Grumpbox

@WillyP Read your article.  Unsure where I find my opinion on this data.  I, myself, have fired numerous types of shoulder-fired (and sitting fired) munitions.  These range from the LAW, AT4, and the old Dragon system.  To add, the M2 Browning .50cal can really cause shock waves internally. The first three types I mentioned occurred back in the 90s, and I can't remember the intensity of the shock wave; however, I can remember the M2 and the affect it had on me internally. 
I (and others possibly) would be interested in your other SC conditions.  Especially, if one of these is PTSD; however, with a 30% rating, I assume there is no PTSD. 
This is the first I've heard of TBI being linked to this type of practice/training.  I am not saying its not justified; I'm just saying its the first I've heard of it, and looks to be difficult to get a rating.  THAT IS....unless - one's medical record reflects numerous complaints of TBI symptoms or residuals during one's military career.  It all begins with the proof inside the pudding.  
Ever had any situations where you went to the medics for these complaints?? 

that would be very incident and context specific. It certainly could be, but as a broad stroke statement it would be hard to get SCOTUS to agree with your interpretation.

conceptually I agree with that last sentence.

I am all for creating person specific treatments from their DNA, I just object having my info sold to others and me having no say over it or profit from it. There are jackasses out there trying to patent human genes and that to me is theft of my unique personal property for their own illicit profit.
I want my cut damn it if my genes create a new drug or treatment.

@Togore101
congradulations!  Receiving the P&T status for me was a wonderful blessing also!  I’m so thankful, daily....
 
Grumpbox

You should, based on this DBQ.  At a minimum, there should be a 30% rating for headaches. The doctor stuck it to you though on number 7., when he said it does not preclude you from work.  If so, this would of been a 50% rating. However, he contradicts himself prior to this, because he mentions “prostrating” headaches, which is almost always 50%; plus,  you mention how you loose work over your headaches...you should of got S/C for headaches. 

Did you see the Neurologist before or after the C&P?  I will assume after.
If your claim was at the, "Preparation for Decision" phase and then went back to, "Gathering of Evidence" this is a GOOD thing!  I see this from personal experience...here is why. Although, this is just my opinion.
Your VA Reviewer that is ultimately handling your case, might have noticed a hiccup in the process.  For example, this reviewer might have seen the notes from the Neurologist and put two and two together.  Meaning, its not ready for a decision. Why, because maybe there is another C&P required.  This is what happened to me.
I was up for my five year PTSD Review. At the time I was 100%.  When I completed my C&P for my initial PTSD, I noticed the doctor never checked my records...HOW DO I KNOW? Because he didn't check TBI nor did he checked other mental issues/illnesses.  Here's a prime example of how waiting to see what happens plays to your favor.  A few weeks pass and I get a call for a TBI C&P and it was with a Neurologist.  She did her tests and asked me specific questions, as to the DBQ for TBI.  As a result, she recommended an increase in my Post Concussion Headaches award and acknowledged my TBI....FINALLY - after many years coupled with loss of money!
This prompted me to yet again, another C&P - this time for another PTSD C&P.  When I arrived to this one, the lady doctor apologized for all that had occurred and how the previous doctor failed to not only review my records, but how he failed to list other mental/illnesses (TBI).  I could hardly believe that right in front of me, here is a doctor from the VA apologizing about another doctor's inadequacies.  In the end, VA found me 100% P&T.  
Most noteworthy....I never inquired, called, raised hell, or filed any kind of complaint or additional claims. I was calm, always thanked everyone, tried to answer my questions to the best of knowledge (which is a negative factor for me.)  In the end, I just let it ride.
I am glad I did for two reasons: 1) if I had tried to fight the system while it pursued, I might have knocked my fate off course; and, 2) even if I had tried to argue or file another claim during the whole process, I wouldn't be able to see the final reason from the VA ---  "WHY" they denied me various disabilities. (NOTE/DISCLAIMER: THIS DOES NOT ALWAYS APPLY FOR EVERY VETERAN'S SITUATION.)  What I mean is this.  Once they finish with your claim, they will send you documentation describing the WHY.  This WHY  is your NEW TACTIC to take in order to debunk the VA's reason for denying your claim(s).  It gives you the next direction to take - that's all I am trying to say; however, without this form of intel, you have zero information in order to develop your next future move.  Like chess - I suppose...
I'd be curious to see what happens next after the, "Gathering of Evidence."  Please keep us updated so we can guide you, accordingly. 
GB

No you do not lose your tricare , your family remains on tricare, in two years Medicare will allow you to buy Part B, and when you buy part B, you will pay for your family to stay on Tricare, but tricare will be free for you and becomes your second payer. You family will still have drug coverage under tricare and in your case VA.

