Inthewind

Ok, thanks. We’ve been married since 2008 and I’ve been 100% P&T since 2010, so alls good. Thanks again for the support!

Thanks for the answers! But the question still, is if I have to have a “SINGLE” service connected disability rating of 100%? Or does a combined rating where NONE of my ratings are above 70% but I’m 100% P&T and have been since 2010 qualify? sorry if it seems like I’m beating a dead horse here.

I know this has probably been asked before, but trying to find things (Regardless of where on the internet) makes my head hurt, so please bear with me. I'm just trying to make sure our finances are in order and make sure my wife is taken care of when I'm gone. This DIC Eligibility is confusing, as I believe it's intended to be. So; I retired from AD in 2004, with an initial 50% rating. My ex gets my SBP. I filed for increases periodically between 2007 and 2009, and was finally found 100% P&T in 2010. Its a combined rating, and none of my SC's are rated above 70% My wife and I married in 2008, so I believe we meet the 10 year "Doesn't have to die from a SC cause". If I'm wrong someone please correct me. Here's my question: Does DIC require that I have to have a SINGLE service connection rated at 100% P&T? Or does my COMBINED rating of 100% P&T qualify her to be eligible for DIC? TIA for any answers/help.

So does this (if they go in favor of the veteran), in effect, equate to a retrospective look of all veterans discharge date vs. filing vs. approval of claims date? If so, get ready for the current inflation to go up, because that's a massive A: undertaking, and B: cost to the government to catch up every veteran that's got the delta for the aforementioned. Unless they turn it into another TRC and make vets apply for and "ask" for an approval. Then the VA will just find a way to arbitrarily deny claims.

Actually, this is an old post. The way I was able to receive them was to request them via 10-5345a. All I had to do was specify the exam dates and that they were by QTC. Good info though for those that have the same questions. Thanks for all the responses!

Hi Buck52, I was rated for the 70% PTSD was when I received an increase to 100% P&T from 50%. So basically, the 100% P&T was a product of the 70% PTSD, along with increased/additions of several other ratings. Does this fit the category you speak of? Thanks

I've been 100% P&T with 70% PTSD since 2010 and I'm wondering if I qualify for any type of SMC. My total rating if I add everything up is 240%, but I know it's not calculated by just taking everything and adding them up. It doesn't speak to SMC in my award letter or rating decision either, which is why I'm asking this question. Thank you

Ok. Thanks everyone for the replies. I was just curious because when she is not in school in the dorms during those breaks, she's back with us and even though we're supporting her during the months she is IN school, we're getting the 35 benefits to help with that.

Basically, my daughter is finishing her freshman year at college, where she was staying in the dorms etc., and receiving title 35 benefits. The question is: Does the monthly child benefit $290ish) start back up in between school years if she comes back home during the long summer break? I know this has been asked and probably answered many times, but I've searched and searched and nothing comes up that pertains...and my head is killing me... So, if anyone knows the quick answer, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Thanks Seminoles! I understand it stops when her Chap 35 starts. The reason I asked the question Was because my verification of benefits document shows my compensation amount as of 1 July WITHOUT the amount for her. I thought it would stop, as you and others have said, the day she starts college, which is 24 August. That's my confusion. Shouldn't I receive it for July and maybe August? Thanks

Old post but I'm trying to find out a couple of things related to this topic. My daughter turned 18 before she graduated HIGH SCHOOL and the dependent benefit was stopped until I re-applied based on that she was still in High School. She is now planning on using my Chapter 35 to help pay for a university. So my question is will we still receive the dependent benefit if she's living in the dorms at college and using the chapter 35? Do I have to re-apply for the benefit once she starts college? Thanks!

FYI - I went to Audie Murphy release of records and talked to them. They said that QTC C&P exam results won't be in my regular out patient visit record. However, I could get them by submitting VA 10-5345 along with the top page of the exam sheet they sent to me with the appointment on it. Wonder how long that will take. I may as well just request my entire C file.

