SecurityForces03

hey! It might have been AMC receiving my case. Argh, my DAV representative says this process I'm in usually takes 6 months, but it's only been 2 weeks. :(

Decided to look at ebenefits this am. Lol. Apparently, my Remand was updated on Christmas Eve. Title is the same, but a date change occurred. Interesting :)

Unfortunately. Unless, they don't let the VA take leave during the holidays. As a Fed employee, 4 hours are given to christmas eve for leave as well, at least this year. I'll look for stuff after the first of the year. I thought they would have tried to knock out a lot of stuff before the end of the calendar year. Not sure if the VA works off the fiscal or calendar year. Maybe some draconian calendar as well...

Due to the holidays, I'm guessing there won't be much action on ebenefits...

This is very true. When things are bad and the kids are great, it's like a natural fix for me. When they are on a tirade, it usually makes things worse. I really need to be diligent with my meds, but I'm so afraid of becoming a different person, who losing who I am. I am not giving up against the VA, ever. I'm glad to see many more of us out there taking the fight to them. I will continue to post and keep everyone updated. As a sidebar, I don't think there will be many updates during the next two weeks due to the holiday. Ugh.

Having PTSD is bad, but having two screaming children at the same time either blows PTSD out of the water or usually sends me over the edge. I'm not a pill popper, but maybe I should start using my meds. Maybe the screaming and the "wife-isms" would be more tolerable hahaha.

Ha! When one is crying the other also feels the need to have a nervous break down as wel. My 11 month old is good, but has the incessant need to be held while my 2 year old is very "sensitive". According to my wife. I feel that even in a bad day, full of screaming, temper tantrums, and fighting, that some positive ebenefits update would solve the worlds problems!!!

Oh yeah, it's still sitting in "prep for decision". I hope whoever is reviewing it, decides to send me to a C&P exam. I hope so anyways.

Lol. Having 2 kids under the age of 2. Checking ebennies gives me a "little" break from the daily chaos. Any real youngsters out there, I don't recommend having two children under 2 to anyone. haha

We shall see what happens! I will be keeping an eye on ebenefits daily. I shouldn't, but it's addicting.

Wow! Sounds like she needed a new career. I feel sorry for anyone that has had to work with her regarding their mental stability. Atrocious. Well, since most of my appeal was granted and the only item that was remanded was a back date change, I'm pretty happy. The biggest load of crap is that they deny me anxiety and depression claim in 2009, with STR's for 5 different psych meds, but then grant me PTSD in 2014. Hilarious. The judge wasn't sure if my anxiety and depression was PTSD all along (so they can backdate to 2009), or it was completely different. Lol. Only had these issues after first deployment.

I was in a location, a "Stan" with a few other airman. That was it. Living conditions made some parts of afghan look like the ritz Carlton. Just wanted to be a little humorous. PM me if you wanna know where and the details of it. Looking at the list above, I was making check marks on several of those issues. Like many have said on this forum, never stop fighting.

I have not had an exam. I just did the registry online.

The DAV supervisor said once it's at AMC, it's out of the DAV's hands. He told me that with my claim specifically, he was able to walk across the hall and talk with the VA folks and talk about the case. In 2009, I had filed for anxiety/depression. I was prescribed several anti anxiety and depression meds after deployments. So, my SMR were good to go. So I thought. Once it was denied, I filed for an appeal. Between me filing for an appeal, and receiving a decision, I filed for PTSD, which I was immediately granted at 70%. My appeal is fighting the fact that I originally filed for anxiety and depression in 2009 and I would like the PTSD claim that was SC'd in 2014, back dated to 2009. The BVA agrees that anxiety and depression are symptoms within the PTSD realm, but they want to confirm from a VA Doctor that these are not seperate issues. While I understand their thoroughness, I disagree and know they are the same issue. Also, I had testicular surgeries while in and they originally SC'd me at 0% in 2009. I have been now awarded 40% for testicular issues, back dated from 2009. AMC is processing my claim as 75% issues adjudicated and SC'd, but I still have to wait for an answer on the PTSD backdate. The backpay for the Testicle issues can take up to 6 months, since AMC isn't quite as "fast" as an RO. Phew.

hi. No I have not been denied before. I submitted just a little evidence, showed my deployments, and have registered under the burn pit registry. Im currently 70% SC'd, with none of the new stuff related to my current rating, to include IBS.

ahhh. I feel so nervous. It all pertained to gulf war stuff. Should be interested. The VA did admit that I was covered in the registry. But again, I was never given a C&P, but my file was under review for almost 3 months.

I am definitely keeping my fingers crossed, praying, and carrying around a 4 leaf clover. I'm pretty bummed, I really thought I'd have an appointment by now. Maybe someone else on here as been awarded without a C&P

same here. I rather send too much than not enough info. I don't think it would be fair to rate someone without a C&P exam.

sure. I agree that most of this stuff that I filed for would be presumptive. I do find t strange that it sat under review the whole time, with no evidence request. I will let everyone know what happens. Some of the stuff I filed for was IBS, Hemmoroids, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, etc. I was a bit surprised that no C&P was afforded to me.

Hi everyone, Filled a claim for some gulf war related issues about 4 months ago. My claim sat in the "under review" section for 3 months. Today, I see "prep for decision". Having been a long time fighter with the VA, this is the first time I have not been to a C&P exam. I'm a bit confused. Am I jumping to conclusion thinking it was all denied? Any help would be appreciated!!!

Update: Spoke with DAV Rep, senior leader at their Washington DC office. He explained that my case went to AMC for adjudication. The 40% increase, back pay, and new percentage will take up to 6 months to process. He explained it that the BVA is not like an RO and can't do payments. AMC is the BVA's RO or payment center. The PTSD has to have a second review from a doctor to make sure anxiety and depression is part of PTSD. Ridiculous, I know. Positives: Increase from 0 to 40% for testicle issues. DAV supervisor said the PTSD remand is no big deal. Also stated that AMC isn't quite a "black hole" as it used to be perceived.

Looked in all the right places on ebenefits this morning. Nothing yet. Any insight?

I agree. So, I'd think they would change me to 80% immediately. Once the PTSD issue has been resolved (more exams), that will change as well. Could it be "possible" that my percentage will be different on this coming month?

Thank you! Yes, I am very familiar with their rating calculators. My current rating is as follows: 10% Tinnitus 70% PTSD From Appeal: 40% for Testicular Issues From Appeal: PTSD Date remanded to RO for further review My question is, I want to know if the new 40% is effective now? Or do I have to wait until the PTSD is decided? It's just for a date change.

Well said! So I should be looking for that 40% increase on my AB8 letter soon as well? Once the remanded part for PTSD is decided, I may or may not get another increase at a later date? Just want to make sure I understand!