[Wow 2Yrs And Done!]

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

[Update To Decision]

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?

[Update To Decision]

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?

[Retroactive Pay?]

Thank you, Carlie!

[Retroactive Pay?]

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.

[Another Example Of How Useless Ebenfits Is]

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

[Not Working]

They say the developers are working on it.

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.

[Claim Is Done?]

Wow, CB, still waiting huh?

[Decision Letter]

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

[Claim Is Done?]

The letter generator is there, they just moved things around.

Now, if you want to complain about the overall accuracy of stuff in the letter generator, that's a different story.

Garbage in garbage out. naturally. The VARO is at the heart of this little problem.

At least there has been some improvement in the last six months or so.

To change the subject to a sort of related one, my VAMC has yet to figure out that the on line automated appointments system is designed to show future as well as past appointment history.

It seems that they only enter appointments after the fact that they have been completed.

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.

[Found Out More - Says 100 % P&t]

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?

[Is It Normal To Rate Only On Some Contentions?]

Don't let it get you down because it isn't unusual from the inital sub. The issues that haven't been rated that are in development phase probably needed more evidence and were more complex. the issues that were decided upon were more straight foward and probably had all the evidence required to settle that part of the claim. don't let it get you down. if you have an ebenefits account you can log in and find out what they have recieved and what they need for those issues to be settled. you can also contact your DAV rep and see what is going on. the 1800 number is a waste of time.

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.

[Claim Is Done?]

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.

[Is It Normal To Rate Only On Some Contentions?]

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!

[Claim Is Done?]

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. :)

[Is It Normal To Rate Only On Some Contentions?]

I am a firm believer that if you request a copy of your c-file now, submit any additional evidence

or information now - it will throw the brakes on any current actions on VA's part.

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!

[Is It Normal To Rate Only On Some Contentions?]

Thanks for the replies.

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

[Is It Normal To Rate Only On Some Contentions?]

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.

[Is It Normal To Rate Only On Some Contentions?]

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

[Claim Is Done?]

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.

[Claim Is Done?]

Newbies, my claim was complex and large so do not use the length of time from start to finish as a guide. Even tho it seems to be in the Ball Park with the single disability time periods. I believe my claim took so long due to making all the wrong mistakes. Even tho 800# says it was ok to add items to claim (not good),Contacting Congress Critters (not good), reporting frauds committed to OIG (not good),and questioning motives of all involved in processing of claims (not good). All of these caused my claim to be placed into the TIMEOUT pile a few times. Best advice " A watched Pot never boils"!! Start claim, get rid of all calendars, time pieces,ignore 800# and Ebenefits,find hobby or be placed into a coma for about 1 year. Bake at 300 degrees for 525,600 minutes!! Chill and cover with chocolate!! Mike

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.

[What To Do .]

I just copied the information below into a word document and use it often for referencing! You'd be amazed at how many acronyms you'll come across on this site and this saves from having to ask everyone. Yes, their notification system does leave something to be desired. I'm not positive if you are on a wait and see game right now. I know from reading that a lot of people have been in appeals for years. It's tough and starts to wear on you. I wish you luck and hope you get resolution soon.

This was posted by Carlie in March 08

Acronyms, Initialisms, and Abbreviations 38 CFR = Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations

38 USC = Title 38 of the United States Code

A&A = Aid and Attendance

AAFES = Army & Air Force Exchange Service

AD = Active Duty

ADA = Americans with Disabilities Act

AFEES = Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station

AISI = As I see it

AL = American Legion

AMC = Appeals Management Center

AMVETS = AMVETS

AO = Agent Orange

APAP = Automatic Positive Airway Pressure

BCMR = Board of Corrections for Military Records

BCD = Bad Conduct Discharge

BDD = Benefits Delivery by Discharge sometimes called BBD, Benefits by Discharge

BEQ = Bachelor Enlisted Quarters

BiPAP = Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure.

BOQ = Bachelor Officers Quarters

BVA = Board of Veterans Appeals

BX = Base Exchange

C&P = Compensation and Pension

C-File = Claims File

C-File # = Claims File ID Number (Now your SSAN)

CAD = Coronary Artery Disease

CARES = Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services

CAVC = Court of Appeals for Veterans Causes

CBOC = Community Based Outpatient Clinic

CHAMPVA = Civilian Hearth and Medical Program VA. a medical program for dependants of 100% disabled veterans.

Chapter 61 = refers to US Code, Title 10, Chapter 61 Disability Retirements

Chapter 71 = refers to US Code, Title 10, Chapter 71 TOS Retirements

COLA = Cost of Living Allowence

COPD = Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

CPAP = Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

CRDP = Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay

CRSC = Combat Related Special Compensation

CUE = Clear and Umistakeable Error

C&UE = Clear and Umistakeable Error

DAV = Disabled American Veterans

DC = Diagnostic Code also Death Certificate

DD = Dishonorable Discharge

DD-2 = Armed Forces Identification Card

DD-149 = Application for the Correction of Military Record

DD-214 = Certificate of Realase or Discharge from Active Duty

DD-293 = Application for the Review of Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States

DD-1172 Application for Uniformed Services Identification Card - DEERS Enrollment

