CHerv08

I was recently awarded 50% for SA - secondary to TBI. Just received the rating after 2 years of applying for it. - What's even crazier is when I went in for the DBQ the rater stated that it was less likely than not more than 50% that my SA was secondary to TBI - so how I got awarded for it... is beyond me. I'll take the win though!

I was recently awarded 50% for SA - secondary to TBI. Just received the rating after 2 years of applying for it. - What's even crazier is when I went in for the DBQ the rater stated that it was less likely than not more than 50% that my SA was secondary to TBI - so how I got awarded for it... is beyond me. I'll take the win though!

I was recently awarded 50% for SA - secondary to TBI. Just received the rating after 2 years of applying for it. - What's even crazier is when I went in for the DBQ the rater stated that it was less likely than not more than 50% that my SA was secondary to TBI - so how I got awarded for it... is beyond me. I'll take the win though!

Hey Buck,
I had a situation similar to yours where I was being seen by the PCP RN, and a part of the pre-check. I noticed that as she was inputting data into the computer and answering questions that I did not answer. I quickly called her out on it asking, why she was answering those questions for me? Her response "it's more efficient if I just answer the questions that don't matter rather then ask you." I sat there in an "awe" moment like WTF.. was that seriously what her answer was!? I told her for the benefit of my records I would be more comfortable answering them myself, rather then her on my behalf. Naturally, she was annoyed because I cut into her texting time. As soon as I was done with her, and the doctor came in - I made it very clear to him that some of the responses from the RN check were not accurate and I wanted it reflected in my notes with the doctor. He was apprehensive at first, until I explained that some of those responses she gave were not accurate and if it was not reflected I would be taking the matter up higher. He then said his peace - about how it is important to have accurate information and made his necessary notes.
I was not done at that point - I went to the front desk to ask for the person who is responsible for running that clinic to address the issue. I was handed the general phone number to the hospital and said that I can get a hold of them there. Now, I am beyond pissed.
I have considered recording all my interactions at the VA - but like most people have said on this board.. it is a not highly suggested. What other avenue does a Veteran have in the "He said - She Said" game?
Eventually, we are going to begin seeing videos come out exposing the bad habits and destructive practices at the VA much like the secret planned parenthood hidden camera footage. It's only a matter of time - my suggestion would be that once the notes are input into the system - the veteran gets a chance to "sign" off on them. I know that might bog down on time but if it prevents shady business... I'm all for it.
- C

Coaches are just team supervisors/team leaders.  Their opinion of your claim and or evidence could go either way. It can take as long as it did for your claim to continue to move on as long as it took to get to their desk/office.  Remember depending on the number of people in their team and their experience there is more than your file/claim waiting for the coach to review.  Not to be a downer just letting you know the facts.

Hey Buck,
I had a situation similar to yours where I was being seen by the PCP RN, and a part of the pre-check. I noticed that as she was inputting data into the computer and answering questions that I did not answer. I quickly called her out on it asking, why she was answering those questions for me? Her response "it's more efficient if I just answer the questions that don't matter rather then ask you." I sat there in an "awe" moment like WTF.. was that seriously what her answer was!? I told her for the benefit of my records I would be more comfortable answering them myself, rather then her on my behalf. Naturally, she was annoyed because I cut into her texting time. As soon as I was done with her, and the doctor came in - I made it very clear to him that some of the responses from the RN check were not accurate and I wanted it reflected in my notes with the doctor. He was apprehensive at first, until I explained that some of those responses she gave were not accurate and if it was not reflected I would be taking the matter up higher. He then said his peace - about how it is important to have accurate information and made his necessary notes.
I was not done at that point - I went to the front desk to ask for the person who is responsible for running that clinic to address the issue. I was handed the general phone number to the hospital and said that I can get a hold of them there. Now, I am beyond pissed.
I have considered recording all my interactions at the VA - but like most people have said on this board.. it is a not highly suggested. What other avenue does a Veteran have in the "He said - She Said" game?
Eventually, we are going to begin seeing videos come out exposing the bad habits and destructive practices at the VA much like the secret planned parenthood hidden camera footage. It's only a matter of time - my suggestion would be that once the notes are input into the system - the veteran gets a chance to "sign" off on them. I know that might bog down on time but if it prevents shady business... I'm all for it.
- C

Awesome - I really appreciate the response and the help.
I have this strange hobby of wanting to learn everything and anything about the system as much as I can. I look at it like a game of cards, and wanting to know everything and anything about the game. How can you master something you don't know or understand?
I love reading this message board because I come across all different types of road maps to success to better help my position.
-C

Awesome - I really appreciate the response and the help.
I have this strange hobby of wanting to learn everything and anything about the system as much as I can. I look at it like a game of cards, and wanting to know everything and anything about the game. How can you master something you don't know or understand?
I love reading this message board because I come across all different types of road maps to success to better help my position.
-C

A coach is not supposed to be a noob rater, but you never know...
While waiting on a couple of previous claims, I actually had a couple of folks at the RO personally call me. They explained their tentative findings and wanted to make sure it met what I expected. I let them know it did. They also mentioned that the claims would be sent through "quality control" to verify everything was handled correctly and then sent up for approval. In both cases, I was due retro, which could have been why. The guy reminded me to wait until the official award letter was received before prematurely going shopping. They never did this back in the old days. I also heard elsewhere that only some RO's do this and only in some situations.
Remember one thing: even though the VA is supposed to be consistent and perfect, they are anything but that.