Do I need to get them from my "C" file? Or does anyone know where else I can maybe go other than waiting a year for them from my "C" file? Thanks

My first C&P back in 2004 was done by an 80 y/o GP contracted by QTC. He could barely walk much less do the exam on me. It was a head to toe claim and service exit exam. Needless to say it wasn't a benefit to me. My refile C&P's, also done by QTC in 2010, were specialized to BH and orthopedics. The docs were professional and very empathetic and compassionate as I went to them on some of my worst days. I would also recommend you bring any records that are germane to the exam. My experience, especially with the Behavioral Health exam, was it's better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them. Also, if you walk in and answer their greeting of "Hi! How are you doing today?" with a with a smile on your face and "Ok, how are you?" when you really feel like crap because why else would you be there, then you've lost the effect of a first impression and you only get one chance at it.

What if they were external? Do I need to go get them from my C file? Or can I request them from QTC?

@toddt Where do we have to request them from? I had C&Ps done with QTC a few years ago and still haven't received them. I submitted a 10-5345a. Is there somewhere else to request them from? Is it possible I can go to the VA and do a records request right there?

I'm not looking to gain an increase as I'm already 100% P&T. And this surgery will, if anything, decrease my ROM because I need 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7. Flexion and extension become minimal at best with that type of fusion. I'm looking to get a decrease in pain and pain medication dependance. Thanks

I searched but found noting specific, so please bear with me. I was found 100% P&T in 2012. I have since been in a vehicle collision where I was rear ended and it exacerbated my pain and neurological symptoms. If I go have a fusion, does anyone know if I can be reduced for the part of my rating related to my cervical spine and radiculopathy? I imagine most 100% P&T's aren't frequently subject to review, so its not like its a red flag, however I'm concerned that after such a surgery it may be used subjectively by the VA and bring me grief in the future. Trust me, I want to feel better at any cost but thats not what this is about. My ratings that I am concerned could potentially effected are the radiculopathy associated with degenerative arthritis of cervical spine (20%) and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and IVDS (20%). My total rating breakout is: PTSD - 70% Bilateral Pes Planus - 30% Asthma - 30% Radiculopathy of upper extremity associated with degenerative arthritis of c-spine: 20% Degenerative arthritis of c-spine: 20% Lumbar spine degenerative arthritis: 20% Right knee strain: 10% DJD left knee: 10% Tinnitus: 10% GERD: 10% Shambergs Syndrome: 10% These surgeries do not have guaranteed outcomes as we all know and even after that, a 3 to 4 level fusion is still considered a significant decrease in quality of life. Any knowledge that can be shared would be greatly appreciated.

@ricknewman5 - I just happen to be a retired Army 1SG if it's me you're referring to. I guess your jump to conclusions that I was Navy speaks to your knowledge of anything at all regarding this forum. The rank on my profile has to do with my post count. Look below the picture for branch of service and you'll see your error. Also, what my military record is or isn't, is none of your business. Anyone, (primarily speaking of you by the way) that comes in this forum and makes generalized negative statements is truly sad. You can't possibly know anyones situation. To say people are scamming the government and are un-American with everything thats been proven about the VA and their methods of treating ALL veterans like sub-human species is pretty arrogant and un-patriotic so look in the mirror. I tend to believe you're nothing but a troll. Good luck in your future endeavors, particularly if you've come here to learn or gain some assistance from the large amount of knowledge to be had from these forums. I doubt you'll get it with a first post like that.

I've been out of commission for a while. This got a lot of answers and definitely answered my ?. Thanks to all that posted!

I've searched for a couple hours and can't find anything related to the difference between a 100% P&T schedular rating and TDIU. Isn't the compensation the same? A couple of people said I should be TDIU due to my 70% PTSD/depression, but I'm already 100% P&T, so what would be the difference/benefit other than reduced income from not working?

I'm back again at trying to decide the path to take. I'm still in the same place (Except some advanced radiculopathy and ever increasing anxiety over mine and my families future) I was in October last year. I apologize for not answering the questions asked, but I've sort of lost touch with a lot in life in general. In answer to your question John999, yes, my wife works and I have a 16 year old planning on college for sure. I'll PM you. Is OPM disability decided while i'm still working? Or do I need to totally be out of work. Again, I'm using my sick leave as fast as I accrue it.

Cute! Its actually a reference to how I feel when I'm on the Harley...In the wind... So, Berta, I'm retired since 2004 and yes, I'm CRDP. I'll PM you John.

Hey Carlie, Thats what I thought too about Florida and also about CO. So I guess I'm not understanding Colorado.