Beachy

Thanks for the response BroncoVet. So, if I can get a Dr to make that statement; "at least as likely as not due to an event in military service. is that enough to count as new evidence?

Hello all, I was denied a claim in 2009 (9 years ago), the claim was for an eye disease (Retinitis Pigmentosa). I have met and read about other veterans with RP who have had their claims approved. Mine was denied based on evidence of symptoms while in service. My vision is progressively getting worse, I am now legally blind based on my peripheral vision. I have looked through my C-file and there is no documentation of a field vision test on entry or exit of the Air Force. I contacted a local lawyer who works with VA claims. I was told I should start a new claim because of the time period since denial. Is this even possible? I thought I would have to re-open my initial case with new evidence? BTW, the only new evidence I could show is the worsening of my vision and the fact that I was never given a visual field test to check my peripheral fields while in service. Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks Capt, I figure I have plenty of time and patience... I appreciate all the great advice here please keep any advice or opinions coming my way. I am legally blind now and I can use all the guidance I can get.. The VA has been great to me, they supplied me with training and tools to move forward in life. I just need the VA to recognize that I had this disease while in service, so I can at least get by financially. I'm new to this, so some acronyms are new to me, by RN I think you mean my RP? IMO, I'm assuming it's a Medical Opinion? RO, I would assume is a Regional Office. Please correct me if I am wrong, I'm a work in progress:) Thanks again!

Thanks Berta, that makes a lot of sense. I was relieved of night duty by my supervisor, he saw how uncomfortable I was working the flight line at night and after two nights he put me back on day shift. I am trying diligently to find him and hopefully, he could write a letter describing that event which was roughly the same time period when I went to the eye doc complaining about light sensitivity. I wasn't officially diagnosed with RP until 2003, 10 years after my discharge. I have very little in my SMrs, especially pertaining to eye sight. It looks like I'll be getting my ducks in a row for some time before I get my claim in. I have a 20% rating for my left shoulder injury which was well documented. It has worsened and my right shoulder has recently had issues as well. I think I will focus on an increase and secondary of my right shoulder while I get my RP documents together. Would you say the 21-526b is sufficient or should I use the EZ? I also have stab wounds which I never claimed, it happened off duty and I'm not sure if it qualifies., but it was an Air Force hospital that stitched me up. Thanks in advance, all of you are awesome. I hope one day I'll have knowledge to assist other newbies.

Wow, thanks for such great info ladies! So, essentially I would use a form 21-438 (already downloaded), and make a statement of no symptoms prior to service? The only evidence I found in my c-file is a visit to the on-base eye clinic, I recall that visit, I was complaining about light sensitivity going into and out of the hangar with my glasses. He prescribed contacts and told me to go get a good pair of sunglasses. Other than that I have no other evidence except the fact I was never given visual field tests to determine whether or not I had RP during my TIS or to argue that it worsened at a higher rate during my TIS. Do you think that will be enough?

Hello All, I am new to this group and have found tons of useful information here. I was denied service connection for an eye disease (retinitis pigmentosa) about 2 years ago. The denial stated that my disease is genetic and was not caused by my military service,. I felt frustrated, and let the appeal lapse. I have since met other vets with RP who have been awarded SC. So, I am going to try again. I called my local rep, and he said he could re-open my case... I wasn't aware this could be done after the appeal period. I was planning to file myself this time, and starting a whole new case. I'm aware I would be giving up nearly two years of retro if I win. But, I feel I answered some questions poorly at my C&P, and would prefer a fresh start. BTW, my eye disease causes tunnel vision and poor night vision. I have a copy of my C-file and have gone though my visual tests. I was never given visual field tests or night vision tests, so how could they prove I did not have this disease prior or during my TIS? So my question is; Should I start a new claim or re-open if possible? Thanks in advance, Mike