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abnrgr88

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  1. abnrgr88
    Hello brothers and sisters, I had my 1st appointment scheduled at the 1 year mark for TDIU that was awarded. Overall at 90%. The year came and went this last October, no call. 2 to 3 weeks later I got a packet from Regional telling me i am now P&T at 90%. My family is awarded chapter 35. They sent all forms to fill out for all benefits of a P&T 100% Veteran. Also, importantly, it states i have no further appointments. It said nothing of IU. Big question, does this make me employable?? Thanks for your advice!
  2. abnrgr88
    OK, does everyone see my need of opinions?!! I did not mean to get you gentlemen fired up. 1stly, thank you all for your expert advice. I have sooo much to learn. Although i am grateful to have reached P&T status, IU at 90% overall keeps me from being employed. I also feel blessed that my wife and 15 yr old son can be given the care that they need. I am 50 yrs old and feel i can still set a good example for my son by working at a good respected profession. is this ego? yes. Is this also reality, yes. 13 level spinal fusion due to years of service as a Army Ranger has taken its toll. I feel strongly to being rated for what i am dealing with. I can sit and be satisfied with 90% overall IU P&T and maybe apply for SSDI. I wont feel morally satisfied until i push on further with claims i feel i need to file. Thanks for your advice and knowledge. we are all brothers and sisters here. I will help in anyway that i can as well.
  3. abnrgr88
  4. abnrgr88
    roger that. I guess i am worried they will take away existing disabilities. Or, give me 100% overall from 90% and keep me IU. cuz of severity of 13 level spinal fusion....I have solid ground for back increase. from 20% DDD to spinal fusion. Other above mentioned increases as well.
  5. abnrgr88
    well from what geekysquid has said (thankyou btw) i should have already submitted a claim. sorry for not being more clear...even though i have solid ground for increase and secondary claims, i have heard dont rock the boat. to be happy with the IU P&T. 90% should have increased, or it can if i file. what are your opinions? from what you have seen and heard? thanks again. My hearing was at 10% loss and 10% tinnitus. now it is totally gone in the right and at 50% in the left.
  6. abnrgr88
    I was just granted P&T IU at 90% overall. I have not filed for an increase from a 20% DDD. I had 13 level spinal fusion after the 20% was granted. Yes my wife and son now have a chance at champva, yes chapter 35 as well. its been 17 months since surgery and everything seems to be falling apart. upcoming surgery for right and left hip impingement...not yet rated. Lost all hearing in right ear and now 50% in other,...10% hearing loss and 10% tinnitus existing. Chronic pain syndrome well documented in my file..not yet rated. 19" scar down my back painful as heck...not rated......I can use some experienced advice please??
  7. abnrgr88
    Buck52, Total loss in right ear has not been diagnosed in writing as Vestibular Neuritis. The hearing was already decreasing in both ears. i was given hearing aids by the VA 2 years ago after a hearing test. These past two Hearing tests netted a 48% and a 56% speech recognition in left ear. I currently have 10% Hearing loss and 10% tinnitus. Should i use the two appointments with VA audiology as my reference for a increase??
  8. abnrgr88
    Need advice....I was given IU 1 year ago with a 90% overall rating. I was told i would be having a appointment just this past Oct. Oct came and went. No appt. The appt was to revisit 30% pes planus rating from 4 years ago. Just received a decision packet stating my family is now eligible for ch. 35. also, i was given permanent and total status. wow, i was not expecting that. Does this mean i keep being paid at 100%, remain IU, at a 90% overall? has anyone heard of something like this? I met with VSO today and was given a packet for CHAMPVA. They said because i am now P&T my family qualifies?? thanks
  9. abnrgr88
    Hello all, I was just seen by a ENT specialist outside the VA. Current diagnosis is Vestibular Neuritis. Lost total hearing in right ear and over 50% in the left. dizziness and vertigo present. Quite often....Daily. Both hearing tests 1 week apart show 45% speech recognition (at VA). Does anyone have experience with this? Know how to Claim? I already have 10% hearing loss and 10% tinnitus. thanks!
  10. abnrgr88
    hello MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, QUICK QUESTION. I ALREADY HAVE A 10% RATING FOR HEARING LOSS. SINCE THIS RATING 4 YEARS AGO I HAVE RETURNED TO THE VAMC FOR RETESTING ONCE IN 2016 AND HEARING WORSENED. HEARING AIDS ISSUED. NO CLAIM SUBMITTED FOR INCREASE. AS OF LAST MONTH I HAVE COMPLETE AND TOTAL LOSS IN RIGHT EAR. I HAVE BEEN TESTED TWICE AT THE VA. IT HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED. A MRI WAS GIVEN WITH NO ABNORMALITIES STATED. I HAVE BEEN REFERRED FOR OUTSIDE ENT THROUGH CHOICE PROGRAM. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS AND WHAT SHOULD/CAN I EXPECT FOR A INCREASE? WHERE CAN I FIND INFO? THANKS!
  11. abnrgr88
    Hello all, i became 100% IU with a 90% overall with the knowledge and advice from the brothers and sisters on this site. Thank you. I was given a 20% upgrade from 10% a year ago. Since then i had a major 13 level spinal fusion which has pretty much kicked my arse so to speak. My goal, 100% P&T. I am looking for advice on direction? Not crazy about VSO's. Bad experience. to say the least. its been almost 11 months since surgery. This is general info i know. i have particulars and a paper trail from here to China and back. anyone?
  12. abnrgr88
    I had a back increase for degenerative disc disease from 10% to 20% 1 year ago. Since that time my back was correctly diagnosed by a private outside the VA Surgeon and underwent 13 level spinal fusion with 26 screws and 2 cobalt chrome rods. Surgery was 8 1/2 months ago. This surgery is definitely an increase to an existing 20 % rating. I have pain in the scar and back is painful and not healing well. PT has been slow with numerous cancellations. Now both hips are in pain and being addressed through outside pain management friday. this is all documented at the VA through the choice program. this is alot and i am looking for suggestions on my next step? I am currently 90% overall and 100% IU. Thank you again! RLTW.
  13. abnrgr88
    Hello friends, Has anyone had any experience with filing under the new 30 day claim option? Was it helpful? Will they be as fair as if it were the regular 30 day filing period! Thanks!
  14. abnrgr88
    Hello friends! Quick question.....I am 90% overall and TDIU 100% with an appointment scheduled at the 1 year mark. Recently i have heard (through a VSO) that my wife and child are eligible for health care. Is this so??? thanks!
  15. abnrgr88
    Trapperx6, i have no idea. i am not as well versed as most on this site. try Gastone, berta, broncovet...
  16. abnrgr88
    Thanks once again Broncovet! My wife and I got everything all together today and sent off. Gave them extra. always worked for me as a contractor with a customer, seems to have worked thus far with regional. RLTW!
  17. abnrgr88
    Good morning, I am at TDIU 100% and have been sent an application to have 40,000$ in college student loans forgiven due to IU. The instructions state due to P&T as well as IU. Does anyone have any experience, info on successful application?? Thanks RLTW!
  18. abnrgr88
    Gentleman i want to thank you for all of your experience and help. My wife and i have been carrying the whole load of forms, docs, personal letters, leg work, etc.....well i should say she has! Ranger wife, need i say more! lol.Looks like we need to change direction from what azimuth we were given by VSO. Hope to be in touch with You all soon. Thanks again. RLTW
  19. abnrgr88
    I was awarded 100% TDIU in June 2017. since then, unrelated to that claim, i had a 13 level spinal fusion. back already is rated 20% (compressed vert. arthritis). The DAV rep i was given has told me not to file for an increase. Be happy with what i have gotten. Said i am being paid for 100%, dont rock the boat so to speak. Surgery was 4 months ago and i have been in P.T. for 2 months. I believe i am in line for an increase. i now have a 19 inch scar up the center of my back. T2-L2. limited ROM and alot of PAIN. My goal, P&T. I lost health insurance for my family when i went out of work. This along with others not available with TDIU. Any suggestions? Thank you! RLTW
  20. abnrgr88