DD-1173 = United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card

DD-2765 = Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card

DeCA = Defense Commissary Agency

DFAS = Defense Finance and Accounting Service

DIC Dependants Indemnity Compensation

DMII = Diabetes Mellitus Type II

DoD = Department of Defense

DRB = Discharge Review Board

DRO = Decision Review Officer

DSM IV = Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition

DVA = Department of Veterans Affairs

EAJA = Equal Access to Justice Act

EAS = End of Active Service

EAOS = End of Active Obligated Service

ESG = Environmental Support Group

FICA = Federal Insurance Contributions Act (Social Security withholding tax)

FOIA = Freedom of Information Act

FR = Federal Register

FWIW = For what it's worth

GAF = Global Assessment of Function

GIB = GI Bill

GWI = Gulf War I

GWII = Gulf War II

HIPPA = Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996

HISA = Home Improvement and Structural Alterations Program

ILP = Independent Living Program

IME = Independent Medical Evaluations

IMO = Independant Medical Opinion

IOM = Institute of Medicine

IRIS = Inquiry Routing & Information System

ISTM = It Seems To Me

ILP = Independent Living Program

I/U = Individual Unemployability

LOD = Line of Duty

M21-1MR = VA Claims Adjudication Manual

MEB = Medical Evaluation Board

MGIB = Montgomery GI Bill

MOAA = Military Officers Association of America

MoPH = Military Order of the Purple Heart

MOS = Military Occupation Specialty

MWR = Morale, Welfare & Recreation

NARA = National Archives Records Administration

NEC = Navy Enlisted Classification (code)

NEX = Navy Exchange

NDAA = National Defense Authorization Act

NDR = Non-Duty Related

NIH = National Institutes of Health

NOD = Notice of Disagreement

NP = Nurse Practicioner

NPRC = National Personnel Records Center

NSC = Non Service Connected

NSO = National Service Officer (Usually DAV)

NVLSP = National Veterans Legal Services Program

OEF = Operation Enduring Freedom

OGC = (VA) Office of General Council

OIF = Operation Iraqi Freedom

OTOH = On the Other Hand

P&T = Permanently and Totally Disabled

PA = Physicians Assistant

PARDS = Partner Assisted Rating Decision System (a fast track claim)

PC = Prostate Cancer

PCP = Primary Care Physician

PDRL = Permanantly Disabled Retired List

PEB Physical Evaluation Board

PEBLO Physical Evaluation Board Liason Officer

PG = Persian Gulf

PM = Private Message

PN = Peripheral Neuropathy

POA = Power of Attorney

PTSD = Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

PVD=Peripheral Vascular Disease

PVA = Paralyzed Veterans of America

PX = Post Exchange

QTC = Quality Treatment Corporation (a VA medical contractor)

REDUX = Military Retirement Reform Act of 1986

RO = Regional Office

RVSR = Rating Veterans Service Represenative

SAH = Specially Adapted Housing

SBP = Survivors Benefit Plan

SC = Service Connected

SEA = SouthEast Asia

SF-180 = Standard Form, Requests Pertaining to Military Records

SGLI = Servicemembers Group Life Insurance

SMC-n = Special Monthly Compensation where "n" is K thru R

SMR = Service Medical Records

SO = Service Officer

SOC = Statement of the Case

SR = Service Records

SRB = Service Record Book (Marines)

SS = Social Security

SSA = Social Security Administration

SSAN = Social Security Account Number

SSDI = Social Security Disability Insurance

SSI = Suplemental Security Income

SSOC = Supplemental Statement of the Case

TAD = Temporary Additional Duty (Navy)

TAP = Transition Assistance Program

TDIU = Totaly Disabled based on Individual Unemployability

TDRL = Temporary Disabled Retired List

TDY = Temporary Duty

TERA = Temporary Early Retirement Authority

TMOP = Tricare Mail Order Pharmacy

TOS = Time of Service

TREA = The Retired Enlisted Association

Tricare = Medical program for retiree's and military dependants.

Tricare for Life (TFL) = Medical program for retiree's and military dependants over age 65

TRIP = Training, Responsibility, Involvement and Preparation of claims

UCMJ = Uniform Code of Military Justice

URL = Uniform Resource Locator

VA = Veterans Administration

VA Catalog 1 = VA Catalog of Forms

Official Hub for Federal Forms

VA Form 10-10EZ - Application for Medical Benefits (Enroll)

VA Form 10-5345 Request For And Authorization To Release Medical Records or Health Information

VA Form 9 = Appeal to Board of Veterans Appeals

VA Form 20-572 = Request for Change of Address/Cancellation of Direct Deposit

VA Form 21-22 = Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative

VA Form 21-22A = Appointment of Attorney or Agent as Claimant

[We Need Members To Jump In More]

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.

[Multiple Exams For The Same Things]

http://www.vba.va.gov/reports/mmwr/, if the link does not work do a search at the main VA web site, for Monday morning report.

I would normally agree with you about the Senator but after 18 month and no movement I would think they have misplaced or lost it, but will make sure the Senator understand this is just a status request not a reveiw, but I am sure it a gamble either way.

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.

[Claim Is Done?]

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).