Philip Rogers

Bravo6 - 1st it's called SSDI, not SSD. Second, dependents aren't eligible for Medicare thru your claim. pr

photoman - the most an attorney can charge is 25%, of past due award, plus expenses, with the max currently being $5300. Depending on how soon a claimant wants to win it may be best to hire an attorney. Most don't want to take a claim until it's been denied once or twice, thereby earning them the max. pr

I'd review the percentages, for PTSD, and see where you feel you fit in. Then, if you feel you should be rated more than 30%, file a NOD and request another C&P exam. You can also ask your shrink for an opinion. mobie16r - Asking for an increase starts a new claim and then you wouldn't get any retro, if you win. I suggest filing a NOD(appeal). jmo pr

navydoc2 - I just did a quick search and it probably won't be a big deal. Pacemaker implantation is generally a short procedure and relatively safe. I've got an incomplete bundle branch block and will probably be looking at a pacemaker in my future, too. Pete - I didn't see a stent mentioned. I believe a third degree AV block is an electrical problem and doesn't effect the arteries and therefore probably no stent.

I seem to be missing the point of your post. Please explain for my simple mind. Thanks! pr

It's an oral exam. pr

If the claim has been under "continous prosecution" from the initial claim date the claimant would get the retro back to 2005. Don't confuse appeal with a request for a higher rating, which I think you are. As for the TDIU the date would probably be the date you applied for TDIU, although they may go back a year if the evidence is there. jmo pr

Norm - I'm not positive about this but I believe they don't advise you of a DRO until you've filed a NOD. pr

I'd file the NOD. It shouldn't have any effect on your TDIU claim. jmo pr

This is just my opinion but you may have a claim dating back to service . . . at least "I'd" pursue it. If I recall correctly MS can be service connected, by presumption, for a 7 yr period. As the saying goes nothing ventured, nothing gained. pr

Personally, I feel requests for reconsideration(RFR) are a complete waste of time. I've never heard of anyone receiving a successful decision after the RFR. jmo pr

Good for you, Berta, take the day off!!! pr

Sure, why not? If you are TDIU you can also apply now, for housebound, and you should be eligible. jmo pr

That's the minimum statement required to get service connection. It means it's 50/50, so the vet gets the benefit of the doubt. Makes it easier for doctors who can't say comfortably that it was caused by service. pr

I'd talk to an atty somewhere in the future. It's not a big claim, but . . . jmo pr

Wings - no format, just request a copy, or updated copy, since previous request, in simple english. I make a general statement authorizing the release to me. pr

They seemed to follow the rules and ruled based on the evidence presented, although it's been a few yrs since I've dealt w/them. jmo pr

Although funded by the VA I suggest you go to a VET Center, for an honest diagnosis. For the most part they are honest and favor the vet. jmo pr

Yes, you can. pr

Yes. Why? I used to live in northern ID and help a few friends win either 100% or TDIU, plus some minor increases for a few others. pr

There's no doubt, that if you improve, the VA will try to reduce your compensation. You need to fight all attempts by the VA to do that but don't give up, just on what "might" happen. I recommend you continue to try to improve your quality of life, as well as your ability to be successful in the working world. I think most of us here would prefer to work but when you get old it does make a "nice retirement pkg." If I had to just rely on my SSDI I'd probably be homeless or at least living in a dumpy little apartment. jmo pr

Vync - You can search the internet for your unit. Contact the NPRC for unit rosters for when you were in. Contact the NARA in College Park, MD, for ORRL's, daily journals, etc.. The only thing know the VA will do is contact the Records Research Unit (can't recall their actual title at the moment) and have them try to verify your stressor. You're better off trying to get evidence yourself, as it would be faster and could save you yrs. You can do the research, at the NARA, in MD, yourself. pr

It sounds like your stressor requirement has been met, so now it's just how much your PTSD creates problems in your daily life. Some folks think the more severe the stressor (ie; combat) the higher the rating but that really has nothing to do w/it. pr

By RSD disability do you mean Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy??? If so, depending on how bad it is, I would think you'd be rated 100%, just on that. jmo pr

If I were you I'd get an attorney specializing in military law. You can lose big time if you don't. jmo pr