donnieragsdale

"Shocking Revelations" My observations; As having just viewed this program, the only thing "Shocking" is their lack of anything subjective that we didn't already know. It merely provides a lead in for the networks new "Syfy" series "Warehouse 13". Somehow, I feel sorry for guys like Mike, who were played by them. I'll bet he thought the program would direct some focus on the effects, on the unsuspecting veterans, of the covert testing and the difficulties each one must endure to service connect the damage to mind and body. Nothing new here........just promotional HYPE for a new network series. Sorry Mike, Ill bet you had some very interesting things to say, but it ended up on the cutting room floor. Had you told them that you had been abducted by some UFO and the little green/gray men were the ones who harmed you, your part of the interview would have been considerably longer. don

If you have one disability that is 100 percent and other unrelated conditions that combine to at least 60 percent you are entitled to the statutory housebound benefit, otherwise known as smc "s".

It was this portion of Teac's post that prompted my discussion and question. "This was again decided in Bradley v Peake Court of appeals for veterans claim No 06-854 decided on 26 Nov 2008. The court decided that a TDIU rating does not exclude a veteran from the SMC housebound when the veteran has an additional seperate 60% rating or can show actual housebound. It also stated that a seperate claim is not required that the va must "maximize benefits"

Related to SMC, I need your suggestions; I have had TDIU at 100% PT since Oct 2007 (last day of employment). It was awarded based on 70% PTSD. I also had 0% hearing loss, 10% Tinniitis at the time of the TDIU award. Subsequently on appeal, I've been awarded recently 20% Lumbar Back, 10% Plantar Facaiitis, and 50% Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The award effective date for these three injuries were back dated to July 2006. In the C&P exam, done for these three issues, the doc noted; "he is housebound to a greater or lesser degree". With the recent forum discussion related to SMC and the "Bradley v Peake Court of appeals for veterans claim No 06-854", do you believe they should have considered SMC with the recent awards I received? I know it was mentioned that one award must be 60%, but my back, feet, and Apnea were all the result of one injury sustained back in 1969. Do I fit the requirements for the SMC award back to my TDIU award date of OCT 2007. Please give me your thoughts.

If the VA C&P doctor's report is not favorable; You MUST find a specialist who knows how to connect the dots in such a way that it can leave no "wiggle room" for the rater to deny the claim. In my case it became an issue resolved after lengthy appeal, by utilizing the "Reasonable Doubt Rule".

Question: How does one verify that the credits for his military time included in the award he has been getting for several years? Do you just call them and ask? If they say it's correct; how do we know it is so?

He said he also worked for DOE. If he worked long enough there, five years, he could possibly be able to draw a disability retirement from OPM. Maybe this is his question. Really need more info to speculate.

Big, I was doing some reading on psoriatic arthritis a while back and understand from the reading that it starts with psoriasis first then causes a type of arthritis that can effect most all joints and more. Very progressive and hard to treat. So......don't be bashfull.....about the claim... and remember a tough guy, when he attends a C&P, later wishes he would have leveled with the doc with respect to pain during the ROM portion of the exam. best to ya don

Big, I had same concern and called l 800 number and asked the gal to look it up. she did,, and provide the DC code numbers for me don

B)BRAVO ZULU

I agree with Sharon's answer. It only has to do with your Federal Retirement and is optional. I was disability retired under FERS. I, within the first three years of employment with the feds, bought back my 6 years of active duty service to be applied to my total years of federal service. Total years of federal employment is one of the factors used to calculate your federal retirement benefit. I had earned a little over 22,000 and it cost 3% to buy back.

Interesting to me is; Why do some make forum entries that are obviously going to cause threads like this one, then in my mind, if feel they sit back and take some pleasure from the "stink they have stirred up". To finally contribute an answer such as; "Hey....I've said my peace; made my point. If you all want to continue arguing...that's between all of you."...simply allows you to sit back, once again, and observe the results as you continue to stir and create odor within our group. Answer: Yes, You made your point. You said your PIECE. And yes, you are sitting there as the results of your contribution to this otherwise great forum. I make a motion that one of the moderators close this thread.

