Greetings Chief Gaston,
Thank you for your service and response. Every little bit helps. I'm unsure when the "inferred IU claim" comes into play with regards to SC%, however, I believe I am clear on the requirements that qualify for a disabled Vet for IU or TDIU, which is 60% for a single disability or when multiple disabilities apply, at least one disability must be rated at 40% with a total combined disability of at least 70%. My SC rating increased from 40% to 80% in Jan, 2013 while still employed and making $89K per year. I would eventually lose my job 7 months later. My total combined SC rating is now 90% with 6 total ratings - all related to my cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. It took me 4 years to get my back rated, even though there were medical records with chief complaints of back pain while enlisted. This was such a debacle on part of the VES examiner and the VA examiner, stating there was no evidence I was seen for back during dates of service. This issue is an entirely new talk-show topic.
As far as Box 18 in form 21-8940, I did answer [Yes]. I am currently working with a very knowledgeable Texas Veterans Commission representative who has been committed to assisting me during the claims process. VA can certainly contact my employer, but I don't think they will since I already received from 21-4192 from my employer and I included with the email sting from my employer where they returned the form back to me. The emails have phone numbers in their email signatures. I also submitted 4 VES exams that took place during my last claims process for increase, and all 4 exams answer "Yes" to, Does Veteran's conditions impact his or her ability to work.
I had a cervical anterior fusion of my cervical spine (C3-C7) last year after I received the increased SC ratings. Once I'm approved for TDIU, my representative recommends I submit another claim for increase since my range of motion has significantly decreased and now have a scar. Additionally, I'm still getting pins/needles sensation in my upper extremities even after the sergury, so I'm pretty certain my scheduler rating will hit 100%.
Could VA pay me from the time I lost my job in July, 2015, even though I just submitted my claim in Jan, 2016? According to this Texas Veteran Commission representative, she states yes as well as says the claim could be approved in as little as 2 months based on my evidence.
Thank you in advance for any additional information you can provide.
MK