I think I decided to file an NOD for my TDIU\PTSD effective dates but wanted to get some opinions before I open the can of worms.
I filed for PTSD 4/18 and my claim was placed in deferment without a C&P in 7/18. When I called to inquire why I wasn't given an exam, they miraculously sent me an appointment for 12/18 The doctor denied my claim stating my MST trauma was due to a childhood incident, but my claim was never closed. I wasn't sure how to approach not getting a denial, so after going to therapy for several more months, filed a supplemental claim for PTSD, which sent me to another C&P in 8/2019...this time a separate VA doctor didn't even listen to me and falsified 90% of the report, calling my test scores too high to taken reliably and made it a point to say I was exaggerating my symptoms. As soon as I got the documents on MHV, I wrote a letter to impeach his exam. Fast forward to 12/2019 I finally got an exam with a VES psychologist who went line by line with me, through each of my previous C&P exams and basically set the record straight on everything. She was fantastic and took all the time needed to rebut the previous doctors.
The award later I received stated that I was granted 30% PTSD as of 9/19 due to my symptoms not warranting a higher rating and a 70% rating as of 12/19 (the date of my C&P, not my claim) stating that it was on this date that factual evidence was presented.
Separately, I filed for IU 1/19 when became unable to work due to my PTSD. I was awarded IU as of 12/19 based solely on my 70% rating of PTSD.
I want to appeal the IU decision since I filed January of last year but since it's tied to my PTSD I need to appeal that date as well. Considering my last exam was to rebut the previous 2 exams is it likely to get the PTSD effective date moved back and therefore allowing the IU date to move back?
My husband isn't convinced we should appeal at all. He's afraid that an appeal for the effective might reverse my 100% P&T by having someone else review the case. If an appeal is made solely for effective date is there a chance of my rating going down or does VBA only focus on the actual appeal?
I know i've asked a variation of this before but the thread was taken off topic and died.
Thanks for everyone's patience and opinions.