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ArNG11

Master Chief Petty Officer
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Everything posted by ArNG11

  1. Well patience has paid off. I did have success in increasing my back claim. I filed for C spine injury and believe it or not, I got the service connection. So now to get the hips connected, thats going to the BVA. Joy Joy, or rather NO JOY NO JOY for the VA. Duty to assist, and acknowledging evidence and developing a claim. Hmm somewhere I remember reading this in the regulations somewhere? Maybe some CFR or may a few LAWS. I am going to go for it, because I have the evidence and the nexus. The VA was kind enough to help with this even though they were trying extremely hard not to. To be frank, they picked the fight with me and I am doing my duty to fight back. Back, C-spine, Hips, Nerve, Muscles, and Pain, secondaries for mental status as a result,oh and effect on employability. Did I forget anything? Oh maybe, a little something, that I will be left alone and not put through unnecessary stress. Yeh right as if that were to happen. I have better odds of winning the lottery. That would be a feat since I don't even play.
  2. Thanks Wacca. You are not kidding, the feeling is familiar. Kind of when sh*t hits the fan and afterwards you decompress and debrief.
  3. Thanks folks. Now to wait for the BBE and that correspondence should answer most of my questions. I imagine I should have this within a week or two. I'll post details when I receive them.
  4. Well I requested a decision on my claim back 12/20/15 and 62 days later got a decision. Hmm not too bad, though I wonder what actually got the push. Hmm. Well Gotta wait for the BBE and read the decision. It's not P&T, looks to be IU. 3187 a month is what is showing so an educated guess would be that I got to IU, not total & permanent with two dependents.
  5. Todd Great news none the less. Way to stick to it. Today is a good day. Good for a few as I have read. Take in the win. Enjoy. Take care.
  6. Circumstances and results will happen! Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. A round of wins yippee. Buck got some news as well. Still waiting for the paper and decision details but claim shows a different status. In any case Buck I am really happy for you, again. beans.
  7. I just got some news, Not official until it's on paper, however, bank already shows some proof. Service connections and an increase. Rated at 90% combined. Now things will get interesting. Disability Rating Decision Related To Effective Date left hip osteoarthritis Not Service Connected rhinitis Not Service Connected Environmental Hazard in Gulf War obstructive sleep apnea Not Service Connected Environmental Hazard in Gulf War right hip osteoarthritis Not Service Connected post traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]; previously, adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, DC 9440 70% (Chronic Adjustment Disorder) Service Connected 08/04/2015 cervical spine strain 10% Service Connected 08/04/2015 left little finger fracture0%Service Connected 06/24/2014 left knee chondromalacia 10% Service Connected 06/24/2014 right knee chondromalacia 10% Service Connected 06/24/2014 hypothyroidism 10% Service Connected 07/22/2013 lumbar spine degenerative spondylosis, IVDS and vertebral body compression deformity L1 20% Service Connected 05/20/2014 left lower extremity radiculopathy 10% Service Connected 08/02/2012 right lower extremity radiculopathy 10% Service Connected 09/30/2013 sinusitis Not Service Connected Environmental Hazard in Gulf War gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with irritable bowel syndrome 0% Service Connected Environmental Hazard in Gulf War 07/22/2013 tinnitus 10% Service Connected 08/02/2012
  8. Way to go Buck. It can't rain all the time my friend. Congrats. Well played.
  9. Oooh Prep for decision I should be excited. I am not really going to be, however,  when I get the white envelope then I might. I'll share what intel I learn from my tactics.  Good luck everyone. Keep fighting, keep going, Never give in.  "Fight till your last breath!"

    1. Show previous comments  8 more
    2. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      At least you have a warm cozy house to call your own.  Just plan a little.  

      Recently I looked at how much my kids want take out, I had to slim that number down a lot.  It is crazy how much a person spends.  With the amount I spent last month, I could have had groceries stocked for at least two months easy.  

    3. Buck52

      Buck52

      Oh yeah we cut back on cable  no HBO or movie channels, just the basic cable  and we have a new energy effi HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM with a high energy rating of 21.0( New Lennox top Unit 5 ton.

