paulstrgn

My overall disability rating is 90% (technically 86% but rounded up to 90%). Yesterday I was approved for depression which was rated at 50% (it is what I expected since I still work). My rating is still 90% (93% with the depression but rounded down to 90%). I realize that every veteran on this site also has to deal with VA math. For me I find this VA math adds to my depression as well as anxiety levels, but the bright side I am now a little bit closer to 100% P&T. Hopefully my appeal which is pending as well as the higher level review I need to file once I get the BBE from the VA for this last claim (I also had two other issues which appear not to have been approved). I will make it to the 100% P&T. Thanks for listening to me wine...:

I received a email response to an inquiry to my BVA case, it turns out that they pulled the evidence from the judge to fulfill a FOIA request I had. The confusing part is the FOIA request was fulfilled in March 2019. I responded to the email asking if the case is back with the judge and told her the FOIA request was completed 3/4/2019. I am now concerned that time frame will be starting over now. with the BVA.

Did you ask the VA contractor when they set up your C&P if they have a closer location? I don't know where you live, but unless you you live in a less populated state such as North Dakota you should be able to get a closer location. When I have been called in the past for my C&P with a contractor while on the initial call they allow me to make changes without it counting as the one time change (I always try to be friendly on the call since I want them to assist me), I have even had them change doctors that I do not like when I receive the initial call. These calls have been with QTC and LHI (they both use the same doctors). But as listed above do not miss your C&P appointment!

I also agree with everyone above. Also keep in mind an attorney won't take your case if they don't think they will win (plus they won't charge you if they don't). I don't know how much you will get if you win, but as what was said above 70% is better than nothing (if you are entitled to $100,000 you still get $70,000). I am almost positive everyone on this site would love to win $70,000 (I know I would). Give it some serious thought before you decide to go it alone. No matter which way you go good luck!!!

I agree 100% with you Buck, I am always telling other Veterans to keep applying, asking, look for secondary disability, and never take no for an answer from the VA. I also tell them about this website, telling them that they will find out so much info her! Thanks Buck I will, I just hate waiting...haha

The VA just wants to deny more cases that is why the changed the rules...Thank you VA for not wanting to help Veterans...JMO

This is truly sad that so many Veterans take their own life. The vast majority reach out to the VA for help just to not find the type of care they truly need. These Veterans have already suffered enough by what they have seen and gone through. They were willing to put their lives on the line for our country, now it's time for the news casters, politicians, and VA need to do more for these young men and women. I heart goes out to this young Veteran and the family.

Buck prior to February 14 I found that RAMP worked fairly good for higher level reviews (as far as being worked within the 125 days).

The Peggy 800 number told me that on February 14, 2019 RAMP went away (at least they are not calling it RAMP). When I did file in August 2018 with the BVA it was via RAMP, now it is something else. I only have two items so I would think it would be quick (obliviously not). I was originally was able to call the BVA 800 number but now it is all apart of the Peggy 800 number system. I need to learn patience since waiting for the BVA to decide is like watching paint dry.

I have had an appeal with a judge at the BVA since January 7, 2019. It says it takes about 1 - 2 months once it goes to a judge. It is now more than 3 months, does anyone know how long it actually takes?

@Nilda I would highly recommend you follow Ms. Berta advice, she is extremely knowledgeable. Hadit is very lucky to have her on this site and her willingness to share it with us all. I know I have personally learned a lot from her.

I would highly recommend having your MDD seen by an on base psychiatrist before getting out. See them as much as possible prior to getting out. The more that is in your medical files the easy time you will have getting the VA to SC the disability. Make sure you have all your medical issues looked at and documented prior to getting out. Also make sure you keep in contact with your military buddies (I did not and now I wish I had). You never know when you will need a buddy letter.

The NP works for LHI and was for a C&P. I currently get 10% for my thumb and I am thinking I should get 10% for the index finger. I am thinking (which I may be wrong) that I won't get a rating for the flexion and the thumb plus index finger finger. I will file the NOD laying out and argument for all the hand issues and see what happens.

@Buck52 Sorry Buck I am not following. I have no amputations and yes it is my dominate hand. Do I qualify for a disability because of the flexion of the fingers on my hand?

