[100% Ptsd;tbi And 30% Headaches Smc-S]

Congrats brother! Well deserved,enjoy!

[Received C&p Notes For Sleep Disorder Secondary To Ptsd/and Gulf War Presumptives(Wags?)]

Congratulations my brother! I hope it all works out for you.

[Please Help Decipher Va Response To Claim Submitted]

Salty, are you still employed?

If not did the VA make any statement as to TDIU consideration?

Hello Berta,

Yes I am still employed, and the VA made no statements as to TDIU consideration. Also, I would like to work as long as possible, as I know one day my disabillities will get the best of me and prevent that from occurring.Just this past Tuesday I received a call from QTC to be scheduled for a C&P exam for lumbar strain.

[Please Help Decipher Va Response To Claim Submitted]

This is from the VA response I received addressing my claim for PFB.

Service connection for pseudo folliculitis barbae has been granted because this condition, which existed prior to military service, permanently worsened as a result of service. The difference between disability evaluations before and after military service determines the degree of disability subject to service connection. Prior to service, the disability is considered 10 percent disabling based on evidence that showed pseudo folliculitis barbae on neck and chin. Following military discharge, the disability is 10 percent disabling because the evidence shows pseudo folliculitis barbae on neck, throat, and chin. The preservice percentage is always deducted before assuming any service-connected evaluation less than 100 percent.

An aggravated evaluation of 0 percent is assigned from November 7, 2012. When added with the pre-existing 10 percent, this disability meets the criteria for the 10 percent evaluation.

An evaluation of 10 percent is assigned for evidence of dermatitis or eczema involving at least 5 percent but less than 20 percent, of the entire body, or at least 5 percent, but less than 20 percent of exposed areas affected, or; intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than six weeks during the past 12 month period. A higher evaluation of 30 percent is not warranted unless the record shows dermatitis or eczema involving 20 to 40 percent of the entire body or 20 to 40 percent of the entire body or 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or; systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of six weeks or more, but not constantly, during the past 12-month period.

Thank you.

[Its My Turn]

Greetings all,

Last week the VA upgraded me to 100% P&T and my retierment date was move to 12/30/13,( hey thats today) Not bad for an old one eyed man if you ask me. I love to chat but its my turn to fill in all kind of forms for parking plackards, ID cards for the PX, CHAPUSVA for mom, and property tax adjustments. Thanks for all the help.

Simper Fi.

Congratulations on your award! Enjoy your new found benifits.

[Christmas Present From The Va]

I've been sc on my knees at 0% since 1972, in 2008 I filed for an increase, well they gave me 10% for the left knee but kept the right knee at 0%. In 2009 I filed my NOD and finally heard from them today, they've increased my right knee to 10% effective Feb 7, 2008. Looks like it's going to be a nice Christmas for my kids and grandkids.

Rick

Congratulations Computer Tech! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[Decision Made On Friday 13 December 2013]

Hey guys, I received a decision yesterday. I was granted 70% for service connected PTSD and major depressive disorder, which was originally diagnosed as dysthymic disorder in 2006, of which I claimed in 2006 as PTSD, which the VA said was unsubstantiated in 2006, and my knees remain at 10% each, for a total of 80%. I had several other conditions (PFB (new),increase for left/right knee degenerative arthritis with loss of flexion, lumbar strain (reopen), sleep apnea (reopen) that was identified after active duty, painful scars(new) from stitches given after a car accident while on active duty. All were denied, except the increase from dysthymic disorder to PTSD.

Although, what is strange is the amount that is showing as the amount of $762.00 for the 80% disability. I haven't received the big brown envelope yet,so I can't elaborate more than that right now.

Also, the lumbar strain isn't even showing up when I go through the motions of "filing a new claim."

Never the less, I know I am blessed to be where I am.

Thanks guys for your support throughout this last year, and I will keep you all posted once the big brown envelope arrives.