    Gastone,   apologies getting back at ya so late. been recovering from 13 level spinal fusion. Morphine pills of two size dosages and water P.T. has me house bound, basically. Any how, i can use some advice, please. After last claim i ended up at 90% overall from 80%. also awarded TDIU. My 1st visit is October 2018 for flat feet. for which i already have a 30% rating. My goal is P & T 100%. The back surgery i just had 2 1/2 months ago was not yet considered or claimed in my last claim for increase. What was part was a 20% from a 10% for DDD. I went through the choice program for a private Neuro. 8 1/2 hrs surgery. scar about 21 inches up middle of my back. yes the scar is sore. From searching alot of other vets claims  i have picked up alot. Obviously the total and order of merit is a huge grey area. My wife and i basically did my last two claims on our own. no DAV rep. previously had 20% taken back overall for a new claim after i had 3 surgeries on my knee. still have no idea how that happened but crooked ass doctor lied all over my C & P exam. Here is where i am at. I have been in contact with a DAV rep and he has given his advice. He says to finish out my P.T.(26) more visits at 2 to 3 a week. That would be another 3 plus months for a total of 6 months after surgery. He says at that point is when i can jump back into the claim for increase or reconsideration. That sucks! sure i have dental but i bleed like a siv because of eloquis thinners. what hurts is no health insurance for the wife and boy. we are using cobra off my last jobs insurance. costs wife 650.00 a month. havent added son on yet. $$ issues. all the benefits from TDIU over to P & T. This is alot i know. I could use some advice on some or all or none! i have sent this to you and not sure if others will see it. not savvy enough or patient at this point to figure it out! Thanks again for your help. RLTW Sua Sponte!

