Buck52

rot in hell you mean! grrrrr

This is great valuable info here...basicly what this DRO is saying ''its better to solve the vets claim with DRO's....I agree with that. but so many claims are denied and the appealing process starts...and from what I experience with other vets they just give up and that's dang shame, because its not the vets fault if the RO OR BVA losing the vets claim/claims...while doing other projects....this whole subject is about our veterans & to me they should be given the up most respect and get their claims processed asap to a decision either via expedite or a ruling so the vet can decide what he/she needs to do...NOD's are good.CUE's. are good its how quickly there processed that matters to the Vet and hope there not lost/or forgotten in the way this process works. What this DRO mention has some great information in it...read it and keep it handy. In my opinion if you take official documentation/evidence and a DRO that will listen & read your evidence even if something is worded wrong, like he mention something pertaining to the same meaning but worded different as long as it is worded for the issue at hand & leaning in favor of the vet the DRO Can base his decision on that. That's what they get paid to do...most vets that get turn down and without the help of Hadit or a good Attorney the vet gives up Like Gastone mention Asking for a Informal Hearing is a good thing where the vet can face his decision maker basicly ''The DRO''...where you usually sit in this room at a long table with microphones /recording devises ect,,ect,,and you tell them about your disability /disability's present your evidence!!! I won my claim at a informal Hearing also , I got thumbs up from the DRO had a cup coffee and then he went to work expedite my claims process and I had my decision in a hour that was it ,week later got my award letter..but to be honest with everyone I was a nervous wreck...I was thinking not so much with my claim and all my evidence but mostly I was thinking what am I going to do if I'am denied? appeal? I been told appeals could take months/ years...I think I know why now. .However the informal Hearing was the best thing I did...but I realize every vets claim/claim's are different and has to be handle differently...and all these great people here at ''Hadit.com are here to help all our veterans....just do what they tell you and you will prevail. I'll Always be grateful to this wonderful site and to Ms Tbird and all the highly intelligent wonderful people here at Hadit!

Thanks Brother, I understand what you mean now...I will check that ILP out! The only thing is ,my spouse still works and that's one of the reasons I have to pay taxes on my SSR...if she didn't work then I don't think I'd have to pay taxes because the SSR is under 12000.00 Yearly.

Gastone, Yes Sir My Award letter does state Awarded TDIU P/T with no future exams. My spouse gets champ VA and we both got our military ID's...We both use the VAMC for our Health provider, they saved my spouse life about 9 years ago..they (VAMC D'rs she had open heart surgery...So were both very Greatful to the VA...We don't use all the bennies but the ones we do use is a God Send to this family especially the health care and the property tax was a super help for us. Question? why should I check into the Independent living program? I may need it later on in life...but right now its just me & my spouse...she is in bad health too..but some how she keeps us both going. Thanks for all your help This may not be anything to worrying about I ain't got anything from RO yet...this is just me worrying what if's ect,,ect,,,

Okay Gotcha Buddy! Thanks!

I understand, but I don't have any earned income! I just get my VA bennies is all, I did work before I had to stop working in 1999 Filed for increased with VA...and went back forth with them for a while until I won my claim TDIU..that was back in 2003. I mean they '' the IRS'' says I have to pay taxes on my Social Security Retirement. (937 month)...because my spouse still works & makes over 32000.00. The VA compensation is non-taxable but we file joint on our taxes..the only tax we pay is what she makes, but now I got to pay taxes on my Retirement because its consider income...I don't understand that? so I'm thinking if the VA sees I pay taxes will they think I'm working? which I'm not. I just don't want to go through all this fighting with the VA anymore...about this? I like to went insane last time fighting for what they did give me (at my RO Hearing) ... I don't work&can't work and I'll never jeperdize what I get from the VA. I just need peace of mind I guess.....but someone once told me ''there's no ''peace of mind'' when it comes to the VA. Thanks in Advance!

Congratulations Gastone thats great Buddy! To John 999 You mention above that the VA looks at the taxes...my question? I am receiving TDIU P/T and have been for 13 years now ..I turn 62 a few months ago since I was denied SSDI when I filed...was denied twice...anyway I just never did refile for SSDI (stupid on my part).....and on my 62nd birthday (this year) I filed for Social Security Retirement. (Its just the mimium 937.00)...for my prior working before I had to stop working 1999 ect,,ect,, Now they say I have to pay taxes on the Retirement because my spouse still works and makes over 3200.00 yearly. If the VA sees I pay taxes on my Social Security Retimement.....what happens? will they think I'm working! because I'm not I can't work and not worked in 15 since 1999. sorry for being so stupid but should I be worried?

