Philip Rogers

Pete53, mine does, too. They call it white coat syndrome and is caused by the anxiety of going to the docs. pr

Wings, as you are 100% or TDIU, I believe VAMC's are required to see you within 30 days. pr quote name='Wings' timestamp='1287799086' post='223294'] Troy, At present, I am really disgusted with the VA medical system --at least the one I am currently enrolled in. It's my understanding that not all VA Medical Centers are created equal: some veterans actually have very positive experiences! This week, I drove 100 miles one-way: to spend 10 minutes with a very part-time VA doctor, that I waited 4 months to see. Unfortunately, I did NOT like him (told me my memory problems could be masked with a bottle of blond hair dye --no kidding). But since my medical problem will require surgery (parodid tumor), I have re-enrolled in another VAMC. It will take another 4-12 weeks before I get to see the next VA doctor. The VA gave me a fee-base card but only authorized $125.00 month. When I have asked for other services, they want to talk about "the budget". It SUX. Anyway, don't know if this will help much, but I have attached the VA Fee Base directive in response to your question: Who do I talk to to get authorization to see a neurosurgeon?! The answer is the VAMC Medical Director. S/he has the authority to authorize your fee-base surgery. Send a Certified Letter to the VAMC Director. I also suggest that you have your VA Neurologist (or any other mmedical professional) write a note to the effect that physical tx is contra-indicated and may actually worsen your SC medical condition. Just throwing some ideas around ... Hang in there. You need the surgery and the VA must provide that for you, by Law. Chuck alo suggested you talk to an attorney about filing a TORT against the VA. You may suggest that course of action to the VAMC director, in a nice way ... Here's a quote from the VA Fee Base Directive, and the attched pdf file. ~Wings PS I'll attach the pdf to the next post, for some reason I am stuck in a box that doesn't have that option.

Wings, as you are 100% or TDIU, I believe VAMC's are required to see you within 30 days. pr quote name='Wings' timestamp='1287799086' post='223294'] Troy, At present, I am really disgusted with the VA medical system --at least the one I am currently enrolled in. It's my understanding that not all VA Medical Centers are created equal: some veterans actually have very positive experiences! This week, I drove 100 miles one-way: to spend 10 minutes with a very part-time VA doctor, that I waited 4 months to see. Unfortunately, I did NOT like him (told me my memory problems could be masked with a bottle of blond hair dye --no kidding). But since my medical problem will require surgery (parodid tumor), I have re-enrolled in another VAMC. It will take another 4-12 weeks before I get to see the next VA doctor. The VA gave me a fee-base card but only authorized $125.00 month. When I have asked for other services, they want to talk about "the budget". It SUX. Anyway, don't know if this will help much, but I have attached the VA Fee Base directive in response to your question: Who do I talk to to get authorization to see a neurosurgeon?! The answer is the VAMC Medical Director. S/he has the authority to authorize your fee-base surgery. Send a Certified Letter to the VAMC Director. I also suggest that you have your VA Neurologist (or any other mmedical professional) write a note to the effect that physical tx is contra-indicated and may actually worsen your SC medical condition. Just throwing some ideas around ... Hang in there. You need the surgery and the VA must provide that for you, by Law. Chuck alo suggested you talk to an attorney about filing a TORT against the VA. You may suggest that course of action to the VAMC director, in a nice way ... Here's a quote from the VA Fee Base Directive, and the attched pdf file. ~Wings PS I'll attach the pdf to the next post, for some reason I am stuck in a box that doesn't have that option.

Sounds good to me. Should be a win, back to original date!!! jmo pr

I tend to agree w/testvet. Most national organization's are a waste, as are, in my opinion, their VSO's. LarryJ, here, is probably the exception. They usually have you sign the POA form and then have little to do w/you and can rarely be reached. pr

They generally do but with your C&P exam fairly recent, they could waive it, if there's enough info there to decide the claim. They generally like the exams to have been six months or less. pr

The max rating for tinnitus is 10% and that's the same for one or both ears. They just give you the usual hearing exam and technically there is no way, I know of, to actually test for it. It's not something they can see or hear, to confirm that you really have it. pr

Please, please, please, keep appealing!!! VA claims are about "work product" and not accuracy. Work product is about moving your claim from the in-box to the out-box, not about accuracy. They get paid based on work product. You will win, eventually!!!!!!!!!!!! Never give up, please!!!!!!!!!! pr

You need to check the schedule ratings chart. I don't think it can be rated additional but I may be wrong. However if it's painful it could be rated. Mine is deceased and apparently they don't rate that. lol Doesn't matter, I still like naked women but would never pay a dollar to see them. pr

Please just call and ask. pr

I would apply. pr

Carlie, I'm fairly sure one does not need to do other sedentary employment for the VA benefits. If your SC disability keeps you from doing your usual profession/job then they need to pay up. SSDI requires that you do any type work. I'd argue the sedentary statement by the examiner, as his job is not sedentary. I'd apply for VocRehab, who will probably deny and continue seeking TIU but with more evidence. pr

They should remain the same. SSI is similiar to welfare and therefore is adjusted state by state. pr

To the best of my knowledge, yes, that is correct. pr

The VA only uses the info, in the VA med records, if the claimant has advised the service center(claims office) of those records. Never make the assumption that the service center has your VA med records, because you'll be sadly disappointed and it can add years to your claim. They see what's going on up to and prior to getting the records. If the claim is not adjudicated for 6 months, then 6 months of records will be missing. pr

Teac - please note that your last paragraph is essentially 4.16(b) and please also note that the last change was 10/8/96, which was the date 4.16C was removed. 4.16C stated: "In cases in which the only compensable service-connected disability is a mental disorder assigned a 70 percent evaluation, and such mental disorder precludes a veteran from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation ․ the mental disorder shall be assigned a 100 percent schedular evaluation." I think the VA decided they were seeing too many 100%'s awarded under 4.16C and decided to make it harder for the claimant to reach 100%. 4.16(a) is very deceiving. Many unemployable vets come here seeking assistance, in gaining TDIU, because they believe they must meet those minimum requirements, when in fact it is not true. The VA sent me letter declining me TDIU and quoted only 4.16(a) in their reasons and bases. That is grossly misleading and the VA should be chastised for using those tactics. So, I'm sorry but I don't believe that 4.16(b) was meant for "the few of the few," but was meant for "all who fit that description." jmo pr

I'd request an extension of the temporary 100%, since she's having problems. jmo pr

I gather you are trying to get TDIU, under 38 CFR 4.16(b), which requires that you request an extra-schedular rating. The statement you stated should suffice. As others mentioned, additional evidence would help as would filing the TDIU form, which I understand is required. pr

Sorry, had to mention it. My ex quit 10 months ago. Actually it's part of the reason we divorced. The VA is quite helpful with that. Hugs, sis!!! pr

Tho, this is not an answer, I suggest you quit smoking. jmo pr

Welcome Mike!!! I consider you brave to live in the Philipines(sp). I wish I could do it! Anyway, the but the "nothing like the real warriors" phrase bugs me. You saw death . . . not something seen in a normal lifetime. You could have PTSD. Let them decide and you do some research. You could have it!!! jmo pr

Near as I can figure a veteran w/2 dependents would receive $17,513 per annum. So if they received 1,000 per month from SSDI or SSA, they would receive an additional 459.00 per month from VA pension. pr

I recommend he hire an atty specializing in military law. Failure to do so could cost him many, many, many, dollars!!!! pr

Great, now he's going to BBQ another poor goat!!! just sayin' pr

I'd request a referral to a urologist. What's your reasoning for wanting your testosterone increased?? pr