bm6546

Carlie, so my understanding to your response, the BVA will only look and decide any new evidence that I send to them. The RO will still send me to a C&P or any new exam and make some sort of decision on the results only from the new exams that they send me on. I have been working on this claim for almost 6 years and don't want to screw this up now. I want to make sure that the information I send to the BVA or RO is done right this time, seeing that I will have to wait for another 2 or 3 years before someone makes a dedcision. Thanks, Brian PS Carlie, you asked me in my other post to post a copy of the original rating decision that granted SC for my PAT and assigned the 10%. I did post the decision but did not hear back from you.

What happens if I send in a "Waiver of Regional Office Consideration" to the BVA and receive a C&P exam or any other exam from the RO. Does the RO just forward the results to the BVA and let them deal with it? And does the BVA make all the decisions at that point? Not sure how that works.

Wings, You had asked me if the Metoprolol was prescribed specifically for my SC PAT, or another related heart condition? The answer is yes, the Metoprolol was specifically prescribed for me back in 2008 for my PAT. (see my previous post where I posted this info). If it was for the PAT, under the old diagnostic code, need for continuous medication is assigned a 30% rating. Where would I find the diagnostice code for this? Thanks, Brian

Carlie, I am attaching 2 pages that show my originaL rating decision FOR MY 10%. Brian Rating Decision 2-5-68 a.pdf Rating Decision 2-5-68 page 2.pdf

I finally received my medical notes from the VAMC in Reno. I found in these notes where the VA Cardiologist prescribed Metoprolol on 06/10/08 for my SC PAT. Part of this examination states ECG today normal except terminal R-sided forces. 1. CAD p stents - ok to have Plavix for 4 years. Today he has agreed to BB so will start metoprolol 12.5 mg BID if tolerates this can switch to Atenolol 25 Titrate upward for BP and HR control. 2. lipids - will try adding fenofibrate 45 mg. Need to watch for muscle aches since significant interaction with simvastatin. Check LFP and LFTs in 2-3 months. 3. PAT - hopefully BB will help slow rate if occurs. 4. Anxiety/depression - watch for depression as starts BB, may help blunt peripheral effects of anxiety. ******************************************** The VA bills me for all my prescriptions except the Metoprolol which is for my SC PAT. So the way I figure this is the VA Medical doctors feel I need Metoprolol for my PAT because it has not gone away, in fact it has gotten worse over the years. I guess the VARO doesn't seem to understand this or they are refusing to read any of this.

Nothing wrong with your memory. The Navy only diagnosed me with PAT. But I do have heart disease now.

"If my memory is intact, I believe the evidence will also show that Brian (correct me if I'm wrong) was hospitalized for his PAT while active duty military for several weeks. That speaks of functional impairment at an occupational level." Wings, I was actually hospitalized at the US Naval Hospital from 7-5-66 to 11-16-66 , approx 4 1/2 months. I was wearing a monitor for a couple weeks, if my memory can recollect, and undergoing a lot of tests. Brian

NJ Thanks for your response. BM

I am pretty sure this question has been asked a million times, but how do you get an E-benefits acct? And how do I log in? Thanks

John999, I have already talked to a lawyer but they can't take my case because I am in the middle of a remand. She told me if or when the VA denies me, at whatever level, that they do want to talk with me. You mentioned that your CUE made it all the way to the Court. Can I assume that you won your CUE? And if so, did they pay all the retro? Thanks, Brian

Hoppy, When I was a patient at the Naval hospital in 1966, I was there for approx 4 to 5 months. I was required to wear a monitor for approx 5 or 6 weeks and I had "several, well defined and documented" episodes of PAT. The Navy decided, based on those results, to discharge me and assigned me a 10% disability. One year later, I had a C&P exam that lasted, maybe 15 minutes, and the rater determined that I was not eligible for a compensable condition. The exam I had at my C&P was not even close to all the tests while I was stationed at the hospital. The fact that I did not have a PAT attack at the C&P exam is what they are partly basing the results that my PAT was no longer there. Even though the rater stated that "cited exam discloses the veteran is steadily employed but complains of occasional dizziness, a heavy feeling in the chest and that his heart flutters". There is no wording anywhere that my PAT has gotten better or improved.

Philip, Thank you for correcting my mistake. I waited 2 years before I received Medicare. Brian "you have to wait 6 months and then you will get Medicare, regardless of your age"

Also, once you qualify for SSDI, you have to wait 6 months and then you will get Medicare, regardless of your age. Here in Calif you can get Medicare or if you are very low income, you may qualify for Medi Cal. I can't remember what its called in most states. In Calif the Medi Cal program is being slashed left and right, so not sure how that will work in the future. As long as they don't touch Medicare we should be alright.

Normally, there is a 6 month waiting period to get accepted. But they will pay you retroactrive from the time you applied. I was approved my first time I applied back in 06 and received a nice check for over $10,000. Not sure how long the time period is now, with the way the economy is and the number of people applying for SSDI. You can call them and ask them...if you can get through. Keep trying and you will eventually get someone on the phone. Or you can check their website for more info. Brian

I think it is definately easier when you are a little older, like me. Don't tell them you are retired....aren't you disabled? Although you are available to draw SS at 64 with early penalties, SSDI pays you a couple hundred more per month. Look at your SS paperwork that they send you every once in a while and look at the bottom where it tells you how much you will receive on SSDI. The amount you would get now from SSDI will take into account the actual amount you would receive when you qualify for your full SS retirement. In other words, the amount will not change when you reach full SS age. I am 99% sure of this because I am rapidly approaching 66 myself. I did check their website and also called them and they assured me that my amount I now receive will not change. If I was you, I'm only saying, I would definately apply for SSDI. The main criteria with SS is are you able to do any kind of work for gainful employment? Good luck...Brian

So the old saying "Hurry up and wait" applies here. I can wait forever if I have to. Hopefully, I am not going anywhere.

I checked with a lawyer and they said they can not take my case because I am in the middle of a remand. Once I am denied they would like to talk to me.

I know I already asked this question. Will I get a letter from the AMC telling me they have received my remand from the BVA? And approximately how long does it normally take to receive something from them?

I was 60 when I was approved for SSDI. The lady at the SS office told me that I was very close to my SS age and that it helps that you are in your 60's. It worked for me in my case.

I would like to go on at least 1 cruise each year. I have been on 3 cruises in the last 4 years. Alaska, Mexican Riviera and the Western Caribean. So far, Alaska has been my favorite cruise because of all the wild life and nature. I am hoping to go to the Panama Canal (2 weeks) in Nov 2012. But if I have to get an expensive IMO then that will be my vacation money shot to hell. Maybe a miracle will happen with my claim and my friends at the VA.

We went in August and were very lucky with the weather. It rained a couple times but wasn't foggy or cloudy so we got to see all the beautiful nature and the wild life. It was freezing when we went thru the Tracy Arm ice glaciers but was absolutely magnificent. That is where a balcony sure comes in handy. I also like to have my room near by in case I get a little freaked out with all the people on the ship.

The only way to cruise is a veranda. I won't cruise in an inside room or a room with a window. Definately worth the extra bucks. Brian

You will love the Alaska cruise. I did that cruise in August 2010 and absolutely loved it. I have been on 3 cruises and can't wait to go again...as soon as I save up some money.

You say that you are not interested in a lawyer. That is your business. I know at least 2 people that very fighting SSDI for benefits for several years and kept getting denied. Then they hired a SS lawyer and he won both cases in approx 3 months. I'm just saying...Brian