Colt

Congratulations! That is awesome. I'm glad you feel relief.

Thanks, Kelly. :) Anyone have any idea? Can I do anything about those contentions or could I file for the cysts? I'm just lost. What if this leads to something more serious in the future?

I just got another update to my claim that was filed Aug 2010. They service connected 3 more contentions at 0% (I now have 8 at 0%). However, they denied me two of them and I'm not sure if I can't do anything about it or what my options are. Dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and Dysmenorrhea (pain during menstruation). On both the denial reason is: The evidence does not show a current diagnosed disability. On both the explanation is: **** is not considered a chronic condition for VA purposes. In 2004 - 2006 I went through a long process of trying to fix my chronic vaginitis, painful intercourse, and cramps. They 0% service connected the vaginitis but not any of the other two. Is this because of the explanation that it isn't considered a chronic condition? When I went to my C&P exam, they did an ultrasound and found cysts. In the reports it says that bilateral ovarian cysts are identified. The largest on the right measures 14mm and the largest on the left measures 19mm. Mild cul-de-sac fluid is identified. I was told that this could contribute to my cramps but I had never had a ultrasound up to this point. My biggest is the dysmenorrhea. I experience this monthly on a large scale. Often times having to take off work or hide in cubicles on the floor due to not being able to sit. Is this just one I can't do anything about?

Thank you, Carlie!

Hi guys. Sorry, I tried to search my question and couldn't find anything already posted. Going off of ebenefits (I know it isn't always right), but according to it they upped me from 30% to 40%. Now, I have had to pay back severance pay since Aug 2010 and this Aug was to be my first VA payment that I would receive. However, because they upped me to 40% according to the va payment history portion there is a deposit for Compensation & Pension - Retroactive pay pending for July 31, 2012. Will this include my Aug payment at 40% or will they deposit that separately? Does anybody know? Thanks.

Correct. Mine is down as well. I swore I saved that VA letter somewhere for the 30% but I can't find it. *Sighs*

Gosh, I hope they fix it soon. The one time I actually need something from it, it's down. If they don't get it up, does anyone know any other way to apply the 10-point preference based off of 30% to a GS position? I have the SF15 form, but I'll need a letter as well. It closes in five days.

Wow, CB, still waiting huh?

I finally have something solid to go on. I'm not sure how I'm going to completely handle this or what to do. If you have time to look over this and if it doesn't seem like I'm going in the right direction--please point me. I know I have a lot of things listed but all are issues I've suffered through on AD (in my medical records) and many still today. Currently at the 15th month mark on my initial claim, I'm sure that once I start adding evidence for whatever, it will get pushed out. 1. 20% DDD – I do have additional evidence that I can submit from Sept and Dec 2010 but I'm not sure what they would need or if it would make a difference. 2. 10% Radiculopathy – I'm good with this 3. 0% Pes Planus – I do have issues with this still but I'm happy it's SC'd 4. 0% Left ear polyp – I'm good with this 5. 0% Septal Deviation – not okay with this, I cannot breathe well through my nose at all and at night time it is completely blocked--no airflow, wake up coughing, just overall sucks. Do I NOD? 6. 0% Overactive bladder, UTI's – currently going to urologist and recently diagnosed by them also going through prescription trials (vesicare currently), NOD? 7. 0% IBS – currently going to IBS specialist, do I just send in records when done? NOD? 8. Synovitis – deferred 9. Kidney stones – deferred 10. Dermatitis\eczema – deferred 11. Dyspareunia – deferred 12. Sinusitis – deferred 13. Tail bone cyst – deferred 14. Dysmenorrhea – deferred 15. Pharyngitis – deferred 16. Vaginitis – deferred 17. Chronic dry eye – denied (okay with this, makes sense) 18. Periodontitis – denied but referred to see if treatment is optional (okay with this) 19. Hearing loss – denied, I don't even understand this part is there something else I should attempt to get SC'd for? Or I can't? I've read it like 5 times and I just feel dumber afterwards, lol. I was told to claim the scars for my back (from surgery) and apply for the 100% for the 6 weeks I was not able to work. I figured I'd go to the DAV for this and just try to work through them for everything; hopefully they will point me in the right direction? However, I just wanted a bit of what I'm supposed to do so I can tell them if need be. VA Disability Awards Part 1.pdf VA Disability Awards Part 2-1.pdf

Chuck, you're correct, I should have been more specific as to what I meant. I knew that CB knew the letter generator was there as he had been in it since he posted the three documents. He was referring to the AB8 form (I think it's called that) as the letter generator and that was what he was after (as it would show his percentage). I was saying that I didn't think that letter existed anymore (they removed it since the upgrade) but referred to it as he did. However, I can see how that could be confusing even though he and I were on the same page. Lol.

6 years? Amazing! Hooray for that C&P doctor that did what he promised you he would do. Do you get to relax now for good?

Thanks for the reply, USMCgirl. Unfortunately ebenies doesn't ever seem to update and it hasn't changed anything under the contentions list. It does say they need more information (on everything even those they rated on, lol) Unfortunately, I won't really have any idea what they are missing probably until they rate me.

From my understanding the Letter Generator doesn't exist anymore. They never put it back up with the remodeling of the site. I saw my percentage under the benefits explorer area and my profile was updated. It reflected the correct percentage in my letter. The notification stage for me lasted from Oct 12 until Oct 29 when I got my letter. However, mine had some issues so I think it took a little longer.

Bron, It did yes. I didn't respond sooner because I didn't get the decision until this past Sat. The majority of them said deferred until examination or other sorts. I'll upload tomorrow when I get a chance. Thanks!

