Philip Rogers

navy04 - A CUE can also be completed almost immediately, especially when it's a simple error, like this. jmo pr

Request the hearing immediately!!! If you don't, the reduction will happen, as stated. Meanwhile, work on your evidence. Can you give us a history of the rating they are proposing to reduce? pr

They just mean a "burial benefit" not the life insurance policies. pr

They should have rated it. I'd file a CUE on it. jmo pr

They could but they rarely read and use their rules, except when they're against awarding the claim. As lotzaspotz stated, you can request it. Simply drop them a short letter stating that you are requesting P&T and include the excerpt from their handbook. jmo pr

One thing to remember - friends, family and neighbors don't like that you're being compensated, for not working, and will turn you in, in a New York minute. Just sayin . . . pr

I agree. If you're getting TDIU you shouldn't be working. You should be ok for last year but you're being paid for "not working." Would be sad to lose that thru greed!!! jmo pr

If he was hospitalized in a military hospital, you should check w/the National Personnel records center (NPRC) in St Louis, MO. I believe they store all the military hospital records, there. http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/ If not they can direct you. pr

John - do you have a sleep doctor outside of the VA? Mine has been great in finding me a mask! I have a mustache and goatee and use the FX nasal pillows. Took me a while to get used to it. I even shaved all facial hair and still couldn't get a mask to fit. I dropped 30lbs and he was able to drop the pressure on my BiPap and now it works great. But my civilian doc specializes in sleep apnea. Great guy!! Forget the VA!!!!!!!!! I'd think long and hard before I'd consider surgery. jmo pr

It's a nice concept having a VA medical type card that you could use at any doctor(s)/hospital(s) but it would never fly. You'd have too many VA employees losing their jobs, no where to train new physicians and no place to do all the research and studies that the VA does. But we can dream . . . pr

63Sierra that's funny!!! Congress making their own rules and you can't fire them either!!!! hahahahahahaha!! pr

I have no idea, John. Sorry! pr

I originally became a level seven when I won my claim at the BVA, retroactive 10yrs. At that time, I hadn't used an attorney, yet. I figured they just flagged me because they knew, I knew my VA claim stuff. I think it's kinda like law enforcement. I'm sure they know who you are when they stop you, even before they ask. And if you're an a**hole, I'm sure you're flagged, in the computer, so the next guy knows what he's dealing with. ;-) VA probably does the same sh*t. It could be the security clearance issue, too. I think they flag you if a congressperson is helping, also. jmo pr

If you've ever worked for the VA or had a lawyer represent you for a VA claim, the VA makes you a level "7" access, which means only a higher level supervisor can access your claim/file. They do that to be sure there are less errors in your claim and/or file. pr I also think they do that for trouble makers too!

If I were you, I'd file a NOD requesting a higher rating, once you've received your VA package. If you just file for an increase you'll lose out on $$$, that the NOD could bring. See what they say first. pr

Fro what I understand, adding dependents is backed up also. It could take a yr or more, at this point in time. jmo pr

No. They are running over a yr behind. You might want to re-submit the form, in case it got "lost." pr

At least he's a veteran and airborne! pr

Thanks but I'll pass on it, John. I'm doing fairly well w/my FX nasal pillow. pr

As someone raised, on spam, in the 50's, I like spam & onions! pr

To my knowledge there is no requirement that the c-file be present. I believe the VA also states this somewhere. However, shortly after someone appealed, their claim, based on the c-file not being present, at the C&P exam, the VA ordered all C&P examiners to start the C&P exam by stating "I have reviewed your c-file" and then continuing with the exam. pr

Yup, 60% is correct. Sorry! pr

The tendency is to downplay your symptoms. Most want to "dress up" like you're going to court or something, when actually you should show them your worst day. Be truthful whatever you do. Don't deny suicidal or homicidal ideations, as they are common and many with PTSD have them. If you have a plan, tell them, as it shows how bad your PTSD is. Women often use pills, while men usually use guns. jmo pr

I'd get rid of the SO as he/she's an IDIOT!!! You must submit the SSDI info, if you want to win. jmo pr

If you've had the condition(s) for 5 yrs or more, I would apply for P&T. jmo pr