit her in the head with one of bars that hold the door shut and seals it. Anyway, she also hurt her back as well. She was medically discharged for the accident. She goes to the VA for her medical care. I do not know her present disability rating. Her mother told me it wasn't much. She was recently diagnosed with MS by the VA. My question is can she nexus the MS with the head injury?

This is for veterans who flew in the C-123's that were used to spray AO in Viet Nam. Check link http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/05/15/panel-to-study-at-agent-orange-residue-exposure.html?ESRC=eb.nl

Fulltime How old is your claim? Are you retired? If your claim is old and I mean over 2 years you can 202-273-7453. That is the office of communication and case management. You may get a nice surprise.

I do not know anything about FERS. I know if you are awarded TDIU by the VA and you are retired military you will receive the 100% from the VA and you will receive your military retirement. However, it will be called CRDP instead of retirement. It is taxable. Now if your medical conditions are combat related you may qualify for CRSC which is not taxable. You will need to check with the branch of service you were in. Also, if awarded TDIU you need to check the state you live in for additional benefits.

Any body know the 202# to the Office of Communication and Claims Admin?

Ebenefits is not a good barometer for telling where your claim is or is not. They update when the get around to it and sometimes make mistakes. Just wait till you get the BBE in the mail.

Do you know what the info is that they want? If so, go to your unit get it scan and upload on ebenefits ASAP. Mine kept saying that the evidence was past due. I scanned the evidence and uploaded it and then called my VSO and told her that they kept posting that it was past due. Well she called them and they said they got it and that it was uploaded the day that I did it. Keep in mind that I had given the evidence to my VSO a month ago and she said she turned it in. Now I don't if she did or not. If you can't scan it put it on ebenefits then mail return receipt requested.

Bojack Can you post the results of your exam? All we need is your pruetone results for 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 and the Speech results the highest % for each ear.

If you get a 50% or more rating you don't have to pay any co-pays. Although, I'm not real sure about that. I know I am now at 50% and I am currently being treated for non SC'd condition and they have not asked for a copay. Also, whatever you pay them now for co-pays and you get SC'd for that condition they will refund the money to you. If you have private medical coverage the VA will bill them and you may not have to pay a copay.

Based on the puretone results and the speech recognition you have you should get 30%. However, I have a question in regards to the SRT scores. What is PBMAX 64 and PBMAX 90? They use the highest SRT score you have for each ear and then use the average of 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 to determine your roman numeral. Your averages are both 54 and I used 64% as your SRT. This will give you 30%. Here is the link to 38 CFR take a look at 4.85 thru 4.87 and you will get a good idea how they determine your hearing loss. http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?rgn=div5&node=38:1.0.1.1.5

Check the link. http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/04/24/va-received-backlog-manipulation-warnings-in-2012.html?ESRC=eb.nl

I doubt that they will try and take away your husbands ratings as there has been no improvement. Also, I doubt the examiner will look at the DBQ his private doc filled out (they might). Based on what you have written he should be P & T. Are you working with a VSO? If not you should be, because they can submit the DBQ for you as evidence for the P & T.

We had burn pits and we had to burn our (how should I say this) excrement in cut in half 55 gallon drums in Viet Nam. Wander how that was for our health?

Do you have a copy of the audio test that was given to you? If not get one thru the FOIA office at your VAMC. Post the results on this site and you may get some info that will convince you to file a claim. Also, delete all personal info from the test before posting.

Do you have a premium membership on Ebenefits? If so you can get it thru Myheatlhevet using the blue button.

When you receive your notice to reduce you can request a hearing. You need to do this ASAP. This will take about 60 days maybe longer. You then can present your evidence as to why you should not be reduced or if they want to reduce to 10% you argue that and possible get a higher rating.

If you are rated at 50% back to 31 Oct 13 DFAS will pay you the full 40% back to 31 Oct 13. That is why they do the audit to determine exactly how much is owed to you by DFAS and the VA.

Boxkicker43 Since you are retired and once you are rated at 50% you will then get your full retirement and your VA compensation. Once you receive the rating the VA will send DFAS a request for an audit. They usually do these around the 19th of the month. If DFAS owes you any retro you will probably get it the following month. I did anyway. Once the VA gets the audit time stops, some vets are getting their retro in a couple of months and some a couple of years. You will get CRDP (concurrent retired disability pay) from DFAS that is taxable you should investigate whether or not you may qualify for CRSC (combat related special compensation). CRSC is non taxable. AS an example if you were rated 50% for PTSD and 30% for a knee injury the 50% would qualify for CRSC the 30% would not unless it was related to combat training, or actual combat. You have to apply for CRSC directly thru the branch of service you were in. I don't know the website for the Air Force. Good luck with your claim.

Guyamasjim Good post and good info.

I would report the physc. to the patient advocate or maybe the VA's IG and ask for a new one.