[VA in the DMV area]

54 minutes ago, GBArmy said:

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.

Wow! Thank you. I looked up the nearest and I work 15 minutes away from it. I will go 1st thing tomorrow. I greatly appreciate that info.

[VA in the DMV area]

2 hours ago, GBArmy said:

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. 

Sorry I meant to ask what the “C” I’m cfile meant. I’ve been on ebenefits for a while and haven’t  been able to find where I would request such a document. Thanks again for all the information 

[VA in the DMV area]

1 hour ago, broncovet said:

Most of us have been through something similar.  I have been fighting VA since 2002.  In 2009, I was awarded 100 percent p and T.  (I started with a denial, then 0 percent, then 40 percent and finally 100 percent)  Im still in appeals appealing the effective date, as I lost my home waiting on VA benefits in 2005.  I could not go 3 years without income and keep my home.  Now, Im in a fight to get (my home) back, because I could buy it back with the retro if I win my EED.  

Was it worth it?  You bet.  The more difficult the fight, the sweeter the victory.  

I do appreciate your testimony it does give me hope. I’m more determined to see this through knowing I am not the only one.

[VA in the DMV area]

27 minutes ago, GBArmy said:

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. 

This is great information thank you both.  I did not know I could start the process online. Which I am logged in to do so now. I have issues with a few discs which is what I discovered with my out of pocket xrays and last I went to the VA was diagnosed with back arthritis. I am not sure how I would determine what my percentage would/should be.  I was also told because I had a surgery (which turned into 2 because the surgery was done improperly the 1st time) that should have also been a rating. What if there is information missing from my files?

[VA in the DMV area]

Hello,

Quick background; I injured my back severely in Kuwait in 2013(I was 22) no proper medical exam or treatment at the peek of the injury just pumped full of pain meds. Once back in the states it still took months before Someone decided I actually needed an xray just to be told I was fine. There were times where I’d experience temporary paralysis below the waist, daily pain levels above 5, numbness, pinching and burning sensations in lower back and to be told nothing was wrong made me want to give up and suffer in silence because no1 seem to take me serious. However the pain was so intense I found myself in the ER sometimes twice a week with strange knots in my back that were shrugged off as muscle spasms and just given more pain meds. I was given a 10% rating after separating in 2014. I didn’t know what that meant or why. Almost 7yrs later the pain is worse back and forth with the VA with treatment that either aggravates or just doesn’t work and I recently discovered that I was diagnosed with sciatic nerve pain BUT it stated it didn’t come from work. I couldn’t believe it. I now live in MD near DC and although terribly discouraged feel I need to fight what seems to be a system that hasn’t cared for me properly since day 1 and appeal. The question is. IS IT WORTH IT? I paid out of pocket for X-rays and made some discoveries about my back that make much more since than what the VA tells me. Has anyone experienced anything similar?