Valhalla0321

SSDI- Very True.. i just go denied a month ago. Sleep apnea, i got denied twice and your right!! i had a DRO hearing yesterday on my appeal of OSA. This time i had a letter from x wife and Corpsman that said i snored in Military, Me and my VSO also argued that a DBQ i have that a Chief Neuro from VA stated that he reviewed my records as he treated me for OSA, he mentioned my SRB states that i had sleepiness issue during service. We argued that the VA did not consider this on the DRO hearing 6 months ago. Crossing my fingers but it's true what you say.. it will most likely be denied, especially given the recent swarm of SA claims the VA is trying to swat like flies on sh_t. Chief Neuro is the one who found out i had diagnosed osa via sleep study and is the one prescribed my vader inhalator (cpap)

And i started most of my stuff in 2000 and that date is a wash due to the VA saying i did not respond to a letter they sent to me in another state address... it bites.. VA=MoneyMakingMachine.

ArNG11 Congradulations!!! I had a DRO hearing yesterday and it was a second one in 6 months about service connection on OSA. The VSO and DRO were going back and forth on whether or not to record and ultimately navigated away from recording to save me from waiting.. i think it was a good move because if the DRO did not agree with it anyway it would go to BVA.. so the pressure was on him to consider and consider as quickly in favor of the VET. The DRO clearly pointed out that he and you can't connect OSA unless it was treated in service. The DRO said lay evidence of snooring from Wife or Doc's in service would not be sufficient, but my VSO insisted he take what we gave him including a Chief Neuro of VA who stated he reviewed my medical records of service and stated that history of sleepiness was in the file, he mentioned date and time of viewing it, so will see if the DRO likes that. My other contention at Hearing was for tooth and once again i get re educated about it's not compensatable.. i get that already!!! and out of know were the VSO noticed in my CnP notes that i was diagnosed by a Dental VA examiner , that i had TMJ.. totally overlooked and never claimed.. VSO tried his best to grandfather that in to support every aspect of my hearing.. and i think he might have considered this, but not sure how the results will be but i will keep you all posted. Please comment if you can on my hearing, thanx I got denied for SSDI, and i hope my IU will get approved..

Congradulations, I never used weed and would only if the Doctor told me i was going to die tomorrow if i did not.

I don't think its odd, because it is the VA and cutting costs is there mission. I had a similar scenario dealing with a Headache of 30% then increased to 50, when i asked about the difference was not back pay awarded they just told me to do a NOD, but with this could put you under a microscope of scrutiny or re inspection. Honestly unless your decision is backed by a Lawyer, i would be cautious because you have a lot to loose and the VA.. well your just a number to them.

WoW, Congradz.. i think it's a good sign USCG CWO4 However i am only a rookie on VA Defntn's. What i would think is what if that was not listed at all, so i think it a good sign.

Wow, That's a lot of heavy data, You all speak to the real life situations that occur everyday. I believe everything that's said here, it only makes sense that the VA is in favor or in benefit of the Veteran then the VA Admin should have there trump card to run parallel to that right? I went to my DRO hearing today and the DRO and VSO senior rep went back and forth about not having my hearing recorded.. it was to prevent a transcribe delay for me.. so that i don't have to wait for the back and forth drama.. I know how VA protects it self.. .. i found out today that one of my recent ratings .. basically based off of a increase request that was of course done by a VA C&P exam. For example the Doctor noted that i have constant near constant continuous use of corticosteroid therapy over 12 months.. hech its like 15 years.. and i was explained by the VSO that the rater did not consider this and did not increase based on "it was not convincing" wtf.. it is regulations.. So the VSO explained to me that i will need to get another DBQ.. another C&P to support this.. that's very redundant. Does that make sense... well not to the Veteran, but the VA.. you better believe it makes a whole lot of money.. i mean sense...

