In March of 2020 I filed a claim for increased disability compensation awarded in 2016 of 10% tinnitus, 30% bilateral hearing loss, total 40% rating. My 2020 claim was based on a continually worsening condition with my hearing over the past four years since my original claim. I also included a claim for Meniere’s disease, asking for 100% P&T. This was based on my deteriorating health going back over three years for which I received regular care from the VA, and was originally diagnosed through the VA in 2011. In July of 2020 I was awarded an increase to 50% bilateral hearing loss, 10% tinnitus and 10% for Meniere’s. This totaled to 70% but through the magic of government math I was awarded a 60% rating. I felt this was an incorrect rating based on the evidence in my file and decided to file an appeal. I began to collect evidence in August 2020, asking for a copy of my C&P exam, while continuing to seek treatment at the VA. It wasn’t until early July of 2021 that I submitted a “Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim” based on the previous award. I waited nearly a year seeking the C&P evidence, sending three letters and placing several phone calls, but never received it, so was forced to submit my claim without knowledge of what was in the first C&P in order to preserve my original filing date. By August 2021 I was called for a second C&P exam and in September 2021 I was awarded 100% P&T, now changing my rating to Meniere’s as the primary, hearing loss and tinnitus as secondary but was denied retro pay. I believe that there is evidence within my claim that proves I am deserving of the retro pay, which totals to over $30K. My question is, how should I pursue this situation? Should I use another VA 20-0995 Decision Review Request? Ask for a “Higher-Level Review on 20-0996 or an “Appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals” on VA10182?
I don’t want to poke the Bear, but $30K is a lot to leave on the table. Any advice would be appreciated.