Art2005

filed for IU last week but I don't recall asking for an increase for either of these conditions. I am rated at 90% disabled 50% for PTSD and 30% for DDD of the cervical spine, amongst other things. These two are my highest rated conditions. My computer was acting janky and I may have clicked on the wrong thing. Now, I know I re-filed for a few things that were denied previously with me having any exams. Is it possible that the VA is just reviewing my highest rated claims in an effort to decrease or increase my rating, in an effort to either get me to 100% instead of IU or just to deny IU altogether? Also, I am pregnant and on bedrest and am fearful that I may waste my time traveling 2 hours for an appointment that requires an X-ray. I am scheduled to have labor induced on Thursday and the C&P is on Wednesday. I'm conflicted! I will call the number provided with the letter tomorrow to find out what they will be doing. I'm surprised at the turnaround since I just filed last week, but I am nervous at the same time. Last year, when I was rated from nothing to 90%, the process was really easy, almost too easy. I'm just confused about what is happening. Being so close to my due date, stressed is the last thing I need to be. Can you guys give me some input on the IU process? Also, I go to the Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC in Richmond, VA and my VARO is Roanoke, VA. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you everyone for your kind words. I'm still waiting on my retro. I'm told that it should be here this week. My UI has been deferred but that won't hold up the process with retro. Any day now since everything was signed and approved, as far as payment goes, on Friday.

Hello, I posted on here a few weeks ago in reference to having a C&P exam. My exam was on May 18. In 2013, two years after I initially filed, I received a 0% rating and was denied everything else. My claim was decided on without a C&P in 2013? I was very confused about this? I after calling the VA several times to get an exam scheduled, I found out this year, that my claim had been closed and was never reopened. After calling almost every month for 2 years, I found it hard to believe no one told my my claim was closed. I just found out my claim has been decided on ebe nines, I'm 90%!!!! I can't believe it!! I separated from the military, didn't retire. When should I expect my back pay? I know it varies but help me out! :) Thanks!!

I don't have anything to back up my claim. It's something that I never told anyone about. The only thing that I have is treatment records for anxiety and depression. I don't have anything stating that I have PTSD. I'm wondering that if it is determined that I don't have PTSD, will they deny the claim all together or tell me I have depression and anxiety and then grant me a rating? I'm going crazy because I think I may have filed something wrong. The only proof of anything that I have is an obituary for my aunt, who raised me. She died when I was in tech school. But, that only goes to show depression because I definitely took a turn for the worst when she died. I just don't know what to do. I didn't know I needed to put a specific reason behind the PTSD?!?! Could the PTSD be for depression and anxiety? I was under the impression that they were separate things.

Thank you so much! I've been treated at VAMC. So, I will be sure to bring the medication and records with me. Do you have any idea about the PTSD claim? If it is determined I dont have it, but I have anxiety and depression, will they just deny it? Or will they grant my claim with anxiety and depression (even though I claimed PTSD)? I'm just starting to get worried now because I started this in 2011 and don't want my possible back pay to be affected. I also have migraines that I claimed as secondary to PTSD. How will this work? I know you can't give me definite information but I've been driving myself crazy hoping I haven't screwed myself.

hello everyone, I am a long time lurker, first time poster. I, first, want to thank everyone for the insurmountable information and resources provided here! I have a few questions. First, here's some background. 1) I filed my initial claim in August 2011, I got out of the AF in September 2010 after serving 4 years. In August 2013, My claim was closed and everything was denied besides my broken toe. I got 0% for it. After I received my decision letter, I received a C&P exam letter. I called the VA out of confusion (because my claim had been decided upon) and they told me NOT to go because the decision was made and the appointment was sent in error. I listened to them and didn't go. But, I did request to have my claim reopened. After calling the VA for the last 2 years, requesting to get my C&P exam rescheduled, in April 2015, I found that my claim had never been reopened. I was livid! I'd been calling just about every week for almost 2 years only to find out the claim was never reopened. 2) After starting an ebenefits account, I reopened my claim there. Then, I emailed Allison Hickey and received a response the next morning. I now have a new C&P scheduled in a week. I'm very nervous about it because I have an issue that I've never told anyone about. I was in an abusive relationship while in service, he did everything imaginable to me. It ended with him stalking me after I finally gained the strength and will power to leave. I'm wondering how far into detail will I have to go for my PTSD exam? Like I said this something I ve never talked to anyone about and I can't imagine what's going to happen. Also, I've been diagnosed with depression and anxiety but not PTSD. Do I need a claim for anxiety and depression as well, if it's determined I don't have PTSD(although I find it really hard to believe I don't)? The first time I filed my claim it was just for a psych disorder not specifically PTSD. From what a lady that has been assigned to keep in contact with me after the email to Allison, she has said that it's clear that the VA made a mistake and I will be paid from the 2011 date. I'm wondering if that will really be the case. I know there's no way to know for sure because I don't have anything in writing but I'm hoping Ms. hickey's email put a fire under them and cause them to be fair. I'm sorry if there's something I was unclear about, I'm just frustrated with the BS! I'm not even sure where to post this but it seems it should go here.