I got my envelope on Sat and they updated my profile percentage just as you said they would which reflected the correct amount. I'll post the information tomorrow and try to figure out what to do from the point. Hang in there, CB. :)

Carlie, I looked at my benefits explorer and it says 30% under the profile area. I didn't put that there and yesterday it was 0% so I'm assuming that is what they rated me. I haven't received my letter yet, but I highly doubt it's different. If they denied SC for ones I really need, won't I have to submit evidence for that anyway since I'll only have the "one year to appeal"? Not to mention since it took 14 months for the first go around I can only assume it won't move very quickly right now since those items went back to development. I owe $11,700 for severance pay, so even at 30% I still have a while to go until I receive anything. I really thought my C&P exam read better than that. Back to the drawing board, I'll post more when I get solid stuff. Thanks!

Thanks for the replies. John your deferred statement gave me something to search and helped me understand better. Appreciate it!

My timeline so far: 8-28-2010 Claim enters Development phase (initial submitted) 12-20-10 Claim enters Decision 10-12-2010 Claim enters Notification phase 10-14-2010 Claim enters Decision phase 10-19-2010 Claim enters Notification phase 10-26-2010 Claim enters Development phase I was like really? I give up. I told myself I wasn't going to let it get to me anymore. I've been driving myself crazy and for what? But before I left the site I saw new letters. Disabled Veteran Civil Service Preference (AB4) and Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (SF15). Don't you only get that if you're at least 30%? Now my curiosity got the better of me and I call the 800 number. The VA Rep stated that only some of my things were rated on and a letter was sent and those closed. The others that were not rated were sent back to the development phase. Since they are back at square one, should I request my c-file? Also, I guess it's safe to add all the stuff that I wanted to previously (from my appts) and get them in since it isn't like it can slow down my claim now.

Can someone delete this thread? I don't know why it posted twice. Thanks.

Agonizing, isn't it? This is what I look like everyday when it's mail time. I meant to add that mine claim area status says that as well. I just think the site is down.

I don't think it matters. Mine went in 8/28/2010 and I didn't do anything you did. ;) But I did have a lot of contentions. I've been off and on in the notification stage since 10/12. Quoting the elders I can see why they always say, "It depends" because you never really know. Glad to see you got movement buddy. I've been checking the mail everyday just to walk away dejected. Lol.

I'm saddened to see that a post asking for help has turned into some of the best forum members not wanting to post. I know I'm very new here; I only found hadit in August and have posted very little. My posts have either been hello to other members, where my claim is at (if I had movement) and to the success stories. I know diddly about the VA and their practices. I’m waiting on something back from my claim so that if I need to do something I can get help or guidance. Every time I call the DVA, they never call back. I’ve been here two months now and still have to look up tons of acronyms and balk when I see according to U.S. I2349 because I have absolutely no idea where to start. I’m trying to learn but it’s so much. Within my first week here, I knew that Carlie and Berta had a lot of knowledge about the VA (of course you aren't the only ones ;D). You can see it in their posts and willingness to respond to people and help. Not to mention the sheer size and information in their posts. My understanding of forums in general is this. New people come in, get help, leave. Why bother returning if you no longer need something? Now, this doesn’t apply to everyone, but it stems true from my other forums I’ve been on. The long standing members have to repeatedly answer simple questions and say things over and over. I got so fed up that I had a large document of commonly asked questions that I would copy and paste from. Personally, I’d rather have a post from an elder with thousands of post and know what they are talking about then from a newer member that has no clue. However, I also understand that it would be nice to have new members jumping in and trying to answer newer posts that they do know. Berta, I haven’t had the pleasure of having you respond with your wealth of knowledge to a big issue I’ve had, but thank you for what you have done with vets up to now. I know tempers can easily flare but not everyone shares the same viewpoint. One only needs to click on yours and Carlies profile and view the comments to see that. I hope you reconsider. I know my two cents isn't worth much, but there it is.

Interesting. WS is behind that much but they are accepting claims from other states (mine, AL, which is only 6,671) when here I have already seen 3 people in my office since retiring this past year get theirs from AL in 11, 7 and 4 months. I am currently sitting at the 14 month mark from WS.

Mine has been slow but it's been updated every time within a couple days. I found out last Wed (19th) it went back into notification and it changed yesterday on ebenefits (3 business days).

Have you thought about trying for GS IT jobs (civil service)? You have the points, the degree, and it may be easier to work your way through to a technical area, so that can start your journey where you want after that. Edit* Whoops somehow I posted it before I finished, lol. I hate to say that what I've found is that it really depends on where you're at or what you are going for as well as who you want to work for. When I got out of the military there were some places I checked out that specifically required a degree for them to even look at me, but your degree had to pertain to the job. It didn't matter my years of experience (8 years) or certs, they wanted that piece of paper. But since you have one, like your brother said it still could work to your favor. I have four certs (Net+, A+, Sec+, CISSP) and I am currently working on two more (CCNA, VCP4.0). I have three degrees (B.S., A.A.S., A.A.S.; 2 computer related and one criminal justice related) and I am going to go for my M.B.A. next year. When I knew I was being forced out I wanted to make myself as marketable as possible before the time came, not to mention I believe continuing education will keep me somewhat sharp. ;) I'll be honest though, what I've come to find out works the best is who you know. It seems unfair but I see it every day, even where I work. Do you want to be a network admin (fixing computers, any issue computer to wall, setting up computers, dealing with printers, etc) or more on the switch and router sides? Have you completely discounted server administrator work? It's what I do now and I love it.