Sorry I had posted this in the wrong location before. I had an exam by LHI for my right hand (I was asking for an increase). It was done by an NP (she was very through and took her time). After the exam I was thinking I am going to get an increase for my hand, I currently get 10% for the thumb "5003 - 5228 DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS, RIGHT THUMB WITH DISABILITY OF THE INDEX FINGER AND LONG FINGER (PREVIOUSLY RATED AS PAINFUL MOTION OF THE THUMB, INDEX FINGER AND LONG FINGER STATUS POST RIGHT HAND TENOSYNOVITIS) Service Connected, Peacetime, Incurred Static Disability 10% from 07/26/2015 (5229)". On the DBQ pages 2 and 3 its marked "Abnormal or outside of normal range". I do not see where I was rated for this (perhaps there is no rating for this). I was also measured for a "GAP BETWEEN THE PAD OF THE THUMB AND THE FINGERS" which was marked yes at 3 cm (1.18 inches) and also "GAP BETWEEN THE FINGER AND PROXIMAL TRANSVERSE CREASE OF THE HAND ON MAXIMAL FINGER FLEXION" which was also marked yes at 5 cm (1.97 inches). It is my understanding I should have been rated at 10% for each of these, is this correct? I will assume if I am that the 10% for painful motion will go away. I would appreciate any advice on this. I am planning on filing a NOD for the hand. I am also the DBQ from LHI (its redacted) Right Hand DBQ Redacted.pdf

The really strange thing about the BVA is I only sent in one appeal to the BVA but Vets.gov shows two appeals with a judge. I had only appealed SA and hypertension, so I really am not sure what is going on. I will wait on the judges final decision.

I am sure you are correct about the remand.

I had submitted articles with my SA claim and the rater in the denial that there was no evidence that the articles I submitted prove that I had SA. As above I also agree with Brocovet's advice.

I also have an abnormal gait because of my back and neuropathy in my legs. Because of the change in my gait I have hip problems with a lot of pain. My hips are secondary to my back because of the change in my gait. I am working on my knees for the same issues.

You can not be rated for both "arthritis" and "meniscus" for your knees, that would be considered pyramiding. Were the tears corrected through surgery? I do agree that the rating should be higher if your knee is locking up on a frequent basis as stated on the C&P. If you have new evidence that show these issues then I would do a reconsideration and explain what the examiner has missed.

@dlv I am employed full-time right now (plan on retiring in October of this year). So they should not be looking at unemployablity. In my personal opinion the VA has made many errors on my previous claims and perhaps the BVA is trying to rectify them, at least that is what I hope. It has been with the judge almost two months now so I am hoping for a decision within the next 30 - 45 days.

@RBrogen In my decision letter it tells me, below is what I copied from my last decision from the VA. 60% from 02/23/2016 (Bilateral factor of 2.7 Percent for diagnostic codes 5279, 8520, 8520) 60% from 03/13/2016 (Bilateral factor of 2.7 Percent for diagnostic codes 5276, 8520, 8520) 70% from 09/13/2016 (Bilateral factor of 4.2 Percent for diagnostic codes 5276, 8520, 8520) 80% from 09/25/2017 (Bilateral factor of 6.3 Percent for diagnostic codes 5276, 8520, 8520, 8526, 8526) 90% from 05/26/2018 (Bilateral factor of 7 Percent for diagnostic codes 5276, 8520, 8520, 8526, 8526, 5251, 5251) Let me know if this is what you are looking for. Thanks Paul

I use eBenefits all the time to see my over all percentage. The only problem it does not show which disabilities are considered bi-lateral where you get an extra 10% for each of those ratings. Flat feet will get you an extra 10% or left and right knee will also get you an extra 10%. I have 4 - 20% and 3 10% disabilities which are bi-lateral and I gain an extra 7% to the disability ratings.

@broncovet Do you have any idea how my BVA claim might of changed? Any suggestions is all welcomed.

Perhaps, but for SA and hypertension I am not aware of anything else that would be related. The second appeal listed is what I believe is the SA and hypertension. The below is copied from VETS.gov website. Status: A judge is reviewing your appeal Issues on appeal: External popliteal nerve paralysis and 9 others External popliteal nerve paralysis Sciatic nerve paralysis Anterior crural nerve paralysis Anterior crural nerve paralysis Status: A judge is reviewing your appeal Issues on appeal: 2 compensation issues Compensation issue Compensation issue