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abnrgr88
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Posts posted by abnrgr88
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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.
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On 12/1/2018 at 6:03 PM, GeekySquid said:
1) no and 2) no that is not how it works.
To reduce a rating or in your case take away TDIU, they would have to jump through a bunch of hoops and prove the you are no longer in a state of not being able to work. ...that isn't happening. I am not being rude, but your level of spinal problems don;t just get better and damn sure cannot be faked. yes there are more technical and detailed ways to say it, but the short version is don't sweat that.
you still have not posted a list with percentages of what you are rated for that makes up the 90% so that is still unclear
no. just no. What TDIU means is that a veteran who is NOT 100% schedular but cannot work even with a lower rating (lots of extra details not important here) gets paid at the 100% rate. the monthly compensation is the same.
If that vets problems get worse and the VA increases their rating to 100% schedular, TDIU becomes moot and no longer applies. In other words you cannot be both 100% Schedular and TDIU at the same time. The lesser value rating is TDIU and the official VA party line is that all decisions are to be made to the best advantage of the veteran.
your money will be the same in terms of compensation. If you have SSDI that is unaffected by becoming 100% schedular.
As brokensoldier said in his second post
As for rocking the boat.
I will bet that 95% of the people who read that sentence will immediately think some VSO told you that...and I am one of them.
Don't believe it. There is a lot of chatter as to why VSO's say this, and some can make sense if you are the conspiracy theory type or just believe that everyone in government is corrupt. Whatever the truth is, many vets do hear that from their VSO. I personally subscribe to the idea that the lazy ones just don't want the hassle of what appealing and asking for increases entail.
if you are in pain, or some existing harm has increased, file for an increase!!!!!! The VA rating system for payments is meant to compensate the veteran for harms incurred by their military service. It is not a handout, it is not the VA's money and it is not a gift. It is compensation.
if you want opinions on ratings we can do better if you supply more information.
list all the SC conditions you have, and at what percent.
List all the other conditions you have not yet been rated for, and if you have already filed a claim for, even if they denied that claim.
list the date each claim was approved, made or denied.
with your level of back problems I doubt you move very well (that makes the weightlifting entry in your profile unusual), which indicates you could possibly have packed on a few pounds and or may have issues with things like diabetes or are nearing that. IF you did pork out the extra weight and limited movement may be aggravating any condition you have with your knees, legs or feet.
I am not trying to be rude my friend, but IF those things exist you may have claims available to you as secondary conditions.
do you snore? do you stop breathing when you sleep? does your spouse have to wake you up when you stop breathing? you may have Sleep Apnea, which can be secondary if your existing SC problems can be logically and medically connected to the SA. for example, your back problem means you have porked out and now have breathing and sleeping problems from the weight. that is a direct line that can be fleshed out to help make the connection. I am not saying it is easy, or some straight process, just that it would be a valid path to explore if that situation exists.
please understand no one here can make suggestions or offer valid opinions until you provide us the information on all your conditions.
as I asked before is this based on a hearing test or just life? if there was a test was it part of a C&P? Deaf is a ratable and compensable condition and a 50% loss is too if they are service connected.
if you have the audiogram please post the numbers and frequencies. Also post the Maryland CNC results.
This will seem personal and intrusive. it is not meant to be so. Are you depressed, anxious, a little paranoid about things? do you get angry for reasons you used to not get angry? all since your back stuff started "falling apart" as you stated?
you may be able to make a claim for depression and or anxiety secondary to your physical injuries. No one could blame you if you were depressed and anxious. it is no shame no matter what you may feel or think.
the level of problems you have are consistent with developing severe depression. I am not suggesting you lie or exaggerate, but if you are depressed and or anxious, and be honest ask your wife if she thinks you are 'different', mention it to your PCP, Back Docs, and any other VA docs you see. get them to note it in your treatment record. ask for help with it.
If it is bad enough file a claim.
every vet here has empathy for you and wishes you the best. please post those things i asked for so we can give you better suggestions.
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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.
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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.
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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??
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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??
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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
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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!
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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!
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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?
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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.
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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!
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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!
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Trapperx6, i have no idea. i am not as well versed as most on this site. try Gastone, berta, broncovet...
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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!
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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!
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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On 7/14/2017 at 11:55 AM, abnrgr88 said:
I am 100% IU and 90% over all. My back rating just went up to 20% from 10%. This was due to thoracolumbar spine degeneration, disc bulging, partial compression fractures T4, 5,and8. 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 (unrelated to 20%) july 20th 2017. Kyphosis. Range 50 to 70 degrees. My question, What is available and how do i file for SMC....L,S...? i also am aware a reconsideration for back is warranted as well. possibly a new claim? not sure. i am rated 50% for depression/anxiety....i dont see this improving but worsening. i will be trying to control as best as possible. Panic attacks while my back is stitched up 12" or more is a fear. Does anyone have any advice? i trust this site tfrough your experiences. possibly being where im at now...Sua sponte RLTW
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I am 100% IU and 90% over all. My back rating just went up to 20% from 10%. This was due to thoracolumbar spine degeneration, disc bulging, partial compression fractures T4, 5,and8. 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...? i also am aware a reconsideration for back is warranted as well. possibly a new claim? not sure. i am rated 50% for depression/anxiety....i dont see this improving but worsening. i will be trying to control as best as possible. Panic attacks while my back is stitched up 12" or more is a fear. Does anyone have any advice? i trust this site tfrough your experiences. possibly being where im at now...Sua sponte RLTW
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Gastone, i just landed my IU beginning of june. Not going to do unemployment, dont want to risk it. im going to file for ssdi. next month having major back surgery. gonna be a hard road. t2 to L2 rod and fusion. will file for a reavaluation afterwords. 20% is what my current rate is. major back surgery is going to be brand new. Not related to current 20%.
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Couldn't file for it because my employer saved my position. Until 6/1 this month. I was on FMLA until 11/16 then the afforded me accomadation of recovery time. The city I worked for doesn't pay into state disability just unemployment. I couldn't apply for that because I was "still employed".
IU P&T
in VA.gov Questions (formerly E-Benefits)
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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!