[Question On Missing Claim]

I received my BBE today with all my rating info at 90%. I did file a claim for tinnitus with my original claim and did a c&p for it. It was not on any of the paperwork and I'm wondering if maybe it was missed. Should I open a new claim? If I open a new claim would they look at all my other claims too?

I know 2 of my claims said that they will be looked at in the future(migraines(50%) and acne(30%)? On ebenefits it says 2/1/2020 but really when will they require these to be looked at again?

Also they have my claim start date as Jan 1st 2015. I got out of the Navy December 23rd 2014. Do I call and get this fixed or is this something that I have to appeal?

[Now 90%]

Congrats :)

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Well it is official. Still trying to let it sink in. I just saw it on ebenefits. Thank you everyone for the wonderful support and information. I will definitely pay it forward.

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Ytown: The only bad thing about a 90% rating is the degree of difficulty in order to get to the GOLD 100%. You need another NEW SC issue that is ratable at 50% min to hit 95% rounding to 100. However, at the Scheduler 100% SC you can still work and earn as much as possible.

I take it you haven't received your Retro Deposit as yet. Consider adding Deposit/Withdrawal Txt and Email alerts to your direct deposit account. Besides your Retro $$, good way to stay aware of all action on your account. It's been mine and other Vet's experience that the Retro Deposit usually precedes the Big Brown Award envelope by up to a week. Many a Vet has had large 5+ figure deposits setting in their accounts and not aware of it. Last time a large Retro hit my account, I knew about it at 7:30am the following day that the deposit it in the late PM, didn't receive the Award Letter for about a week.

I used the VA Vocational Rehab Program and in my opinion it's one of the best programs the VA offers. Too Bad you have to be SC'd to take advantage of it. The vast majority of young Vet's could benefit from the testing and Professional Employment Counseling and training. you would do well to avail yourself of Voc Rehab services. You have 12 years from the date of your last New SC Award (not increase).

To the IU issue, the DRO told me "you'd be surprised the number of unemployed or underemployed Vets that apply for IU, IU isn't unemployment or underemployment compensation." In my lay opinion, your young and with either your current level or future level of education, you should have no trouble with Gainful Employment Income. You hav e (2) SC issues Migrains & Adjustment disorder that I think could cause current or future problems with even Sedentary work. If they do pose a serious obstacle to employment, keep the IU claim Locked & cocked ready to file. Stay Well and have a Good Life. Maintain a positive mental attitude toward the VA but don't take any crap. If they say they can't do something, ask to see and be given a copy of the regulation. That's worked for me on the rare occasion that a VA clinician has balked at a request for a specific service.

Semper Fi

Gastone

Thanks Gastone. It's funny because I was told to apply for the Voc Rehab program 2 weeks ago but received the letter yesterday that I was denied. It's also funny because the VA website encourages people to apply for Voc Rehab while you have current claim in for VA Disability. Once I get my rating I'll appeal that.

I do have my bank account set up for text and email alerts when I do get deposits. So I will be watching for that.

Thank you and everyone for all the help you have provided. It's so great to have so much information and encouragement from people who understand.

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Good for U! Looks like you should get an "Inferred IU Claim" with your Award Letter. The IU claim isn't an automatic, you would still have to file for it. You will see the term "Gainful Employment Income" discussed in regards to qualifying for IU. That is the US Census figure for the Poverty Level Income of (1) person. Currently if your under 65, it's $12,400.00 per year. If your unable to work at any type of work, including sedentary due primarily to your SC conditions that could earn you in excess of the "GEI" $12,400, you stand an excellent chance of being awarded the IU rating which pays at the 100% SC rate. Even if you don't currently qualify for IU, always keep it in mind for a future filing.

i don't know if it's the advent of the Internet or just better educating by the Military, Recent Vets are so much more knowledgeable regarding the VA and filing claims immediately after discharge. I talk to other Nam Vets and you would be surprised the number that have never filed a claim or really had any contact with the VA. Some of these guys have had issues, that in my lay opinion would have been SC'd years ago. Thank GOD, Uncle AL invented the Internet.

Semper Fi

Gastone

Thanks for the information. I may look into IU but for right now I'd actually like to work. I'm unemployed since I got out 2 months ago.

Actually during our mandatory exit class TGPS the VA comes and tells us to file before you get out. This expedites the process instead of waiting until you are out. I think it's a new program that started sometime in 2012.

