31Bravo

I was successful with getting 100% P&T at the RO level by requesting a De Novo review. Below is a summary of how this was done: 1- I filled a claim and was denied at the RO level. 2- Sent NOD with two Nexus letters. The RO cued themselves and granted 40%. 3- Sent NOD with three Nexus letters and requested a De Novo review. The DRO at the RO cued themselves again and granted 100% P&T. The second NOD took 15 months and 7 days to get 100% P&T. Nexus letters are the most important key to winning a claim. All this was accomplished at the RO level.

I am 100% P&T. I have no other SC %. My Wife and I submitted two vA FORM JUN 2008 21-2680 along with two Nexus letters; One nexus letter for each vA form 21-2680 submitted. Five months later Aid & Attendance (L) was granted. I composed the vA form and Nexus letters and my two private doctors (non vA) signed off with no hesitation. vA doctors may help, but probably not. The big surprise was not being forced to do C&P exams. The vA did call to schedule C&P exams, but I told them I could no longer travel 200 miles in a car. MyHealteVet showed vA doctors reviewed the two 21-2680 forms and Nexus letters, and did not disagree. Five months later I got SMC (L).

Prayer Sent

When I went for C&P exams with QTC they gave me a check for travel pay; after the exam was completed. The QTC office I went to was not located in the VAMC. Apparently C&P travel pay is handled differently depending on which State or VISN one lives in.

THE FINAL INSPECTION The Soldier stood and faced God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining, Just as brightly as his brass. Step forward now, Soldier, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?' The soldier squared his shoulders and said, No, Lord, I guess I ain't. Because those of us who carry guns, Can't always be a saint. I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was tough. And sometimes I've been violent, Because the world is awfully rough. But, I never took a penny, That wasn't mine to keep. Though I worked a lot of overtime, When the bills got just too steep. And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God, forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place, Among the people here. They never wanted me around, Except to calm their fears. If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand. There was a silence all around the throne, Where the saints had often trod. As the Soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God. Step forward now, you Soldier, You've borne your burdens well. Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in Hell.' ~Author Unknown WGM~

38 CFR 3.22 - DIC benefits for survivors of certain veterans rated totally disabled at time of death. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/3.22 I hope this link to 38 CFR 3.22 - DIC benefits for survivors, can be helpful and useful.

Praying for Carlie and Lucy. May God bless them both.

A very big Congratulations to you Sir Nod. Over 21 years fighting the vA; and it is finished. I am very happy for you.

Your Welcome, Mark.

Cabela's gives great (double) discounts to Vet's. Cabela's will give a Vet two discounts at checkout. During checkout request a Veterans discount; then use a Cabela's credit card and get another discount automatically. Cabela's didn't ask for a VA ID card either. (Important) Ask for the Veterans discount before they start scanning; because they can't go back and apply the discount after they scanned in the products for purchase. Also, IHOP grants a discount to Vet's on request. They didn't ask for a VA ID card either. In Liberty.

Outstanding and well done. Congratulations.

Congrats, Par. A three day decision is indeed hard to believe. I'm glad it came back in your favor to include Chapter 35 as well as CHAMPVA. My spouse is pleased with CHAMPVA. I wish Veterans could have CHAMPVA.

Yes Sir, you can submit new evidence with your NOD.

Congratulations

The vA is sabotaging the Choice Card program; they don't want it to work. vA doctors are refusing to submit the paper work needed to use the Choice Card. I spent over a month on the phone trying to get someone to write the order or prescription to go to outside vA providers. I finally got letters saying vA would pay for the consult, and I could go to: -Eye doctor for a consult, but I would have to pay for glasses if needed and vA would not fill the prescription. -Dentist for a consult, but I would have to pay for anything needed beyond the consult. -Arthritis Doctor consult, but I have to pay for medications and the vA will not fill the prescriptions. -Gastroenterologist consult, but I have to pay for everything needed after the consult and vA will not fill prescriptions for meds. I hope this nonsense changes someday and the Choice Card becomes useful as intended. For now the Choice Card is a cruel joke.

If your service connected disability makes it difficult to stay employed you might consider filing for Social Security Disability (SSD). SSD pays more than SSI.

Congratulations Leigh, Paul, and Sir Asknod. I am one of the many hundreds of Vet's that owe my success to Sir Asknod; and Hadit.

A Nexus letter folder would be helpful to many. It could have subfolders for various claims and medical conditions. Example: HCV, AO, TBI, SMC-L for Aid and Attendance, SMC-M for Housebound, etc. etc. I have five Nexus letters for HCV; and two Nexus letters for SMC-L for Aid and Attendance. ASKNOD.ORG has posted several successful Nexus letters; and a couple of articles describing the format, and important information that must be in the Nexus letter. My request for a Nexus letter from Doctors was denied many times. But, when I could show a doctor a Nexus letter they were more willing to provide it, or sign it. Not many Doctors know or understand what it is; and they are very busy. I wrote all but one of my Nexus letters. Often a Veterans claim is denied because a C&P exam didn't come back in your favor. When a Veteran comes back, or appeals with two or three Nexus letter's that support the claim, the claim is successful and granted. That ole Nexus letter is pretty important.

I used the TVC, Texas Veterans Commission, for a while. They had a copy of my C-File. When I filed for SMC-L Aid and Attendance I had Lawyer. In that claim I advised the VARO that TVC did not represent me anymore. I went to the TVC VSO's office and took possession of my c-file. I didn't think it was a good idea to leave my c-file in an office I wasn't going to use anymore.

Good news; congratulations.

Well Done and Congratulations, Jumpmaster.

Yes Sir, you can have a private Doctor provide a medical opinion. Get as many medical opinions as you can. I have had five civilian/private Doctors provide Nexus letters to me over the years. When one gets a C&P exam (Nexus letter) from the vA it may not be supporting or favorable to your claim. Then it becomes necessary to get a second or third opinion from a Doctor that supports your claim, and contradicts the C&P Doctors opinion. Get as many Doctors opinion's as you can to support your claim. When one has several medical opinions/ Nexus letters, it increases your odds of winning a claim.

I will pray for Mike and His Family.

Congratulations Shay!

Congrats Sir Nod. Your case is probably the longest appeal in history. You demonstrated the Win or Die ethos on this one. I hope your case sets some legal precedent. Well Done and Outstanding. I hope next Monday brings complete and total victory, and ends your fight with the vA.