SueEdel

This claim was rather complicated as it had a number of issues. One item was relating my fibromyalgia to symptoms that were documented while in service. I had 2 Nexus letters one from a VA doc and one civilian. Both used the correct language to make the connection. When my C&P exams were scheduled last year-one for back pain, one for anxiety issues neither exam mentioned the fibro or used the fibro tender points document. I was just called back in for the hypertension exam. Then my file moved to this new stage. If they did not schedule a C&P exam for fibro does that mean that the Nexus letters were enough to prove the connection? I realize it is all speculation until it is rated.

I checked e-benefits today and I went from the Gathering Dust phase to PREPARATION FOR DECISION. I was some comfortable complaining about the Gathering Dust phase that the movement to PREP is feeling almost scary. Interesting that the VA just figured out that they forgot to include hypertension in my C&P last year and sent me a letter last week to report for another C&P this week to take my BP. Driving 2.5 hours to take a BP measurement is really absurd when I have a clinic 10 minutes from my house. On Wednesday I checked e-benefits to see if anything had changed. At that point still gathering military dust. Just needed to spout off and perhaps some emotional support. Been at this claim for about 20 months now. It was finally farmed out from Cleveland to Fargo and has moved rather quickly since Fargo has been on it. They called to ask some questions about the unemployability. Figured out what was missing and holding up the claim.

My travel pay from C&Ps last year went into my direct deposit account. Took a few weeks.

I did take a journal of recordings and the recordings of my BP from my local VA Clinic. While she did not actually take the paperwork she used the information from it to add to her records. Blood pressure was only measured 2 times. She said she is supposed to do sitting, standing and laying down--but the cuff will not reach for the laying down version so she would only do 2 readings. Both times it was high. Higher standing than sitting.

Took them about 20 minutes tops. Also did only 2 blood pressure readings. She stated that I am supposed to take one sitting, one standing and one laying down however because the BP cuff is connected to the wall and will not reach if you are laying down---we will only do the sitting and standing deal.

What are eligibility requirements for travel pay? I've only collected it after C&P exams. Never for regular doctor appointments.

The process of filing for this requires two 80+ spouses to each fill out correctly by VA standards 28 pages of detailed material. The attorney assists in determining if a person is eligible and correct way to complete the forms. They are different from most forms I've had to complete for my own VA stuff and I've been SC since 1977. The attorneys are charging for pre-claim service and if your claim is rejected they represent the claimant pro bono. Each page of this fully developed claim must be correct or it is sent back and/or rejected. Since it costs $3800 per month for my parents to reside in a workable environment--it was worth the attorney fee to get this right the first time.

Using VA logic my father's retro went into their joint bank account and the monthly payments started. My mom who has some dementia is required by VA to have a fiduciary for the retro (we are only talking 6 months worth) and they put her monthly payment in same bank account as my dad. My mother had to sign a VA form (can't recall form #) that states she understands she has dementia and agrees to fiduciary for this retro payment. It is not a huge amount of money and the money the VA will spend trying to set this up-work hours, field agent, paperwork--makes this illogical. Welcome to the VA system mom and dad.

I was assuming same. Thought it was rather silly that it will be held in an outpatient clinic 2.5 hours away when my own clinic is 10 minutes from home. My hypertension is secondary to chronic pain. Not sure exactly what kind of questions they would ask.

It appears the VA forgot to include my hypertension claim when they did the C&P exams last year in October and November. Odd-but they did not take my BP during the 2012 exams. Just got notice to report next week for a C&P 2.5 hours from home for hypertension (as if driving to Cleveland isn't enough to raise the BP). What exactly do they do during a hypertension exam other than take your BP several times? What should I expect?

Received an email from my VSO this week and she said that it appeared that they were sending my records regarding hypertension to be reviewed in Cleveland. The same day I received notice to report to Cleveland for another C&P which I have to assume is for the hypertension. When I had my 2 C&P exams last year in October and November I remarked to my spouse that it was odd that they never took my BP as it is part of my claim. So will be driving 2.5 hours to Cleveland area to have them take my BP even though there is a clinic just 10 miles away and another 55 miles away. I am happy to report because it is again movement on the claim--however, it seems like they wasted some money not including this last year--I believe travel pay is over $100.

Ebenefits today had a new date of completion---08/2014 - 02/2015. They seem to be waiting for something from Cleveland. Hopefully it is just the recently requested TDIU documents and perhaps the documentation from one doctor which they seemed to have lost 4 times. I've mailed it in 3 times. The doctor mailed it in 2. Mine are signature required---although if they can't find it in their piles---it does me no good.

