Philip Rogers

DblTap1 - I've also found most VSO's to be entirely useless. The VSO's that have offices are usually salaried and can play golf, which is where many spend their time. I suggest you purchase a book entitled the Veterans Benefits Manual(VBM), published by LexisNexis - http://www.lexisnexis.com/store/catalog/booktemplate/productdetail.jsp?pageName=relatedProducts&prodId=12734 It sells for $140, is updated each yr and the new one (2012) should be available this month. It's worth every penny and if a claimant can't win their claim w/it, they probably didn't have a valid claim. (jmo) The VBM explains the process and has boilerplate letters for dealing w/claims. I know $140 sounds like a lot of money but believe me it's so worth it!!!!! Good luck! pr

Yes, the DRO is where you have a hearing, at the local RO, with the senior person that has that title. It should be the faster way. I'm not sure whether you have your VSO w/you or not. You should check w/your VSO. pr

Has the court agreed that a USPS form 3817 will suffice as proof of mailing??? pr

StreetWalker - sounds good! The non-medical would be whether you have enough quarters/work credits, etc.. It shouldn't be long, now. jmo pr

My thoughts are that they are trying to award you TDIU and need an updated C&P exam, in which to base their decision. You should do okay! jmo pr

bronco - it still seems worth pursuing, as it could be a substantial amount. Generally, when the vet didn't meet the criteria for 4.16a, the RO would not consider extra-schedular and refer it to the Central office unless the claimant mentioned the phrase "extra-schedular. Peake "may" have changed that. I see that the VA is trying to improve their handling of claims and I do think they could award retro. Under the old system, I agree "fat chance" but in light of what I'm seeing these days . . . . ya never know. jmo pr

The RO could award TDIU, depending on whatever disabilities may have been present in 2002. Not likely, but possible. pr

Congrats!!! But you only received what they "promised" you, when you served, and I believe this goes to all that served, whether you enlisted or were drafted. Try to enjoy whatever time remains!!!! pr

Robert - I've been attending the same group for about 15 yrs. We rarely discuss VN and activities there, except when a new member joins the group, and then we introduce overselves, giving our VN background. At our weekly group,we normally discuss how week's been going, for each of us, and types of problems we may be having, which may be family related, money related or even claim related, etc. Most members attend most wks. Sometimes we have to screen out a phoney, here or there. The last was a special ops Coastie, who was attached to the CIA and of course all documents were sealed. I think he said he was there in 75-76. Anyway, I found it helpful for me. I do know I don't have much use for those who've never served, period. Hang in there! pr

I would think you're MS and Vicodin would suffice in easing the pain. They gave me IV dilaudid, too, and sent me home w/the oxycodone. I didn't even use it, as the pain had subsided by then. Oxycodone is a mild analgesic compared to MS and Vicodin. jmo pr

Monthly comp and SSDI/SSA is always deposited on a weekday, M-F. If the first is on a Sat/Sun, or holiday, payment will be deposited on a Fri, or the weekday before the holiday. pr

This is just my opinion: I go to group counseling and it's basically my only public outing. I go there to help others. Most of the time I'm doing okay, but sometimes, rarely, I'm not. I use avoidance therapy. If I avoid everything, I'm okay! Many vets, quit, once they win their claim. I disagree w/that. Should the VA decide to check you out and find that you are not doing counseling they could redo your claim and propose to reduce. Using the theory that if you're not seeking care than you must be cured! (jmo). Just because you receive meds from the VA doesn't mean you are taking them. Remember this is just my opinion. Good luck, whatever you decide! The choice is obviously yours. pr

You should be okay. It's unlikely they'll reduce it. jmo pr

I'd file. You can call it a greivous error or possibly CUE. I think they owe you but I'm only basing that on what you've stated here. pr

You can decide not to accept the payment but I doubt you will be able to get rid of the diagnosis. jmo pr

I would think they could arrange one thru wherever the nearest US embassy is. jmo pr

There are veterans who's conditions are so bad, (such as multiple amputations) that they receive more than $6k monthly but as others stated it's called SMC. pr

Way to go, John!!!! He should probably appeal the 30% for PTSD and work on getting 100% for it. jmo pr

If I recall correctly, receiving insulin daily should be 40%, w/10% each, for the PN, in each leg, plus a bilateral factor of 1.9%. jmo pr

Carlie - no labs in 2 yrs??? WTF??? Are you playing ignorance is the best care??? I'd get labs, asap! and every 3 months after! The best defense is a strong offense!!! Think about your partner! jmo pr

Can you post the court docket number? Thanks! pr

You can file now but remember unemployability is not the same as being unemployed. If you quit I'd be sure that it stated in my letter of resignation that I was leaving due to the medical problems I am having w/my SC conditions/disabilities. jmo pr

I'm not sure but I think you should be getting a check that's equal to half of her monthly amount, because you are disabled. Do a written inquiry w/SSA, as they aren't responsible for anything they "say." jmo pr

I'd see the Top guy in Dallas, even if I had to pay myself. The VA is free but sometimes "free care" is worth just what you pay for it . . . nothing. Some VA's are great, while others leave a lot to be desired. Be and stay well!!!! jmo pr

11cvolley - are you hooked up w/healthEvet and secure messaging?? If so, I'd send an email or two until I get an answer. If not, I'd look into it, as it also keeps track of appts. Emails leave an electronic trail whereas phone calls/messages disappear. She could have dropped you depending on how many meetings you've missed. The VA frowns on missing appts, w/o notifying them ahead of time and w/good reason. A missed appointment could be used by another needy vet. pr