GBArmy

Ms T, Bronc makes a lot of sense (usually does.) If we put in for an increase, the VA has to see if conditions have changed. If we request an increase, we are saying that things have changed FOR THE WORSE. Sounds to me like things aren't getting better for you physically. You are going to be fine. Chin up!

I'm not saying this based on any facts, but is suspect a large percentage of VA errors are based on some ty in with a quota system. Like having to meet so many processed over a week or month, or, having to reject more because there is too high of a "winning" number. I'm just saying.

Buck, so you get your shot on Halloween...now, if I did that they would be asking me to take the mask off first. But I dont have a mask on...:)

What really bothers me is the VA can't work out even the simplest of details. If they said there was a charge for the HD shot for seniors, the veterans have the whole story and can decide for themselves what they want to do and where to go. I mean, their drug store could be a lot closer than driving to their VA. But if they are charged $65, then maybe they rather drive. Another example of one hand not knowing what the other is doing. Just put out accurate information VA: it would help you in the Public Relations area!

I remember when Walgreens' started doing it. I got a shot but it didn't get into my med file. The nurse asked me why I didn't get a flue shot and I told her I did at Walgreens', she said it hadn't been entered into my records. They might have it down right in another year or two!

Allan, One would think anything the VA does is accurate, but...NOT. Especially when it comes to dates. They make mistakes. But in any case, check your files. If you did resubmit and there was a break in the continuous chain, the clock is reset. Might be what happened.

Free is good! But no, we don't have any Publix around here.

Allan IMO, no. Based on what you said, no back pay. It would be from the date of the newly submitted claim.

I'm telling you, the VA has an evening school for an advance degree in how to screw up. You just can't make this stuff up.I was told by several VA medical people, that if you are in fairly good shape, to wait to get the flu shot until mid to late November. Point is the flu doesn't typically show up in most areas until December and the faccine wears down over time so it would be stronger for you at peak season if you wait. So 2 weeks ago I call my VA clinic and they have no HD shots, which is for people over 65. They won't be getting anymore according to my nurse. So, I go to the VAMC; the waiting room is going to collapse, so I figure I will try Wallgreens' which also is an outlet for the VA. They have been doing the flu shots for the VA the last couple of years.I call; they have the HD shot. I go there and she says, we have the shot but the VA won't pay for the HD shot. It will cost you $65 if you don't have a Medicare card. Gotta be a mistake; nothing like that at the VA web site. Yup. I can get the regular shot free, but the HD is $65 bananas. Nope. I go today to the VAMC; no more HD vaccines available." Why don't I try Walgreens"? I explain; she calls the local Walgreens'. $65 bananas. So I get the regular shot not the HD shot. Nurse says it's better than nothing. I call the VA Whitehouse and tell them. They are going to look into it. I said get it moving; older veterans are going to lose out again!

Anharris You can get a copy of your c-file (claims file) from several places. Every state has a RO or regional office. Find the address and if it is fairly close, you can go there and request to look at it. If that doesn't work, then you can fill out a request and submit for a copy to be mailed to you. The reason I said go there is if they can pull it up for you you can see what is in it. If it is REALLY stuff that will help you, you could then ask if you could make or get a copy for you personnel info. They may or may not go for that as well. If you could look at it, then obviously, it would be kinda hard to say they didn't have it (or at least some of it.) Anyway, after several months, probably 6 or more, you get a cd with all that info from your service records, including medical records. There could be some really good nuggets in there because of your notched operations, etc. Also, you can submit an SF 180 form, avail on line and send to NPRC in St. Louis., Mo. or, you can request from Dept. of VA, Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, Wi 53547-4444 Some might advise to do all three options. If close, I'd try the RO in person first. In any case, order it; it will be important to you.

Anharris, As Shrek says, it is ALWAYS worth the fight. Time goes by whether you file a claim or not, so why not file. I would submit an intent to file on ebenefits today. Simple to do. It locks down your effective date to the day you file (usually), and order your c-file today as well. You want to see what is in your file already for the 1o% rating for your back or nerve. It is quite possible, repeat possible, that you may have other disabilities related to your current service-connected, s-c, disability. You have a year to complete your ITF which will give you time to get your c-file and determine what else you need to pursue. You can do this! We are here to help if you need it.

Buck the big problem with that is civilian medical people won't have the time or inclination to "learn" about the problems we have, especially associated or "secondary" issues. For example, say Vietnam veteran; he has diabetes. Is the doc going to be on the lookout for other presumptives not only associated with that disease, like neuropathy, but other A.O. issues not related like heart issues or cancers? It's the same problem with Gilf War syndrome and Burn Pit diseases. It is too high a hill for many docs to climb. Too much work to put in for too few of a customer base. Too much of a learning curve. IMO the VA Medical side is way ahead of the civilian side in this area. Especially in the diagnosis and initial care. Maybe follow-up treatment is often lacking, but they are more likely to discover other issues up front. Of course I am only talking about the Health side, not benefits. That is a different cat all together. If they eliminate VA health care, they will be throwing out the baby with the bath water. Again, IMO.

