JeanBean217

Looking at CHAMPVA, I guess my children and I do not qualify, due to the fact we have TRICARE. I'm having trouble finding the info on the life insurance. If anyone can point me in the right direction for that one, I'd really appreciate it.

I had my will drawn up by JAG at Ft. Hood, TX. I'm sure if you contact the JAG office at the base closest to you, they will let you know if they will do a will for you.

Thanks everyone, for the comments and advice. Looks like I have a lot of research to do. I am retired, so the ID card part is already covered. I would like to look further into the education benefits for my children, as they are both in high school now. I have Tricare standard, so I wonder if I should cancel it and go with CHAMPVA now. I like that I can go to local doctors with my TRICARE, but I also have co-pays and deductables to meet. Life insurance is something I could use. When I retired, I did not continue with the SGLI, because I couldn't afford it at the time. I'm in TX, so no more property taxes for me! That's a real bonus, because it will knock almost $300 per month off of my house payment. I've never even heard of the Independant living program. I'll have to research that one too. I'm so glad they deemed me P&T. It's nice knowing that I won't have to get any more exams.

A couple of months ago, I came on hadit for advice on a possible CUE and increasing my 0% rating for a bladder disfunction that had returned after a surgery was reversed. I took the advice here and had my doctor do a DBQ for me. I uploaded it to ebenefits, as a fully developed claim, along with the request for an increase and some medical records I had. The VA sent me for a C&P exam a couple weeks ago and the claim is now closed. I haven't received my brown envelope yet, but I was able to download my benefits letters on ebenefits. I am now rated at 100% and am also considered to be P&T, which was a total suprise. So, needless to say, I am very happy with the outcome, and wanted to thank those here who offered advice. This claim went so fast, from start to finish. I'm amazed. One question: Is there a big difference between being a 100% schedular and being 100% P&T? I thought I read somewhere there are some extra benefits me or my family may be entitled to. If so, if someone could post a link to where this is explained, I would appreciate it.

Thanks, Berta & Buck. The only records I'm looking for from the VA are the appeals, C&P exams and award letters that happened after my initial rating in 2012. As far as any medical proceedures and records, I've had all my care through civilian doctors, with Tricare, since retirement, so I can request those directly from the doctors offices / hospitals. I never recieved my award letters since 2012. I think they had the wrong mailing address or something.

Thanks for answering, Berta and Okichewy1. In the second paragraph of this post, I stated that I did find a copy of my award letter last night, and that I am SC at 0% for the bladder issue. I'm requesting a copy of my records from the civilian reversal surgery on my bladder now, and have an doctor appt next week for a follow up, to establish that the side effects are still there since having the reversal. Sorry about the double post, but I thought since I was questioning a CUE, that it belonged over here. The problem with the PTSD rating is that I never received the 70% award letter. Just saw the result on e-benefits. So, I guess I will need to request a copy of those records from VA, then get back to you on what it included. If I post an update on the bladder issue, I'll post it on the original thread in the VA Disability forum and if it's about the PTSD/possible CUE, I'll post it here. Sorry for asking too many questions at once. I'll look at the SSDI link.

Hi Berta. Thanks for answering on my other post. I'm posting this here to answer the questions you asked, since my other post got burried somewhere. I guess my initial post was a little confusing. Let me see if I can state it more clearly. (This was about the bladder dysfunction problems that returned after a surgical proceedure was reversed.) The surgery for the bladder dysfunction was performed while I was active duty, by a military doctor at BAMC, Ft. Sam Houston, TX. It is fully documented in my SMRs. I dug it out last night and read it. The VA knew about it, they obtained the complete copy of my SMR, and all aspects of the surgery were on my list of things that I wanted to be evaluated for when I retired and went through the VA's initial rating process. I forget the form number, but it basically gave them a list of all my conditions/diagnoses. I did find my initial award letter, and it was SC at 0%, since the surgery corrected the problem and I wasn't having symptoms at that time. After I retired from active duty, I began to have complications from the sling. That is why a civilian doctor did the removal surgery, because I was retired and using Tricare. Yes, I am currently 70% PTSD. As far as I know, they did not "infer" or offer TDIU. The only income I had was from some lesson plans I posted for sale, online. Certainly not gainful employment and not coming close to the income threshold. I don't remember if the VA even asked about employment, but I have not held a job since retirement. I receive CRDP, if I understand it correctly. Concurrent pay - retirement monthly payment, plus a VA payment. After my initial claim, I did all my NODs, appeals, etc... on my own. My vet rep guy was not a lot of help, so I did it on my own. I ended up winning the three things that I was after. (These conditions are different from the ones I'm inquiring about now.) The VA sided with me in the end and awarded me the ratings. I did a lot of reading online to help myself through the process. I bet this site would have been a big help. No, I haven't applied for SSDI. I didn't know if I should, since I'm not at 100%, and really don't know where to begin with that. I was wore out by the time I got finished fighting with the VA last time, and just didn't have it in me to start another big process. I guess that is why I've let this bladder thing go on for so long without filing anything. The claims process is just hard, and draining. Now for my questions: 1. As far as my PTSD being at 70%, is it a CUE, that the VA did not offer or "infer" TDIU? My other ratings are 30%, 30%, 10%, 10%, 10%, 10%, 10%. Plus a bunch of SC at 0%. I listed them by condition on that initial post that got burried. 2. I do not have the copy of the award letter to increase the PTSD to 70%, so I guess I will have to request that from my C-file. I think they may have sent it to an old address. I saw the increase on e-benefits. Other than obtaining a copy of the increase, what else should I do? I suppose a copy of the C&P mental exam would be helpful too. 3. If it is a CUE / oversight on their part for the TDIU, would it backdate to the time of the 70% award? It was 4 years ago. 4. As far as the bladder issue, (I know this is a seperate thing from a CUE), I'm assuming I would have to request an increase, since the symptoms are back. Is that different than opening a new claim, or do I do it the same way? Would that be backdated from the time the sugery was reversed? I'm assuming not, since I haven't requested the increase yet. 5. Is the best route to address the bladder issue with an increase request first to see if I make it to 100%, or also apply for TDIU / file a CUE for it at the same time? 5. If/when would it be appropriate to apply for SSDI? Do you know of a site/link that would help me with that process? I could really use the extra income to help me get by, as my ex is a dead beat dad and hasn't paid child support in years. Raising teens alone is a big expense. Just thinking of all this wears me out and gives me a headache. Agghhh.