  21. abnrgr88
    Top of the morning, i just had 13 level fusion july 20, 2017 (Spinal). There are numerous factors in filing either a new claim or a rate for increase or reconsideration. i was recently granted 100% IU with no P&T. i have an appt. Oct 2018. My back rating was raised to 20% from 10%. The surgery i just had was new and after that rating. That rating was given in June 2017. This surgery was separate. New claim or increase? I start physical therapy tomorrow. 36 visits. Twice a week. I am not house bound, i guess? I do use a cane. My wife does help me around the home with my normal routine. This last claim i was given a 90% overall from 80%. This past claim i was given 50% new depression anxiety. Hit it off well with the Psychologist. I plan on a increase for that as well. Things have worsened emotionally. Big time. All that goes into that claim symptoms have increased. I know this is alot of info and i have jumped around in circles. Apologies. I am trying to keep my thoughts clear and orderly. I could really use and appreciate some direction. My ultimate goal is P&T. I lost my job as a building inspector for the city i live in. no, right now i cannot work. Some day i will. I know the $$ is the same, minus SMC, But my wife and child have no more insurance. that was lost when i lost my job.
  22. abnrgr88

    Gastone, Top of the morning. Update. I was granted IU without P&T. I have an appointment Oct 2018 for flat feel which has been rated 30% for 3 years now>>>not related at all! weird right! RO raised my back rating from 10% to 20%. Left knee from 0% to 10%. I was given 50% for Depression anxiety. This moved my overall rating from 80% to 90%. But now being paid at 100% IU. My big question or questions...Because i respect your advice, is this....since the completion of this last claim i have had 13 level spinal fusion completed by an outside Neurosurgeon. i am on my way today to physical therapy. (outside VA) (yes i am taking advantage of choice program!)#6 visits 3 times a week. I have about a 21 inch scar down my back and yes its painful. ROM limited. Should i file an increase from the 20% prior claim or file a new claim? Should i also file for SMC-S home bound? My wife is caring for me? Should i also increase my new 50% rating to a possible 70%? 100% means i can no longer work correct? My goal is P&T 100% so work as a building inspector is still a posibility in my future ?   Thanks Gastone! Thanks to any and all for your advice as well.  RLTW

  23. abnrgr88

    Gastone, Top of the morning. Update. I was granted IU without P&T. I have an appointment Oct 2018 for flat feel which has been rated 30% for 3 years now>>>not related at all! weird right! RO raised my back rating from 10% to 20%. Left knee from 0% to 10%. I was given 50% for Depression anxiety. This moved my overall rating from 80% to 90%. But now being paid at 100% IU. My big question or questions...Because i respect your advice, is this....since the completion of this last claim i have had 13 level spinal fusion completed by an outside Neurosurgeon. i am on my way today to physical therapy. (outside VA) (yes i am taking advantage of choice program!)#6 visits 3 times a week. I have about a 21 inch scar down my back and yes its painful. ROM limited. Should i file an increase from the 20% prior claim or file a new claim? Should i also file for SMC-S home bound? My wife is caring for me? Should i also increase my new 50% rating to a possible 70%? 100% means i can no longer work correct? My goal is P&T 100% so work as a building inspector is still a posibility in my future ?   Thanks Gastone! Thanks to any and all for your advice as well.  RLTW

  24. abnrgr88

    SMC-L, S ??

    abnrgr88 posted a question in SMC L and L 1/2

    I am 100% IU and 90% over all. Starting a new post as per Broncovet's recommendation. (1) First, my back rating just went up from 10% to 20%. This was due to thoracolumbar spine degeneration, disc bulging, partial compression fractures T4, 5,and 8. CFR 4.40, 4.45 and 4.59. This was just given June 1st 2017. I am now scheduled for T2 to L2 titanium boron rod fusion next week July 20th 2017. Kyphosis range 50 to 70 degrees. My question, what is available and how do i file for SMC....L,S...? (2) Second, from multiple previous arthroscopic surgeries on my knee I was given a 0% rating for scar. Is this a reconsideration claim of its own> Or to include when submitting separate claim for back surgery? (3) Third, I am now rated 50% for depression/anxiety and don't see this improving only worsening. Severe panic attacks including chest pain & shortness of breath have substantially worsened since claim and happen almost daily to the point of "do I go to ER or not" with no cardiac or lung issues found. Passed stress test last week, was told heart & lungs are healthy. I have been trying to control as best as possible but once a panic attack sets in it is rough. This is a newer thing for me, never dealt with this in my life. Been through a ton of stress over the past year due to VA claim problems, how to take care of my wife & son, frustrating job loss from service connected disabilities & 2 failed knee surgeries through VA had to be corrected a third time by non-VA ortho. Very concerned about panic attacks post back surgery, lying in hospital bed with 12+ inch incision and stitches. P.S. This is not my primary issue, just a side note. Not sure what or how to further address damage (minor crack) VA chiropractor caused to my back during a regular adjustment where he was too forceful - documented by VA radiology & primary doctor, submitted to VA regional. To clarify, back rating increase from 10 to 20% was for service connected back issues, this was not mentioned in their response. Basically no one is being held accountable for this. Has anyone experienced something similar? Does anyone have any advice on the first three? I trust this site through your experiences. It has contributed to my claim being where it is now, meaning 100% TDIU and 90% schedular. Sua sponte RLTW
  25. abnrgr88
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