Congratulations, Dealing with this must have increased the pain and now, hopefully a new beginning. This might be a sign for those who are at 70% :-)

I am sure it's not a philly isolated incident, they were just exposed. Like i tell everyone, you not only have to be your own advocate but you have to not be so trustworthy.

jefmil50, I hope the best for you and your right about the VSO's, there are some and then there are none, that will help you. You have to be your own advocate-at least that's what i have learned. I got out in 2000 with a handful of issues and till 2013 they were not even on the map, they were side stepped and i realized it was because i was not being my own advocate or applying myself along side tandem to a PO(pwer of attny) My question for you and everyone.. i heard that when you have a C&P and the Doctor makes note of conditions of impairment, even ones that you are not requesting connection that by rule they are supposed to be ratable or rate you? My second question is what can i do about my Bladder issue? The VA know's about this and treats me even though i have mentioned this to the VSO i think it's being side stepped, please advise along with my C&P data listed below. ** i don't know why it's written like this but here is what's listed in pending disabilities** Herpes Simplex (claimed As Urinary Condition) 02/08/2015 INC View Pending Claim 10. Other neurologic abnormalities ---------------------------------- Does the Veteran have any other neurologic abnormalities or findings related to a thoracolumbar spine (back) condition (such as bowel or bladder problems/pathologic reflexes)? [X] Yes [ ] No Description of condition and how it is related: Hx/o of urgency, urinary frequency, eneuresis X 4 years and has been seen at the Urology Clinic with DX: Neurogenic Bladder. See Urology Consult: 1/29/2015: 3. Voiding dysfunction ---------------------- Does the Veteran have a voiding dysfunction? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, complete the following sections: a. Etiology of voiding dysfunction: DX Neurogenic Bladder b. Does the voiding dysfunction cause urine leakage? [X] Yes [ ] No Indicate severity (check one): [ ] Does not require the wearing of absorbent material [ ] Requires absorbent material which must be changed less than 2 times per day [ ] Requires absorbent material which must be changed 2 to 4 times per day [X] Requires absorbent material which must be changed more than 4 times per day [ ] Other, describe: c. Does the voiding dysfunction require the use of an appliance? [ ] Yes [X] No d. Does the voiding dysfunction cause increased urinary frequency? [X] Yes [ ] No If yes, check all that apply: [ ] Daytime voiding interval between 2 and 3 hours [X] Daytime voiding interval between 1 and 2 hours [ ] Daytime voiding interval less than 1 hour

Dam, That's a tough one.. i have to figure out this equation and will be right back. I wonder what a honest Dr. would say to that phrase.. maybe ill go find a buddy

Wow, Skydealer, i am not surprised. So many odd strange things go on with claims, i have been in so many dimensions with VA claims i can tell a odd story or 2 and maybe even 3,4,5,... Keep all records, if you get that date stamp dont loose it. You have to be your own advocate, it stinks but it only has worked for me as the VSO's pledge alliegience the the VA. I have a question for someone and i have been pondering on it for years. tension headaches (previously denied as headache due to concussion and head injury) I am 50% for this evaluated as migraines directly connected to service, it's not secondary. I fell, not sure if the language here concludes this and acknowleges it or just side steps it. I am wondering with all this TBI 10% mojo , if i should file for TBI or leave it alone. Someone help me with this... Thanks

Very nice Mike..

Congratz...

Wow, I am in the Same situation, My CnP i had been evaluated or the Dr. filled the DB'q commenting on 2 issues i have, but were not rated in a decision.. hum.. Also troubling, before i new as much as i did i depended on the DAV for movement and application to my contentions. I had a migraine 30% and told the DAV that i did not agree with this. I thought they did something like NOD(i now know i should have insisted to get a receipts of this) I felt like the DAV was ignoring my disagreement so i went to ebenefits and clicked on a bunch of things like reopen, new and increase to get my claims moving and it did. They increased my rating for migraines to 50% but i realized .. wait.. why no retro.. why did then not go back to the date they rated me at 30% at which i did not agree to .. oh man.. i am so upset right now.. what to do.. is it a wash.. ..??

