ArNG11

Yup I have to agree with you on this 63sierra. I think the reconsideration route is not the best route. I have to admit it can yield some reward, but it is going to be another low ball. In my case doctoring the dbq so as to yield the least possible benefit if they can't outright deny. I got another 10% added that should have been awarded the first go around with my medical evidence that I provided. But I literally caught the examiner looking at my initial dbq and raising some ROM measurements while lowering others as to balance the DBQ. I wanted to flip but I kept my composure. If I lost it, it would not have helped my case any. I think asknod states it well regarding the VA, " what part of no don't you understand" and asknod's analogy of the "hall of mirrors" that is the VA is right on point. The jest of this system is that you will be invested in a long fight. The key here is not to give up. Keep your timelines correct. Meet all the appeal dead lines and FIGHT! Use the evidence, use the regs, use the law, and use their mistakes (willful misconduct) against the VA. You might have to take it up all the way to the courts, but if you have solid evidence and inservice accounts of injuries and illnesses, the VA will buckle, it may take to the day you're about to walk in to see the judge, but they well know when they are in the wrong. Sadly it all boils down to the $. The VA will do their best to keep you from benefits if they can.

sweetness.

I had one misreading of the decision date and award date in my case. I was off by a couple of weeks but I caught the error in time. My second delay was trying to get my IMO/IME worked out. I am confident on my mailing however, certified return receipt requested. As I have the stamped receipt for proof they received it in time and the IME report will be sent this week. I know all too well of the distractions of life, they can cost you big time if you are not careful. IRIS inquiries can be quite helpful, it's an electronic record that can be referenced when need be. The VA is hating life right now. With all the inquiries and heads rolling they are going to be watching more carefully the crap they try to pull. Also Veterans are getting much wiser and are more serious of an adversary with technology, support sites and forums like Hadit. Knowledge is power. The willingness to fight to the end is another key. Fight till your last breath!

Congrats. Take care of yourself physically as well as mentally. Always a good pick me up to read about a success story.

curious did you cut it that close? was the post mark your expiration date for the NOD? To my knowledge they are to go by the post mark date. With evidence or any forms with suspense dates it is absolutely imperative that you send it certified, return receipt requested. They pull that crap all the time on so many people to include myself. It took me once to learn that lesson. It costs a little bit, however, it is a small price to pay to nail that crap they try to pull to the floor. My suggestion is if you haven't done so already is to send them a copy of the return receipt along with the excerpt of the regulation, that will piss them off, however, it is the regulation, they can go suck an egg.

the senseless suffering and deaths of veterans and families who should be getting the care and assistance that they have rightfully earned and deserve!

The biggest, most important item here is to make sure you beat the deadline. Send it certified, return receipt, this is a must. Keep copies as you WILL need the information, you can bet your bottom dollar that you will. They will attempt to state that your NOD was not received, that their decision is more than just and final because you did not appeal it. If you let this happen, missing your appellate deadline, you will loose a great deal. I filed mine on the last month and only because I was in the process of getting IMO's and organizing my rebuttal to the BS handout they tried to shut me up with. As if I was an un-educated man that saw the VA as my savior. NOT! I sent the NOD with evidence and a request for 60 days to submit more evidence, the big IMO, and a waiver of review as the local regional office is trying to pull the wool over my eyes. It's "ON" like "DONKEY KONG" I will not give up. I will not stop fighting. "I WILL FIGHT TILL MY LAST BREATH" I cannot thank my fellow brothers and sisters in arms for their knowledge, assistance, and encouragement. I am truly thankful. JMHO

It is a very scary place

let me know what they tell you. I have had a terrible time getting any concrete answers.

I filed mine, faxed it, mail a certified copy return receipt, as long as you filed before your 1 year expiration and can prove it, they can go suck an egg. We already know they break the law, ignore evidence and ignore the basic rights of veterans but know this, they will be held accountable. The evidence will prevail, the law will see justice done, one way or another, but you have to fight and see it through, till your last breath.

Oh yeah, bet money on that one. They will try to take care of their own and pretend all is grand. It's only when you push the right chanels do you yield results.

Congrats, that's a biggie. Keep fighting.

Bro I can tell you the only person who can really answer that question is your provider. You could shoot them an email, I would be curious to read about there response if they would even provide you one. I have use a chiropractor for many years. It helps with some of the pressure and pain, however, I am one that doesn't believe that chiropractic care will solve every problem. It is a combination of treatment options that help, however, not one on its own can or will really take care of all the issues.

I agree 63SIERRA, I kind of fired my VA PCP, well what I stated was that I did not believe that she had my best interest in mind and that I and my private providers would be managing my care, however, I know I'm going to have to keep seeing VA docs. No matter the frustration or aggravation I still have to maintain some medical continuity with the VA providers. I just got fed up with all the BS, downplaying of conditions, ignorance of programs, and playing ignorant to basic medical knowledge. I speak from experience as I had this provider three times before back in 2008. I had to pull teeth to get her to order X-rays for my knee issues. I kind of get concerned when I think about something. I wonder how things would have turned out if the VA medical care was all I had when I came down with ITP. It does concern me quite a bit. Anyways off point, I know that the OKCVA has chiropractic care, along with a Spine clinic, and physical therapists. It is listed in their directory. I called their offices before I spoke to my VA PCP, when I mentioned it to my VA PCP she stated she wasn't aware of any such programs. I called BS. There is even a program out of Dallas, TX for veterans with spinal cord injuries, Spine Care Center HUB, the only way to get in though is through a referral from your VA PCP though. She wasn't too happy with me when I informed her of this. From my understanding it is a covered treatment option, chiropractic care that is, there may be some paperwork involved and referrals, however, it is possible to get. I was just using my private provider for chiropractic care but I was in the process of getting seen with the VA except I landed in the hospital. Just my 2cents.

63Sierra, I have had similar experiences. My VA PCP didn't even know there was a spine care clinic in the hospital and denied knowing about the referrals to the the Dallas VA Spine hospital. I literally had to show her on my iphone. I really got irritated with her. Much like the comment from her nurse stating that my back problems are due to my being overweight. Anyways, I would press for the referral. I did. I got the appointment, but I couldn't go since I landed in the hospital for a week with the ITP condition. I don't recall exactly but it should be under theraputic services or something of that nature. I do recall reading somewhere that if you are in need of services for a service connected issue and the services are available locally that there is a way to do it on a fee basis type of arrangement.

Sounds like something is amiss. Be cautious.

Don't think in those terms, otherwise you will already have lost. If you have the evidence, in service medical records and a paper trail, if you also have continuity of treatment then you have the right ammunition for a claim. Don't shoot yourself before you have begun your fight.

A big congrats, to you and your family, fantastic news. A long fight yes, but victory has a sweet taste. Take care and best wishes to you and yours. " Fight, fight till your last breath" : )