confusion99%

The reason it took so long is that they said I never returned the form switching from Navy retirement to VA compensation. After I drove the 200 miles to Houston and sat down with them in front of the computer, the form they claimed they had not received was like the 3rd item that popped up. It was in with all other evidence on a pending claim. They said" it will get processed when they process the claim". I sorta lost it, when she said nothing she could do. I yelled there are 10000 people that work in this VA bldg. Isn't there just one that can pick up this form and process it. It does not belong in the pending claim, it belongs to the completed claim. A week later it was processed and about 3 weeks later I got the retro.

OK, guess I made a confusing statement on here that got me called a dumb ass.......When I said I had made a statement that I would not fight this, that was in a thread here on Hadit.com.....so unless that becomes an official statement to the VA by way of them reading this forum, I never told VA anything like that....That was for the person I was having a conversation with here on the forum....I fully intend to continue to fight this because they did not even bother to respond. I managed to get through to Peggy (a first)....I told them I would be filing a NOD asap if I did not get an answer. That I have no problem doing if necessary. The gal said she would request the RO give me a call concerning this issue...I said ok....if I don't hear anything within 10 days, I will make myt 4th drive to Houston and personally drop off the NOD.... I guess I will have to be much more careful on how I word things on here from now on as it seems folks can take things the wrong way real quick as it's not the first time I been called a dumbass on these forums for a statement I made taken out of context....Also been told I deserved my denial because I didn't do what that person thought I should have....But this dumbass managed to get 100% scheduler managing my claim myself, so perhaps I'm not quite as dumb as some folks think. Sometimes I ask questions to get other opinions to verify I'm on the right track, that's all...So sorry I confused some of you nd the rest, have a great day.

I gave them an excuse??? OK, but I want my excuse back, I want a decision on that issue, one way or the other..... I know they want to just forget it and figure I should to because I got favorable ratings on everything else. But, you don't just sweep it under the rug...or I should say, You should not just sweep it under the rug, but hay they are playing by Obama rules which is there are no rules. Laws are for other people to follow so I guess I go back into fight mode....

As I continue to read through my decision letter, I found another issue. I had a number of contentions approved first time in July 2013. These were all filed in Nov. 2011. The IHD contention, they made a 60% rating as of the Nov 2011 date. They opened an administrative review on July 31, 2011. They stated that it was for the years prior to Nov. 2011. They gave that time frame a 0% rating and stated the review was to determine what it should be and they need medical records. My next submission was in Sept. 2013 with half dozen contentions including IU. They took care of that and I received a decision about 2 weeks ago. After reading it a number of times, I realized they also had said they completed both open claims. That would have been everything I filed Sept. 2013, and as stated by them the July 31st 2013 claim. In the decision statement, they covered every contention I had filed for explaining why they did or did not rate it and why as they are required to do. Then I realized there is not one single mention all through the decision report that references the administrative review contention that they opened. No approval of anything, no increase, no denial, no nothing. Now I did get 100% and dated back to Nov. 2011. But, by ignoring the other issue which should be rated at 30% back to 2002 which was their last denial. It only makes a difference in retro from 2005 until 2011. I had made a statement that if they choose not to increase it for that time, I would no longer fight it. But, it pisses me off that they just seemed to dismiss it, neither approving, or denying it. So what are my options to bring this to their attention. I cannot get into the IRIS system as I am blocked stating I am a duplicate of another. I have been unable to get in using their work around for this glitch. I have been trying peggy but can't get through. I can only spend so much time sitting holding a phone to my ear only to be hung up on after a long period of time. What action should I take to get their attention?

I too spent a lot of time in the Philippines, doing 3 tours with extensions totaling over 10 years. I then went back as a civilian and spent another 6 years working for gov't contractor. Was there when Mt. Pinatubo blew up, working right under the damn thing at Camp ODonnell, working in Crow Valley. When the military left the bases (except Subic) it was the Philippine Military who did 90% of the looting for all the major items. What was left for the rest of the locals was nothing much but some scrap metal. But the equipment that cost thousands of dollars was actually fought over between military units with actual gun battles for the stuff. It was insane. Subic was much different Mayor Gordon who was mayor of Olongapo took charge, He brought in great numbers of security and gave orders to shoot to kill anyone who MIGHT be stealing off the base. He kept the base in tact so that it could be a great economic generator after the bases were gone. Yes there were dump sites left that should have been cleaned up. The same is true with any base here in the USA that has been closed. I hear all the noise here in San Antonio, same thing all the people living around the base that used to have jobs they couldn't be fired from who lived close to the base, did not have a problem living there until the jobs were gone. Then all of a sudden, the old base was killing them and they wanted to be paid for their problems. Amazing how it wasn't killing them when they worked on the base for 20 years.