Well,

I finallly received the envelope identifying the VA's stance on my claims. As I stated earlier, I was awarded 70% for comabat related PTSD, and my knees remained teh same at 10% each, for a total of 80% disability.

My sleep apnea claim was denied again for lack of new and material evidence (I was diagnosed after retirement from active duty and I am already on a CPAP machine). The painful scars were addressed as not meeting the medical criteria, although at the C&P exam, the QTC doctor only examined my chin and neck area for PFB (shaving bumps) and did not examine my painful scars resulting from surgery during my active duty time. I also looked at the documentation and it stated he should be examining my painful scars, but he insisted he was not supposed to do so.

My claim for lumbar strain was deferred and I am awaiting a C&P exam with QTC, with a suspense date of February 2014.

With that, here are my questions.

I was awarded 0% for PFB (shaving bumps) as they stated they were present on my enlistment. However, that can't be possible because I never shaved until I entered the miitary. I also provided copies of shaving waivers, one from basic when the PFB began to develop and other shaving waivers form various times during my career.

Should I refile sleep apnea as a secondary condition of PTSD?

How should I approach the decision relating to painful scars, since the doctor did not examine them at all?

Thank you in advance for your support.

[Christmas Present From The Va]

I've been sc on my knees at 0% since 1972, in 2008 I filed for an increase, well they gave me 10% for the left knee but kept the right knee at 0%. In 2009 I filed my NOD and finally heard from them today, they've increased my right knee to 10% effective Feb 7, 2008. Looks like it's going to be a nice Christmas for my kids and grandkids.

Rick

Awesome! Congrats and enjoy your Christmas.

[Decision Made On Friday 13 December 2013]

Hey guys, I received a decision yesterday. I was granted 70% for service connected PTSD and major depressive disorder, which was originally diagnosed as dysthymic disorder in 2006, of which I claimed in 2006 as PTSD, which the VA said was unsubstantiated in 2006, and my knees remain at 10% each, for a total of 80%. I had several other conditions (PFB (new),increase for left/right knee degenerative arthritis with loss of flexion, lumbar strain (reopen), sleep apnea (reopen) that was identified after active duty, painful scars(new) from stitches given after a car accident while on active duty. All were denied, except the increase from dysthymic disorder to PTSD.

Although, what is strange is the amount that is showing as the amount of $762.00 for the 80% disability. I haven't received the big brown envelope yet,so I can't elaborate more than that right now.

Also, the lumbar strain isn't even showing up when I go through the motions of "filing a new claim."

Never the less, I know I am blessed to be where I am.

Thanks guys for your support throughout this last year, and I will keep you all posted once the big brown envelope arrives.

[Decision Made On Friday 13 December 2013]

Thanks guys. I appreciate all of the kind words. Since the decision showed up on Friday the 13th, does anyone know how long will it be before they deposit the retro to my bank account?

[Decision Made On Friday 13 December 2013]

John is always right on the Mark.....if you were not employed the VA would have (should have) considered TDIU and sent you the form.

"originally diagnosed as dysthymic disorder in 2006, of which I claimed in 2006 as PTSD, which the VA said was unsubstantiated in 2006,"

Do you mean you formally claimed PTSD but they denied for PTSD and the dysthymic disorder as well?

Do you still have that older denial?

yes Berta, I did originally claim PTSD in 2006 and was formally denied,but they rated me 10% for dysthymic disorder. Also, what is strange is they moved the "PTSD, non service connected" from the narrative that I see when I go through the motions of filing another claim on ebennies. As to your second question, I have been through a divorce since I originally filed, so I am not sure if I still have the original denial, but I will look.

[Decision Made On Friday 13 December 2013]

Are you able to work?

John999, yes I work as of now. Also, I would like to keep working if possible.

