Philip Rogers

Of course, you should appeal. Like John said, it's routine to be denied the first time, w/SSDI. They almost always find something you could do. Their job is not to award you SSDI. Go get 'em!!!!! Never, ever give up!!!! pr

If I recall correctly it was about those awarded temporary TDIU that were never followed up on, at a later date. Not the vets fault. The VA is so screwed up, just like all government operated things. Save money and put it in private hands. jmo pr

If it were me, I would send it in, each time. It at least pays for your gas. I have a master copy, I keep, and each time I travel I just print one out, sign and date it and send it on it's way. I refuse to stand in line, at my VA, like some poor beggar waiting to get paid my travel pay. My time is more valuable to me than that. If you have multiple trips in a month you can send them in monthly, thereby saving some postage but be sure to send them before the 30 day "authorized" travel period has expired, as the VA loves to dispose of them without paying. I keep a copy of each for my files, so I can audit them annually, just to be sure they paid them all. jmo pr

http://vetlawyers.com/vetblog/index.php/2013/02/report-vba-computers-failing-veterans/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BergmannMoore+%28Bergmann+%26+Moore%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail

You need to appeal, appeal, appeal, just like you would a ratings claim, which means when denied appeal to the BVA and then the CAVC. The VA's published policy, last I knew was, to use mapquest, bing, yahoo, or whomever and to use the one "most" favorable to the vet. The RO's violate that and no one follows thru w/their appeal. jmo pr Did you know that VA employees get 51 cents per mile and the VA takes their word as to how far they traveled???

Yup, they will, John, just like good puppets should. I recommend we start learning Chinese, as I feel they will eventually take us over. We'll have no military to defend us, unless we count on the NFL. jmo pr

Interesting! We'll see what happens. jmo pr

Celia - T8r posted the link that spells out the grandfathering clause to VFW VSO's. Rockman's POA died w/him. You need to sign a new POA w/whatever organization you chose to use and then they must sign it and submit it to the VA before it will be recognized. You need not execute a POA unless you want someone to represent you. If they say TN is your POA, then you must have signed the document or they are in error. Ask them the effective date and have them fax/mail you a copy. pr

A POA should have no bearing now, as a POA dies w/the claimant. jmo pr

Berta, you may want to check your previous yrs taxes, if your tax person considered your DIC taxable. Approx $15k for DIC, each yr, could amount to a couple of thousand additionally paid in taxes. Might be worth filing some amended returns!!! Could be a nice little nestegg. I think the Feds allow 7 yrs. Not sure on your NY state taxes. jmo pr

autumn - I don't think anyone's saying you're trying to get more and shouldn't. The point is you're now at 100% and anytime they look at your claim they could also re-evaluate your claim(s) and possibly reduce your award, even in error, which could take some time to correct. If you feel the need to have it corrrected then go ahead with it. Just be aware of the minefield you are entering and whether the risk will be worth the possible results. Good luck, whatever you decide! jmo pr

fortyse7en - Sorry but the average claim processing time is taking somewhere around 8-9 months and many take longer, so it is best for you to find a hobby, to keep yourself occupied. jmo pr

I wouldn't use them, John. Think of everything the VA does and what makes you think nursing home care will be any better! jmo Sorry, buddy! Most nursing home care is poor at best. They are in business to make money, so when an employee calls in sick, they work short handed, with no extra pay for those working. Most nurses aides are lucky if they get much more than minimum wage. pr

Your problem appears to be evidence. The only evidence you have is you and your family's statements, which they probably feel are biased. In addition you had another injury, in 1979, after the service. You need more probative evidence, if you ever expect to win. Just because "you want" a full court review doesn't mean you should get one. I'm not trying to depress you but I just don't see it getting anywhere as is. jmo pr

Generally they re-evaulate for SSDI, the first time at 2-3 yrs and then depending on what your prognosis is, may extend it to 3yrs, 5yrs, 7yrs or none. Be sure to continue seeing your medical/psychological caregivers regularly, so you have current records, as doing so may avoid a re-evaluation and just trigger a simple review. If the records are there they may do a simple review and continue your award. Failure to continue treatment is a "red flag" as they may consider you "cured!" jmo pr

I have no idea how to use them and don't do gaming, at all. About 7 yrs ago I purchased what was then a state of the art control stick (Saitek X52) and now want to complete my original goal. Can anyone recommend a game thing and flight simulator program, so I could finally start having some fun, w/o leaving the ground. I don't fly, period. Thanks, in advance!! pr

You can still file for SSDI, and if you win, your SS rate would be the full rate, you would have received, at full retirement age and you'd probably get a retro check from when you took retirement. If you can survive on current income level I'd file for TDIU, also. jmo pr

Generally, yes, and generally at 2 yrs. pr

At best your ratings total 53%, which is rounded down to 50%, using the combined ratings table. http://cfr.vlex.com/vid/4-25-combined-ratings-table-19774341 I, personally doubt you could qualify for TDIU based on those disabilities, at present. Sorry! jmo If you're currently receiving payment at 60%, then you've left something out, such as bilateral factor(s). pr

FYI - I have a friend, who just started counseling, w/a new counselor, (VN Marine, former VA employee), who states that if you're in the DEERS system, you can get your meds on base and "most" are free. He also states that ChampVA is basically now Tri-Care. He's bringing her a list of contact numbers for the Jacksonville, NC, base area. We'll see what happens. I hope it's all true! pr

Your main problem is that the VA can do what they call staged ratings. You need evidence that your rating should have been higher, back then. If there was any mention of unemployability, in your claims file or medical records, previously, it would be the evidence you need and the more it's mentioned the better. Personally, due to the retro, I would pursue it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I was originally awarded 30% for PTSD and I thought, great! Within the one yr appeal period I realized I was much worse, so I appealed. It took 10 yrs, with periodic increases, for me to win, but I won, 100% retro, to day one of my claim and when I started I knew nothing about the VA, their claims system or PTSD. I had zero evidence when I started. I now feel I am somewhat an expert, if only for my claim. jmo pr

I'd take it now, John, as the future 's not certain. Besides she'll have all that retro, from your CUE claim, to see her by!!! jmo pr

I don't see why not. The ability to successfully attend school does not equate to the ability to work. pr

If what you mean by "I'm getting closer to the end" is a 100% rating, I would request TDIU or go for an increase in your PTSD rating. jmo pr

Apply w/VocRehab. I don't think you need to be 100% or TDIU to receive ILS. pr