[Another new one for me, a contracted C&P]

On 5/11/2021 at 1:56 PM, Hamslice said:

Update,

Had to call QTC to register to get my password.  I can now log onto the examinee portal and see that I have an (not in person) for a "Medical Opinion"

on the 31st of May at 10:30.

Would be nice to know what he is opining on,

LOL,

Hamslice

 

Yep just had one of those 'not in person opinions' earlier this month and another one later in the month. 

But I didn't know ow about the QTC password portal? Thats good to know and have.

[Retroactive Pay on Open Claim]

1 minute ago, brokensoldier244th said:

Because we are legally required to tell you that we are doing it. As for why, it depends on what issues you have out. Your most recent decision letter should tell you about deferred issues- either for increase, SC, or if they need clarified, etc. 

 

brokensoldier244th

Thank you,

I will keep an eye out for the letters of explanation (they may already be in my ebenefits.va.gov account) I'll have to check.

I also needed to be sure there was no action needed on my end for these two requirements. 

Appreciate the clarification. 

[Retroactive Pay on Open Claim]

*UPDATE*

Hey Good Morning Hadit,

I just received two separate QTC exam request. They both state 'An in person evaluation will not be performed by this QTC provider '  (They'll review your medical evidence to complete the VA's disability questionnaire.)

1. From Psychology

1. From Internal Medicine 

Why are these necessary? And why did they send them to me if I don't need to do anything?

Thanks!

[Retroactive Pay on Open Claim]

4 hours ago, Buck52 said:

If you put the reasons they denied your claims on here we can better help you and advise on your Appeals  because you need to appeal these claims within 1 year from the denial date.

just post a redacted copy of the denial  cover/black out all personal information  name & claim # address ect,,ect,,

If we know why you were denied from what they mention we can better help you.

I sure will, thanks Buck52! 

[Retroactive Pay on Open Claim]

22 minutes ago, Hamslice said:

To the OP and the original question,

I have had received payments while one or two of my conditions were referred for further work.  Actually, I received a little retro, then regular payments, and then after the deferred issues came back, a bump.

This was when they first started the process of farming out claims to the next rater in line, unlike before when your claims stayed with the same rater all the way through the process, so that might have had something to do with it.  I had one condition that I claimed go to three different raters in three different States with each question opined and answered only to go to a different rater, who hadn't asked the question in the first place.  

Fun with the VA,

Hamslice

 

Different VA raters?

Wow lol thats really a thing?? I'm learning something new every day. 

[Retroactive Pay on Open Claim]

5 minutes ago, Buck52 said:

You may just have to wait on them getting around to schedule you a C&P or more than one C&P for these other claims you submitted.

if you filed all your claims at once  they adjudicate as they get the claims   normally on a first come bases or as they recieve the claims

each claim will be decided separately. 

Thanks Buck,

As of now they've denied SC on all the claims except Tinnitus/10%, Hammer toes Lf and Rt 0% for each SC, flat feet (still waiting on rating), depression (still waiting on rating) but all Scheduled C&P exams are completed. 

[Retroactive Pay on Open Claim]

17 minutes ago, Berta said:

I am familiar with flat feet ( I am a civilian) as I have sever pronation and could not possibly do some of the past jobs I had.My podiatrist told me to stop using a snow blower and a lawn mower

( he doesn't know I still weed wack) as podiatric problems can affect ones balance as well as other parts of their body.

A vet ( I posted this case long ago at the older hadit board, ) with SC  flat feet, gained TDIU because the flat feet had affected his  back, hips and knees so much that he could no longer work.

However being so long ago, these days the VA might say he could gain employment using a PC,where he would not be on his feet for 8 hours.

It is  always worth pursuing anything that can garner a compensable award.

 

Berta,

I am sure going to start preparing for a potential appeal should one be needed. The hammer toes which are connected to flat feet both hinder 100% function but are not directly noted during Active Duty apart from a short stint of light duty (no boots, foot pain) mentioned in my med records. 

Your point about balance is true and is a real thing for sure! I've had more than a few (whoa moments) and couldn't for the life of me figure out why. 

So many connecting factors that ill need to prepare for.

