kate7772

My husband's claim moved from Review of Evidence to Pending Decision Approval today. Usually a good thing, but, there was no C&P exam done. There were four contentions, two new and two reconsiderations, although the new ones also should have been reconsiderations. All were previously denied. Filed for reconsideration on April 15 and they went straight into Review of Evidence on May 31. Now, moved into their current status? What could this mean. Can't believe it's a good thing since no C&P was done. Never had C&Ps on the original claims either. Any thoughts? Thanks, Kate

Does the info on ebenefits ever change on weekends or is it strictly a Mon thru Fri thing? Thanks Kate

Thanks Berta, We are only getting an IMO for the kidney disease. We have already filed a reconsideration (which VA listed as new, likely to avoid an earlier date) for the PTSD and Tinnitus. I think we are covered there with new and material evidence and a diagnosis by VA (Psychologist, Clinical social worker specializing in PTSD, Clinical Nurse specialist and Psychiatrist. All his tests have come back in the 75-85 range for PTSD and severe depression (which is why I am doing most of this work.) His stressor was combat and references to the stressor included. The kidney disease and specifically as it relates to Camp Lejeune is the one we are most worried about. Hopefully Dr. Bash can bring it all together. I did forget to include the criteria. Glad you mentioned it. Thanks, Kate

I am finishing up copying all pertinent materials to send to Dr. Bash for an IMO for my husband. However, I'm not totally sure what is pertinent. I want to be sure to send what is needed but not inundate the doc with a bunch of unnecessary stuff. Any tips on this and best way to arrange, etc. Thanks, Kate

Asknod You stated: "You are only allowed to submit that new and material info that is needed within one year of this decision in order to keep it at the AOJ." But if the claim with the new evidence is not decided by the time the year is up, and you are forced to submit the NOD, then that is all out the window and you are starting all over time wise, right? Thanks, Kate

You can appeal anything. The mention that you can file an appeal I think is standard. Maybe they awarded you and you are not happy with the % or the date the award goes back to. Don't automatically assume the worst. Good luck. Kate

Snake Eyes, Can you possibly provide a link to his list of wins not on record. Or, by private message if you don't want to post it here? I spoke with Dr. Bash in Feb. and again yesterday. I am printing up all my husband's medical papers tonight to send FedEx to Dr. Bash tomorrow for a Nexus letter. Thanks, Kate

My husband tried forever to get his C-file, then filed the FOIA and it arrived within two months. Kate

I have read so much and just get more overwhelmed. All my husband's claims were denied in Sept. 2013. He later filed for reconsideration on several of the contentions (which he'll likely need to file a NOD on within the next couple months because they probably will not be decided before the 1 year is up. One of the contentions we are waiting for an IMO to be finished since it is a Camp Lejeune water issue and more difficult. On this one I am not sure how to proceed. I know this all takes forever but what is the best way to file that will not be as lengthy? Just a DRO review? I'm also seeing a DRO deNovo or something like that. What is the difference between the two? My husband was never given any C&P exams. Could that be some kind of error? Sorry for all the questions. My husband has severe PTSD also and cannot deal with all this, so I get to do it. Thanks, Kate

My husband's reopened claims as well as two new contentions (which were filed at the same time and also supposed to be reopened but they are calling them new) went straight into the review of evidence phase. This phase says "received all evidence." Shouldn't they have ordered a C&P as part of the evidence. Of course, they never gave him a C&P before denial on any of the claims, so maybe they won't this time either. Kate

Thank you. Didn't notice the number on the site. And, thank you for your service as well.

When I tried to sign in to my eBenefits premium account yesterday it said the password had expired and I needed to change password. But, when I try to change it, it will not recognize the new password and just keeps going in a loop and saying password needs changed. So, now I can't sign in at all. Is there a technical support for the site? Can't imagine not having access. Thanks, Kate

Is it okay to file a NOD and then get an IMO or should everything be submitted at one time? Does it go into line when the NOD is filed or when everything is there? And, is there a link to the correct form to use for a NOD and which kind of review to ask for? Thanks, Kate

Who does not fall into the new PTSD criteria? Thanks, Kate

I thought I remembered it being mentioned here somewhere that there is an example of a PTSD C&P questionaire used during the exam. If so, where would I find it? Thanks, Kate

Carlie, can you explain to me exactly what happens after the NOD is filed? And, the reconsideration stops being considered, right? Does the claim go through the same steps as the original claim? It's now at review of evidence. Went there directly after the reconsideration with new evidence was filed. And, our VARO is Cleveland but the claim is at Louisville because it involved a Camp Lejeune water issue (all Lejeune claims are sent there). Has been farmed out to Huntington and now Muskogee. So, the NOD would need filed at Louisville? Too far to hand deliver. Thanks, Kate

My husband's claim year for filing a NOD is up on Sept. 19th. He currently has a reopen/reconsideration with new evidence in ( I know, that was likely a wrong move but we didn't know better and it is in now) and we would like to ride that out as long as possible to hopefully get a rating before the deadline. How long can we safely wait before filing the NOD? If we file the NOD now, it will stop the reconsideration process, right? Two of my husband's contentions are listed on eBenefits as reopen and two they are considering new even though they were originally denied. Can we do a NOD online? Is it just a simple form and is it possible to print off proof of it being filed (for when VA later says it was not filed in time?) Thanks, Kate

Berta, I would like to ask your opinion on something. Is there a way to contact you? Thanks Kate

Why do they keep moving the office of jurisdiction on my husband's claim? Went to Louisville originally because it is a Camp Lejeune water claim. They temporarily sent it to Huntington and now it is listed as being in Muskogee. Doesn't all this moving slow things down? No wonder things get lost! BTW, our actual regional office is Cleveland. Kate

Carlie I think I understand what you are saying. I realize a Nod will need to be filed before the one year deadline is here but, if the reconsideration is miraculously decided before then, it will be retroactive to the original date, right? My husband did send in new and material evidence, including VA diagnosis for the conditions, all things that should have beed included originally but our VSO did not bother to mention. Kate

Is there someplace on eBenefits that shows the items submitted, such as the forms DAV has filed along with letters in support, etc? I'd like to see exactly how everything was worded. Thanks, Kate

Thank You.

Anyone have contact info. for Dr. Bash's helper? Think his name is John? Thanks, Kate

My husband filed for reconsideration with new evidence on four contentions. On eBenefits, two of the contentions are listed as new and two as reopened. They were all denied. Why would they not all say reopened. Concerned about preserving the original date. Thanks, Kate

My husband currently has a reconsideration in. We thought that the original date would be preserved if the one year mark had not passed. Sure hope the DAV did not steer us wrong in this. Kate