Quote: Many of you here who know me, (Many here, may now, know you much better) know that I tend to say what I believe. (Could you possibly be wrong?....Has anyone else agreed with you?) Here's another one of those times....so if you think you aren't going to like it; stop reading now. (More thought to this issue, should and just maybe, would have allowed you cease typing at this point.) I see that several folks either claim or want to claim "medication side effects". (Where is your concern for the "several folks"? Do you know the "effects" and how the needed medication impacts each of us?) Why not just tell your doc about the side effects and ask for a different med? (Many wish it were just that easy. Many have, "ask for a different med", without the "side effects" and found there is none that can help.) You don't have to put up with side effects. I don't. Insist on a different med. It's your right to do that. (Yes many of us "have to put up with side effects".....Because YOU don't put up with them doesn't mean we all are that fortunate.) I just believe that filing claims for side effects of medications is not the intent of what the system was set up for. (Your "believe" is askew and in need of a complete realignment with reality, related to effects of medication on veterans.) {off soapbox now} (I just stepped down as well)

I tuned in to SVR radio for the first time today. Carlie, you did very well on your fist outing. Berta, as always, was informative and great to listen to. T-Bird made a call in as well. It was nice to hear the voice behind the Hadit web site. Feel like I picked the right day to tune in and listen. Thanks to all of you for your dedication to veterans issues. don

I understand it as Obstructive Sleep Apnea" OSA.

I just received a denial for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Statement of the case letter did not list the most important part of the evidence I submitted (The IMO, from Doctor xxxxx xxxxxx, MD, who with 30+ years of experience had stated "service connected on a more than likely as not basis"). He outlined a nexus based on review of all SMRs, complete physical examination, review of VA sleep study, buddy letters, family letters, and review of current medical records. This VA decision was the result of a Decision Officer Review with an informal hearing. The SOC is completely void of any reference to the IMO. It is not listed under the Evidence list at all. It is, as if it does not exist.

Ruby, Mine was also selected for Quality Assurance. I got the letter 3 weeks from the day it was sent by DDS to be quality checked. You won. Don

Betty, They are only asking for the last five years. Just indicate 0 income and attach the SS leter you refered to as proof. Try not to stress. Don

Ruby, Try what I did.......I called them back and said; "I know you can't tell me the decision but maybe you could just tell me if I will be excited or sad when I finally get and open the decision letter". The lady thought for a few seconds and said; "you will be happy on that day". Worth at try.. luck don

cg, this, with the clerk, was the initial application. They will send you forms later to complete that provide opportunity to describe those issues in detail. anyway, that is the way mine was handled and I was approved on the first try. hang in there, don

Thanks to all for the kind words. I know this current, "extra dose of depression", will pass........please keep me in your thoughts as I do each of you. Your well wishes and genuine concern seems very welcome and timely, at this point, when my opponent turns lights off faster than I can switch them on. Don

TDIU Approved with PT. The waiting and stressing should now be in my past.

Thanks JR. I've sent copies to both OPM and VA. Don

Thanks for your kind reply Berta. Your understanding of the emotional effect during this period of "adjustment", related to one facing and dealing with such a drastic change, is exceptional. I intend to persue some activity, as yet undefined, to off-set the same feelings that your husband undoubtedly experienced as well. Your assessment is on the mark. Don

I had struggled desperately to maintain employment for the previous 5 years. My VA doctors kept encouraging me to think more about the effects that stress of continued employment was causing me. They even said they would write letters in support of IU and SSDI. I fought this idea until I couldn't drive across a bridge without thinking about stopping mid-span. I swallowed the pride, that one naturally has associated with being the provider for his family, admitting to myself that I'm not the man I once was, stopped working, and made application for FERS disability, VA TDIU, and SSDI. It seemed like a huge leap-of-faith and the normal "undeserving" mindset that many of us with PTSD experience made me lacking for any favorable outcome. With the help from my daughters, we tried to organize and present my claims as best we could, along with the VA doctor's letter and med files, utilizing all the advice and information available, especially here at Hadit. Application for each began approximately 1 November 2007. I'm encouraged that OPM states that they are nearing a decision on my FERS disability retirement. I continue to await VARO Portland, my request for TDIU. I received my SSDI Approval Letter today with full grant of benefits. Approximately 94 days from application to approval without a lawyer. I submit this personal information and share with each of you my success because I realize that, as I have in the past, you too who may be discouraged in this process can also be encouraged to press on to gain what you rightfully deserve. My spirits are always lifted as I have read of our member's successes. Don