Ask Your VA Claims Questions | Read Current Posts
Read Disability Claims Articles
Search | View All Forums | Donate | Blogs | New Users | Rules
SecurityForces03
-
Posts
143 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
VA Disability and Benefits Information
VA Benefits News
Store
Posts posted by SecurityForces03
-
-
-
I suspect you are very correct with that statement.
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...
-
I am not going to argue with you on that one. I take my meds as prescribed and as needed for the situations but it gets difficult to manage and I read what you are saying LIMA CHARLIE Coupled with all the stress of what goes on with VA claims and other outside influences.
Families or members of your family can't really understand what is going on. They can try to but at times they may be part of the problem. The things that I try to do and think about is why I keep fighting and who the fighting is for.
For me the win is not about the money but to get some peace if there is such a thing. Granted please understand I know that dealing with the VA is a lifelong venture but I'll handle that after I'm done, if and when.
I hope this helps and remember when those kids that are driving you nuts, the sound of "Mommy, Daddy I love you" makes it worth the fight. JMO
I hope the BVA process isn't as long of a process in my claims but I realize that it can and will be. Good luck. Keep the fight on. Good Luck
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.
-
Heh, that's some good advice, but my wife would say otherwise. And you don't have just one, you have two under 2! I feel your pain!
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.
-
I remember those days. Terrible two's naughty fours, even when they're almost grown at 18 and 16 you think it would get easier. Enjoy those times, some of my favorite memories of my younglings were those ages.A piece of advice on Ebennies don't check it so often it will drive you bonkers, worse than a couple of screaming 2 years olds.
Trust me on that one.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.
-
Hang in there! I had to get several hobbies to help pass the time so I could get my mind off of it.
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.
-
That's an interesting analysis. I would have to agree and some of what you are stating relates to my mental noggin claims as well as I imagine other members here. From what I have seen through the psych docs that they used for my med board were bound and determined to decline the PTSD diagnosis. Kind of the lame routine that only military docs can diagnose PTSD. Never mind the symptoms that were there and situations that occurred but the whole switch a rue, not military related, has been going on for decades and I imagine that it will continue to do until the laws and regulations are changed. I think more so, loosing their medical license and barring them from practice permanently is too harsh. However that is the system for you.
Personal story, when I finally sought treatment from an outside doc, I ran in to my old psych doc from Tinker, specifically the young dr that said there was no verifiable stressor. Young Captain, wound up leaving service and out in her private practice. I guess riots and rocket attacks don't count as stressors. There was no way I was going to see her or let her council any member of my circle.
In any case, is it possible to bypass a remand, I mean I know there is a waiver or review, but is there a way to not have to go through the remand and go up the chain? It seems like an unnecessary step and another unnecessary two year delay in a Veterans' claim. Thats even considering that remands can be positive towards a Veterans claim, to me it just feels like another monkey wrench to an already complicated process. JMO and thoughts.
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.
-
Did you keep a copy of the exam? My was a joke at the OK VAMC, I did it, however, I never received any conclusive results and the doctor was not very through. Personally the Burn Pit Registry and Airborne Hazard Survey asked more concise and specific questions than the medical exam from the doc.
I have not had an exam. I just did the registry online.
-
Wow, six months? Well, at least you know it is in the system. Just don't go out and spend it ahead of time - wait until you see it in the bank.
Yeah, the VA like the PTSD part to be confirmed by their own people. This part does not make any sense at all to me. The depression part should not really matter, but I guess because it was tied to the PTSD claim...
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.
-
Were you denied before? If so did you submit new evidence? Just trying to see where this is going as far as not getting an exam.
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.
-
It is really hard to say, but again I have helped a lot of Vets where their Conditions were granted SC without C&Ps. Plus remember that some conditions are easier to Medically Grant then others. Good luck and keep us posted
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.
-
Hell no it's not fair. But, keep your fingers crossed, maybe you will get some good news soon!
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
-
Well, I hope you get a rating and not denied with no C&P. Seems a little strange, but who knows with the VA. I was once told that I submitted too much evidence.
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.
-
From what I was told, some Gulf War related issues fall under that "presumptive" term, and as long as it's documented in Military Medical records, I don't think a C&P is needed. Now don't quote me, that's just what I was told. I am also a Gulf War Vet. Good luck with your claim! Let us know how it turns out.
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 think it will be calculated in effective back to the date when you filed. Once your PTSD is finished, I believe the same will apply. I have a feeling you will at least get boosted to 80% combined or hopefully more, but keep in mind that the VA often does not do anything which makes any sense. Fingers crossed for you!
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?
-
Retro is paid if your combined rating increases. If your old rating was 70% and your new rating is 80%, you would get retro for the difference back to the effective date of when the combined rating changed.For example, if you were single with no dependents, at 70% you would get $1,334.71, but at 80% it would be $1,551.48, which is a difference of $216.77. If your combined rating increased effective six months ago, just multiple that amount and you would be due $1,300.62 retro. Those are based on the current rates. Of course, if you are married, have dependents, etc..., it could fluctuate based on those factors. Here's a link to the $ tables: http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/resources_comp01.asp
The VA uses an odd algorithm to calculate combined ratings. Basically, the closer your rating gets to 100%, more or higher ratings are required to increase it. Simple math is not used: 10%+10% = 20%. Instead it is more like 10%+10% = 19%, which is rounded up to 20%. The table is linked here and reads like stereo instructions: http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/rates-index.asp
However, you can plug in your individual ratings into these calculators to determine what your combined rating is. For example, if you only have two ratings, like 70% + 40%, it does not equal 110%. It is calculated to 82%, which is rounded to the nearest 10%, which would be an 80% rating.
Hadit (web-based)
http://www.hadit.com/disability-calculator
Hutsky (Microsoft Excel-based)
https://sites.google.com/site/hutskysdesk
I hope this helps!
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.
-
The way it was explained to me is thus:
VA will pay (retro and monthly stipend) as soon as a case for it has been approved. If pending issues are resolved in your favor, your overall percentage will rise, causing another retro payment (for the difference), and your next monthly check will reflect this new rating. On and on, until you are at 100% or all issues have been addressed.
Now, keep in mind that 100% is not the end of the road. There are additional awards that you can rate, depending on your situation. (SMC Housebound, etc).
So, you already have the rating (40%). VA should be processing your retro any day now. Your bank balance will be the first sign of your retro that you'll see.
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!
I remember those days. Terrible two's naughty fours, even when they're almost grown at 18 and 16 you think it would get easier. Enjoy those times, some of my favorite memories of my younglings were those ages.
Trust me on that one.
Remanded Appeal? Now what?
in Appealing Your Veterans Compensation Disability Claims NOD, DRO, BVA, USCAVC
Posted
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. :(