Oh ok well if you just got an increase in Sept 2014 to 50%...then you might want to wait a while to refile for increase on this claim , but then again it depends on your hearing test and the last one from 30 to 50% ... if they show NO more loss in your hearing you will probably be denied and just kept at your 50%. they shouldn't reduce it.....that's why you need to compare these test before you submit a claim. If you get 10% for tinnitus that should put you at 60% and you can't work because of this disability then file for TDIU..and you prove to the VARO you can't work because of your bad hearing or that you can't do the job you was trained for...the only thing is here...if there's any job you can do like computer work or work alone, You may want to get in to a VA Rehab and see if there's any type jobs you can do with your hearing loss & you take these test kinda like the test when you first went in the service jobs like computer skills work alone ect,,ect,,..if those test are below I think 60 then your rehab officer can write a letter for you stating Based on this veteran disability ''its not fesible to retrain this veteran at this time ect,,ect, or similar ...this is more evidence for ya, Then Extra Scheduler will get you the rating you need if your 60% to TDIU. ''Note'' just remember the VA can schedule a com & pen anytime even with your IMO's & Auduoigist reports, Its like they accept IMO's, However It's them agreeing with them is the point! If they look at two reports IMO'S & VA Reports..usually if there close with one another they usually award..but if there's a quite a bit difference they probably use the lesser..&.base there decision on that. this is just my opinion but a lot of it depends on the DRO '' is he/she having a good day or a bad day''??? ect,,ect,,,!!! Good Luck Buddy! & Thank you for your service.

Just my 2 cents, Don't worry as to much what you look like buddy you can't see hearing loss??...duh!! You should go get your last hearing test from VA and look at it ... read your award letter on the 50% & see if they used that to increase your rating to 50% ? I'm not sure how long its been since your last hearing test & I don't think that really matters, if your hearing has got worse (which it certainly can usually Noise Induced Hearing loss can happen over time months years thers no set time on that. I'd go get a IMO from at a Ear Nose & Throte Dr or quilfied/state certified Auduoligist (private test) and compare your last test with the VA...Simply take your VA test to a private certified Auduoligist .&..After you take the private test...then ask that Auduoligst to compare the test.....if your hearing shows its worse ask that Auduoligist to write you a letter as to the tune of this veterans hearing has got worse and they can compare the scale levels of your hearing that & your going to file a claim with the VA...I don't think it matters to the VA if you wear hearing aids or not there suppose to use your natural ability to hear...you take them off for the hearing test ...right! If you file for an increase and they prepose to reduce your rating...file NOD & Ask for a RO Hearing...the DRO should be educated enough that he/she knows that Nose Induced Hearing Loss does not get any better...I never heard such a thing!!! Hearing test & Auduoligist letters is about all the evidence you can use other that notorized statements from family and friends telling how bad your hearing has got ect,,ect,, maybe from about 6 or 7 people....your 50% hearing loss at present I think the limit with VA profound hearing loss around 60 to 70% the SSA is more around 80% not sure on these % but fairly close...that's almost completely deaf my friend. in MHO if your hearing worsen and can't understand people and it keeps you from being gainefully employed that's USUALLY automatic for TDIU hearing aides are sometimes good but at this high % and with tinnitus they don't work like they should...people that has good hearing don't understand that. Good Luck Buddy!

Gottcha Buddy! I don't know what happen to that VA Dr either,? He clearly made some errors.

Thanks DDuck After I see the VA Doc I'll know more not sure if I'll ask the doc to say this was caused from AO...Or help with my claim.. I'll use an IMO for that..I don't trust the VA Dr's anymore. I may not fiile claim on presump AO? IDK? I am hoping they can tell me what's wrong with my prostate? because so for yes I been very lucky. Lloyd, sorry bud your having so much problems and been/going through what you been through hang in there buddy things will get better Thank you for sharing this...I will say a prayer for ya buddy& Thank you for your service