I have a couple more questions I hope someone can help me with. This post concerns C-file copies. I'll make other posts on the other questions. 1. I obtained a copy of my C-file after my initial award of 60% disability. Is it possible to obtain copies of the appeals and changes since that initial award, without having to request the entire C-file? 2. Since I have never had a copy of this part of the file, will I be charged money for the copies of the new pages? Thanks in advance.

Thanks, Buck. I quoted their CFR back to them about my bunionectomies on both feet, and that is how I went from 0% to 20% on that one. I just wasn't sure how to handle this bladder thing. But since it is SC at 0%, because it was not effecting me when first evaluated, I think I have enough evidence with the reversal surgery to have it increased, since all the symptoms returned. The code is 7599-7542, according to the letter. I will go look those up. I will also look over the other 0% SCs and see if the symtoms I have warrent an increase. The strange thing is, I really don't remember getting a letter when my PTSD was increased or any of my appeals were won. I just watched it go through the process on e-benefits. So if they offered IU, I was never informed of it. Perhaps they had an old address, I'm not sure. Maybe a CUE, if they are supposed to automatically award IU when there is a high percent rating. Oh... one last thing. I haven't requested a copy of my C-file since the first award. I was told you could only request it once, or you would have to pay for every page they copy. Is that true? I actually was just able to get on ebenefits after trying for a couple days with no luck. Here the way they have my disabilities listed. A little different that I thought, because I thought the bilateral bunionectomies were 20% combined, not 10% and 10%: Disability Rating Decision Related To Effective Date right hip tendonitis 10% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 scar, abdomen status post cholecystectomy 0% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 scars, bilateral feet status post bunionectomies 0% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 post traumatic stress disorder with adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood 70% Service Connected PTSD - Combat Predischarge Exam 01/18/2013 bilateral conjunctivitis 0% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 tinnitus 10% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 thoracic spondylosis with scoliosis 10% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 coccydynia Not Service Connected Predischarge Exam right sciatica Not Service Connected Predischarge Exam bilateral pes planus with arthritis 0% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 left foot, status post bunionectomy 10% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 painful scar 10% Service Connected 02/01/2012 right foot, status post bunionectomy with right hallux rigidus 10% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 urinary stress incontinence 0% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 status post partial hysterectomy 30% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 hyperlipidemia Not Service Connected Predischarge Exam left knee condition Not Service Connected allergic rhinitis Not Service Connected Predischarge Exam sinusitis Not Service Connected Predischarge Exam papular urticaria 0% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 neuodermatitis and atopic dermatitis 30% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 eczema Not Service Connected Predischarge Exam exercise induced asthma 10% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 history of cystocele status post cystoscopy with history of colporrhaphy, liabiaplasty, and hydatidiform mole 0% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 deep vein thrombosis Not Service Connected Predischarge Exam left ankle sprain with instability 0% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012 right ankle sprain with instability 0% Service Connected Predischarge Exam 02/01/2012