I hope SOMETHING will be awarded for these feet. I'm anticipating an answer shortly as the feet C&P seems to be updating now on the ebenefits-portal (last update 4/26) 

[Retroactive Pay on Open Claim]

11 minutes ago, Berta said:

In this case the veteran had multiple "0" SC disabilities but approached the claim via CUE regarding the 1993 ratings and got a very nice chuck of retro: 

"ORDER

As the January 1993 rating decision contained CUE in assigning an initial noncompensable rating for the right knee disability, the January 5, 1993 decision is revised to a grant of a 10 percent rating for the right knee disability, effective November 19, 1992.

As the January 1993 rating decision contained CUE in assigning an initial noncompensable rating for the left knee disability, the January 5, 1993 decision is revised to a grant of a 10 percent rating for the left knee disability, effective November 19, 1992.

As the January 1993 rating decision contained CUE in assigning an initial noncompensable rating for the right shoulder disability, the January 5, 1993 decision is revised to a grant of a 10 percent rating for the right shoulder disability, effective November 19, 1992.

As the January 1993 rating decision did not contain CUE in assigning a noncompensable rating for the right finger disability, the appeal for revision based on CUE is denied.

The issue of whether CUE is present in a January 1993 rating decision that denied entitlement to a 10 percent rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities, having been rendered moot by the grant of compensable disability ratings, is dismissed with prejudice."

He did not even need to pursue the claim under the  38 CFR 3.324 regulation, rendered moot by the BVA CUE  award.  Great work from the DAV.

 

https://www.va.gov/vetapp16/files5/1639683.txt

 

Berta,

Thank you for the reference! Also to the other Hadit responses sharing references and experience.  

I didn't even know there was such a thing as multiple SC 0's that could in some cases still garner a 10% rating. 

Based on whats left from this exam there is a potential to still earn 2 more SC 0% ratings,  (flat feet,) we will have to wait and see. 

[Retroactive Pay on Open Claim]

7 minutes ago, GBArmy said:

USMCScorpio Your personal info posted doesn't say what your combined disability rating is, but I think you already have some rating currently. So this isn't really for you but veterans should know that if you are rated with two or more 0% ratings, the VA will convert them into one 10% rating. You have two right now. Once you do get any rating of 10% or more, the original two go back to just 0's, but you are still s-c for them. If you have worsening conditions on your o%  to result in a increase to 10% or higher for the same s-c condition also removes the rule for two 0% =a 10% also.  Just to let others know. Point is a 0% rating is still valuable as you can upgrade your s-c condition as you get older. Two or more has the added value of converting into a comp based monthly grant, which is even better.

GBArmy,

This is still great information, and you are correct, as of now I have a 10% rating for Tinnitus while waiting on my final ratings from (flat feet, and depression)   which should be coming here soon if they've just updated one part of the same feet exams.

The C&P for depression obviously made it as well as they've denied service related PTSD as of today with no word on the depression. 

Learning a lot here lately on this process, that double 0% rule is great knowledge to have!

[Retroactive Pay on Open Claim]

*Update* 

Just received my claim updates for 1 of 2 C&P exams.

Went for:

Flat Feet / Hammer Toes = received update via ratings page (left ft hammer toes service related 'yes' 0%) (right ft hammer toes service related 'yes' 0%)

Still nothing updated on flat feet from exams on the same day - so waiting on that decision. 

Once it comes back I'll have the last exam to wait on and that will be it.  

I'll keep everyone posted. 

[Thank You Hadit]

I wanted to take a moment to thank each of you for the work and time you've all put in here on this board and community. 

I've just had my final two C&P exams and for the 1st time in over 30 years I was able to speak about my depression and experiences while on Active Duty. 

As some may know from a previous thread, I was awarded 10% for Tinnitus (unexpected!) And I am so thankful for that!

May seem small but to me, it's major because it feels like I am 'seen, heard, and have help now.

My final two exams were for Depression,  PTSD, and my feet.  

I am so thankful for the 10% rating and this board that just having the exams is fulfilling for me!

So, thank you for your work and time here, you have helped more people than you realize.

My final two exams are completed and my final percentage is in the works (if any).

I will keep you all posted, in the meantime, thank you and please keep providing support.

My goal is to give to Hadit and support any way I can.

 

[Retroactive Pay on Open Claim]

GBArmy Yes I believe you are correct, 

I am going to keep you posted on this, hopefully the information will help others.

