shotkawla

Congrats to you! It has to feel great when the outcome is way better than what you expected. Well deserved victory apachegirl!

Never waivering, nor doubting what God had in store for me is what kept me focused and full steam ahead (Go Navy). This is an journey and it's not over until I reach that 100%!

Thanks everyone! Received the big white envelope from ST. Pete RO today and here's the excerpt of the details: Medical Description Percent (%) Assigned Effective Date Pulmonary embolization, status post inferior cava filter implantation 60% Aug 12, 1996 Chronic venous statis edema, left lower extremity * 40% Sep 9, 2011 Chronic venous statis edema, right lower extremity * 40% Sep 2011 * The effective date, of this separate evaluation, is the date your claim for an increase was received. Medical Description Percent (%) Assigned Pulmonary embolization, status post inferior cava filter implantation 60% Explanation We reviewed the evidence received and determined your service-connected condition hasn’t increased in severity sufficiently to warrant a higher evaluation. Your overall or combined rating is 90%. We have deferred a decision on the following issues because we need additional information or evidence: Sleeping disorder associated with pulmonary embolization, status, status post inferior cava filter implantation Hypertension associated with pulmonary embolization, status post inferior cava filter implantation Bilateral varicose veins associated with pulmonary embolization, status post inferior cava filter implantation Erectile dysfunction associated with pulmonary embolization, status post inferior cava filter implantation Bilateral ulcerations, legs associated with pulmonary embolization, status post inferior cava filter implantation We have requested a medical examination. You will be notified of the date, time, and place to report.

Claim submitted: 17 AUG 2011 Gathering Evidence: 21 Sep 2011 Prep for decision: 15 MAR 2013 Pending decision approval: 09 April 2013 Prep for notification: 11 April 2013 Claim Awarded: 11 April 2013 (Awarded 90%) (previously 60%) Gathering Evidence: 11 April 2013 (2 contentions deferred per Peggy) Awtg official award letter. I’ll post the breakdown once letter is received. I’m very confident I’ll be awarded 100%. I’ve been optimistic throughout this process knowing my evidence was strong. I have frequented this site and listened to SVR Radio for the past year and have been hooked every since. Because of the knwodlege I've received I'm ready to combat the outstanding contentions. As many have said here, let your evidence speak for itself and when the VA doesn’t award in your favor then attack by submitting additional evidence, case file, etc to support the award you think you should receive based on the VASRD, not your feelings. There is no limit to the blessings God can provide you, just put him first!

Does anyone know an estimated time for completion after the claim has reached the prep for decision stage? My VARO is St. Petersburg, FL.