I know what you mean about spreading and getting worse. I have been dx'd with dmII since 97.....The P/N only started about 3 years ago, but has progressed more rapidly as time goes on. For me I think it is worse in my hands. Maybe I just think that because it effects so many things I try to do....My new nick name has been "butter finger" , "dropsy" and a few I shouldn't mention. I seem to drop most everything the first time I try to pick it up or take it from someone regardless of the weight. I just can't judge how much pressure I am putting on things. That coupled with the cramps in the thumb and fingers and the deep sharp pain in my forearms...makes life hell.

All the percentages I listed are taken from my rating letter I received Thursday in the BBE. Just curious because I thought each extremity only had one rating, yet in my rating, each nerve is rated with a percent based on my C & P and evidence from my PCP,

I have reread the letter about 20 times now to make sure I understand it. I read through a sentence that was very important and missed a key point. They said I have been 80% since Nov.2011 and then 100% starting Oct 2013. After digging through other areas, it states I am Permanent and total disability....It appears that they used the IU to cover the 100% rating from Nov 2011 which they backdated the retro to, and the Oct 13, which is when the new claims and increases started which was what put me to 100% scheduler. Once I get back into ebenefits, (long story, blocked at present), then I will be able to see the letters to verify. But I feel pretty confident that the above scenario is what happened. The only thing left now is for them to decide what percentage they are going to assign for the time period from 1978 until 2011 for the IHD. Of course they will not go back that far, but that is when they inappropriately took it away from me after a year. Another long story I think is somewhere on this forum already. it went to Prep for Decision same time this claim did, so I should be getting another BBE on that soon. Have decided not going to fight even if they decide to give me nothing. I am a super happy camper at this point. I wouldn't have anything to collect as retro any further back than whenever CRSC kicked in for those that were medically discharged but didn't have 20 yrs in. My Navy retirement would off set any percentage they would come up with. I am tired of chasing evidence, copying paper, and the sleepless nights full of anxiety. So, gonna just try to enjoy some of it and live a little more comfortable for my last few years I have left.

Update....got BBE yesterday....Guess I have to take back everything bad I said about Houston. Was granted everything in the end. No increase in IHD, but ended up with IU so it didn't matter. The one thing that I don't understand, is all the new percentages listed, between increases and new contentions approved, seems I meet 100% scheduler, no need for IU. But, in their letter, they said they did not give me specific percentages (or total percentage rating) because they gave me IU. Just mentioned I had 80% prior to this new rating. I know it doesn't matter as far as check is concerned, but if it now equals 100% scheduler, why not do that instead of IU??? Anyway, looks like I will not have to deal with the hamster wheel of appeals, thank god, as don't know if I would have lived long enough to see the end of that battle.

Have a question about peripheral neuropathy and total rating percentage. Can you get rated for each nerve? Example...Left upper extremity (radial nerve) 30% Peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity (median nerve) 30% Peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity (ulnar nerve) 30% " " right " " (radial nerve) 20% " " right " " (median nerve) 20% " " right " " (ulnar nerve) 20% " " right lower " (sciatic nerve) 20% " " right " " ( femoral nerve) 20% " " left " " (sciatic nerve) 20% " " " " " (femoral nerve) 20% How would that calculate??using bilateral factor?? other stuff rated IHD 60% DMII 40% Tinnitis 10% excema 10% Can someone calculate all this for me please for a total percentage

Wondering how many folks out there realize they are suffering from moderate to severe depression caused by effects of diabetes, IHD and all secondary issues that come with these diseases. Then, think about all the comments about refusing people with depression to own guns or get a CHL to carry weapons. Because of this, they refuse to seek help for their depression. Are VETS being targeted for gun confiscation and is the VA providing information concerning mental health to authorities? Just wondering what people think on this subject and if it is worth going to VA over depression, even though knowing that NOT going, could prevent compensation for this illness.

I'll try those numbers Tuesday.....Not much reason to try anything over this holiday weekend where most Gov't offices take a 4 day weekend anyway....thanks for the numbers

