This is my first post but I have been reading and researching on these forums for a long time.
Hopefully someone can shed a little light on my situation. Or maybe ease my mind.
I am currently rated at 70% combined. I have a lower back rating of 40% and 5 other 10% ratings. About a year ago I filed for individual unemployability and was denied. I have 4 destroyed discs in my lower back and 3 more damaged ones in my upper spine. I recently got a spinal cord stimulator implanted, I am actually still recovering from the surgery. I also have nerve damage in one of my legs and am forced to walk with a cane.
I filed for unemployability due to the fact my service connected disability caused me to lose my job. I was forced to medically retire. I was advised by my VA doctor to stop working. I attempted to go through vocational rehab but they told me they could not find a career path for me due to my multiple disabilities and the fact I am only going to get worse. They then sent me to Independent Living and I am currently awaiting one more letter in the mail from my doctor (which has been completed) to receive the items I requested. I also applied for and received a handicapped placard for my vehicle (the VA doctor completed the paperwork stating I have permanent disabilities). My wife is also my caretaker and receives a stipend from the VA at the tier 2 level. I have also filed for another increase for depression and anxiety as secondary due to losing my career, as well as a rating for all the scars from my surgeries and others I got while still in the military. I am still waiting for those to work their way through the system.
During my C&P exam for my back to get my rating raised and IU, in the block or question that asks if I have been forced to miss work for more than 6 weeks I answered yes and it was documented. From my research I found that is supposed to give me 60%. Just with this increase it seems I should be rated a minimum of 80% combined.
I feel that the only things working against me are my age and my appearance. I know this sounds strange but I am only 39 and I always tried to take really good care of myself. If someone were to just look at me I do not look disabled.
Due to the denial of IU I hired an attorney to help me appeal. I was just tired of dealing with it on my own.... They took my case on contingency so that makes me feel like I have a pretty good chance of winning. I have a DRO hearing coming up on the 7th of July. I am curious what these hearings are like. I read that they are pretty casual, but is it different with a lawyer? Also based on what I said (I know the information is not complete) what are everyones thoughts on my chances of IU or an increase? My DRO hearing is in Nevada if that makes a difference.
Thank you in advance for any information.
"Usetacould"