My claim which was filed 03/2012 has the date of completion changed once again--now to 08/2014 - 02/2015. I was pleased recently that my file had been moved to North Dakota from the very slow Cleveland office. File is still in the gathering of evidence phase. Very difficult to determine exactly what they are waiting for---as the requested items from the C&P exams are already there. Currently--it just says Cleveland--so I am not sure what they are waiting for from Cleveland. When they called from North Dakota a few weeks back the caller stated he had 3 binders of information. He called to get info on unemployability and sent forms to fill out--which were to be mailed to Cleveland. Those were mailed back signature required within days. Are they just waiting for someone to forward those?

Wonderful! Wishing you success, blessings and comfort. You can relax now.

Congrats! Good news.

Aid and Attendance claims can drag on for many months/years. When parents are in their 80s they may have just months left and every minute counts. Aid and Attendance is denied frequently just like many other claims. Using a VA approved attorney to file a fully developed claim allowed this to happen in a relatively short period of time. It was my call to use the attorney as many VSO don't know much about this special pension and the requirements for it to be granted.

Congrats! Always good to read success stories as we wait for our own files to be processed.

Received VA notice today that both of my parents-Korean War era veterans-were approved for full aid and attendance benefits. They are in their 80s. They have never utilized the VA for any other benefit. Used an attorney who specializes in this arena--using fully developed claims. Started working on gathering paperwork last year. Worked with attorney to make sure all was right with paperwork from Jan-March. Dealing with 2 veterans here--so 2 cases. A weight off my shoulders which will allow them to continue in an assisted living situation that suits them.

I received a call today from the VA in North Dakota. Apparently someone there working my case which normally is handled in Cleveland area. Very nice, polite--just had some questions. They state they did not receive info from one doctor (which I mailed myself signature required). I mailed two packages--one from each doctor on July 6. They were signed for on in Cleveland at VA July 10. Good news is that they did not misplace the larger of the two (218 pages). VA rep told me that I now have 3 binders of documents. I made copies of the document they were missing (2nd time this happened this claim) and mailed it again--signature required. He also asked about me applying for unemployability when I was still working. I told him I am working 10 hours per week in a family business which is a sheltered environment-so I still qualify--as I would not otherwise be working. He was unaware of that concept and said he would have to talk to a rater. They will be sending my employer a form to fill out. I also see on e-benefits they are requesting info from social security. I assume that is for a close end claim I had with SSI from the 1990s. Anyhow--they interrupted my day--I handled the BS, post office mailing, and at least I know that my claim is actually getting some attention--even if it is in North Dakota. Anyone else find claims are being processed out of state?

Another item I was wondering about--I will be submitting medical records requested from one of my doctors. How did you package yours up so they aren't loose papers. I hesitate to punch holes in them as no matter if I go 2 hole punch or 3 hole I could be deleting info. I have about 250 papers from one doctor. I thought I might number them and then look for a large clip type folder. Just obsessing here....

I acquired a pretty lengthy medical record package from my doctor. 1995-now. What are your thoughts and opinions on highlighting items so they are not missed? I did so on my original package that I sent in. These are the records requested by the VA from my doctor. If I do highlight--do I hit every time it says fibromyalgia, insomnia, chronic pain etc? Just did not want to do this and have the VRO reject it.

I received a letter from the VA today which is your standard format letter stating We Have requested copies of treatment records or other evidence from Dr. _______ and Dr. ___________. If we do not hear from you we may make a decision on your claim after 15 days. However, you have one year from the date.... Just not sure what happens next. One of these doctors provided a Nexus letter. The other provided a letter as evidence of increased issues with my back. Do I just let this ride and see what the VA says. Claim has been open for 14-15 months. Claim is for more issues than these two-plus unemployability. I susbmitted a 3 ring binder of info. What would you do? I thought this was a let it ride moment as I have one year from date of this letter to submit more info even if they decide the claim.

How you you decipher what limited ROM is? I have a copy of my C&P. Not sure how to add up numbers to see how limited they believe my ROM is. It does state that "Physical work requiring repetitive lifting and bending would be impaired". Is it all about Flexion or is the painful motion an issue too?

22 January 2013--I sent in form 10-5345a to request a copy of 2 C&P exams which were done in Oct/Nov 2012. Today I received a brown envelope with a copy of each request form one for Parma, the other Wade Park. The envelope only included the C&P exam from Parma. Nothing stating why the other is missing or if it is even in the works. At e-benefits--where it did show up like a claim--it shows as prcoessed. I do have an open C&P claim. I would like to have the other document. Do I give it a few days and see if it is in the mail, call the VFW or resubmit? Or any other ideas?

In Ohio it was 3-4 weeks before $$$ was deposited to my account.