I have a question to throw out here, After taking immunosuppressant drugs, corticosteroids for conditions for over 10 years i found a CFR and or article about a 60 percent rating for constant/ near constant medication. I put in the CFR and article vs. in a claim for 60% for my 3 entirely different skin conditions and they all were denied or put at 0% due to it not being 6 weeks or more but not constant. So, first of all i don't even understand how being occasional vs more often would be much more conclusive. For someone to be off and on a drug for conditions vs. Someone who needs it longer than 6 weeks should not dictate ruling in my opinion. Does the VA not accept the constant near constant rating? Is it a written in the language flaw or technicality. I can't see how less frequency gives a higher or a rating then someone who has continuous use needed. Anyone have idea. 7806 Dermatitis or eczema. More than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or; constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required during the past 12-month period= 60%

Congradulations, I hope your mind can through time clear itself from the memories you unfortunately endured for U.S.A

WoW... Congradz, What i have learned is that the more you call in a lot or call in to your poa, sometimes it has a negative impact or it slows things down. ( word of mouth is that it's there(the poa) pledge to work with the VA.. hint hint!!(i put a emphasis on this) My message to you is, if you have that award letter, i am very happy for you and you better have printed it out or take a picture of it with a phone or camera. Award letters can be easily accessed under ebenefits. Wait for money vs. keeping your increase vs buggering it. You can have it taken away from you,especially if its not P&T so patience is a virtue. In my opinion, the money usually is faster than you can blink and at most times you see the money before you even know you have been awarded. I would keep quiet until months go by. I am in the same situation, i noticed they increased me as well, however no funds were deposited. I waited for the brown packet, which if you have yours already it's pretty solid indication and explains your payout.

A recap in prep for DRO hearing (round2) i went in December 2014=denied All i have is the two letters about me snoring in Military/After injury during Military service and afterwards. A letter from a Major who was my corpsman who recounts the snoring in open squad bay and the x wife who writes and full fledge email unbeknownst to my claim with VA about my snoring in effect to after my injury which includes my apnea.. and stop breathing. I also have a DBQ written by the Chief Neurologist of the VA, who writes the dates of service were it shows the nexus of sleepiness and related OSA The verified and viewed the SRB i had and indicated the exact date on DBQ. Other than that andy suggestions from you all to what and how i can propose in support to my decision will be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.

Question for everyone: I receive my brown envelope on award, rating and reason why for example the 0 or the 10 did not increase. Question is , Did the VA change the constant near constant 60% rating for systemic therapy and or corticosteroids. On my C&P it is marked on 3 different conditions(skin) that i am a constant near constant and the C&P examiner marked this. The VA seems to have this standard at which it appears if you are a off and on treatment, like 6 weeks or more but not constant then at that point you will have a increase, but this makes no sense as to the .." you taking medz everyday vs your only taking them periodically" if you have to take medz everyday then that's worst.. don't understand this now. Obviously i did not get a increase because of this. Strange as the rating says nothing about the 60% rating for constant near constant. Please read below and comment, i will pull the diagnostic code and include a bit of my C&P to add some fluidness here... --------- a. Has the Veteran been treated with oral or topical medications in the past 12 months for any skin condition? [X] Yes [ ] No [X] Other oral medications If checked, list medication(s): Itraconazole 100 mg po qd for fungal-feet Total duration of medication use in past 12 months: [ ] < 6 weeks [ ] 6 weeks or more, but not constant [X] Constant/near-constant [X] Topical corticosteroids If checked, list medication(s): PRN Hydrocortisone cream [X] Other topical medications If checked, list medication(s): Please see list on the medical history box. Specify condition medication used for: acne Total duration of medication use in past 12 months: [ ] < 6 weeks [ ] 6 weeks or more, but not constant [X] Constant/near-constant Accordingly, Since the Veteran uses systemic therapy to control the service connected disease on a constant basis and has used such therapy on a constant basis for the past few years the criteria for a 60% rating are met under the revised Diagnostic code 7806" Citation nr: 0318154

Pray for the Best and hope not for the worst.

rootbeer22, It's hard to say, My gut feeling is that an emphasis on not looking the other way is being enforced. I also feel as if claims are moving much faster instead of being stacked higher.

