Philip Rogers

Welcome - I would file a claim, today. If you wait, until next month, you will lose one months of benefits, when you win. I would file a claim for Ptsd/adjustment disorder. Chances are you have PTSD. The VA seems to be using adjustment disorder to avoid the issue of PTSD. PTSD is an adjustment disorder but by using adjustment disorder, they'll probably say you're cured, somewhere down the line. As w/PTSD, I've yet to see a cure. As to your claim, use a VSO that you trust and believe in but also monitor your claim closely. Most VSO's, I know of, claim they are overworked and rarely answer or return phone calls to them. It seems their golf game is more important! jmo pr

John - I believe she needs to wait until her full retirement age, to receive that amount. Here's the link: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/yourspouse.htm pr

If you are already receiving spouses benefit, why do you ask??? If you are 50 or over, and disabled, you can receive them now and if not disabled, you can receive at 60yo. If receiving disability now, SS will switch to retirement when the time is right. pr

If you care about your life, I would only use VA for only the most routine care, like hearing aids, simple x-rays, routine meds, etc. jmo pr

Because that's the way it is. You normally must be 65yo, to be eligible for Medicare, however, if you've been disabled for over 2yrs, you are eligible before attaining 65yo, which is kinda nice, as no one else would insure you at a reasonable rate. jmo pr

broncovet - It can be awarded as a secondary issue to a SC condition. PTSD and it's effects can lead to obesity, which can lead to sleep apnea. I think I'll give it a go! pr

You are correct. When I quoted 86%, it's because I was using "your" figures of "82% paid at 80%." Two more 10%'s would get you to 95% and round up to 100%. Good luck!! pr

If your case went to the Circuit Court it would be public info and, available, on the internet. If you lost, I would find a new atty and see if you could retry the case. My first atty cost me 30 months of benefits, all because he knew nothing about SSDI law but wanted to learn. Shame on him!!! jmo pr

These days, the VA gives a battery of tests/questionaires to confirm a PTSD diagnosis. One is an MMPI and another is a combat exposure questionaire. I believe there are 3 or 4 of them in the battery. If you didn't take these then that would rule them out. The GAF is used somewhat but not by itself. A low score would probably be 70-100 and a high score would be 30-0. The lower the number the worse you are. jmo pr

Not sure what he meant. Could be your test scores, for PTSD, were low, or your GAF score was low. I'm thinking it was your test scores that are used to validate a PTSD diagnosis, these days. You can request a copy of his notes and, in fact, you should request copies, of any VA care, prior to leaving, after your appointment(s). jmo pr

I think john999 or a few others here will be able to advise you, on this. We have a few who are medically retired postal workers, that post here, on a regular basis. Hope you don't have to go "postal," in the meantime! ;-) pr

A friend of mine died on 5/6/11. I helped his widow draft letters, within a few days, applying for DIC, death/burial benefits, a claim for accrued benefits and requesting a copy of his c-file. She started receiving her DIC within 30 days after his death. I couldn't believe how fast they moved! She's still waiting for copies of his c-file and death/burial benefits, a yr later. Both SSA and VA moved very quickly. VA even sent the life insurance disbursement within 30-45 days, without her requesting it. He was TDIU, over 10yrs, and the insurance was the VA insurance disabled vets can purchase. pr

broncovet - I don't see how they can withhold any info at the court level, as the court is public info. While you may not "want" it public, I don't believe you have a choice. jmo pr

Adding one 10% will give you 84% and adding another 10% will give you 86%, which rounds to 90%. I'd have to see all your percentages to answer the sleep apnea question. An IMO could be worth it, as it raises the monthly rate about $1100 a monthly, and would pay for itself in a couple of months. jmo pr

Good point, 71M10!!! Interesting . . . pr

Good on you!!! Now live well and live long, your warrior days are over. pr 1st Cav 65-67

Ketchup56 - Sorry but your statement: "If you are working you will NEVER BE APPROVED for ssdi PERIOD." is wrong. It may be difficult but can be approved. It has to do with hours you are able to work and the income the person earns. pr

Could be. They could also be considering a reduction or an increase, especially since it's a 3 day exam. Have you applied for Voc Rehab?? Since they seem to be working to reduce the backup, they may be looking to correct you rating. We'd need more info, to offer an informed opinion, on your question. jmo pr

I'm going to disagree. A claimant can win providing they meet the requirements, which include hours they can work and, I believe, amount earned, based on poverty level or whatever it's officially called. They may deny, initially, just because it's easier but the claimant can win, in the end. To my knowledge they have not changed the 5 days a wk thing to 4 days, but it is possible. pr

roses15534 - why would she get A&A?? If she can care for someone else, the VA will assume she can care for herself. Besides, for her to get anything she would need to apply. jmo pr

If I recall correctly, you must be able to work 8 hrs a day, 5 days a wk, to be considered able bodied and employable or non-disabled, for SS. If you can't work that then they must consider you disabled. pr

The disability rules ease at age 50 or 55. I believe it's 55. pr

For more qualification info read 38 CFR 3.50, 3.52, 3.53 and 3.54. pr

I believe you can look up your disabilities online, in the SS blue book. I'd certainly apply now. pr

Thanks, Carla, I was going to mention that, in the morning. pr