NamVetJ

Thanks to all who responded. Let me provide some background...I recently a applied an increase in my diabetes II because my diabetes treatment had gotten more involved, and it warranted an increase. At that time, I was 10% for coronary artery disease, post miocardial infarction, . This was moved to 100% in my last VA evaluation. My diabetes myelitis II went from 20% to 40%. My neuropathy stayed at 10% for my feet and 20% for my hands. Tinnitus, 10%. PTSD, 70%. Lung Cancer, 30%. When I visited my VSO, she mentioned that if I applied for IU, and it was granted, my compensation would increase up to $1,500. I was concerned that if I applied for IU, it would open my case for reconsideration. Broncovet assured me that applying for IU would not trigger a review, only an improvement in my conditions could. Is my VSO right about the increase in comp?

I just recently received a decision that I would go from 90% to100% P&T. My VSO recommended that I now apply for IU because there would be an increase in compensation, if granted. My question is this...If I file for IU and get it, would there, indeed, be an increase in compensation? Are there any risks involved, I.e., would the VA reopen my case and reconsider my award, possibly moving it down? Are there any other risks? Incidentally, I filed for IU way back, along with other things. In the award letters I subsequently received, the VA said "Consideration of IU is moot at this time." In the last two letters, there was no mention of IU at all. Any guidance would be appreciated.

Sage advice, 71m.......and even then I won't totally relax.

Yes John.

I just went up on the Benefits website. I noticed in the letters that the two lines regarding my temporary status were removed but there was nothing that said that my disability was permanent.

Sorry it took so long for me to get back to everyone. I just found out that the VA had set the effective date for the hundred percent rating from December 1, 2012 to December 1, 2013. This seems to negate the concern I had about when or if the 100% award would be permanent. What am I likely to find out at this point from the VA?

I recently received notification on the E benefits website that I had been approved for 100%, but it was conditional. In other words, the increase is temporary until December 1, 2013. I guess a decision will be made between now and then as to whether or not my claim award should be made permanent. Should I appeal this temporary status right now, or should I wait until the decision is made on December 1? Should I appeal to the BVA or to the regional office? If I appeal, will the current rate, 100%, remain in effect until the case is decided? Thanks in advance for any help. It is truly appreciated!

I just received notification that I received 100% disability from the VA. the award isnot permanent, however, but is conditional. As the letter stated, the VA will reevaluate my condition and render another decision on December 1, 2013. I have a couple of questions. If the VA reevaluates my situation and decides to reduce the amount of disability, will be My appeal remain at a hundred percent until my claim's decided. What is the best avenue for appeal?

Well, I noticed on the ebenefits site that my claim was moved back up to "Preparation for Notification". I also received a letter setting up my C&P exam for the coronary artery disease that the VA rep said had been added to my claim. After review the report of my C&P exam for diabetes, I noticed that the nurse practioner who conducted it mentioned CAD in her report. Apparently someone in rating saw that and moved the claim back to "Pending Decision Approval" where it sat for a few days........then back to "Preparation for Notification". Does this probably mean that the VA rep was right in what she told me when I called................they are going to move on what they already have and write in the notification letter that the CAD decision is pending?

Thanks for the reply deanbrt. Did your claim ultimately get approved, denied, or are you still waiting?

Just when I thought things were finally moving on, I logged on to ebenefits yesterday and saw where my claim went from Preparation for Notification back to Pending Decision Approval. When I called the 800 number I was told that a new claim had been added to my claim. The claim was for Peripheral Artery Disease or PAD. The claims rep said that apparently someone had submitted PAD as part of my claim. It wasn't me. Anyway, she said that usually in these situations, the people at the RO typed up what they had decided up to that point and sent it on with a note that the claim might be adjusted later after review of evidence. Has anyone had this experience? If so, did they do what the rep said...........send the letter with the results with the note they might be changing it later after review? How long will my claim be hung up? She said eleven days from the date it was given to the approving official (Sept 5.......that was the average for my RO in this phase.) Is this true?

Thanks to rdawg and inthewind for your replies. I guess patience is a virtue here. I've learned that since I started going through this process 13 months ago. NamVetJ

Forgive me if this is posted in the wrong forum, but can someone give me an idea of how long a claim decision takes to be prepared and mailed in the Preparation for Notification phase? Also, is the decision posted on the Ebenefits site, and, if yes, how long does that take after the claim moves into this phase for it to be posted.......and does it contain the same documents that they mail to you? Thanks in advance. NamVetJ

I checked ebenefits today and found out that my claim for PTSD compensation had moved from "Preparation for Decision" back to "Review of Evidence". What does this mean? Also, does this mean I wait another 8 months before something happens again. Will contacting a VSO help? Sorry so many questions...............thanks.

Berta: Thank you for the prompt response. I neglected to mention I'm registered on the ebenefits and fast track websites. On the "Fast Track" website it shows that my Agent Orange claim is in the Development Phase where it has been for months now. Below it is a hyperlink to the VCAA Letter dated 11/02/11. Then there is the following list of what they received: VA Form 21-4142 09/30/2011 VA Form 21-4142 09/30/2011 VA Form 21-4142 09/30/2011 Ischemic Heart Disease DBQ 09/30/2011 VA Form 21-526 09/30/2011 DD Form 214 09/30/2011 Other Document or Notation 09/30/2011 VA Form 21-526EZ 11/02/2011 VCAA Certification 11/02/2011 VA Form 21-4142 11/28/2011 Ischemic Heart Disease DBQ 11/28/2011 Other Document or Notation 11/28/2011 VA Form 21-4142 11/29/2011 Ischemic Heart Disease DBQ 11/29/2011 Other Document or Notation 11/29/2011 Since this looks like all the stuff requested in the VCAA letter, I called to get it confirmed that it was all they needed, and the person said my file was complete. On the "ebenefits site" my claim for PTSD is in the "Preparation for Decision" phase, where it has been for months. They say they don't need anything from me anymore. "I personally think maybe using IRIS is better." I'll try this too at your suggestion..............I'll ask for an email response too so I can print it off. "If you tell us the RO you deal with maybe I can find a list." The RO is New Orleans. I don't know if I received a hard copy of the VCAA letter, but again when I checked with them they said everything is in that they need. In the IRIS inquiry do I outlined everything for them on where I see the status or just inquire about specific things that might be missing that they may need? My main concern is that I don't want to get someone irritated at me for following up on my claim. I'd like some sense, if I could get it at why it is taking so long (have to ask *that* in the right way.) By the way I've learned so much from this forum. Thanks for taking your time to contribute to it and clear things up. NamVetJ