11cvolley

07-05-2012 is when they received my notice of disagreement, and new evidence. I'm rather sure my appeal has been with a dro for 6-12 months. Maybe a little longer. I do remember that when I first called 800# and they said my case was with a dro awaiting a decision that my ssdi records were pending as well. God I hope this, scanning in documents, means I won my case.

So I checked on my appeal that has been with a dro for a long time. My SSDI records are still pending, but the lady on the 800# said the latest note in the system said they're scanning in documents. Would that pop up if they're scanning in my ssdi records? Or could it mean they're in the process of finalizing a decision?

Not like e-ben is that much help.

My appeal is with a DRO. Does it slow down my appeal if I call the 800# asking questions like is my ssdi records still pending?

I thought you mean't since my appeal has been with the dro awaiting a decision. According to e-ben: 06-18-2012 local va office decision 07-27-2012 nod 08-02-2012 Appeal Pending The 800# to check the status of your claim/appeal said they're still waiting for my ssdi records.

Its been over a year. Last time I called the 800# they said my ssdi was still pending and my appeal is pending with a DRO. I did ask for a face to face, informal.

My lawyer advised me not to call the 800# anymore. Then e-mailed me asking for a list of side effects I have from the medicine. My lawyer sounds very enthusiastic about my case tho and assured me that this time the DRO will have my SSDI records and it has been made clear to the DRO that my SSDI is solely based on my VA records for my SCed ptsd. So i'm guessing she thinks this is an easy payday back dated to mid 2010. I wish she never called me and updated me on things. Now i'm having a hard time putting my case in the back of my mind. Having a lot of anxiety if the VA decides to lower my rating. IDK why I think they would, but the thought is still there.

I found this, http://mycareeratva.va.gov/careers/career/099605 but what does it mean if my appeal is with a DRO, but pending a Veteran Service rep?

I think the lady said VRS, but could have been VSR.

With an appeal with a DRO. What does it mean they're working on a VRS?

So I have been told by the 800 number that my claim is with a DRO and would tell me the estimate time for this stage. I called today and now the 800 number is saying, 'your appeal is with a dro and is pending. I never been told its pending before. So, does this mean anything?

I never seen a doctor for my SSDI. They granted me SSDI solely from my VA records. Only thing I did for SSDI besides the paperwork was talk to someone over the phone that asked me some questions and another time someone called me asking similar questions and told me I was being granted SSDI. Lawyer has confirmed that my SSDI is solely for SCed PTSD as well.

Right now my case is with a DRO awaiting a decision. Considering they didn't have my SSDI records, the reason they gave for the denial, and that I have a lawyer now; what do you think my chances are?

My SSDI is for my SC ptsd only. Does it help that two doctors, one being my ptsd doctor, both put notes/letters in the system saying they do not agree with the c&p doctor and say I can't hold a job? I guess my case is a little more complicated because I got out in 06 and didn't seek help until 2010. I was shocked how fast they granted me 70% on the first go. I just don't get why having some intelligence is a big penalty againt you getting IU. My last job was a stay at home job where I had to contact companies to update the company I worked for database. Not a marketing job or anything like that. But mentally I couldn't handle talking to people, anxiety constantly increasing the closer it got time to 'work.' Before that I worked 3rd shift at a retail store. On the way there i'd have anxiety building up and quite a few times I ended up turning around and going home. I'd even leave early so I could sit in the parking lot and try to calm down. Even then i'd leave. Missed on average a day a week back then. Only reason I didn't get fired until the 8th month mark was because they couldn't find people to do 3rd shift. IDk why, but I have a way of holding it inside until I am 'alone' then letting everything out. Even had a desk job. The anxiety was so bad that I couldn't focus. I felt so embarrassed because I overheard my boss talking to his boss saying that I am 'slow.' (mentally) I don't see how the VA can compare a veteran's ability to 'function' at home to being out in the workforce.

The 800# said they didn't know I was getting SSDI. This part I can say is my fault. #800 said I left a box blank that ask if I get SSDI for a SC issue. One reason I just went and got a lawyer.

The C&P doctor had in the notes that it would require significant amount of concentration and time to play; therefore, veteran can do some work. In the same paragraph this sentence is found the doctor also said, veteran is much worse than previously thought. According to my doctor the C&P doctor wasn't even referring to ability to hold a job, but that one sentence is what the RO used.

I'm sorry for your loss. Its nice to know you and your husband prevailed and you got closure for yourself and your husband.

Its been awhile since I posted but needed to get this off my chest. I'm still waiting for a ro to decide if the denial for IU stands or if they will grant it. Talked to my lawyer today and was basically told me where we are at in this process, which I already knew. I asked him if he got the records from the va on why they denied me IU. He pulls it up and says they, the va, said that I told the C&P doctor that I play civilization 5 and that is the only reason given for my denial. Lawyer goes on to tell me that the VA never got my SSDI records the first time, and she has seen worse reasons from the VA. I knew playing a vieo game was the reason, but it feels good to know that its the only reason. Also its been confirmed that it is the only reason. I hope someone gets fired at ro over this.

Go with the face to face, and don't be hostile or angry during it. Just be yourself. Dress like you would normally dress. When I was diag with ptsd roughly 5 years being out of the military I put a claim in and didn't sugarcoat or play the poor me card. I was awarded 70% SCed for ptsd with no fight. I think you're past the 'lottery' part, being where some random person decides to deny or grant you. I haven't had my 'face to face' yet, but hopefully thats where the person will look at you as a person and not some number.

I been hearing this a lot, but it doesn't make any sense to me. This whole idea of the veteran working his/her own claim. Even if I was able to do that, wouldn't that suggest the veteran can work? Can't a rater just look at your case and say, 'this guy filed his own claim, referenced these VA laws, and is on top of his case. So he can't be 100% or IU," rater denies increase.

The old me peeks out at certain times and that former self would say, 'because they're trying to protect the veteran.' Now, however, the harsh reality has lifted the curtain to the farce that I have lived. Its funny, yet cruel, how you can live oblivious to the truth until you step onto the other side of that curtain. IDK which is more pathetic. (talking about myself) Being oblivious to a truth that stares you in the face, or finding yourself stepping back into the farce. Sorry if this sounds incoherent. Its rather late.

On the VSO's side of things, they deal with a wide range of veteran needs. Not just claims and appeals. The whole C&Ps, ROs, are like using your left hand to wipe, your right to eat, then shaking each other. Just doesn't work to well in the end. The ROs are also being thrown under the bus. Who came up with the idea to make denying claims so much easier and faster than approving them? I wonder how things would be today if it were easier and faster to approve claims. Especially with mental health.

I agree. The way I see it is if the lawyer wants to get paid, he needs to win. Theres an incentive for him/her to win. Unlike these VSOs that couldn't give a flying 'f' how long or if you win. I'd just be mad if I win at the DRO, attorney does nothing, and still gets 20%. The lawyer I went with didn't sugar coat anything either, I like the brutal truth. Also went with him because he said from the files I sent him he is 'pissed off' that they denied me IU. He asked me the same question I asked myself, 'wtf does playing a video game have to do with you being able to hold a job?'

I hired a lawyer for better odds. 80% backpay is better than non. Going to be pissed if I have to pay for lawyer 30% for doing nothing tho.

So my appeal has been with a DRO for over 6 months and nearly a year and my lawyer hasn't gotten anything from the VA other than accepted as my lawyer. I'm so tired of this hurry up and wait game...