Philip Rogers

Autumn - I don't think they're allowed to charge more than the 20%. The VA governs that. pr

I would venture to guess that many who have died in their sleep never knew they had OSA, as it is a relatively newly discovered medical disorder but is treatable now. Think about it. jmo pr

You'll probably "die" one night and never know it, you just won't wake up. There are other remedies, such as surgery. I don't think it's likely they'll increase your rate just because "you" can't adjust to a Cpap. You may need a different mask or even a Bpap. If it were me I'd see a private Sleep Doc. I do. The VA has been no help, other than to give me a machine that wasn't even set up properly. jmo pr

Could your original award have been made on Type 2 diabetes?? Look up the codes for Type 1 and Type 2, just to be sure. pr

It's up to you. It could mean added income. Remember VA comp is supposed to supplement your income to help equalize it to the amount you'd earn if you didn't have the condition. If your therapist is a VA therapist, you may want to proceed. Bear in mind the incident may be difficult to prove, should that be needed but it can be done. Generally classified documents should have been de-classified by now. There is a chance you do have PTSD and it does/can effect your life. jmo pr

What is your 10% rating for? pr

The only suggestion I have to offer, once this is straightened out, is to continue seeing the VA docs a couple times a yr. If you don't they tend to think you're cured and you can see what that causes. jmo pr

Personally, I think you should have filed a NOD, on 7/10/12, rather than a request for an increase and TDIU. By filing for an increase you opened a new claim and claim date, where a NOD would've kept the original 6/2/10 date. Also, never assume anything w/the VA. I'd just wait and see, gathering any more evidence I could. jmo pr

The ILP is designed to improve the daily quality of life of the veteran and can be used for computer(s), tools for a home workshop, photography equipment, modifications to the home, etc., just to name a few. I received assistance about 12 yrs ago. They purchased a Dell computer, w/mouse & keyboard, printer, chair, home instruction, a circuit breaker multi-plug thing, and one pkg of paper. One vet won a claim for an addition to his house, to use as a studio, for his photography, for around $20k. pr

Based on what you've stated I think you're safe. This doesn't mean the VA may not try a reduction, tho. You may want to submit a claim for the retinopathy and the ED, if you're not receiving the SMC "k" award, already. Should they send you a proposal to reduce be sure to respond immediately by requesting a hearing. I would think they'd need to give you TDIU, based on your condition(s), if they tried to reduce. jmo pr

Worrying won't help, period. Who knows what it means, however if what has been posted recently about C&P exams is true, they could make a decision w/o them, which could be unfavorable to you. Just sayin . . . Best to wait until you see something in writing before making any judgements. pr

I agree John. At our age (65+) it's virtually impossible to not have heart disease, if we live in the USA and eat an American diet. Our veins and arteries have to look like the inside of plumbing, in an old house, with the buildup of plaque, etc. I've yet to see a cardiologist thru the VA. I have a private appt, in 2 wks, w/a private cardiologist, at my expense. jmo pr

They generally go back to the date you first filed the claim. On rare occasions they can go back further, like if there were notes in your medical records about ED problems earlier, but it almost never happens. jmo pr

Additional compensation, in the form of Special Monthly Compensation(smc) awards. Depending on the severity of your disabilities the VA can pay $7,000 plus a month. Also, they may want to insure that when they die, it's caused by SC conditions, thereby insuring their spouse a Dependents Indemnity Compensation (DIC) monthly award of $1250 or more and perhaps Chapter 35 benefits, to name a few. jmo pr

I doubt you'll get TDIU but I would apply, as your employer "is very accommodating, which most employers would not be. I doubt it was a tactic. jmo pr

I'd say $1500 and up, depending on how much he has to do. Could go $3500-$4000. He'll give you an idea when you talk to him. pr

You can just write the VA a letter explaining what you are applying for, called an informal claim. You can also go to the VA website and file a claim online. You should list all of your symptoms and don't be shy and hold back. You do not have to diagnose your disability(s), it's up to them. Since you have anger problems, you may want to contact a Vet Center for some counseling. You can locate Vet Centers, near you, thru the VA website at http://www.va.gov/. If a Vet Center isn't near you they have contract counselors often nearby. Thank you for your service! It's a long road but you can make it. I personally don't recommend using a Veterans Service Officer/Organization (VSO) such as DAV, VFW, AL, etc., as most claim to be busy but are just generally lazy and incompetent(my personal opinion), but the choice is yours. You can always come back here and ask questions. No one will work your claim better than you. jmo pr

Sounds good! Don't worry about the seaman thing, as it relates to how long you've been on the board and posts, not your actual military service. The site is owned by a former Navy vet and that's her way of labeling us. pr

I would definitely file the claim. As for the female doctor, tell him to "man up" it's nothing to be ashamed of. It's just nature. Must still be somewhat immature(to me). I recently asked my female dr for Viagra, no big deal. The VA can look at all his conditions and if he's a fraud, I wouldn't ask for anything, but if his conditions are real there is nothing to be afraid of. I believe anyone who'd tell him not to apply is on the VA's side. jmo pr

I don't know but if you post the ratings code number for Meniere's someone should be able to guess. If the Meniere's is keeping you from working you could apply for TDIU and get it. It sounds, to me, like you're looking for either TDIU or a 100% rating. jmo pr

I would get all three, if they allow it, especially if Athem Medicare Advantage is free. Medicare is the primary and ChampVA will be the secondary. jmo pr

The "as least likely as not" is a win for you. It means 50/50 and the tie breaker goes to you. It'll be s/c. pr

When did you file the original claim for ptsd/mst?? The reason I ask is the VA having to diagnose PTSD is a fairly recent change and if your claim was before that, the old law may be more favorable to you. If you've been thru a DRO hearing I suspect your claim is a few yrs old. Skip the idea of a CUE for now, as the claim must be final to claim a CUE. pr

Hugh - you should get s/c for PN. I believe I get 10% for each extremity that has PN. Also, please upgrade you bio as it says you're 10%, not 20%. If they don't award s/c just send them a letter to correct it. jmo pr

I agree w/stretch, copy them and do the highlighting on the copies. I would number the pages so they are kept in order. You could then download onto a CD and send them that way, also. You could use some of those large paperclip type things and that would keep them in order. I would highlight every mention of fibro, insomnia and chronic pain. jmo pr