GBArmy

You will get a decision letter in about a week. Sit tight and see what the decision is. Forget about "completion dates." You can see it isn't very dependable.

OK; good to know that they do (or sometimes do) post that there. And of course, you are right about any ETS's posted, totally useless. I'd love to see the VA having to disclose their accuracy metrics. I certainly hope too many of the VA employees don't get wind burn for moving too fast!

I saw it. Just wondering if the % of denials went up significantly to reduce the backlog? I guess even that could be plus;it's a quicker time to start your appeal!!!

Paul Did you receive a copy of the exam dbq? Does it provide any values on range of motion for your left shoulder? If not, but you have a comment from the NP that it was "bad', you need values on the range of motion. If both shoulders are s-c, if you get a seperate eval and dbq from an outside source, it is possible that they might act on an increase without a new C&P. I said "possible"; but even if they did, you would already have strong evidence for an increase. Probably worth the investment in getting a separate independent exam IMO.

Buck keep your chin up. The economy is strong; if you have a good realtor, they will get others to look at it quick enough. Good luck on that.

OK; good to know that they do (or sometimes do) post that there. And of course, you are right about any ETS's posted, totally useless. I'd love to see the VA having to disclose their accuracy metrics.

dloehr22 Ruby said it best; use a va calculator. There are many available on the internet. You are rated at 90%, but that last 10% is tough to get. For each new or increase in a disability of 10%, you basically only get 1% added to your combined rating. For example, if you got a new disability and it is rated at 10%, your total combined rating would probably move to 91%. And, it is just speculation anyway. As Bronc said, you need to wait to get your decision letter. You'll drive yourself crazy trying to guess what the VA did. You'll receive it in a week or so. Find a hobby for a few days.

Capitan I don't know what residuals you are talking about. You can upload or have your VSO submit evidence on your claim, but it is up to te VA to decide if more C&P's will be required. Always. Did the BVA have any remands with the decision? If so, depending on what they want to find out, there can certainly be more.

Sounds like a pretty good ending. Hope they do what she told you they would do. If so, it will benefit everyone.

SPO I truly think it would be a waste of time, unfortunately. I think as several have advised, submit another to Janesville or to NPRC, whichever you didn't send it to originally. El Train So where was that posted specifically?

The only thing I could come up with in http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/thedigestivesystem.html#esoph under esopagus is under codes 7203 (and 7204, 7205). Could be rated at 50%.

SPO I truly think it would be a waste of time, unfortunately. I think as several have advised, submit another to Janesville or to NPRC, whichever you didn't send it to originally.

Fat I'd go for it. Your C&P examiner isn't likely to be a specialist either, so it would be equal in terms of professional background I would expect. The nexus must state that the CPAP not only is prescribed, but it is necessary for your well being, however. If you can get a supporting document from all 3 docs, that is even better. This is a 50% disability; the VA tries VERY hard to deny 50% claims. IMO.

Buck Congtats on selling your house; sounds like you're going to pick up a nice piece of change. Make sure your taxes are done right next year! If you just look at your situation, it is a great example of screwed up VA Benefits is. A smart, very experienced disabled veteran like you (notice I didn't say good looking), with years of experience, and you aren't sure of your own benefits. I ask, why does it have to be this confusing? All I can think of is it is this way only for the best interests of the VA. Certainly not the veteran. Anyway, happy house hunting! Get something all on one level; stairs are evil. IMO.

Buck I don't know either but the veteran has to be really sure he is 100% scheduler. If you were to declare you wanted out of TDIU so you could work, I think you are waving a red flag for the VA to try and bust you back on some of your disability ratings and get you under 100%. I'm just sayin...(not that the VA would ever do anything unethical as that.)

Dustoff I tend to agree with you. The only time I would think it would be a good move to go for a HLR is if it is drop dead obvious that the evidence is in the DBQ/doc's diagnosis and the rater just plain missed (or ignored it). If it is again denied, you just go to BVA with no additional evidence. But you're right; the DRO is just going to rubber stamp the decision if there is any doubt whatsoever 9 times out of 10. They just figure the average Joe isn't going to try and appeal again, so they can save $.

Ruby you are actually very fortunate that the DRO listened and considered your evidence. Usually, they would deny and you would have to push it toe the BVA to get it right. Good for you.

Broncovet said So, even tho I dont like what happened, I have decided to help out others. My mother taught me that if you work to make yourself happy you will never succeed. But, if you work to make others happy, and be happy when they are happy, you cant help but be happy. Bronc, your Mom was a very wise woman.

I would have my VSO, who I believe has your POA, send a registered letter to Janesville stopping the FOIA request, stating that you didn't request it.Keep the receipt. Be extremely cautious and be sure you lawyer doesn't cut any corners in dealing with her. If it is as you said, she has some serious mental issues and you don't want to take any chances. If you can document any of these accusations she has made about you and your daughter, I would start to do so. Things probably are going to get worse, not better.

Mantana You said that they "emailed a copy of your C&P DBQ and your rating decision"? They emailed them? Weird; not a regular original hard copy of your decision? With the official seal and letterhead? Maybe you could redact your personal info and post it; might help.

RF4-Cmike Not being able to see your file, yes, I believe that this is a favorable turn of events for you. The remand is to further develop you claim; to get an examiner to tie it together to say your disabilities are s-c.IMO. Of course, be sure to make the C&P next month. Good luck.

Again, this examiner is playing "God" with you. There are some really strange people out there. If I read it correctly, He, the examiner, is saying that you "at least as likely as not" have GERD. Whether or not he is trying to to appease the rater into saying "not my fault" or not, doesn't matter. He is agreeing with the doc that you have the disability. You should get the 10% award IMO. If you don't, appeal.

I would call, just like shrek advised. Keep a log of when you called, time and date and a name if you can get it. Ask for a supervisor. Call the White House, again! Tell them they blew you off the first time. Call, or, better yet, go to your RO and ask to speak to a supervisor. If none of that works, then I'd call your Congressman. But don't cave in, keep at it. I would hold off if they respond that you should submit a supplemental claim. You want to run the string out on this one first, instead of starting a new appeal.

Vetquest is spot on. Your posted bio says you are rated now at 20%; SA with use of a CPAP machine diagnosed, is a 50% hit. If that is your symptoms, I'd recommend getting the IMO to submit. It could pull you up to a combined 60% rating. That would be IMO a pretty good investment.

Nancygail One thing to keep in mind that sometimes TDIU gets converted eventually to P&T status. I don't recall how old your husband is, but if he continues with treatments and sessions he will also have periodic re-evals. Once he has reached late 50's and assuming it he has been rated several years, when he goes for a re-eval, he can ask the examiner that if he agrees he hasn't gotten better, could he be put in for P&T. So, if he kept his feet wet, so to speak, if he did get the P&T, he could maybe do more (paying) gigs. Just something to consider long range. The very best to you both.