NavyCorpsman950

So I got the news this past Friday that I've been awarded 100 P&T after my last series of ratings that were in process (still have 2 deferred items).  I'm in such shock that I was able to accomplish it on my own (with the help of HadIt/Reddit -- my VSO didn't lift a finger to do any work for me), especially after being told for several years that without any copies of Service Treatment Records that I couldn't file a claim.  I got out of the Army ~9 years ago just happy to have a DD-214.  I attempted to get copies but the shoddy medics at the Aid Station where I out-processed said that I didn't have anything in my records folder.  Over the next several years I sent numerous requests to the Archives that resulted in responses saying that my records weren't found but I'll always remember the VA Rep during my out-processing say that "if you deployed, you're guaranteed at least 10%."  I know there are no guarantees with the VA but that kept the fire kindling going over the years.  It wasn't until a stroke of luck last October that I somehow managed to find Tricare Online and was able to log in with my eBenefits/VA.gov credentials.  Low and behold, a bunch of medical entries ranging from first arriving at Ft. Benning up until my Phase II Exit Exam Physical were there.  I immediately printed it out and saved a digital copy!  I know it seems silly after the fact since I now know the VA will retrieve their own copies of STRs but it was finding those artifacts online that motivated me to register with a VSO and file my initial Intent to File in October 2018.  I spent the next few months organizing my evidence and researching (soooo much researching posts, eCFR, and M21-1) issues that I wanted to claim that others also referenced in their posts on the various Vet forums.  In February 2019, I finally submitted what I believed to be my FDC after gathering all my private medical records and organizing them neatly along with a couple private doctor DBQs, my STRs, and several Statements in Support of Claim.  There were a few hiccups along the way in that I was incorrectly rated at 0% for a few issues which I submitted a Supplemental Appeal for correction (which was successful).  All said and done, my first round got me to 93% with one deferred issue.  While waiting for a C&P re-exam for that issue, I decided to file a second claim to cover a few extra things that I didn't put in my initial claim due to not knowing about secondaries and presumptives at the time.  I submitted a couple more private DBQs and had two more C&Ps in August.  Shortly after, I received my decision which stated I was 100 P&T and sure enough, I am now able to generate a Commissary Letter and Benefits Verification that both state that I am considered Permanent & Total.
 
Definitely a huge thanks to all of you here.  Without this site, I would never have been able to read all the archives of posts from people with similar claims to try and see how things may play out or how I could better present or position myself during the claims process.  A couple of tips to leave everyone while I try to sort out what kind of benefits I'm now eligible for:
 
Don't worry about how long you've been out for.  Only worry about your health, its relation to your service in the military and presenting your case in a clear and concise fashion.   A Statement in Support of Claim DOES provide a SIGNIFICANT advantage.  I've read several places that say the VA dismisses this form.  It may or may not be true, but where it has helped me out the most is during my C&P exams.  I ALWAYS brought copies of evidence that applied towards my C&P exam that I was at.  Each and every time, I was very courteous and let the examiner know that I made copies for them because I know the VA doesn't always tag all the info to send to them.  A well written Statement in Support of Claim helps not only the Examiner be able to check boxes but it also gives you a voice after you leave the exam.   During C&P exams, don't be afraid to (politely) speak up and ask if you can reference your evidence so that you can give them the correct information.  I always made it a habit to turn to the page that I wanted to read from, angle it towards the examiner and trace the sentence, diagnosis, or date with my finger.  This usually triggered the examiner to comment on how great it was that I was able to have adequate evidence that supported the exam.   
Thanks again everyone and good luck! 🙂

Navy,
I, too, am a member of the ninety %'s group.  My highest single rating is 30, so, it took quite a while to get to 90.
As GB says, its a challenge to go from 90 to 100 while playing small ball.
Right now I'm at 91 and need a 20 and 2 10's to get to 95 ^ 100.  Or a bilat 20 and a 10, etc..
All of my disabilities are static, so that's a good thing,
Just keep plugin along, and congratulations,
Hamslice
In the meantime, I got a reopen and a increase to plot now.
 
 

Congrats to you, NavyCorpsman950. Watch you payment account on line and see what you get. You'll probably see that before your decision letter. For sure, actually, if you have another claim in. Did they measure your flex during that exam? Reason I ask is they have to to properly eval your disability; if they didn't and he just posted some numbers without a through exam, you have an appeal in the waiting. At 90%, it is very hard to get over the hump to 100, or 95%=100%. A low-ball on your knees will hurt your math, unless you have a bunch more disabilities in your back pocket.

Hi all,
I recently had a C&P Exam for my left shoulder. The moment I entered the exam room, the doctor welcomed me to hang my coat and scarf on the coat hooks on the back of the door if I wanted. I politely declined and placed them on the chair next to me. I could hear the voices of fellow vets here on Had It echoing in my ears: "From the moment you drive up into the parking lot and get out of the car, they may be watching you." So, I figured if I was there for a shoulder exam, it would not be wise to casually reach up above my head to hang my belongings on a hook.
Also, I remember how fellow vets stated to stop the ROM the instant you feel pain. Several times throughout the exam, the doctor attempted to manipulate my arms to test my shoulder ROM, and several times, I politely instructed him to stop at the onset of pain. When he asked if I could do certain parts of the testing, I told him, "Probably not, but we can try." For each test, I stopped him at the moment of discomfort by saying, "Doc, if you push my arms any father, you will trigger an extreme pain flare-up and cause my shoulders to lock. That would not be good. Please stop. That really hurts." He listened attentively and watched my facial expressions, and he stopped the moment I told him to stop.
Interestingly, I was there for a left shoulder exam, and the doctor asked why wasn't I there for a right shoulder exam as well. I told him, "I don't know." When he asked if my right shoulder hurts and flares, I told him yes. So he tested the right shoulder too and made notes about it- which I think went in my favor.
I also remembered to answer only what was asked. I did not volunteer any extra info. I did not talk a lot. I let the doctor do much of the talking, and I answered point blank. I elaborated only when asked. And when I did not know a specific answer, I referred him to my VA treatment record and my military service record- which he made note of each time. I also came prepared with personal notes that I had taken regarding medications, flare-ups and daily limitations. I referenced my notes occasionally.
Something else that seemed favorable is that he told me everything he was looking at on his screen and exactly what the VA was looking for in the exam. All in all, I think the exam went well for me- thanks to tips from Had It!
And thanks, Ham Slice! I saw your tips on this thread too!
 