Back to the original point of this thread which was how people got screwed by the VA decisions. Back in 1977 I was retired due to heart problems causing angina. I was awarded 30% for the heart problems. A year later, they decided that my heart problems was not service connected because there was insufficient objective evidence of a problem. They said they sent me a letter stating this, but I never received it . Since I was getting more money from the Navy than I would have received from the VA, I did not deal with VA. Fast forward to 1993. I had a reason to go to a VA office while overseas. The base had closed so I had no access to meds except on the open market. While at the VA clinic, I ask if they could give me a 3 month supply of my heart meds. They came back with a copy of that 1978 letter and said I had no service connected heart problem rated so they could not give me the meds. A few weeks later I was back in the states in the hospital at a military hospital. As they normally do a DAV or Texas Vet individual (don't remember now) came by and we talked about anything I could file for. I relayed the story and I reapplied to open the case. Bottom line, all I got back was a copy of the same letter and a denial to open the claim. Said I need new evidence. Fast forward to 2002. I again was in the hospital, again a rep came by, Again I mentioned my issues. He said I could add DMII for a claim because I was boots on the ground in Nam in 1966. They denied saying there was nothing in my records that showed I was in Nam. I explained I was TDY to our Det. located in Danang, to check my TDY orders vs PCS orders. They came back and said there were no TDY orders to Nam. Denied claim. I had no copies of my service or medical records as an X-wife burned them all in her fit of rage, one of many. But fast forward to 2011. I was digging through a box of papers that came from my mothers house after she passed. Found a copy of one of the TDY orders. Reopened claims for the DMII and the IHD....Amazing how the soon 9 days later found copies and verified I indeed has the TDY's to Nam in 66. I was awarded for both after 2 years, but low ballled on the the DMII. I have also had a claim in for increases and IU since 9/13...They have ignored DBQ's my doc filled out and sent me to QTC C&P's . Also had already sent multiple evidence from my cardiologist. Still waiting for that to close out.. .At present have lost any hope it will be approved and mentally working on the NOD so I will be a few steps ahead of the game. Next I need a recommendation if someone can make it for a DOC to do and IMO for me who is cardiologist or can do IMO for IHD that will fly. I also have to keep working on trying to get old medical records. I sent away to NPRC or whatever that place is called for my records, but they did not send me any of my Activeduty records, only 20 years of medical archived from the Hospital here. That was about 1500 pages, but nothing for when I was on active duty in and out of Balboa hospital (Navy hosp. in SDiego) or any other active duty records. I don't know who to contact to try to get all those records from 1964-1977. Will keep searching. I've also been unable to get a copy of my C-file even though I have requested one each time I have driven to the RO in Houston (3 times). The battle goes on. I also agree now would be a great time to get as many people together who have complaints and maybe then as a group approach the local TV stations in an area. If 50 Vets approached a TV station right now with VA crap stories, I bet most would make the news. People could make contact on here by listing where they are and maybe work a 100 mile radius around a hub to gather people to that area. Then set a date and all show up at the TV station News room saying we want to tell our story. If one or two people could pretty much take charge might be able to herd the Cats at least to the TV station.

Well, I drove to Houston (200mi one way) Monday morning. Got there at 8:30am and gave the one Doctors file I had. Still haven't received the other doctors records from them. As I posted in another thread, while in houston I requested a premium account for ebenefits so I could use the blue button to try to get some records since I have not been able too get anything any other way. I got home and later that day tried to log into ebenefits. Well when I applied for the upgrade, they told me it would take about 4 weeks and I would get it in the mail. What they didn't tell me is I would lose access to ebenefits until that time. So now I have no way to check on anything. So I sit in the blind either for 4 weeks or until I get the BBE. I guess just another intentional glitch put into the system to irritate VETS and keep them like mushrooms, in the dark.

I am curious, I have seen here and there on different threads comments about giving permission for the VA to get SSA records. I never requested anything from the VA to sign or send back concerning getting records from SSA. Yet, on ebenefits a few months ago it shows VA requested SSA records and within 5 days showed the VA received SSA records. Just wondering what is the real story on this? Should they have contacted me prior to getting those records? or, since it is gov't agency going to another gov't. agency, they can get anything they want from whomever they want as long as it is gov't agency?

I tried to backdoor through mypay....and it told me I had either applied already or whatever....So that tells me since I applied for the premium account I can't get a new account on line.....I will just wait it out and start preparing for the appeal. Unfortunately reading all the problems people have had, I have no faith that I will get anything increased or my IU... But we will see. I actually was very happy when I got the additional 70% that I got the last time we danced together. So there is a "just maybe" floating around in the back of my head somewhere.

I have been to the Houston RO 3 times in the past 4 months. Each time I have tried to get copy of C&P exams from a case closed in July. Each time I am told I have to submit the form for obtaining my entire C-file which I have done. The counselor I was talking to also said, don't count on it for at least a year. Said he himself has been waiting for over a year for his own which comes from a different RO than where he works. Just shook his head and said that's the way it is. Have been trying to get C-file since Aug. 2013. still nothing. Just like I sent for my military records and active duty medical records. After 9 months I received about 2500 pages, but it was all medical records of the past 20 years. I retired in 77. Nothing at all from active duty. Nothing I can use to prove or connect anything. I don't know where to request now for my active duty records.