      We have had   heat barrier put up in attact , Had energy effi  double pane windows installed  and energy effi Shutters Installed on the inside on every window in the home, try to keep thermostat set at 68/70 use LED Lights With dimmers & ceiling fans in every room but kitchen/bath rooms

       And had a $$14,000 non heat blearier (Re-flecks heat) mental roof put on a couple years ago, and New door seals on all outside doors  which they are 4 outside doors.

      our neighbor got a 1200 .00 $$ water Bill last summer.

      I even got out a calk around the outside any cracks in the brick and wood areas

      The City where we live has just got ridiculous on utility's 

    4. ArNG11

      ArNG11

      Geeh Buck I was trying to help.  Looks like you have done all you can.  Curious what about alternative energy sources.  Oklahoma is trying to get big on the Wind energy market but new technology is always slow.  People are so used to traditional energy means that when new alternatives come out they just won't budge.

      I'm not the model tree hugger but I try, it's only smart.  I have my house almost all converted to energy efficient bulbs and LED.  They are so much more cost effective in the long term, but the initial investment is crazy high.

      I don't have cable or hard phone line.  Netflix and iTunes take care of the entertainment needs for us, oh and we are trying out Hulu.  

      I'm looking forward to settling down in central New Mexico, the weather and conditions are so much more comfortable.  But until then I deal with the stuff here in OK.

      I must say you have done quite a bit.  My last purchase here was a ADA water efficient toilet.  Believe it or not that purchase was a great investment.  Necessity of course, but helpful in other areas to.  Easier to get on and get off of.  

      My biggest problem is deciding what to invest in as I don't want to or can't stay in Oklahoma.   Don't want to put too much $ in a place that I am thinking of not being in for more than 4 years or so.  Decisions right?