Be polite, be courteous, show respect for the examiner and process but don't get diarrhea of the mouth. Stick to your job which is to let the examiner know how serious your symptoms are. Period. That's it. And never argue with the jerk. He/she doesn't make the rating decision. You want them to check off the boxes so the Rater will see it in writing. That's how it works.

No question; it will be somehow partially or completely absorbed into Medicare. When the Vietnam -era veterans die off, say in 15-20 years, the fewer numbers of veterans will make it easier for the politicians to "save" money. The voting block of veterans will be under 1%, so they will eliminate veteran benefits. It's the easiest prediction a person can make. No brainer. They then have "more" money to buy votes with giveaways. They will then reinstate the draft, because fewer people will volunteer because they see how veterans are treated.

Buck is right on. Don't let them brush you off with "we don't have them anymore." Keep on digging. They have a legal responsibility, let alone moral, to keep those records. Many states statutes say 10 years; I believe longer in many instances. I just got some that was over 12 years after surgery,AFTER they said they didn't have them at a civilian hospital. You have to sign off on a release, but most of the time it doesn't cost anything, or it is a small charge. Don't give up if it is needed for your claim.

SPO, That has come up many times in the past and unfortunately, there isn't an answer you want to hear. You can't make them give you a response timeline, or, make them give you a copy. They would say they are "exhausting" all possible place for your "complete" file. I don't think 6 months is unusual. Sorry.

Buck I think that being able to help veterans the way you do not only is great because you're actually sharing what you know and helping people. But, just as important, doing the great job that you do really helps you a lot. It is your way to "reach out" to others and yet you are home and feel safe. It is a win win situation and I hope you continue to do this ver a very long time. Keep it up brother!

Shrek is right; need more info. If it applies, a good explanation on ELS is here :https://www.thebalancecareers.com/entry-level-separations-what-is-an-els-3356960

Buck I too just saw your comment regarding 3 0% ratings can get you an ADDITIONAL 10% rating. I knew about 2 0% getting a 10% if it effects employability, but 3! That is pretty significant. Do you remember where that is specified? That could come in handy for some veterans.

I agree with Bronc 100%. There are plenty of resources, doctors, that could possibly connect your in-service event. Even if they didn't diagnose the head trauma after your accident, it WAS an inservice event. (I assume no booze envolved.) It's going to cost $ for the IMO, so do your math to see if your symptoms makes it a good investment/payback. For example, if you should expect a 10% rating based on your symptoms, but a 10% won't get you to the next highest combined rating level, it might not be worth it. Of course if you had another potential low rated potential disability, it might make financial sense for you. If you are at 89 rounded up to 90% now, a 10% by itself won't do much for getting you to 100% scheduler.

Phild523 It means you are on the hamster wheel. Some call it the VA. Aug 2018 isn't too bad. It sounds you have a complicated group of disabilities and, rightfully so, the VA is trying (I think) to develop them. There are crossover symptoms, for example, on symptoms for PTSD and TBI and you want to be rated the highest possible way. I would say it was promising that the VA sent you to 3 additional C&P's. ebenefits status doesn't really reflect what is currently going on. It could be at a rater. It also could be kicked back for further development again. Calling Peggy isn't going to get you any better insight either in my opinion. You just have to wait a while. Hang in there.

If it is just what you answered, then I would bet that that is exactly what they are trying to do; that is, to re-eval to make sure your conditions haven't gotten worse since your last C&P. How long ago was it, and what was your disability? Remember, your letter says that you have won your claim. IMO you will be fine.

AllTheWay, I think you are getting a little ahead of yourself. We say it over and over here on Hadit. Ebenies is just too unreliable, or incomplete, or inaccurate, etc. You need to see your decision letter. I understand what you are trying to do and I applaud it. Get ahead of the curve; what's next you can s-c. Great. Yes, headaches can be secondary to migraines. Just research it just like that. But, you know, you aren't a doc, so your medical opinion isn't going to carry much weight. So if you don't have nexus from a VA doc, your going to have to get a IMO and a dbq from an outside specialist. Maybe you could start sourcing that while your letter is stuck in snail mail.(Just to keep you ahead of the curve:)

If you could remove/redact your name, ssn, etc and post your decision letter, it would make things clearer. What is your total combined rating, 70%?

Wilson, If your appeal was "approved", without seeing the letter, we would only be guessing. Was some of your claim approved and some incomplete and send back on remand? Did you only have one item on claim for a disability, or multiple. Did they add a new disability that you never put in for?Try calling the contact number on the letter and see what they tell you. You might be going back to have a C&P to see if your conditions have gotten worse, it it has been in appeal for a while. Whatever, make sure you go and don't miss it. Bad things happen when you miss C&P's. Good luck.