Josephine

hedgey, Be kind to yourself. Go fishing or watch a movie or something. I always find comfort in just a good old nap. Try to control your worrying until the night before. You are just like me, but I have ever confidence you will be just fine. Always, Betty

Best of luck to you for it has been a long time. Betty

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!!

Congratulations. Betty

Thanks Larry, Betty

Tami, Congratulations! I also am very sorry for your illness. Betty

John, Remember this statement from my IME My review of the records show no documentation which would support the diagnosis of Personality Disorder. There simply are no data which would support that diagnosis under the criteria provided in the Diagnostic and Stastical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association. No psychological or personality testing was done. There was never any showing of an " enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual's culture... is inflexible and pervasive across a broad range of personal and social situations... is stable and of long duration... (and) is not better accounted for as a manifestation or consequence of another mental disorder." DSM IV TR, pages 287 - 288. The " other mental disorder" which she clearly *DID* and *DOES *have, and for which she has been treated for 43 years, is *Anxiety Disorder. * The veteran had no childhood psychiatric, difficulties or treatment, Her anxiety disorder began during her time in service. She has been treated for anxiety disorder for 43 years by a number of physicians.

John, That must be a New Regulation. My Psychiatric Records were also kept from me for 40 years, but when I wrote to the St. Louis Archives, one of the clerks called me and ask me exactly what I was looking for and then they mailed them directly to me. I then presented them as "Both New and Material Evidence" and re-opened my first claim as the R.O had never requested them and always told me they didn't exist. I remember you wrote to me a few years back about those records and now you have located them. I am so Happy for You. Betty

Hi Bill. Can you post more about your denial? What does your papers state for reasons.

I don't know how often this happens, probably more than I know, but it did happen to me. Don't give up now. Send as much medical information to the BVA in the next 30 days that you have not previously sent.

The same thing happened to me. During the 30 days waiver, I went out and secured an Independent Medical Opinion from an expert in his field. I did mail him all of my military and post military records. I sent him everything to read and then I went to D.C to meet with him and he did a complete evaulation of me and sent his report straight to the BVA Judge who granted me benefits. I hope this helps you.

This is just my opinion, but my granddaughter had and is in the same situation. She called and spoke to her case worker at Social Security herself. Seems like her lawyer was waiting for the hearing so he could secure more money from her.

May I ask if you are drawing or have you ever drawn SSDI? Do you have a lawyer representing you?

I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Carlie, If you do not get anywhere, I do have several telephone numbers. Here is the direct line for Carrie Johson Clark. Her signature is usually on the BVA Decision, as it was on mine. 1- 202- 565- 6393 She is the one who was able to get my IME to the Judge when the AMC denied me. Always, Betty

Congratulations!

halos2, I sure am sorry about your diabetes. Have been one for many years and it sure can make your fingers sore at first. You will get used to it and not have to do prick your finger quite so often. I have no ideal of how to connect this to your present illness. Just wanted to say, I sure am sorry. Always, Betty

Pamela, I am so sorry, but I missed seeing those ratings also. Thanks guys for catching this. Betty

Congratulations!!

Congratulations, Betty

Hi Pamela, I read your post and as you said it is a long one, so excuse me if I didn't comprehend all you said. You are at 50% and can you tell me what that is for? Is it for one illness such as depression? I agree with Pete, just in my opinion stay away from the PTSD. Mine is for 100% Chronic Anxiety. You mentioned out of 14 issues. I was thinking if you are at 50% for depression, then you could file for TDIU, since it appears you are becoming unstable and unable to hold down a job.

John, Thanks for asking, as you said I did the almost impossible and decided to retire at this time. Again, many thanks and trust you are feeling better? Betty

Congratulations!! What percentage did you receive? Any Retro? Anyways Congrats.