  10. Can I hear an Amen! No disrespect to God or Any Veterans. I have been very careful to take my scripts as prescribed by my docs. I am on a few and with Sleep Apnea I know your complaints. I try to make sure all the paperwork and signatures, pill counts, piss tests, and all that jazz get documented so there are no delays in my meds. Try not to take the anxiety meds too often and only use them when I really need them. I have to say don't take any chances and heed to the warnings. I myself had a long episode of 90 secs or so of breathing problems my machine confirmed this. It is no joke. Even with that I about went skitzo this past week. I ran out, there were problems with the refills, and I went through some serious issues. Withdrawal and over bearing pain not a good mix. Couple that with other issues and well it can get very serious extremely fast. I still, went, oh lets say maybe a little more than difficult to manage for my loved ones to endure. I have to say some of the meditation techniques, self talk and breathing exercises helped a bunch. Even with some knowledge and will power I danced a fine line between loosing mind so I can relate. Support and understanding are a big plus and a big help. Family and my extended family here on this site pull a person through. Hang in there guys and gals. " it can't rain all the time" Take it easy, things will be okay. Stay strong everyone. "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast"
  11. Yeah I can't disagree there, but I can tell you from experience, when you call them out on it, especially with records, its a good example of giving them the can of STFU. Choose your colorful metaphor for the F.
  12. Even if it is just one, I have met some who fit the bill. Unfortunately those folks are not the majority as it should be.
  13. Isn't that a daisy, though. can't argue with yourself. Never really thought of an LOD quite in that way. Hmm.
  14. Bronco, I would almost state you are being to harsh, but I laughed at all of these. Makes you wonder though. To be fair, I know there are good people in the VA, however, it sure feels and looks like the above list is pretty much the training requirements and mottos. Although I have to admit maybe administrating truth serum is way better than my 9mm quack. crack.
  15. Hmm, makes me wonder, for those employees that cheat Veterans out of benefits, how much on average does a Veteran loose by not being rated and treated correctly. Yes, the folks that have passed away, because of lack of care and/or too little,and sub-standard care. I would like to know this, just to put things in perspective. Also might as well put the figures of mishandled and denied care along with suicide rates and mortality rates for the folks that leave this world due to the VA's process. I know this might sound harsh and creepy, but I know the beam counters know this information, they bank on it. Talon, really, 100% plus SNCO pay, crap. Money is a tool that helps but I rather have repairs, replacements, and treatment that are both cost effective and provide a better standard of life.
  16. There are secondaries that can be granted from the same injury, such as nerve and muscle injuries, these problems can and should be pursued if you have issues with them and have the evidence to back them. Of course the nexus would be needed as well but I think or rather believe that a claim such as this should be pursued because it can be won. In my specific claim it will be just that. Neck, back, hips, radicular issues, pain, and ROM. The VA is really sneaky when this type of injury is involved. There are secondaries that a rater should consider and often those secondaries are not.
  17. The fight is on like DONKEY KONG!!! Good Luck Bronco!
  18. Pete, I agree with you. This is just my observations from my experiences and personal acquaintances who have had similar accounts. You have good attorneys and you have real crappy lawyers, or lack thereof. Even with an attorney, it would behoove the claimant to become familiar with the laws and evidence that surround and apply to your case. While I can definitely state fighting a claim on your own is no easy task, however, I doubt you will find anyone else that will care more about your claim than the chap or gal you see in the mirror every day. In my opinion you have to be a team with your representation, no one knows the particulars about your case like you do, communications between you and your attorney have to be clear. One must be especially clear if you utilize a VSO. There is too much at stake for you not to. The whole matter with the TDIU will be interesting. The VA seems to choose when I am expert in my own claim and when it is convenient for them that I am not. This is not Burger King " you can't have it your way" I am very curious to see how my claim unfold. I'm no one special and I have had to fight just like every one else here on this forum. Back up your position with the regs, law, and especially the evidence to include an IME/IMO, you will most certainly have need for them all. JMO
  19. You think so, I would tend to agree, however, I have to add, for the indiscretions the VA can only get away with what you let them. I am on holding, flying a set pattern above the sky, eventually I will get cleared and land. The raising of the percentages is correct. One disability at 60% or multiples adding up to 70% with one being at least a 40%. §4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the individual. (a) Total disability ratings for compensation may be assigned, where the schedular rating is less than total, when the disabled person is, in the judgment of the rating agency, unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of service-connected disabilities: Provided That, if there is only one such disability, this disability shall be ratable at 60 percent or more, and that, if there are two or more disabilities, there shall be at least one disability ratable at 40 percent or more, and sufficient additional disability to bring the combined rating to 70 percent or more. For the above purpose of one 60 percent disability, or one 40 percent disability in combination, the following will be considered as one disability: (1) Disabilities of one or both upper extremities, or of one or both lower extremities, including the bilateral factor, (b) It is the established policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs that all veterans who are unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of service-connected disabilities shall be rated totally disabled. Therefore, rating boards should submit to the Director, Compensation Service, for extra-schedular consideration all cases of veterans who are unemployable by reason of service-connected disabilities, but who fail to meet the percentage standards set forth in paragraph (a) of this section. The rating board will include a full statement as to the veteran's service-connected disabilities, employment history, educational and vocational attainment and all other factors having a bearing on the issue. I mean that is what is supposed to happen, but like the members on here have stated before "VA doesn't need no stinking rules" especially when it favors the Veteran. We shall see how this regulation is interpreted beyond the local Regional Office. JMO
  20. To a degree you are correct. However there is a way to assure your probative evidence is not ignored or dismissed. Use the corruption to your advantage. Records, medical evidence, probative medical opinions with nexus and medical rationale. Always list your evidence, always green card everything you send the VA. When my efforts become realized I will share what worked as well as the setbacks. Fight. Fight till your last breath. JMO.
  21. Similar issues bud. If I find a better solution or means I will be sure to share this information with all of you.
  22. With due respect, no such thing as a former marine, once a Marine, Always a Marine. OOorah. I am so glad that you got some vindication and a real response from your predicament. I am just interjecting, if I may, never give up, never back down from fights when core values are on your side. I know you will not have that problem though. Good Win. Just what I needed to read this morning.
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