Hey Buck,
I had a situation similar to yours where I was being seen by the PCP RN, and a part of the pre-check. I noticed that as she was inputting data into the computer and answering questions that I did not answer. I quickly called her out on it asking, why she was answering those questions for me? Her response "it's more efficient if I just answer the questions that don't matter rather then ask you." I sat there in an "awe" moment like WTF.. was that seriously what her answer was!? I told her for the benefit of my records I would be more comfortable answering them myself, rather then her on my behalf. Naturally, she was annoyed because I cut into her texting time. As soon as I was done with her, and the doctor came in - I made it very clear to him that some of the responses from the RN check were not accurate and I wanted it reflected in my notes with the doctor. He was apprehensive at first, until I explained that some of those responses she gave were not accurate and if it was not reflected I would be taking the matter up higher. He then said his peace - about how it is important to have accurate information and made his necessary notes.
I was not done at that point - I went to the front desk to ask for the person who is responsible for running that clinic to address the issue. I was handed the general phone number to the hospital and said that I can get a hold of them there. Now, I am beyond pissed.
I have considered recording all my interactions at the VA - but like most people have said on this board.. it is a not highly suggested. What other avenue does a Veteran have in the "He said - She Said" game?
Eventually, we are going to begin seeing videos come out exposing the bad habits and destructive practices at the VA much like the secret planned parenthood hidden camera footage. It's only a matter of time - my suggestion would be that once the notes are input into the system - the veteran gets a chance to "sign" off on them. I know that might bog down on time but if it prevents shady business... I'm all for it.
- C

Hey Everyone!
I just wanted to throw this out there and get everyones thoughts and opinions on the subject. So right now I am 20% SC for Tinnitus and TBI. I've got a couple claims in right now, and have been seeking treatment for those claims, as well as my SC disabilites. As an OIF/OEF I am entitiled to 5 years of free healthcare - I am in year 3 of my 5 years. Everything was fine and dandy, and then all off a sudden the VA started billing my private insurance for my claims. My first thought was WTF - why are they billing my private insurance. So I went and talked to my VSO and she stated that "Yes, they can bill your insruance but they cannot bill you." I thought okay.... sounds legit, but then I started to think more... why are they billing my private insurance if my treatment is supposed to be free. Why does my insruance have to pay for any treatment ? Won't my insurance look down at me now since I am going to all these appointments - not only through the VA but my private family doctor as well? So I online and searched this topic - and thus leads me to here. I have not really found a solid answer to this.
My intial thought was okay - so their billing my private insurance, no big deal as long as it doesnt bill to me.
Then I thought - No, this is not cool. They shouldn't be billing anyone but themselves if I am qualifed for 5 years of free health care.
What is the sense of saying that it's free health care if they're still billing my insurance?
It's sort of iratating if you start to really think about it.
 
Just my thoughts - wanted to see what everyone had to say.
 
C

Hey Everyone!
I just wanted to throw this out there and get everyones thoughts and opinions on the subject. So right now I am 20% SC for Tinnitus and TBI. I've got a couple claims in right now, and have been seeking treatment for those claims, as well as my SC disabilites. As an OIF/OEF I am entitiled to 5 years of free healthcare - I am in year 3 of my 5 years. Everything was fine and dandy, and then all off a sudden the VA started billing my private insurance for my claims. My first thought was WTF - why are they billing my private insurance. So I went and talked to my VSO and she stated that "Yes, they can bill your insruance but they cannot bill you." I thought okay.... sounds legit, but then I started to think more... why are they billing my private insurance if my treatment is supposed to be free. Why does my insruance have to pay for any treatment ? Won't my insurance look down at me now since I am going to all these appointments - not only through the VA but my private family doctor as well? So I online and searched this topic - and thus leads me to here. I have not really found a solid answer to this.
My intial thought was okay - so their billing my private insurance, no big deal as long as it doesnt bill to me.
Then I thought - No, this is not cool. They shouldn't be billing anyone but themselves if I am qualifed for 5 years of free health care.
What is the sense of saying that it's free health care if they're still billing my insurance?
It's sort of iratating if you start to really think about it.
 
Just my thoughts - wanted to see what everyone had to say.
 
C

Hey Bolt_vet23

That is a battle I am going through right now - and just to make you feel a little bit better, our scenerio is almost exactly the same.

Here is what I did -

1) I went to my primary care doctor (personal) and told him that I was having issues with my sleep. I was experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. He recommened me that I have a sleep study preformed.