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Yes,your definetly not alone on this roller coaster ride and unfortunetly for some of us a merry go round.Checking the compensation claim status regularly is stressful enough.Easy does it and good luck.

That is definitely the truth. I checked it this morning and it says prep for notification. No letter change.

Good luck with everything.

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Yes hang in there. I received notice from my DAV rep for my pending claim that the VA approved my claim at 30%. On ebenefits it was in pending decision approval so I was waiting on the claim to change to complete. Instead a couple days ago it went back to review of evidence. Lol!!!

Today I checked ebenefits and it was not there at all. So I called my DAV rep. He looked and thought it was complete but instead was still waiting to be signed. Just minutes ago it showed back up under review of evidence.

So with all that said! It's a roller coaster. Jump on and ride. The anxiety will go up and down but you have no control. More than likely they have your claim and s awaiting final signature. If it moves backwards don't freak out. They are more than likely trying to ensure they are right before a signature is put on it.

Good luck and relax.

Thanks you too. It's good to read I'm not alone in the roller coaster ride.

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Heh hang in there. It happens. If its of any help, on my 4th claim Im in the same boat. The VA has proposed service connection for 4 of my injuries and I know what ratings are proposed, this from my rain maker. It's been almost a month and then back to gathering evidence. It's a crap shoot. Wait for the BBE then you will know, heck it might show up in your account before you receive the mail. Best of luck. JMO

Thanks best of luck to you too. I wish everything wasn't such a fight with the VA for us Vets. It's not fair and things need to change.

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Well maybe it was too good to be true. I was at the VA today for an appointment and figured I'd go talk to the benefits people. They told me it's still waiting on the VSA(authorizer) and that the VA Rep that I spoke to shouldn't have told me anything. They weren't allowed to say anything even though I believe they saw what rating was proposed. Told me it could be a few more weeks until I find out.

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ytowngirl126,

Have you checked your "Benefits Summary Letter" to verify what your rep told you about the 90% overall rating?

You can find the "Benefits Summary Letter" under "Downloadable VA Letters" on ebenefits.

GP

My status as of this morning is still showing pending decision approval. I checked the letter and no change.

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I'm just wondering if this VA Rep I spoke with made a mistake and read something wrong. Maybe those are the max for each category. I don't know. The only thing that I do know is he said they gave me an overall rating of 90%.

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congrats 90 is a big hurdle to jump for most.

Thats why when I heard this I still not sure I believe it. I guess when I get the paperwork I'll actually believe it.

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Good. You did very well here on the claims. Congratulations......

Did VA send you a TDIU form if you ever need it?

It is here too .....21-8940.

And good luck with Voc Rehab...we have some Voc Rehabers here as well.

Thank you Berta. I've read a lot of your posts on this forum as I do a ton of research. You have help out so many and that is so amazing.

I haven't received any paperwork yet from the VA. I'm not familiar with Voc Rehab but was told to apply for it ASAP.

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ytowngirl126,

Congratulations on your award. Are you currently unable to work? If not, you might want to consider filing a claim for TDIU. Google 38 CFR part 4.16 for info if you are interested.

Good luck to you.

GP

I haven't been able to find a job yet since I got out. Just receiving unemployment. I did file for VOC rehab last week.

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Ytowngirl126:

Congrats..and it's always a good thing to see someone who has exceeded expectations and gets a win...I only hope I can be so fortunate in the future....as you...how long did you wait to get your answer?

My last day active duty was December 2014. I filed prior to getting out. So roughly 2 months.

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Thank you everyone. I honestly lost trust of Navy medical due to a malpractice issue which resulted in a few of my medical issues. So I figured the VA is the same way.

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I spoke with a VA rep today and he told me what my rating is. It's still in pending decision approval phase though and said to check my bank account daily because I should see money soon.

I received 90%

50% - Migraines

30% - Acne

30% - Adjustment Disorder

20% - Scarring

10% - Shoulder Strain

10% - HBP

10% - Tinnitus

0% - Broken Hand

I honestly didn't even think I'd get over 30%. I'm just in total shock. This message board has really helped me out a ton. I thank everyone of you for helping me out.

[What Does This Mean?]

Thanks guys I actually emailed my VA rep and they called me immediately. He actually told me that the 2nd status is for the Vocational Rehab. He also told me my pending rating was.

[What Does This Mean?]

My status changed last week to pending decision approval. I've been logging in daily to see any updates. Today I log in and see a new claim received? I haven't opened a new claim. What could this mean? Also the date for the new claim to be closed is March 5 or 6th of 2015.