HG1

Finally got 40% after fighting with the VA for over 4yrs. WHoo hoo! Hang in there folks, many times I was discouraged with the system, ready to give up, but that is what they want. It seems to be set up to frustrate and delay as much as it can. Got 20% right away, hernia and tinnitus. Major depression was the battle. The C&P psychologist refused to consider my story of verbal abuse/harrassment in the military and said it was not service connected even tho I had 4 documented counselings (but they didnt write notes in the 1970's). Got buddy letter and Nexus letter from a Psycholgist in Colorado ($2000). They still wouldnt buy it. Had it appealed to a regional officer review. He sent me to another C&P Psychologist, same thing, not service connected, denied. Appealed to BVA and had a video conference with a judge, a year later got the decision: 30% SC depression and they lumped in the other 20% for total 40%. Nice payday, some say keep fighting for more but I just don't have it in me anymore. Hard to say what helped...buddy letter, nexus letter, my story? Anyway... Good luck, keep up the fight. In my case more would be nice but luckily I don't need it bad enough to jump thru all their hoops!