Philip Rogers

Carla - isn't notebook just a new name for laptop. Or are you thinking "tablet?" My last two have been Acers and have cost between $250 - $350. One is a mini. I don't think I'd buy anything else these days. They don't come w/a lot of useless programs(that I don't use), for that price, either. jmo pr

It is an "s" award and is currently $320 monthly. I don't believe you can get two "s" awards. pr

Generally, NSC conditions can't be considered towards TDIU. If you are rated for PTSD, you could apply for an increase. Or you could try to SC your Parkinson's? jmo pr

Can anyone recommend any free security that I can download to replace my Norton, that expires in a few days?? Thanks!! pr

Actually it should go to your VAMC, Attn: 138T. Mileage is paid by the VAMC. pr

I agree w/Berta, that hopefully, the DRO will order new exams, but I don't know that they will or should. I don't know that the C&P examiner is required to consider your IME/IMO, unless they've been specifically instructed to opine on the IME/IMO. The evidence is considered by a rater, who makes the decision based on all the evidence, including the C&P exam, IME/IMO, etc. The DRO could just affirm the previous decision and send you off, to the BVA, for 2-5+ more yrs of delay. jmo pr

I would say "yes," John, provided "you have told them you are not working." When they award 70% and don't award TDIU, I believe, they are required to explain why it wasn't awarded, provided they "know" the claimant is not working. 38 CFR 4.16 is pretty straight forward on this. It's just that the VA doesn't usually follow the regs as required. In this case it would be easy to explain away, as the SSDI is awarded for NSC conditions. jmo pr

Pete, you're probably right, as I think it's been on before. It looked good! It's funny, cuz when I see these things, I cry, cuz I know exactly how they feel and what they are going thru and I get so overwhelmed, especially if they need to deal w/the VA. Unfortunately, war takes it's toll both on the living and those who sacrifice by dying. "Only the dead know the end of war!" pr

Technically, a claim for TDIU is considered a claim for increase. pr

And your point is???? We haven't had a raise in 2 yrs and I am glad you are just finding this out. I believe we are scheduled for one in January's payment, on 12/30/2011, which I believe should be about 3.6%, if I remember correctly. pr

Brian - are you a VN in-country vet? And if so, have you filed for IHD, yet? pr

True John, but it's still a basic rate increase. I'd rather have one than not and consider myself very fortunate to receive it. Many don't get anything! jmo pr

I'm trying to figure out your point, w/this post. The next increase should be on 12/1/2011 and should show up in our 12/30/2011 deposit/check. pr

I wasn't sure where to post this to get the most exposure. I caught part of a short movie titled "Wartorn 1861-2010" and executive produced by James Gandolfini, who played Tony Soprano, in "The Sopranos." I only caught about 20 minutes of it but it's on a couple of the HBO channels, on 11/27/2011, if anyone is interested. It looked fairly good, especially cuz there are some WWII vets interviewed in it. Sure makes me look look at Patton differently! jmo pr

This is just an educated guess but if your award date is 2/1/2011, you wouldn't be paid for 2/2011 until 3/1/2011, so it may look like you were shorted. Without knowing more I can't even try to explain it otherwise. Remember benefits are paid the first of the following month. jmo pr

It'll depend on whether you took your retirement at a reduced age, like 62yo. If you took an early retirement and received a reduced rate, it could mean an increase. If $250 is the reduced monthly rate @ 62yo, your SSDI rate would be approx $357. I'm not sure about any gov't offsets. pr

Thanks, Carla!!!! I'll have to add it to my favorites. pr

I'd just send a letter, on the "Statement in Support of Claim" form(don't remember the number), to the VA, requesting ChampVA & Chap 35, stating that you are older than 55 yrs and should be considered P&T, according to 38 USC & 38 CFR. jmo pr

Are you 55 yo or older? When are you scheduled for a re-examination? What help are you looking for? The only change I see would be Chap 35 & ChampVA. From what you've posted, I assume you're receiving 100% + SMC. I don't see any more money. pr

I think we need more info, such as what are your SC disabilities? pr

I found, in my 22yrs of receiving counseling w/the VA, that you only see a psychiatrist(shrink) for medications and renewals of psych meds, usually 2-4 times a yr and generally see a counselor, w/an MSW, for your regular counseling. I don't take psych meds, so basically I never see a shrink. pr

carla, Thinking about it, it prolly wouldn't work. I remember when I started smoking, around 1955-56, I couldn't force myself to inhale, so I ended up inhaling thru my nose and eventually I could inhale thru my mouth. Kinda gross but I was 10 or 11yo. Finally gave it up in '77, after about a half a dozen tries. Kept trying and one day it'll work! thank you for the compliments and enjoy that cruise!!! Love and hugs!!!!!! Flip

I will, if necessary, John. It's headed to the BVA, first. The C&P doc recommended that "if needed" I receive any other C&P's that may be necessary. She stated that none of my physical conditions prevent me from leaving the house, to earn a living. I never said they did, as it's my PTSD, which at this point should probably include agoraphobia, secondary to my SC PTSD. It's a real pain but I'll keep on plugging away, as the payoff, now, would be $50k - $60k, retro. Thanks, everyone!! pr

Sounds great Carla!!! Now, enjoy life and live a long time!!! How about lip stapling . . . it might help w/the smoking ceasation! pr

slangpdx - please don't come here and yell "fire!" Think about what you're saying. The VA can't deal w/the backlog of claims, so how could they possibly do this type of review???!!! Someday down the road, perhaps, but I wouldn't worry now. jmo pr