[Sooner Than Expected]

Congratulations!

Thanks for sharing the details of your story. It helps others to know a little bit what to expect.

I'm curious of two things.

At what point did they send your claim to a different regional office?

Did you get the ratings that you were expecting?

PS --if you're not working, be sure to file for TDIU & Social Security disability.

I don't recall exactly, but I think my claim was moved from Oakland to Phoenix a couple of months after I filed it. When I first saw "Phoenix" appearing on eBenefits, I was a bit confused. I initially thought it was because I first enrolled in the VAHS in Phoenix back in '08. However, I now think it happened simply as part of the process of reallocating the Oakland RO's workload. Thanks for the tip on TDIU; I have been reading up on the topic. I have a request in to add 10% to my current 10% DM II rating because I was prescribed oral diabetes medication last month. I should probably wait for that to be approved before filing for TDIU. SSDI doesn't apply in my case because I am 65 and already drawing regular SS retirement benefits.

About the rating %: I received more than I expected, quite honestly.

[Sooner Than Expected]

Claim filed (Oakland VARO): Aug 21, 2013

Decision (Phoenix VARO): Jun 10, 2014

Retro to Sep 01, 2013 deposited: Jun 13, 2014

BBE arrived: Jun 14, 2014

PTSD s/c: 70%

DM type II s/c (Agent Orange presumptive): 10%

Hearing loss (1 ear): denied

Total rating: 70%

After I had my 3 C&Ps @ McClellan, CA in March, 2014, the process seemed to gain momentum. My VAHC primary doctor prescribed oral medication for the DM type II condition in late May, 2014; therefore I have now filed for an additional 10% rating for DM type II. Should that be approved, my total rating will increase to 80%.

I wish to add that I have been in the VAHC system since October, 2008. I was in rather desperate straits at that time (living out of my car) and turned to the VAHC system in Phoenix (yes, THAT one!). When I sat down with the intake counselor, I felt scared and alone. He looked over my DD-214 and his first comment to me was, "Vietnam, eh? We have lots of programs for you." I have never felt so relieved in my life. I was admitted to a vets' shelter for 3 months while I was finding a job. I stayed in the VAHC system when I returned to California and have had experience with it in Oceanside/Escondido, CA (San Diego area); Oakhurst, CA (Fresno area); and Mather, CA (NoCal area) - in addition to Phoenix. While the VAHC system has taken a beating in the media and before Congress (deservedly so), my personal experience with it and those who work for it has been nothing but positive. My claims process took much less time than I expected in the beginning. I do know that it helps to have one's "ducks in a row" before filing. Though I did not use a VSO, a competent one can be very helpful.

In summary, I must say that I am so very grateful for what the VA has been able to do for me. I thank every American taxpayer for footing the bill. I view it as a huge "Welcome Home" for military service so long ago.

That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

[Got Me Some Got Me Some Got Me Some]

Fantastic....perseverance pays!!