GBArmy

Max, we are pleased the VA responded so quickly.  A few things to consider such as is he rated P&T? Did he have to have any surgeries; if so, he may be reduced after 6 months based on what his residual conditions are. If he did have surgeries, any residual symptoms can also be evaluated for additional disabilities. If it is in remission and they call for a reeval, he probably will be considered for a reduction. Investigate Special Monthly Conditions, SMC's , especially for loss of use of mobility ex. foot drop and ED. He may be able to pick up some additional compensation. Good job in advocating for your brother.

That is terrific news Max.

I have sleep problems and falling asleep is one sometimes . My provider said one thing to try to do is shift your thoughts to something easier to handle. Try thinking of 5 things to see, 4 things to hear, 3 things to feel, 2 things to smell, and 1 thing I can taste. You repeat if you get thru it without going back to sleep. If you continue the practice, it is an easy substitute for you mind to relax to and it may work. There are similar mind games you can find and try. Just pick one and stick with it for a while. Gotta try something, right?

You'll be fine. You have been working this for many months if not years. Read over your claim and practice on the points you want to point out.

Good luck to you.

It is important to note that even though some of the info posted on Wikipedia is correct and informative, unless it refers to a resource that is reputable, like a medical study, journal article published by a board certified doc, etc., the VA will not consider it to be probative. It is usually some one's opinion that isn't substantiated. A C&P examiner will ignore or completely discount it.

Hi Taztammy, welcome to Hadit.

I doubt if you will get a response from Eric as he has not been active for many years.  I suggest you start a new posing, as this one is old and will be confusing. Ask specific questions and I also suggest search this forum for Agent Orange.

The VA won't call you for a "regularly-scheduled" exam. In the past, you may have had to go in for a re-exam to determine if your conditions/symptoms had changed. When yo are rated P&T, there are no more "Regularly-scheduled" exams to go to. That doesn't mean you can't be called if you request a new disability, such as or A&A or SMC's for example. They would then want to review the whole package. P an T doesn't mean permanent, like it won't ever change. It is possible your conditions have improved; you see medical for treatment and admit something is "better." They would then possible call you for a re-look.

Michael09070 This is great news! Long time coming but you got it. Now be sure to keep up with your follow-up medical appointments, and don't forget to check out those extra perks, like DEA ed benefits, free life insurance, etc. And also don't forget to check on what your new state benefits are too. NICE!

In that case, probably just make a statement that because of his ongoing health issues from the contaminated water at Camp LeJeune etc, his health is not good. They don't have to react to it, but they are human and it may make a difference in moving it along.

I would suggest that the expedite due to the advance stages of cancer and age.

I would suggest that Aviationtech ask them to expedite the claim because of critical condition also.

Ddsr Many thanks for your decision to donate to Hadit. We are all grateful for the wisdom and help we receive here and what goes round, comes around!

Taylor I'm not going to address SMC's; way beyond my paygrade. But I will remind you that it is way too complicated a claim to put much faith in what is or isn't in ebenefits. You've waited a long time and, unfortunately, you'll need to wait longer. Wait for your decision lette/BBE.

carfixer208 You are welcome here. Keep reading, educate yourself , go to referenced materials that members post, and you will know when it's a good time to add your comments to the dialog. Remember, no religion, no politics and be respectful of others. Maybe start out by only addressing those disability issues that you have some personal experience with. Start by updating your profile a little; disabilities, interests, where you live, that kind of thing. Being  a little thick skinned helps; sometimes someone will disagree with you and maybe doesn't do it nicely. Sometimes, we all have a bad day. (Spelling or grammar isn't graded. Thankfully.)But I guarrantee  you'll be appreciated.Again, we are glad to have you.

Allan I'll agree with you up to a point. But there are a lot of veterans out there that have disabilities that should be s-c but they are just not capable of managing the process. Their memory is gone, or just too feeble to get to someone to help them. They don't have an advocate to help; maybe is financial, or transportation. I've helped a few in nursing homes; found out how to contact a family member so they know help is possible. But unfortunately, many just are too lazy to do anything to help themselves. I tell these veterans how to do and what to do and who to see, etc. Then I tell them if you don't do what I have advised within 48 hours, you won't do it at all. Sad part is, most don't follow thru. As we say all the time, you the veteran are your best advocate. If you don't care, why the hell should anybody else?

X020574 I would wait to see your BBE; should be quick. You need to see what it says. If they took away TDIU, you need to see why, and you need to appeal it. Post what the decision letter says here when you get it; be sure not to have your personal ID stuff on it, like name, ssn, address, etc.It's not a done deal yet. Yes the scar is rateable, probably, as it is long enough but other considerations are how wide, is is sensitive, deep, how wide, does it effect movement, unstable, etc. See diagnostic code 7801 thru 7805 for more info. Run the rate calculator and plug in each of your individual ratings, plus, based on what your scar symptoms are, plug in your estimate on what your scar might be, say 10%. That might get you to 95%, which rounds up to 100% schedular. If it does, that is an additional option for you. Post the letter.