[Decision Made On Friday 13 December 2013]

Hey guys, I received a decision yesterday. I was granted 70% for service connected PTSD and major depressive disorder, which was originally diagnosed as dysthymic disorder in 2006, of which I claimed in 2006 as PTSD, which the VA said was unsubstantiated in 2006, and my knees remain at 10% each, for a total of 80%. I had several other conditions (PFB (new),increase for left/right knee degenerative arthritis with loss of flexion, lumbar strain (reopen), sleep apnea (reopen) that was identified after active duty, painful scars(new) from stitches given after a car accident while on active duty. All were denied, except the increase from dysthymic disorder to PTSD.

Although, what is strange is the amount that is showing as the amount of $762.00 for the 80% disability. I haven't received the big brown envelope yet,so I can't elaborate more than that right now.

Also, the lumbar strain isn't even showing up when I go through the motions of "filing a new claim."

Never the less, I know I am blessed to be where I am.

Thanks guys for your support throughout this last year, and I will keep you all posted once the big brown envelope arrives.

[1 Success, And On To Another Appeal!]

Bevo, Don't give up. Keeping fighting for what you deserve.

[Claim Initially Denied By Va For Ptsd-Recently Diagnosed By Va With Ptsd]

When the original claim was denied, was there a VA C&P exam? If not, you can argue failure of due process, if everything else fails.

Yes Chuck, When the original claim was denied in 2006 there was a C&P exam. However, I don't remember it being anywhere as substantive (3 hours) as the C&P exam I recently went through. The original claim shows up as denied on Ebennies.

[Claim Initially Denied By Va For Ptsd-Recently Diagnosed By Va With Ptsd]

Have you received SC yet ?

Just because an examiner provides a diagnosis - more than that

has to be done first, for SC to be granted.

Yes Carlie, it is service connected to my time during Desert Storm, 1991-1994.

[Claim Initially Denied By Va For Ptsd-Recently Diagnosed By Va With Ptsd]

In March of 2006 my claim for PTSD was denied by the VA. Earlier this month (November 2013) I was diagnosed by QTC with PTSD and Depression after my C&P exam. My question is should my retro go back to the original date of March of 2006 when I filed the first time for PTSD?

Thank you in advance for your feedback?

[Had My C&p For Ptsd... Where To Get The Diagnosis?]

Are C&P exams conducted by QTC availabole for download via the Blue Button?

[Va E-Folder?]

Wow! What a bummer! I went from the preparation for decision phase with an estimted completion date of November 2013 BACK to the gathering of evidence phase with an estimated completion date of 07/13/2014-01/16/2015.

I am literally pulling my hair out, as I thought I was so close to completion.

SUPER BUMMED OUT :(

[Va E-Folder?]

The va has three systems going right now. E folder means that the most if the claim is in the one program called virtual va. This is mostly retiree a and people separating under processing out. (Could be your claim not sure when you separated).

Then there is the new system VBMS where claim folders are being sent to processing centers to scan everything in so that your claim will be electronic. Claims that have hust been rated are getting sent off eight after the decision.

And last is the old system they are phasing out. On the development side it's called mapd where everything is done o. Paper /claims folder hard copy. I know this isn't a very good description but on iPhone. I can maybe explain later at home, but hoping this will shed light.

Thanks T8r, I do recall the individual I spoke with saying all of my documents had been uploaded and were electronic now. She also said,"it must be real close to being completed, if it has been uploaded to the efolder." I submitted my claim in November of 2012, so it is approaching the 1 year point.

P.S. I retired in 2006 from the Air Force, if that helps pin down which system my claim might have been uploded into.

[Va E-Folder?]

Have you checked the ebenefits.va.gov website?

Yes Sue, I have checked the Ebenefits.gov website. That is how I determined that my claim was in "the rating phase."

[Va E-Folder?]

I called the DAV today to obtain the status of my current disability claim and was told all of my documents had been loaded into the e-folder for processing by the VA. My claim is currently located in the "rating phase." All feedback is appreciated, thank you.