[What Should I Appeal?]

It is very hard to get 100% scheduler unless you get it for one condition. I am 90% and I got one 70%, 60% and five 10%'s. I need another 50% to get to 100% due to VA math.

Actually, you only need one of your 10's to become a 30...or two 10's to become two 20's. :)

But I do wonder if they low ball ratings to avoid 100% combined...curious what will happen with mine on appeal.

[New: Update Dependents Online Now]

that's nice to know. I've never been a believer of that site but you are the 4-5th veteran to say they did that process and it was done in a couple of days. That's some great news!

I believe in automation because you get to key in your information (versus someone else if they don't lose your form). Plus the system will continue to remind them they have pending work to do. Versus a paper on a desk in a pile of other papers that doesn't provide any form of reminders and really has no oversight.

The problem with their FDC process online is the file size limit is 5MB. If like me...vets have a LARGE medical file, you would have 1,000 5MB files to upload. I have my entire record scanned in about 15 files and each is about 50 MB. Their upload ability needs improving.

I'm still waiting on them to fix the Health Benefits Handbook portion. I have not been able to access that for several weeks now.

But I hope they continue to improve the site...it really is sad in 2014 we cannot have a better site already.

[What Should I Appeal?]

IMHO...If you have the evidence to prove a disability, caused by or aggrivated by your service, you should contest their decision. Re-examine what the VA requires to prove each rating at the different percentage levels and submit a NOD. Have you looked into filing a TDIU claim? That should've been done "yesterday" but it's never too late! Without knowing what conditions you were rated for, it's difficult to speculate if you'd be successful. It would benefit you to read-up on what TDIU is and what the burden of proof needs to be. Not sure if you are currently working, etc. so hard to guess. Check out the topics here on Hadit that discuss TDIU...then you will be able to make a more informed decision.

Good luck friend!

LC

Yeah, I probably should appeal everything, but still wonder...

However, the clear cut things to me are Varicocele and GERD with Hiatal Hernia.

I got 0 for Varicocele but found many on appeal that got 20% with persistent inflammation and pain, which I have.

I got 10 for GERD with Hiatal Hernia. I got low balled because the provider (PA) did not check the 'frequent episodes of epigastric distress' box. He said he didn't know what they meant by that and that I should be good since everything else was checked. I have all GERD issues/symptoms and diagnosed with Hiatal Hernia. Had multiple EGD's in service, etc. My records are pretty extensive on this and also document my reflux as severe.

These are the clear cut issues to me.

The ones that get into shades of gray are the joint issues (Chondromalacia and Deg Disc). Their ratings don't reflect the amount of limitation the joint issues give me. The problem is I pretty much have full range of motion...it's just painful range of motion with weakness associated with periodic locking and giving out and audible cracking, grinding, popping, etc sounds. So, I got low-balled based on the range of motion tests...

If I got rated properly for the GERD and Varicocele though, I would reach 100% combined.

I don't know if TDIU is right for me yet. I am using my GI Bill and then hope to find a job that strikes the right balance between sedentary and active work. Too much of either causes issues for me.

[New: Update Dependents Online Now]

Well, my claim, like others, processed without my dependency status...

I submitted on ebenefits an updated form through the upload documents in the claim section and also mailed the form. Neither seemed to gain traction.

Well, I recently noticed a new feature on ebenefits. There is a section now for the purpose of updating dependents. Two ways to get to it once logged in: Click on Apply for Benefits > Add Dependents OR Click on View My Status > General > View Open or Submitted Applications

I did this and it was processed in less that 24 hours and my monthly payment amount in my benefit letter online is updated to the correct amount. Now to see if and when the retro dependent pay comes...

I've seen others with comments about dependent issues so hopefully this might help you!

[Oifvet - Newbie Looking For Help]

How do you get a reconsideration without filing a NOD?

My VSO and comments on here say submit new medical evidence. However, the VA has my entire medical service treatment record with all the pertinent medical evidence for my claimed conditions. I shouldn't have to submit any new evidence as the evidence exists and I am not confident it was reviewed appropriately.

There was at least one DBQ that did not have everything checked that should have. (the VA sent my file to a contractor which sent me to get exam done via DBQ's by non-VA providers) An example was my Hiatal Hernia with GERD rating. I was rated at 10%. After reading some appeals cases, I should be at 60%. I told the provider that I thought frequent epigastric distress should be checked. He said he didn't know what they meant by that and it went left unchecked. I think this is why I got 10% versus at least 30% but should be 60% when I compare my symptoms to those that won 60% on appeal.

[Hi, New Here To The Site...]

Hello fellow vets! New to the site.... Veteran of over 10 years with some deployments including Iraq.

BDD claim surprisingly processed fairly quick...about 3 months post discharge. *shocked*

[What Should I Appeal?]

I am rated 90% (combined), with a 60, 30, 20, five 10's, and five 0's.

I do not believe I was rated appropriately on a few of the items and a couple of them are clear cut.

Should I appeal everything I believe I got rated low on or should I focus on the couple items that are clear cut?