K9MAL

Why after a denial and not before at the BVA? Serious question, I don't know how it works, and that will be my next stop on my journey I'm afraid.

Personally, I would pony up and get a hired gun. My opinion is based on 3 worthless VSOs from 2 different organizations.

I'm doing a little research on whether the VA will cover testosterone replacement therapy in veterans and to what degree. I searched for a thread and didn't see anything relevant for the past couple of years. Please feel free to add to this thread if you're currently prescribed TRT or interested in the topic. A few opening questions: Are there are vets here who currently are receiving treatment? Was it prescribed by your primary physician, an endocrinologist, or a urologist? What form of testosterone do you receive i.e. gel, shots, etc.? Do they offer HCG therapy, in addition to testosterone, for testicular atrophy? Do they use Arimidex, to keep estrogen down in case of gynecomastia, or other high estradiol related issues?

The VA dentist hooked me up with an appliance and I greatly prefer it over the CPAP! Not being tethered to that stupid machine is the best thing ever!

Awesome news!

I couldn't agree with you more.

Out of curiosity I decided to upload a 21-4138 after I mashed the get'er done button. And it worked... Not sure if they'll read it since it's after the "go button" date but I'll be sure to update afterwards.

This morning it shows up as a 5103...

Worse comes to worse I file another NOD I'm tired of dicking around and the next step is to email Mrs. Hickey and Bob, again. This is what it says in it's place:

I clicked it... Hopefully they'll let me know something soon.

I want to know what happens when you click on it.

I really want to click on it... They have all the evidence needed but who knows what'll happen. ETA - I said screw it and launched one down range!

VA Fast Letter 13-13 is very informative for those who have questions about TDIU. Read the rest at the link: Overview of Changes VA will no longer presume a claim for TDIU is a claim for increase in all service- connected disabilities. As part of a substantially complete application for TDIU, VA will require that the claimant with multiple service-connected disabilities specify at least one disability that he or she believes causes the unemployability. VA will consider the Veteran’s specification of the disabilities that he or she believes cause unemployability to be claims for increased evaluation for those conditions. VA will require the claimant complete and submit VA Form 21-8940, Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability, to substantiate the claim of TDIU. VA will administratively deny TDIU claims if VA requests, but the Veteran does not submit, required forms or evidence. VA has the flexibility to request either condition-specific Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) or a general medical DBQ when VA determines that examinations are needed to decide the claim. VA will interpret the schedular requirements in 38 C.F.R. 4.16(a) to mean that a combined 70 percent rating is only required if no single disability is rated at 60 percent disabling.

I saw that as well today and was wondering what would happen...

Never filed for PTSD. I went to my DRO hearing on several NOD contentions and it appears that they switched everything out to a new TDIU claim. As much as I hate it I think I'm stuck in a "wait and see what happens" mode.

I just fired them last week. The nicest way I can put it is that both VSO's I dealt with from the VFW sucked, and that's putting it mildly.

Thanks to Gastone, several other posters, and a bit of research I'm going to let things roll with the IU. If it goes thru, great, and I continue school getting paid IU. If it doesn't, no harm, no foul I guess. However, I don't like the fact that my NODs have disappeared from ebennies and the TDIU is listed as new with a date of 1/6/15. Does this mean the backpay is gone? Here's a screenshot of what I'm talking about. The original compensation and NOD is the comp dated 1/15/13.

Good info Berta!

When you upload documents it recommends that you take a screenshot for your records. I uploaded a few things and am not too worried about them disappearing. If they wanted to make paper documents disappear they've proven they can do that just as easily.

I'm not working presently, only attending classes. One of the biggest things I'm confused about is do they look at the increase in percentages first (NOD), the inferred IU claim first, or is it in tandem? If they can award the IU claim do they just blow off looking at increasing the percentages to make it schedular? I'm trying not to beat a dead horse but from Gastone's post it would appear that they can award IU and then the person can continue to fight for the increased percentages at the BVA level and beyond.

This was very helpful. Thank you!

Gastone - The 2 NODs I have filed would bump one rating from 30% to 50% and another rating from 10% to 60% if everything works out right and that puts me at 100% schedular. I know it's a long shot and I know that it's highly unlikely but I do have the evidence that matches up with the CFR. What I'm trying to understand is if the 2 work concurrently. If they decide IU is appropriate then do the 2 NODs simply just vanish? What about the associated backpay? Do they grant someone IU and then look to see if it's appropriate for them to have their NOD contentions looked at or is it just simply swept under the rug? I'm buying the coffee when this is resolved. ;)

Thank you for the explanation. The bolded part you wrote is right on point. I'd like to be rated correctly per VA regs, and be able to work as much as I'm able to, not what the VA deems is acceptable.

So, if they bump me up to the IU rating what will happen to my existing NOD in terms of increasing the percentages? Do those still get adjudicated? Can I still take them to the BVA if I don't agree with the RO's decision to leave them at the current percentage? If I take the IU, get a job after school, and start making decent money what percentage will I revert to? The current one or the one that I'm trying to get it raised to? It's not that simple from my perspective. I'd love to be in school, Ch. 31 and getting 100% IU for the time being. It would help tremendously! However, how will the IU rating impact my ability to get 100% schedular?

That's my concern. If they rate me as "IU" will they just blow off my NOD for an increase on the percentages of my current disability? I'm trying to increase those to the appropriate amount, not just jump to IU, in hopes that I can still continue to work. If they rate me appropriately, as per the CFR and the evidence that's been presented by my doctors, then I'll be 100% schedular and the IU will be immaterial.