That's Funny DDuck,,,,,I know what ya mean...I have the same problem....only my better half accuses me of getting into big hurry zip up to soon ect,,ect,,, when she goes to wash & finds the (yellow stains) but now were both worried so idk? just have to ask the Doc about this, my appointment is next month....the prostate meds I'm taking don't seem to be helping? taking them for a year now. I tried the TP also don't work to good for me..... I hope we you and I and other vets out there can get this problem solved but if you had it for all those years don't sound to promising to me......keeping clean is a me when I change my underwear I take a shower each time usally 2 to 3 x daily but it sure is getting tiresome. Thanks for your story I got a laugh out of that one...LoL

oh yeah DDuck I understand what you mean about all this and all what you say here makes sense ... I appreciate this site and its members, I realize this is a site for advice and I hold no one liable ..and the medical conversations are just that were just talking about it from one Vet to another what kind of questions to ask the Dr, and about how to win your VA claim/claims I don't have anyone to talk to about this and I appreciate each and everyone of you guys & gals Here at hadit ..I need to see a Dr to get a diagnose. I will get second opinion...I will be more specific with the Dr's & ask more question's ... This site and the members such as yourself are great...I realize what you guys are saying and DDuck has some great information....and I know he will win his claim with his prostate problem. If I have it or have to use a material that needs change 4 times a day and all the things DDuck mention I probably will File an A.O. I Check and it is in the AO Regeristry about prostate & different problems altho its a presumption from AO....Back in my active duty days over in Nam.. I like advise and read opinions from other vets its why I come in here, I understand what DDuck mention about medical advise using the internet....to me my fellow Vets are like Brothers & honor there friendship & trust. Thanks in Advance

oh ok...as for as the female Dr that don't bother me to much as long as she is good at what she knows ,,, its just that I always had a male Doc just somewhat uncomfortable but but its fine your correct Gender is not a problem...I Hope to get this solved soon or try to at least...worries me, thinking bout it..but maybe things will be alright. Oh as for as filing a claim, I probably won't just getting some advise and info in here... I was just curious if AG had anything to do with it or getting the cancer Thanks DDuck!

Thanks guys I sure will get a second opinion... one reason they checked my prostate I mention my tribble to them...I was going for a 6 month check-up when you go do labs and 2 hours later see the Doc but they never mention my PSA's other than say everything looks ok......I ask the VA Dr about my PSA's and he showed me on the computer if anything was high or way off it would be in red lettering...I ask him if there was a ''specific blood test to check for my prostate he said yes and ordered one and that test checked ok too..so maybe its not cancer. kinda private here sorry.... but I can't ejaculate either it feels like I do but nothing comes out...maybe a little but not as much and more liquefied...is that something to worry about? should I tell my DOC? Thanks everyone I appreciate this info...Only thing the last time I went my primary Doc of the last 10 years or so He transferd to NC and I had to see a female Dr...not there's anything wrong with it just makes me bit nervous is all. This is all at the VAMC.....BUT I'm going to get an appointment soon with a civilian private IMO Dr about this. And go to the VAMC and get my medical records & check my PSA's and take them to the IMO Dr Thanks again Everyone!!!

if your hearing loss prevents you from working or being gainfully employed sure go for an increase ask for the TDIU, You probably will get sent a letter from your RO for you to go take a hearing test & it will be a comp & pen. I would go get an IMO First if I was you and before you go for your comp & pen... to see if your hearing as got worse since your last hearing test...your Dr or your RO will probably have that test to review! comp & pens are not that bad just relax and tell the truth..if your 50% rated for hearing loss back then and your hearing has got worse by al means file for an increase. Thank you for serving.

Thank you Dduck...I need to get check out the VAMC I go to don't seem to help much like you mention they over look some things...I may go to a private Dr see what they say? I nerver thought it could be what ya eat or take...I'll sure research it. I am 62 just filed for SSR. Thanks Buddy

oic ok thanks buddy I been getting TDIU P/T Since 2003 retro back to 2002. I'm not sure I have prostate cancer or not? just that its been bothering me a lot ...I need to get check out more, The VA Doc said my prostate was swelling causing my urination to act up....on meds for it now called Tamsulosin & Finasteride. Had a colostomy < can't spell it two years ago but not sure that's for the prostate...but other cancers and I was ok had a few pollops was all.... they got those (hopefully) I sure hope I don't have the cancer...claim or no claim don't do me any good if I'm dead..but I understand what you mean about the spouse DIC. Thanks Again georgiapappa

what is FDC? & If I have it in your opinion what should I do? Thank you georgiapapa

Don't TDIU P/T with no future exams stay with you until you die?...if your disability's never get better? That's what I was told I'm not sure?

hello everyone, I have a question about prostate cancer. .I am TDIU P/T with a service connected Disability from my Vietnam days as a Vietnam combat veteran (68/&69. for profound hearing loss and speech dificulity My question is this..I am a little concerned! I went to my primary Dr at VAMC..About a year ago as I go every six months to get my meds renewed ..I was told a year ago that I have a swelled prostate...I have problems urinating & dribble (sorry) and the Dr put me on some prostate meds which don't seem to be working been taking the meds a year now...I know I need to mention this to my Dr and I will as soon as I can...do anyone else have this problem? no one in my family has had the prostate cancer as for as I know? I am in the A.O. Registry (Agent Orange) I was reading about agent orange and I was exposed to it back in Nam but this has been 45 46 years ago...Could I file a prostate claim &claim it was from the AO? if they tell me I have it? beings I am already TDIU P/T? I Know I won't get any more compensation $$ wise but maybe up my ratings. I know I need to be diagnosed with it first... just asking while I'm in my right mind. Any comments or opinions welcome Thank you in Advance for your time. God Bless