Grump,
 
You do Not want to waste any monies on a Lawyer! With all you medical conditions and armed with your medical records, as well as your VA ratings, you will very likely be able to get SSD on your own. I can't figure out why you would wait to apply for a benefit that you are clearly eligible for.  Let me recommend that you first apply yourself, supply all the information they need to award SSD. If they deny you then think about a Lawyer and the appeal..  it is not impossible to get SSD with out a Lawyer, I did it myself.

I forgot, you will have to pay the $134 for Medicare Part B. However, the benifits of nearly no limits on coverage, made and I think no copay makes up for.

The best thing for you to do is call or visit your local Tricare. Don't take my word for it. Good luck!

Wrong. You'd get SMC at the (l) rate for loss of use of one hand and one foot plus SMC at the  (k) rate. VA would list it on your confirmed ratings as SMC (p)(l +k). I use the lower case (l) but some may misread it as representing the number one. (l) is the way Congress expresses "SMC at the "L" rate with a lowercase L expressed as (l). SMC (l) is granted for (b)Ratings under 38 U.S.C. 1114(l). The special monthly compensation provided by 38 USC 1114(l)is payable for anatomical loss or loss of use of both feet, one hand and one foot, blindness in both eyes with visual acuity of 5/200 or less or being permanently bedridden or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance.
SMC is like the Mississippi River. It even flows backwards in time to the day you first got that way. You can even pyramid legally. SMC is like an Erector set. You build it. You are limited only by your own imagination and ability to see it. 

@Vync I hear ya on all that!!  Thanks again for the article and chiming in on the discussion!!

@Vync  Hey bro...thanks for the article!!! Good Read!  I actually met Gen. Peter Chiarelli while deployed; he pinned an award on me for something I did...just can't remember now.  He seemed like a good dude.
As one can see, varying opinions perpetuate around what it really takes to "EARN" a Purple Heart.  Just like in this article, we see how many commanders deployed vary in the views' of this award.  Keep in mind, this article was written in 2011, which was almost seven years from when I arrived boots on the ground in Iraq (2005).  Therefore, one can only imagine how many Soldiers received a PH for an IED.
I am not saying these acts of awarding the PH was wrong.  Who am I to judge or dictate how the Army maintains it regulations, guidelines, and pamphlets. It just wasn't my style as a leader to look (or hint for receiving one) after I suffered a major IED and got a concussion.  I got my helmet and wrist GPS knocked off and my weapon flew out of my hand.  All I remember is dangling in the hull of my commander hatch.  The next thing I realized was one of my squad leaders screaming at me and yanked me back inside the Stryker.  I had other Soldiers banged up that day too, but I was going to see that they got a PH before I did.  I guess its something to do with being hardheaded, leading from the front, or just taking care of the joes.  I don't know but its over now, and I am just lucky to be alive, so that's good enough for me.       

@Buck52 
Found this link on Hadit:
https://www.hadit.com/glen-johnson-from-champva/
Its got his number: Glen Johnson will be interviewed. Glen is the PAO for ChampVA and if you want to know anything about ChampVA, He is the man to talk to.  John us. If you want to ask Glen a question, call 347 237 4819.
I assume this is who you mean???

@Grumpbox I am 70% SC for MH but prior to filing for my SC I applied for SSD (I’m 52) for medical unrelated to my service.  I was denied first round then after obtaining a SSD attorney I was approved it took about 1 1/2 years start to finish to get my SSD and I call that a God intervention.  After receiving SSD for just over two years I was notified my status was being reviewed by SSD.  I had to submit all relevant medical to SSD office and they reviewed it and then I was notified my SSD would continue but they never put me into a permanent status so I will be getting reviewed again.  Since my last SSD review I received my 70% SC so I would imagine that may help my future SSD approvals but I’m not sure since my SC is for MH and my SSD decision was based about 80% for physical and maybe 20% MH ...I did not want to share all my MH issues when I had filed my SSD because I knew I had enough medically wrong to just focus on that component when I filed (not recommending that was a good idea or not).
not giving any advice just sharing my situation 

I’m no nonsense.  So with that being said, get your butt to the closes SSA office and apply for YOUR SSDI!!  Now, on to the fear of losing your CCDW.  Have you ever threaten to neutralize someone with a firearm?  Has the sheriff ever been to your house over anything to do with firearms?  What state do you live?  Now, if you answered no to the first two question and still have your CCDW licenses.  This is a great start.  Now, if you live in Illinois, California, Or South Carolina there’s a big question mark and for obvious reasons.  I’m was the same situation and I still have my CCDW and have purchase guns/rifles after the fact.  They’ll come get your license and guns.  If you threat to harm your neighbors with the firearms.  Firearms are there for you to use.  Just be smart about it.  

