Hello,
My time in service was 86'-90.' Gulf war era vet. I was diagnosed through the VA (2005) for Bipolar Disorder and applied for a pension and was approved. Earlier this year, I became aware of the 5 new conditions (one being Depression/Bipolar) recognized by the VA under TBI. I was in a car wreck (20 stitches in my dome and temporary loss of consciousness), and two other minor head injuries requiring stitches.
I went to the TBI exam and was approved for 40% TBI and 10% for the scar - so 50% total. The approval came in September, and I immediately filed for "Bipolar secondary to TBI, Sleep apnea (new), and IU (new)."
I'm told apnea can be a secondary condition to TBI - although, this was diagnosed, 12/2013.
I'm staying with the pension for now, since it pays more than 50% compensation, but I filed for SSDI - which, if I'm approved for, I'll switch over to compensation.
My questions:
1.) Do you think they will attach the bipolar to the TBI under the new rule?
2.) With my current rating not meeting the usual percentage requirement for TDIU, do you think they will rate the bipolar, add it to the 50% and then consider the TDIU?
3.) Per the requirements for my NSC Pension, I am 100% p&t. Can the line be drawn to that in a nexus?
4.) How long do you think the process will take? I did file a fully-developed claim and ask on ebenefits for them to make a decision now (they have a spot to click on ebenefits).
Read here many times. This is my first post. Thanks for the comments.
Be well.
- One Devil Dog