ROM ROM ROM and stop at pain, stiffness or anything out of the ordinary. And tell them, it hurts I cant go no farther, and when I had mine done, she didnt help me, but I actually used my other arm to help stabilize my arm and she noted that. I did not do that on purpose, but it was a reflex action, and she caught that. Note that my arm is that bad, you just compromise out of habit to function. Like when taking of my sweatshirt, etc..

Anyway,

Good luck,

Hamslice

If it gets service connected, then anything seen on x-rays like arthritis, impingement, etc, will get you 10%.

Anything over 10% is Range of Motion. Also, if he is right handed (dominant), then on some of the schedule, he will get 10% less.

I am service connected for injury to right shoulder 20% because of ROM second time around when I asked for an increase. Originally 10% for impingement, etc.

I am service connected for left shoulder 10% ROM becasue of impingement. Same ROM as right, but less because not dominant arm.

I am also service connected for both shoulder 10% for arthritis, but that dont count becasue of stacking.

The ROM limits and picture in in the VA regs.

Also, and this is the biggest thing you need to do. Stop moving you are at PAIN, not when you cant move it any farther. And dont let them move your arm for you, one they could injure you, and second it supposed to be your movement they are measuring.

Hamslice

Hollie Greene, it's sheer desperation on the VA's part I believe! you are not being cynical. I agree with Retiredat44, and I wish I had trusted my gut.
I spoke with my VSO a few months after opting into RAMP earlier this year, but I wish I had spoken with him before opting into it! He told me that the VA is overhauling it's system for 2019 so they are desperately trying to clear their backlog- by any means necessary. That's why they are sending out RAMP invitations right and left. When we (veterans) opt into RAMP, they make it sound good for us, when in actuality, it is good for them. Deny, deny, deny until the backlog is cleared- quick and easy!
My VSO said he's been seeing an overwhelming majority of RAMP claims come across his desk as denied/ "NOT SERVICE CONNECTED". I wish I had known this before opting into RAMP back in April. After filing a traditional appeal and waiting for almost 3 years, I got anxious. So when the RAMP invitation came, quite naturally, it looked like an answered prayer. Unfortunately, like so many other vets, I took the bait...Long story short, just this week, I discovered that my two contentions were denied through RAMP, when there was clearly enough evidence to connect them to my military service.
Now I have to lace up my boxing gloves again and step back into the ring. If any other RAMP invites roll my way for other contentions that I have out there, you'd better believe that I'm tossing the invites into the garbage can. I have been let down so many times by the VA, I should have known this was too good to be true!
My advice to other vets: Stay away from RAMP because VA certainly has something up its sleeve as usual.

I think you mean the Chronic Presumptives- the link is in this thread: 
https://community.hadit.com/topic/45692-the-chronic-presumptives-in/
Storm is affecting my satellitye dish and I could not get the regulation  link to open.
This link might be better:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/presumption.pdf
The Chronic Presumptions are under the second criteria but they have info there on all types of presumptives.
 
 
 

My suggestion on what to do would be to pay all debt off, get 100% debt free.
Put 10-15 grand in an emergency only fund and don't touch it unless it is a real no other option emergency.
Learn to live debt free. Pay cash for needs. Be very careful not to classify WANTS as needs.
Always refrain from impulse buying for wants. Think about it for 30 days and see if it is still a want. Most of the time you will forget about it.
Take a little bit, go enjoy a nice vacation and get that out of your system.

When the pressure of credit payments are over your head, it can be a heavy weight. Paying cash for needs can save a whole lot of money and you can end up having much more using your money to pay for things instead of paying interest on things.
Just my opinion. I have been buried in debt before and am now debt free and man does it feel a lot better.

My claim was filed as a fully developed claim in July 2018, 2 weeks ago I was approved at 70% for PTSD my rating before that was 50%.  MY total now is 80%, go figure. I am very grateful for such a fast decision, . It took me 7 years to get to 50%. I am grateful for all hadit posts, they helped immensely! Thank you all for info.

Is it possible that this excerpt from the VA web site applies to you?
“Note: Under certain circumstances, VA may conclude that certain current disabilities were caused by service, even if there is no specific evidence proving this in your particular claim. The cause of a disability is presumed for the following Veterans who have certain diseases.
Presumed Disability
Former prisoners of war
Veterans who have certain chronic or tropical diseases that become evident within a specific period of time after discharge from service
Veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation, mustard gas, or Lewisite while in service
Veterans who were exposed to certain herbicides, such as by serving in Vietnam
Veterans who served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War”
 
 
https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/types-disability.asp
 
 
 
 

Thanks for your response, broncovet. You are absolutely right. I will to wait for the final decision. But your response gave me a much-needed laugh, thanks.