'' K9MAL'' It's not a waste of time..if you get a DRO Hearing take it...nothing to be afraid of...they can't eat you and if your service connected you was injured doing your time in service serving your country that's what this is all about! Take your evidence and just be yourself their there to basicly help you and if you take enough good evidence & have good manners ect,,ect,,Then just Relax! I suggest you take a IMO from a good private state Lic/certified Audoligist with the correct levels of your hearing its a graph! you can dicuss your disability with them let them know your hearing has got worse it will show on the test and remember if you submitted other hearing test prior that's how they compare ''obviously'' ect,,ect,, or maybe I miss understood you asking for a VSO'' Hearing specialist'' & not your hearing?. sorry, but all apply..you can appoint a VSO at the time of your RO Hearing just go earliy. And or at your VAMC. At my DRO Hearing I was a little nervous at first sitting at a long table with microphones and recording devise's I had a DRO & RO (Rating Specialist ) at my hearing...They just ask you some questions'' How can we help you today'' ect,,ect,, and ask you to present your evidence IMO's or what ever you have and its good to show them or present the physical evidence if you can In my opinion if more vets would go to a DRO hearing it will help..not saying you will get what you ask for but at least you maybe rated higher. When its your first time to speak first thing to come out of your mouth should be ''Thanking them for their time to hear you'' or something similar! just be yourself and tell the truth if you don't know just say you don't know. Good Luck Buddy!

asheth007 If your 60% SC and your disability keeps you from working or being gainfully employed and you can prove it I don't see why they don't grant your TDIU?.....I would think if a Veteran don't have a work record that that's more as evidence for you?(Because your not working) Go check with the SSA you can get your work record) if a person can't work then there's no history there! if your active service was all you had before you became disable they need to take that into consideration. if your not 60% ask for an increase due to your disability has got worse, if you show them it has and have IMO'S to prove it then they should rate you to 100% TDIU.. if you get denied ask for a DRO Hearing at your RO. Sometimes I think its just what kind of mood there in Just my Opinion Good Luck! I hope you Win just hang in there

I know what you mean John, I need my hand worked on or surgery or injections???....I have that new thing (new to me anyway) called Dupuytren's Contracture'' The VA Calls it a ''Non- Specific Disease''...its come up on my hand about 4/5 years ago or so ..its when your fingers start to turn inward toward the palm and can't straighten your fingers! I have it in my pinky pretty bad you can see the skin fused together at the bend of the fingers at the palm and see the ''cord'' the legiment , They say its not painful that's BS... mine is sore to the touch very sore have problems getting dressed or washing my face I can't put my hand in my right pocket my right hand anyway that's the one I have it in. I told my Dr about it but they don't seem to care just live with it what they told me! ....They have some steroid injections that they can inject into the cord and you come back the next day and they break the cord (which is excruciating painful) I am undecided what to do? its not to bad to live with if you don't use that hand...but its starting to really bother me. They don't know what causes it???..other than diabetes/,alcoholism, epilepsy, some medication and liver disease...they say its been traced back to Scandinavian or Northern European Ancestry...or Vikings Disease or the curse of the MacCrimmons It can take years before it starts to progress until you start to notice it and its in mostly males of age over 40...that's what happen to me. As for as I know most of my family are from Tn and the southwest & I never drink or abuse alchol or had epilepsy or anything they say caused it. (I know Im not a ''Viking''. lol..... Only thing I can think of other than I was exposed to Agent Orange back in my Nam days.....not sure if there's a connection thare or not?? but I sure would like to find out..and if a lot of vets that were in Nam back in the 60's and are having this problem..I hope The VA reconizes it....??

SerFA Just my 2 cents here! If your son is disabled due to his Service Connected Disablity's And can not work...Def Refile his claim for TDIU...Submit Any & All evidence you & have get an( IMO) Indendpendent Medical Opinion about his disability's & like others have said file for SSDI....You may want to get letters & statements from family and friends telling about his disability but if you do you need to have them notorized they will consider it in there decision. If he can't work due to his service connected disability he should get the TDIU with P&T Good Luck