pearl

Yes Scotty, that is correct. There is a higher amount paid to you when the child enters post-secondary school(college). If you are receive chapter 35 bennies then you can elect to let your child receive that money, but you will lose the dependent pay for him or her. Pearl

:( Congrats on your win Oaty! Pearl

I agree if you feel you have a valid disability file for it be it one or ten or more this preserves your effective date. Like Bob stated you will more than likely have to appeal successively anyway, so if you file them all separately all your effective dates will be different. It can and has taken many of us years to get our claims granted to our satisfaction.I would send in a statement saying that you do not understand their reasoning for the denial of your claim and that you want to invoke the the duty to assist rule. Maybe then they will make it clearer for you. Pearl

TBird, I feel that the home page should let other Veterans know that this is a site where you can get competent info that will help them with their claims, that they can feel comfortable with stating their opinions about the VA whether negative or positive, and that their is a sense of knowing what they may be going through in their claims process( the ups and downs, highs and lows). This is what drew me to this site. Some of the old-timers(not chronilogical age,but first ones on the board)used to call it fambly :( Pearl

Scotty congrats on the P&T! Pearl

Hi I had one of these home visits a few months ago. It was done by a company that was contracted by the VA. The counselor was very pleasant, she stated that she usually saw Vets that were catastrophically injured(missing arms or legs). She asked about my daily living needs and about things that were difficult for me to do. She also asked if I wanted to start a hobby. It seemed to be a positive meeting, but it is hard to tell for sure since many people believe that if they can't readily see your disabilty then you don't have one. I hope things go well for you. Pearl

Congratulations Gary! Pearl

Good on you Terry, enjoy the victory! Pearl

Thanks Wallyq I do have one bilat condition. Thanks Moe, it works great. Pearl B)

Hi Berta, Thanks, but I was looking for the calculator that gives you the percentages for your disabilties, the one that tells you what your overall rating would be. I used to use the one at the old NFLine Vets site, but I don't know the url for them anymore. Pearl

Mike, it is always good to see the end of a long journey end on a positive note. Congratulations! Pearl

Onriver, it's true that emgs often do not show evidence of neuropathy, nerve impingement, or radiculopathy. I am currently in appeal for the same conditions. I was denied because a "doctor" who "supposedly" examined my claim file said I had none of these. She said this even though I have evidence(physician treatment records in my claim file) that state this is my diagnosis.It always amazes me how flimsy a case the VA makes to deny our claims and still expect us to accept these denials with no rebuttal. Pearl

Does anyone have the VA ratings calculator? Thanks, Pearl

Congratulations to Mike, He always had invaluable advice for Vets. I'm sure he will do well in his new position. Pearl

Good on you Carlie!!! Pearl

David that is super news! Now relax and take a deep breath. Enjoy you win. Pearl

Berta, how did you get so fortunate to be her first claimant? It is amazing how some of the raters just don't know what they're doing. How did she take you sending her the job description? I love your tenaciousness. Pearl B)

You are right, tenacity is the only way to deal with the VA! Never stop the fight! Cogratulations on your win. The VA pleading no-contest still means they are wrong. Pearl

Berta hopefully what they told you was true. The VA has gotten a lot of flak recently for giving claimants misleading, and inaccurate info over the phone. They have also been told to be more compassionate and nicer ( we'll see if that works). Seems like you are getting close to a decision. At least I hope so. Pearl

Vicki, do you have any idea when you will get the results from that BVA action? Why do you feel that he is already rated at 100%? The reason I ask this is because other than going for a permanent and total rating or trying to receive extra benefits for having a rating that exceeds 160% there is no need to apply for IU. With a schedular 100% rating your husband can still work and receive his VA benefits. Except for adding dependents the monetary pay is the same for 100% IU or schedular. If he does not get the schedular 100% the difference between 90% and a 100% rating is sigificant and IU may be a feasable alternative. If you have medical documentation that your husband's back is worse than the VA claims ask for an increase of benefits and request an MRI if the evidence is not enough to award you the increase. I am not sure if quitting his job would be beneficial in getting his claim awarded. That might infer that he only quit to get the IU awarded. You said if he makes another mistake that they would probably fire him. This might possibly add credence to the idea that he is unable to work because of his physical and mental disabilities. I am sure others will have more advice that may help in your decision. Pearl

I say Amen to Berta's post. Use their own ammo against them. It does seem like a cruel game that is sometimes played, unfortunately some of us are hurt worse than before during this cat and mouse play. If they all used the same terminology they know that we could figure out what is really going on with our claims. I am in same boat waiting on a decision. The worst part is over for me though as they have already awarded me 100%. It's just a matter of getting the appropriate retro for me. I hope it turns out well for you. Pearl

Ricky, the VA unfortunately often sends out statements like that ( double talk). I wonder if is done to confuse and throw us off track. I would photocopy that page of your decision highlight the inconsistent statements, and ask for clarification of the fact. You are in a catch 22 situation with the form 9. If you file it this enables your claim to be put on the docket for the VBA. If you ask for a hearing with the VA RO they will take no action at the VBA on your claim until everything going on at the RO level is completed. I personally would still file the form9 as it will probably take at least a year before your claim goes before the board. In the mean time maybe the R O will do right by you. If not the time that has accrued is still not wasted since your case will come up by the date the form 9 was filed. Pearl

Jim, I am sorry for the loss of yours and your mother. I agree with Pete it sounds like you could add her as a dependent, but you should speak to a VA counselor to know for sure. Take care Pearl

Carlie, It sounds like they are making a diagnosis which they are not capable of doing. As some of the others have posted it is not unsual for the VA to ignore evidence that substantiates a claim and add stuff that would help them to deny one. Pearl

Berta, I'm glad that your claim is moving, and I hope that they are not flying around your evidence( but you know the VA). What will be the outcome of your claim be if all your issues are approved? Will they owe you lots of back retro? When your daughter separated did she file for any comp and are her claims going okay? It should be easier since they now get VA briefings before they're discharged. Take care. Pearl