ArNG11

Congrats. Make sure you check with your local state office to check on what extra benefits you qualify for.

Yes that is the way it works with FERS. In order to apply for FERS Medical Retirement, you must have applied for SSDI, then depending which approves first usually FERS your first year of getting SSDI, FERS will deduct that entire amount from your annuity. Then 40%every year after. I never understood that when I read that seems almost as bad as double taxation, however, that is the way it is. Most folks were advising me to go on Workers Comp disability, because if you have dependents you retain 75% of your pay or 50% without dependents, however, you have to deal with annual or bi annual C&P like DOL exams and that can be a mess in itself. Heck even Ellis recommended that but I wasn't interested in the $. But lately with the little that I can do with my hands and further surgeries that are needed I am really beginning to wonder. This crap sucks as bad as the VA crap.

It's the military mentality that your tough and crap is not supposed to bother you. Ego and the condition the military pounds in your brain. Plus a system of denial that is the VA comp system. JMO Hang in there, fight with evidence, fight a good fight.

Ecfr 4.1 covers this, somehow the VA monopoly has forgotten their intended purpose. ofcourse I always wonder if the way the system is and run isn't just exactly what it's intended purpose was to begin with. I'm not sure if I'm describing what I'm meaning correctly.

Yup right on the money on that one.

Frankly, in my opinion, that is my own, because they are part of the system and need to part of the system in order to sustain the system and themselves.

Ah yes but the willingness to learn and to question the norm are good characteristics to have.

Clear communications is a big thing. But I empathize with your situation as I have dealt with similar. Hang in there Hoss. Things will pan out.

I agree. The meds your on do not mix well with alcohol and will complicate things. Not to mention can and will have serious, even life threathening side effects.

Careful Andy your starting to sound as disgruntled as I am.

interesting reading

Id like to know that myself. I can't say for sure, but there has to be some way to appeal. It sounds like you have the evidence to fight the decision. But I am just a Veteran like yourself. I would talk to counsel or someone who is familiar with the laws and regulations that pertain to your predicaments. I'm kind of at a loss as where to go myself.

Yup so do I with lateral laxity and instability. The doc has told me that scoping both should take care of it with possibly more to do on the right knee depending on how bad it is when he gets in there. My SSDI exam is scheduled for April so by that time I'll have my IU decision and the evidence that DOL and VA have been ignoring. The timelines are all jacked up because of what I got going on. So hard to say where it will go. My plan is still the same, use the agencies against themselves and with time they each will prove my cases and claims to each other and I should receive proper entitlements. Do you get the jest? I have had issues because the attorneys I enlisted with were just out for the quick return not the long term fight. Crap happens you know. LOL

This is ridiculous and the hits just keep on a comin. For the good that the VAMC do provide, their faults and drawbacks are just too overwhelming. I am a little touchy on this subject as of late because of a VA providers remark. I tried to get my meds covered by the VA, you know for the conditions that the VA states I don't have, and it was a no go. Either all or none. If I want the VA to provide my meds I have to go by the VA primary care provider's approval. I'm over 50% so ALL my care is to be provided by the VAMC, hard to take care of my health problems when the VAMC is constantly trying to discredit my character because I stated today is a no so bad day. RRRRRR. Enhancing calm. These tactics, this behavior, really has to cease. I'd wish the VA would do what they signed up to do , that is to provide quality care of OUR NATIONS VETERANS not just dogging US to the ground. WE all did our job, our SWORN duty, it is about TIME, the VA and responsible agencies RECIPROCATE their OATHS to care for OUR NATIONS BEST. BECAUSE THAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. Okay I will stop here as, it is way too early to get riled up so soon in the day. JMO

Man, I probably would have corrected her on the spot and went ballistic, that is a pair of gonads on that woman. Basketball shoes go figure. Ridiculous. You know they are getting desperate when comments and observations like that happen. I'm glad you kept your cool, but I would definitely report that behavior in. If ever a foul statement were said by a so called VA professional, let me correctly address that a "doctor" would go that low. Handled with dignity. Hope that this behavior is corrected and you don't get that level of a doc ever.

Still a win. Congrats.

Now this makes sense. Holy "mr tator head" Batman

I'm not sure where to go with this. I know back in my AF days an original Dd214 got sent to my home of record, the others were sent to me at my forwarding address when I separated. What about the local state beureau, when they were processing your medical discharge? I dont stay in contact with any of my Guard comrades except one and he was the admin person for our company. I'll check to see what he suggests. Ghost files and copies should be available somewehere.

That mime that I used signifies "wacko". Totally honest, I'd consider stating that I'm a little wiser in some things, but only because, history and experience. Being humble is another. Learning and expanding your mind is great and will go on for a lifetime, almost exponentially really but it's emotions that interfere with proper judgements and decisions for the paths that become available to you and the ones you go against. I believe I'm trying to hard here. Hope Mulder gave you the info you saught after.

Most definitely, with the correct evidence, service medical records, doctor's nexus, and treatment. How long since you got out?

Congrats Big Chief. Good health to you and congrats.

Gastone, well shucks, Im just paranoid and egocentric, maybe a little of both, I should read more carefully. I am a little .

I will let this forum know what happens in my case/claims. I have two agencies that agree I can't be substantially employed, now lets see if the third will concede to that fact as well. I do agree having a smoking IMO/IME is an excellent defense to have to combat the attack strategies these agencies throw at you. IMO just redirect the energy they throw at you right back at them, with undebatable evidence. It is a frustrating dance yes but possible to give them a big can of STFU. (insert colorful metaphors here). I'm in my early 40's myself so I know whats coming. However, I will look to this site specifically because of all the knowledge here will overpower their stupidity and biases. One good thing I have to admit is using their record systems and shady ways against them. Evidence and medical records are what win. Laws and regulations can be used to protect yourself. These 4 are mighty strong when used precisely. "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast." JMO

No I get you and the reference. I was just trying to figure out how Dr. Who would relate to Star Trek. I mean warp speed is something and maybe taking a bird of prey at maximum warp around the sun, but the Tardis can go anywhere, anytime, any galaxy.

sure Gastone, I'll try to put a sanitized copy or at the very least quote Elli's opinion. My quirk about the Gyno, is simple, yes the VA can use any "doctor" to opine on a disability or condition they do it all the time, however, which opinion is more probative. A doc that actually reads records and evidence and uses medical rationale or a non specialist who is just out to deny a claim? I have my C-file and symptoms of sleep apnea are there heck this last appeal they approved fatigue, tiredness, sleep disturbances and other key items that substantiate my claim. Also I am attacking the gyno's dates, which both are off by a year on symptoms, C-PAP use and sleep studies. Also with my brain being fried, well don't really deny that , but I must be getting something right as I have been successful with my claims and most fights.