My suggestion on what to do would be to pay all debt off, get 100% debt free. Put 10-15 grand in an emergency only fund and don't touch it unless it is a real no other option emergency. Learn to live debt free. Pay cash for needs. Be very careful not to classify WANTS as needs. Always refrain from impulse buying for wants. Think about it for 30 days and see if it is still a want. Most of the time you will forget about it. Take a little bit, go enjoy a nice vacation and get that out of your system. When the pressure of credit payments are over your head, it can be a heavy weight. Paying cash for needs can save a whole lot of money and you can end up having much more using your money to pay for things instead of paying interest on things. Just my opinion. I have been buried in debt before and am now debt free and man does it feel a lot better.

While at Houston RO dropping off some stuff, I submitted for the premium ebenefits access so I could get into the blue button. They took the form I filled out with the two id's, left the room for a couple minutes, came back, handed me a copy of the form and told me it would be about 4 weeks and I would get it in the mail. I get home and want to go to ebenefits to see if the new evidence I hand carried had showed up, since they seem to be slamming everything through right now. Bingo...invalid login.....tried fishing for new password...came back I have no account. So that means, I have no account to get into ebenefits for the next month...This while they are getting ready to close my claim most likely...Moved to Prep for Decision on Sat. What a crock of crap....Anything and everything to irritate and make info unavailable....

On mine above, both came from the VA. One before the Audit, then one a few months later, after the audit.

My claim was approved end of July 2013. Got a rather large (to me) amount end of Dec.2013 from VA. Then in April 2014 got another rather large (to me) amount again. The total amount I received was pretty close to the estimate I calculated trying to use the same method of auditing the DFAS would use. That was taking into consideration a lot of factors as I was medically retired with 13.3 years so my retired pay was adjusted downward from what I was receiving for a lot of years when they calculated CRSC into the picture.

Well I looked at ebenefits a few minutes ago. I moved from gathering evidence to prep for decision. I had my C&P exams Thursday, they have them logged in on Friday. The papers they sent me for my doctor's records that they dated 03 apr, that they mailed on the 16th by postmark, and I did not get until the 21st, the closed out Friday saying non receipt. I just got the records Friday and was going to drive them up Tuesday. I will now have to drive them up tomorrow and hope that they will at least look at them. Seems they have already rushed through their decision. They are just jaming this through to get it off the books, Great, move it out of the backlog and into the appeals area....Looks like they are going to double down on their tactics using to screw Vets and hide the truth from the gov't officials, and the public. Way to go Houston. Of course I will take all this back if i get approved, but I just have that feeling.

I was rated SC for hearing loss but zero pct. They ignored the tinnitis issue that time around. So I filed again for tinnitis. That is what this C&P was for, the tinnitis. That is what suprised me. She did this short version of the hearing test, and didn't ask me one single word about ringing in my ears or anything....just what my job was in the service. A woman of few words shall we say.

Well, stupid me, I just read the fast letter concerning exactly what I had ask concerning all the different increases they opened. So that part is answered. But, do they still consider all the different contentions together for TDIU, Or do they look at each separately and say something like "does this cause TDIU?" and go through each contention listed. If that is the case seems they would never look at all of them conbined to cause the IU.....or, in other words seems the only way to get the IU now is to also really be rated at 100% anyway. Seems like they have just pretty much eliminated TDIU. Am I out in left field??

After receiving my 60% for IHD and total of 80% I filed for IU...It was talked about in other threads about listing the specific contention that causes the IU...I listed them all as suggested in that thread. When the claim finely started to move, the VA opened contentions for an increase in everything I listed (IHD, DMII, PN upper and lower extremities). I was scheduled a C&P that covered all of these things, but the form I received concerning the C&P's listed all the contentions, but nothing about IU. Is this the normal way they do things? My concern is that as far as I am concerned, my IU is based on the combined disability of all the contentions together, not specific contentions getting worse. I am afraid they will take each contention for an increase created by the VA, disapprove an increase in each and then use that to disapprove the IU...... Can anyone give me any info on how this might work??? Also one other question, the C&P doc noted that I had hypertension. I have a history of HTN going back almost 40 years. It is pretty well controlled by meds, as I take three different ones for the BP as well as other heart problems. He ask a lot of questions about the HTN. I have never filed for that as I said, it is pretty well controlled so I don't have a bunch of high readings in my doctor visits. I never had had the multiple readings done for mulitiple days. Could the C&P doc write up the HTN, then the VA maybe rate it?? Or, should I start another contention for the HTN now while I already have all these other contentions in the mill. Or, should I wait and see what they do with what they have?? They have had this claim since Sep. 2013.