Rover

Congrats..........

This is a Success Story.....According to eBenefits; i was awarded 100 percent , effective 1 Dec 2012. Effective 1 Nov 2012, i was awarded 60% while 4-5 claims were pending C&P exams. In Feb 2013, all exams were completed. This is my initial claim that was submitted Dec 2010; still have not receive any retro pay from Nov 2012 60% rating. My Question; "Does this mean they will pay 100% rating retro amount effective Dec 2010?" *** Note: This total disability is considered permanent . You are not scheduled for future examinations. And you may receive commissary store and exchange privileges from the Armed Forces. I owe a great deal of credit to this Forum and Members......Thank-you.

Thanks to all for responding...........

Great news........."Based on my experience; the retro process is slow" I've been waiting since Nov 2012 for two years of retro. DFAS returned the required form to VA o/a mid-Jan 2013. I am hoping retro will be deposit soon!

Thanks for sharing your C&P exam experience. My examiner also went by the worksheet to check ROM. Great Write up.........

I've been waiting since Nov 2012 for two years of retro pay. O/A mid-Jan 2013, DFAS sent required documents back to VA. Hopefully retro will be deposit soon. Based on previous threads on this topic; maybe VA is waiting for additional funds.

Post Decision Hearing................Maybe I should...........Now, "how do i start this process?"

Yes, I'm using the CPAP machine since Feb 2011 - immediately after the 2-day sleep study.

I agree......this is an excellent site with active veterans providing assistance. My retro paperwork returned from DFAS to VA this week; so i should get my retro soon.

With my claim, I did submit three buddy statements to include statements from wife and sleep doctor.

Sounds like excellent advice

I've read this thread; I didn't realized that Appeal/NOD took so long to processed. This is mind boggling. I've 3 or 4 NODs to write, which means that i want receive a decision until 18-24 months.

If you don't trust your rep; then i agree with you. Find a new rep.

I received my first check on 1 Dec; as of today, still haven't receive any retro pay from Jan 2011 to 2012.

It's time to start writing OSA NOD. Thank you all for posting past & future helpful tips. I'm still wondering if i should contact sleep doctor for follow up? In order to receive another IMO letter. In two months, it will be two years since i conducted my first sleep study.

Great info; this will help with my NOD for OSA denial.

Work on the Appeal process; I'm working on a few also.

I've noticed that Dr. Bash name has been mentioned on this forum. My question, "Who is he and should i use him for my appeal?"

The EVIDENCE section does list supported letters and sleep study to include letters from veterans (three buddy statements). Denial reason and Explanation is listed below: Denial Reason: The evidence does not show a current diagnosed disability. Explanation: Your service treatment records do not contain complaints, treatment, or diagnosis for this condition. Thanks to all for responding in preparation to write the NOD.

On 2 Nov 2012, I've received Sleep apnea Denial Reason: The evidence does not show a current diagnosed disability. Explanation: Your service treatment records do not contain complaints, treatment, or diagnosis for this. I've submitted supporting documents from three buddies, wife, and medical statement from sleep doctor ( MD, Ph.D) saying: Given the findings of the sleep studies and history of weight changes (more in the past), diabetes and reported symptoms, it is more than likely than not, that the patient developed sleep apnea while in service. My sleep problems started 12-15 years ago. Also i included documents from a current sleeping study conducted by the American Sleep Clinic, were my sleeping problem was diagnosed as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Note: 1) I am not able to point to any specific problems in my medical records. All three buddies attest to my sleep problems while serving in the Army. 2) The sleep study was conducted in 2011; my initial claim was filed Dec 2010 and denial letter was received on 2 Nov 2012. 3) The sleep study doctor written a detailed medical statement about the current findings, sleep apnea onset, insomnia, sleep study reports, discussed follow up visit and overall assessment. Prior to submitting my NOD; maybe i should do a sleep lab follow up and ask for another IMO statement.

All of your responses are right on point and very educational. I will post my OSA denial; i'm hoping for similar advice with my NOD. Hooah

Congrats to you & your family. 90% that's my target goal so I better get busy with my NOD and study for upcoming C&P exams.

Congrats to you & your family.

Who is Peggy?