I was able to find a copy of my first rating decision. I'm listing everything that was SC, including the updated % since then that I won on appeal: 1. SC hysterectomy - 30% with SMC 2. SC PTSD - 30%, but is currently 70% after a re-evaluation 3. SC R hip tendinitis - 10% 4. SC tinnitus - 10% 5. SC Bilateral post bunionectomy - 0%, but later won on appeal, because they overlooked the residuals - now rated at 20% 6. SC L ankle sprain with instability - 0% 7. SC R ankle sprain with instability - 0% 8. SC Several Scars - 0% 9. SC Scar with persistent open wound - 10% - originally 0% with my other scars, but FDC proved open wound problem 10. SC urinary stress incontinence - 0% 11. SC post A&P repair - 0% 12. SC Bilateral conjunctivitis - 0% 13. SC Atopic Dermatitis - 0% - originally denied, but later won on appeal and rated at 30% 14. SC Thoracic spondlyosis with scoliosis - 10% 15. SC bilateral pes planus with arthritis - 0% So, apparently 70, 30, 30, 20, 10, 10, 10, 10 = 92%, according to the calculator I looked at, so I'll need another 30% rating to bring it up to 100%. I'll have to see what the CFR says about the bladder issue.

Hi Berta. Thanks for answering. Sorry if the initial post was a little confusing. Let me see if I can state it more clearly. The surgery for the bladder dysfunction was performed while I was active duty, by a military doctor at BAMC, Ft. Sam Houston, TX. It should be documented in my SMRs. I say "should", because my medical records can fill two copy paper boxes and I'd have to dig around in them to find it. The VA knew about it, they obtained the complete copy of my SMR, and all aspects of the surgery were on my list of things that I wanted to be evaluated for when I retired and went through the VA's initial rating process. I forget the form number, but it basically gave them a list of all my conditions/diagnoses. It wasn't until after I retired that I began to have complications from the sling. That is why a civilian doctor did the removal surgery, because I was retired and using Tricare. Yes, I am currently 70% PTSD. I haven't looked over my award letters in a few years, so I will have to dig them up. (I thought they would be on e-benefits, but I keep getting error messages on the site.) The only income I had was from some lesson plans I listed for sale, online. Certainly not gainful employment. I don't remember the if VA even asked that question. I believe I receive CRDP, if I understand it correctly. Concurrent pay - retirement monthly payment, plus a VA payment. After my initial claim, I did all my NODs, appeals, etc... on my own. My representative (I forget the acronym ya'll have for them) was not a lot of help, so I did it on my own. I ended up winning the three things that I was after. The VA sided with me in the end and awarded me the ratings. I did a lot of reading online to help myself through the process. I bet this site would have been a big help. No, I haven't applied for SSDI. I didn't know if I should, since I'm not at 100%, and really don't know where to begin with that. I was wore out by the time I got finished fighting with the VA last time, and just didn't have it in me to start another big process. I guess that is why I've let this bladder thing go on for so long without filing anything. The claims process is just hard, and draining.

Hello Hadit community. I am new and think this is the place I can find some answers. I'll try to make my question/scenario as brief as possible, because I know it's hard to keep reading long and complicated posts. Here is my status and questions. I retired in 2012. Had an initial DR of 60%, later it was raised to 90% due to worsening PTSD (from 30% to 70%) and a couple of minor issues I had appealed. I would like to file a new claim, based on a surgery I had in service for voiding dysfunction. In 2010, I had a hysterectomy, combined with an A&P repair and a bladder sling. The bladder sling corrected my voiding dysfunction. Fast forward several year, I am retired and using Tricare as my insurance. I had complications from the bladder sling. It had moved through tissues in my body, and began to protrude into my vagina. It had to be removed. A civilian doctor did the surgery and removed the sling, which, caused my voiding dysfunction to return. It has been a couple of years since this surgery, and I have not done any claim with the VA. I tried to look up on e-benefits, my award letter, but apparently, they are either down right now, or I'm not looking in the right place, because I can't get anything to come up. They may have either given me a SC at 0% for the bladder dysfunction, or they may have not rated it at all, totally overlooking that part of the surgery. So, here are my questions. 1. If I open a claim for the voiding dysfunction, will they then reevaluate all my other ratings? I really don't want to go through that, and risk loosing what I have. 2. Can I do a FDC, if I have all the medical records from the surgery to install the bladder sling (SR), and the ones showing that it needed to be removed and the surgery to remove it (Tricare/civilian doc). 3. When I'm able to review my award letters, and if I find they totally overlooked this condition, and it was never rated or SC at all, is it considered a CUE? (I don't believe they can combine a hysterectomy rating with a voiding dysfunction rating, even if they were performed during the same surgery. Is that right?) 4. If it is a CUE, I'm assuming there are other posts on here that explain how to handle that. Can someone direct me to the correct page, if it is indeed a CUE? I am a bit paranoid about messing with my rating and bringing attention to myself. But I'm a single mom, not working, living off of my retirement and VA money. I can't afford to have my rating lowered. But I certainly could use the benefit of being 100%, as far as property taxes are concerned. I'm in TX. I will have to post my ratings here as well, as I have a hard time understanding if I can even reach 100% because of the crazy way they add up percentages. It seems impossible to be 100%, and I wonder if doing another claim will even be worth it. I also am unsure about IU. Being at 90%, should I have awarded me IU or is that something I should ask for?