Hold on Mike.. get some good RnR and regroup... Godspeed

OSA, I have a DRO hearing this week for OSA, NavyWife and others have helped me prepare my case and other contentions. I had a different name and profile here in Hadit, but google.com found me and some people got to my comments on google.com that i rather them not, so i changed the name, but those who remember me would by I fell about 9feet to my face, broke my nose, teeth. I had disfigurement to face, caped tooth and injuries came from that fall. This was in 1998, i did not persue a claim specific to OSA and others because i did not have direction and like commented above, i did not know what snoring really meant. I have been denied OSA 3x, i was never diagnosed in the Marines, so it's been a uphill battle. I tried to relate it to a broken nose, but after the VA saying i broke my nose, i did not brake my nose.. .it could of healed.... and or the xray was down at time of fall (well of course.. i was on a exercise in a remote area(look up Force Recon) so the VA doctors ran with my case of a no evidence of this ever happened but if it did, per DAV DBQ MOpinion states OSA cant happen from a broken nose that probably healed in time... Well, for everyone and NavyWife.. i have been on a journey from 20% to 30% to 50% to now 70% The VA did link headaches in service backed by my postrating attack headache log of 2 year daily records , they first tried to bate me into 30% and i NOD'd that and as of yesterday got a 50% a coincidence because yesterday the SSA denied my SSDI. ALL i need is some DR. to follow me for 72 hours and see how my life is... Like i can't work, can't sleep, i have a 11 year old only Child that i say .. sorry i can't play with you now because Daddy has a ... im not feeling well... but the VA does not offer this conclusive evidence, all i can do is pray.. or email VA upper echelon which has helped and hurt my sit. So my OSA was denied.. i am taking another alternate path and it all came coincadently. My X and i do not see i to i.. I have full total custody of our Child so there is no way i could ask her to write a letter about my Snooring, which she new about and persisted since Military i get help for it and i ignored that.. shame on me!! Well it appears She wrote a huge letter about why i dont get help for this, that our Son tell's her i sleep with the VAder inhalater (cpap), she wrote a huge email about this happened after my fall/injury and wrote about stopping breathing and more data. .it was a huge email about my OSA.. so i thought maybe the DRO will entertain this... I mean.. She was with me in the Marines during and after.. i never had a snoring problem until i fell.. well i hope for the dots to connect and stars allign, but its up the VA if they even will consider this Letter.. i think they should and if they do, here is one more piece of evidence. Since Facebook and google.. i have been able to find the DR who treated me after my fall and a Corpsman who was assigned to my Team, He is a Major in the AF and wrote a nice letter about how i would keep everyone up at night in a open squad bay because of my OSA.. I only hope that this might help me, i mean.. it happened in service and who better to write a letter then my X and my Corpsman.. they were my bread and butter... Also, these were emails.. one formed into a letter from the Major and email from X And not sure why, but the VA did not even consider a DBQ from my treating VA Neurologist, This Dr. was the one who followed up with my OSA study and wrote not broken nose comments but that he reviewed my SRB I stated that i had a sleepiness sleeping problem and put the date of service and related it, he is the VA's Chief Neurologist in a specific location i was treated.. that alone should be enough but i guess it was overlooked or not even entertained. Comment if you can Hadit :-) Thank's Everyone

Hey rootbeer22, they decided part of my claim , adding the 30headache to 50 and added a 10% to my prev 0 for knee, so they are moving along quick. Thank you everyone, i am not done, i have 10 other contentions on same ticket not decided yet and i have a DRO hearing for OSA next week..................................................................Godspeed