2) Went to sleep doctor - he asked questions about my excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. - I told him about my service in the military and the onset of the snoring while I was there and deployed. I stressed to him that the symptoms occured while I was there.

3) He recommened I go in for a normal sleep study

4) Based on the results of my sleep study it was determined that I do have sleep apnea and a second study was requested with a CPAP

5) Results returned - CPAP perscribed.

So after all that I filed my claim with all my supporting documention. I went for my C&P exam and the examiner determied that yes the dignonsis was correct.

The VA denied my claimed based on the lack of supporting medical documentation in my serivce file and failed to show how the claim was related to service.

So right now I am having the sleep doctor review my military record, and write a letter stating that the sleep apena was secondary to TBI.
I am also having my TBI doctor write a letter supporting that same verifing that that sleep apena is a secondary to TBI as well.

I guess I can let you know as the process goes.

Good Luck

C

I can say from reading this forum for a long time now that when most of the topics are closed there is a genuine reason.

There have been plenty of debates among different topics - there are rules as to what kind of debate the mod's will allow though and within a certain respect.

If there has been a topic going on and there is no end to the debate I have seen the admins settle the disagreement.

Typically there are not a lot of disagreements, most of the time questions are posed from individuals looking to gather as much collected information as possible as a source of options. No one here claims they have all the right answers or the best solution to your problem - they simply give you the tools to seek what options best work for you. It's easy to have a difference in opinion regarding a topic and still be professional about how you handle the situation.

Just like this is simply my opinon on the question you posed - which may be different from yours - and someone else might have a different opinion from both mine and yours alike.

Thats what makes this forum great. Ask what you need help defining - take all the information relevant to your situation - apply it as needed.

Welcome!

Congrats!

I just got mine on the 24th of this month! I was able to see it on Ebenefits before the decision letter has even made it to my doorstep!

I just want to let everyone know, i went down there and got my entire file in 10 minutes. I was super impressed with courtesy and professionalism everyone exhibited.

Gents,

I have lurked around these boards for about a year now. This board has helped me in more ways than I could ever explain. I am forever grateful for the advice that I have gained from you guys. I am currently rated at 90% for PTSD/Anxiety, Migraines, L/R Shoulder surgeries, keloid scars and tinitus. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea by the VA and given a CPAP by the VA, however, when I filed my claim for it, I was denied and said it was not SC. In 2011, a year into my contract, I was diagnosed with anxiety. During one of my visits to the hospital, I had complained of sleep issues and it was documented in SMR. I was also prescribed to Xanax by a military doctor to help with my sleep issues that I was having.

I know how it goes with the VA, but I was pretty damn sure this was a shoe in, but to no avail. I have been assisted by a local VSO and he has been great, but before we sent in this claim, I asked him if I should have "Buddy statements" to support this claim and he advised no, that it could actually make the claim take longer than it should. Those buddy statements I have are from 3 buddies, one of them being the doc that was attached to our platoon in Afghanistan. I complained to him multiple times about my sleeping issues.

I don't know what I should do from here, if anyone has any experience or advice, I would really appreciate it.


Rah

Hey everyone!

I was speaking to a friend that recently went to our local VARO and recieved a copy of his entire C-File on disk when he went down to the records bureau in roughly 60 minutes.

After doing all the research on Hadit.com and looking online - I have not seen anyone metion getting their file on a disk.

I figured I would throw a feeler out there to see if anyone had heard of this, I'd like to get a good sense before I make the drive down there to stand in the line of the roller coaster to no where.

Thanks!

C

File for the PTSD ASAP.
To start your EED (Early effective Date)& you can appeal the date they give you on the date on this new claim so so watch that bud!
A nice size retro payment dating back to 2008!!!

You need to check your c-file and check your SMR's and get a diagnose service connected for PTSD...Either with the VA or private but its usually better to get it from a VA Dr's(just the way the VA is)

As Ms Beta mention you already have stressors with the TBI & With the events of trauma That happen in the fire fights!&probably more, stressors are important evidence filing for PTSD.
Notarized statements from family & friends about your behavior!

Hang in there Bud

good Luck

.......................Buck

Congrats!

I just got mine on the 24th of this month! I was able to see it on Ebenefits before the decision letter has even made it to my doorstep!

2013, those Rascally Republicans passed a Property Tax exemption for 2013 and subsequent years. Then in Dec 2013, they extended the filing deadline till 07/2014. Who said Republican don't have a heart?????The Tax Credit for disabled Vets is and was good, but this is Great. BIIIIIIIIIIIG HELP!

Note: Even if your not rated 100% SC or TDIU T&P you may still be eligible if you have a "Denial Letter" from VA Vocational Rehabilitation, indicating that because of your SC conditions, you are precluded from participating in VA Vocational Rehab.

You won't be able to get 2013, but you might be able to get 2014 if filed with taxing authority before last Tax Board meeting for 2014, and definitely 2015 and later.

Semper Fi

Gastone