 

[Retroactive Pay on Open Claim]

I understand and am okay with the wait. 

I did log into e-benefits and saw the decision 10% final with most items Not Service related. 

But there are 2 main items showing as Deferred? 

So I'm thinking these two items still need appointments?

[Retroactive Pay on Open Claim]

Thank you I will check today - I am still grateful for the work and rating at this point.   

I'll let you know what I find. 

[Retroactive Pay on Open Claim]

Hi Hadit community,

I am looking to see if anyone has had payments for a claim that is still open, gathering evidence, and still has physicals and appointments yet to complete?

I received a VACP deposit this morning a little over 2k,

Submitted claim 11/2019 - 

Completed the 1st physical appt for hearing loss in early Feb 2021.

Still have a lot of items open which have yet to be addressed on this claim.

Did see the Retro Claim payment info on the va government site and waiting on the explanation letter.

But I am at a loss because I thought you didn't get payments until a final decision was made on your claim?

Just wondering if they've just started paying what they've ruled so far while scheduling the other appointments? Or just shut it down with what looks to be 10% and not schedule any other appointments, while the site updates from open gathering evidence to 'closed and final decision'? 

Which would be odd because there are clearly items that need to be addressed with appointments yet scheduled.

Thanks all.

[General Compensation Question]

Peaches1962,

From what I've read here in these DBQ's things look favorable for the secondary claim opinion.  The verbiage looks to be in place and supportive of your claim. 

[How To Complete My 1st Psychiatrist Visit]

So the 1st visits are completed with the psychiatrist and it went well, he did a series of test to rate anxiety, depression and PTSD levels.

I appreciated all the advise - I am headed to the VA next to request a primary care doctor (at the advise of the psychiatrist)

Levels of the test revealed high scores for depression and anxiety both of which I didn't think I had.     

Thanks again for chiming in and giving some direction.   I'll keep you posted along the way on this claim.

[How To Complete My 1st Psychiatrist Visit]

I'll be doing my 1st Psychiatric visit this afternoon - I haven't filed a claim at all yet but have started the intent to file dtd. Nov 1, 19.

This visit is to help establish connections to various aspects (of which none from what I can remember) are listed in my medical records -

I've started my claim maybe 9 times now since the late 90's and I've always stopped because I felt like I do right now, but I'm going today and here's what my concerns are. Only this time my spouse is tired of me waking up and or not sleeping at all and ask if there was someone I'd like to talk with about it.  So here I am.

• How do I relay insomnia as a result of not wanting to miss a movement (I wake up about every 40 mins or so) and have been since I almost missed a movement because I overslept for desert storm. Missed my flight but went on the 2nd wave - had a good friend loose his legs to a mine 'i was supposed to be on that 1st wave' smh..  The movement reprimanded incident is in my SRB as a  but not medical record at all as I never claimed any sleep issues?
• How do I talk about how PTSD anxiety and depression in spells? Also not in my record books at all (I feel ridiculous asking right now let alone talking to the Dr. about it)?
• He's worked with Military Vet's before which is why I chose him - how would I ask he note things so that the VA is clear and can use what we find out during our visit?

I'll pay for these visits (as I've said I haven't begun the claim process yet outside of intent to file until my medical records arrive) there are other things in it I'll add separately once I can verify them.

Thanks for suggestions/guidance.

[Better to report medical conditions while still in military!]

Just reading Buck's original post makes my stomach all twisted! I clearly recall being told "if you have all your limbs, both eye's, and your hearts not purple then stay out of the true DAV's way! "  

And so I did - and here I am 20 years later awaiting my Medical Records in preparation to file my very 1st claim.  I discharged in '91 smh... 

I stared my intent to file on Nov 1st in e-benefits. 

[Learning new tool when filing claims online]

Buck52 Thank you for this link!  I was just looking for some step by step instructions and help in the starting process -  

[Welcome USMCScorpio]

Thanks!

Really glad to have found this site and even more excited about the volume of knowledge and help pertaining to VA Disability Claims and experiences. 

I am here to help (when I have more knowledge) and share my own claims journey as well.  I am in the beginning stages of opening a claim and don't want to make the mistake of overlooking anything and not preparing adequately.  

Thanks again for the forum and knowledge.