I am disabled under Social Security for PTSD and other issues.  I also have a concealed carry license.  I believe where you cross the line is where you are declared incompetent.  That was one of the previous administrations gift to SS recipients.  Of course that is a question that I did not have to answer on my permit application.

I dont get it- this TBI situation was supposed to have been resolved,after the big TBI scandal.
Seems like whatever the VA can screw up, they will.

Work, if enjoyable, is probably one of the best treatments for PTSD or any-other MH issue. If you can, do it.
If the time comes when you can no-longer hold an SGI (Substantial Gainful Employment) that provides in excess of $12,400 per year or your employer has to make special accommodations for you, it's time to file an IU FDC.
Prior to filing for IU, applying to the VA Vocational Rehab Program would be of great assistance. If in fact your SC PTSD has you so fracked up that you really can't work (earning above the SGI doing even Sedentary work) making the VRC not appropriate, A VRC Denial Letter could Seal the Deal on an IU Rating.

There are 2 Five year rules but one is for survivors-----I am sure it is in the DIC forum-if not I wil post that info there.
I think you mean this five year rule:
In part:
"Once a veteran’s disability rating has been in effect for at least five years, the VA considers that disability “stabilized” or “protected.” Again, the VA should consider all medical evidence pertaining to the veteran’s disability and may not reduce the rating based on a single medical exam that indicates improvement where the remainder of the medical evidence indicates that the veteran’s disability is still at the same level. In addition, though, VA must show that the veteran’s condition has undergone a sustained improvement in order to reduce a stabilized rating. Certain disabilities become symptom-free after extended periods of bed rest, but that does not mean the disabilities have improved for VA rating purposes. The VA may not reduce a stabilized rating where the improvement is only due to the veteran’s having been on bed rest or if it is otherwise clear that the veteran’s improvement could not be maintained if the veteran returned to the ordinary conditions of life. If there is any doubt about whether a stabilized rating has improved, the VA should not reduce that rating."
https://www.hillandponton.com/can-my-disability-rating-be-reduced-by-the-va/
It appears in many BVA decision, this is one of them:
https://www.va.gov/vetapp16/files2/1613397.txt
Oddly enough that decision might help a vet here with a similar rating (skin disorder) problem     ---forget who, will find 
 

WOW -it is a lot- maybe best bet is to wait to see how VA actually rates all this- as I am looking  for a SMC statement. ( 100% plus 60 or Housebound)
"The only change to my ratings since retirement was my PTSD, which ONE year from retirement, the VA called me in for a PTSD C&P Exam, which was increased from 50% to 100%.  The date for this increase is seen above for an "Effective Date." 
So they lumped the TB  I into the already established PTSD 100% rating??????
It seeems this might be their rationle:
 
"Given the severity of his psychiatric
      symptoms at the current time, it appears likely that his cognitive
      difficulties are the result of, or in the very least exacerbated by,his
      psychiatric disorder. Mental health counseling and SSRI RX is strongly." etc etc .
Possible but they might be wrong
 
Are you employed?
"post concussive headaches
30%
Service Connected
Disability Evaluation System (DES)
11/23/2011" I copied this so not to forget it when you get the actual rating info in the award letter.
This is a physical disability from the TBI-yet PTSD is a mental disability, and can be exaserbated by a TBI but they might have not done this right.
C & P exams really do not reflect the way the VA will rate this stuff.
I hope the RO rates you 100% P & T with SMC......but it is really too hard to even take a guess yet what they will do.
 

Was the PTSD C & P conducted at your VMC? If so, within about a week or so the C & P exam and DBQ should show up in your VMC Medical Records and be available for copies.
If you have a MHV (My Healthy Vet) account, you can check and download from the Blue Button Med Recs section after about 3 business days, so next Thursday.

Welcome aboard.  According to a lot of people I deserve your handle.  Oh well, I will stick with broncovet, even tho I am grumpy much of the time.  
I saw a tshirt once.   It says, 
"Sometimes I wake up grumpy.  Other times, I just let him sleep."  

Welcome aboard, and wish you the best. Good luck with your C&P and keep us posted. God Bless