pacmanx1

congrats. :D

rikkor, the next time you are at the VAMC go to the release of information office and request a copy of your mental health records and progress notes. This may take some time but this is what you need. Some VAMCs don't like to release this information out to patients but if you persist they will. My point here is, have you been diagnosed with a mental disorder and what was/is it. To be granted service connection you must first have to be diagnosed in the military and have a current diagnoses and go from there. If you are being treated by the VA they should have a diagnoses and you can also contact other hospitals and emergency rooms where you were to get those records to find your diagnoses. Some may not agree but Va will only pay compensation for the mental disorder that best describes your condition. It really doesn't matter if it is called depression, PTSD, mood, or anxiety disorder they all follow the same rating depending on the severity of your symptoms. You can also claim depression due to your service connected conditions. This may take some work on your behalf VA may or may not have all these records especially the record (s) of suicidal tendencies

Why do you have to go back to school for four years? You already have a four year degree and going back to school and retake classes you've already passed is crazy. All you would need is to select a field and take specific courses you need for your second bachelor's degree. The goal of the VA Voc Rehab was changing around the time when I graduated in 2005. They are trying not to approve four year degrees but to simply find a veteran a job, that's it. They want to put you to work as soon as possible, They will pay for a four year degree but they don't want to. I agree try to have a school and field in mind when you file the claim and have the interview but I don't think you need to retake all the courses over again. I maybe wrong but this may sound better to a Voc Rehab Rep. then taking classes you really don't need. I was getting worst around my graduating time but I did graduate and after I graduated I was required to look for employment but I kept getting sick and was physically hurting. The VA rep. told me he wanted to see a log of everywhere I went to apply for a job, since my degree is in Business Administration I gave him a log of websites I applied to. He stated to me that he gave me $xxxxx to get a degree and I didn't want to work and I said to him you didn't give me anything I earned it, but eventually I was awarded 100% P & T scheduler. Voc Rehab has a twelve year window once notified of award. Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program Services What is the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program? The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program is authorized by Congress under Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 31. It is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program. The mission of VR&E is to help veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, VR&E offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible. Services that may be provided by VR&E include: comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills, interests, and needs vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning employment services such as job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives if needed, training such as On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences if needed, post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and referral independent living services APPLY NOW ON-LINE for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefit Programs. Click on "VONAPP" Button. Who is Eligible for VR&E Services? To receive an evaluation for VR&E services, a veteran must: have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% submit a completed application for VR&E services The basic period of eligibility in which VR&E services may be used is 12 years from the latter of the following: [*]date of separation from active military service, or [*]date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating.

A Little off the subject but a point of overpayment Bronco, I am not trying to argue...Opinions differ and if we can communicate without taking it personal we can reach our intended goal faster. I agree that we (veterans) are getting shafted. Congress can give a 50% raise to them but only give veterans a 3, 4, or 5% raise that is crazy. I know they are under stress and pressure and they work hard for our country but it does not compare to being a veteran that raised his/her hand, was willing to die for our country and got out of the military injured, wounded, exposed, depressed or any other disability. Unfortunately we must play the hand we are dealt. I recall getting overpaid by Voc Rehab and believe me they collected the money back, I even recall having to repay for my prescriptions and I explained that it would put me in a financial hardship at the time but they did not care and did not want to hear of my situation. I owed them and they were going to make me pay. I had to even repay my separation pay which was thousands of dollars that I don't feel was/is double dipping but according to the powers to be I had to repay it. Experience differs also just trying to give the best advice to help. I was there before and I will never forget it, had my head under water for a long time so I know how it feels to get money you need but VA says you have to repay it. It’s best to let them know before they take it back when you least expect it.

This denial is not related to yours but if you want to give up that is your choice. The facts are similar I agree but totally different. Again you can "file a claim for right ankle pain/strain secondary to your already service connected left ankle and heel". The veteran that was denied did not have this option. Please do not confuse the facts, with filing a claim as secondary you do not need to show chronicity all you need is a medical doctors opinion that the two conditions are related based on his/her medical opinion and they will give VA a medical rational which is a nexus (a statement connecting the conditions) the doctor may also examine you, it may also help if you use a cane or braces. He/she will also check to see if you walk with a limp or abnormal. I hope this helps

my situation was a little different, I used to work for VA and when my back went out and I didn't report to work for four days and didn't call. When I did report I asked my supervisor to fire me but he refused because he did not want me to get state unemployment. He also wrote a negative comment in my claim record which I don't think should be their. He commented something like (while I was at work I inquired how to increase my own disability) In other words he retaliated against me because I told him I quite and signed documentation that it was due to my disability not service connected at that time. From 2004 to 2005 all my claims were denied, I can't prove it but he may have even removed evidence from my file. In 2006 I filed new claims and since I had my original SMRs I sent in copies and stated that the evidence should have been in my claim folders and everything changed. From 2006 to 2009 I went from 60% to 80% to 90% to 100% P & T. Now the claims that were denied are being reviewed for more evidence and I know I am maxed out on monthly benefits but the correction and back pay would be really nice. I quit VA in 2000 and I have not worked since 2002. My vso stated all this when my file went to the BVA and the BVA agreed and remanded my file with three reconsideration for EEDs and three denied claims on appeal never completely processed by VA. So my point with all this is to keep on pushing never let down or give up. I was also struggling with my job duties and I had two years VA rheumatology reports stating I should quit my job because it would only aggravate my back. So keep on keeping on

Need to ask some questions 1. what medication do you take? Does it help? 2. what are your symptoms? fibromyalgia is a cluster of symptoms like IBS, migraines, muscular skeletal pain, numbness/tingling, depression/anxiety, sleep disturbance, tender points, fatigue. 3. In the last year have you been hospitalized? 4. Are you working? If not when was the last time you worked? I was just awarded fibromyalgia and I just recently had exams for my spine, hypertension and migraines which I am trying to get service connected already service connected for depression, fatigue, IBS, sleep disturbance and fibromyalgia and a few others. this will be a good start

I do not believe you can claim a strain as a chronic condition just as I said earlier you are already service connected for your left ankle and left heel which could very much cause you to have the current pain (strain) in your right ankle. Forget the right ankle service strain and the lack of continuity for now just take all this information to your podiatrist and ask him/her to write you a statement as to his/her medical opinion that your left ankle and heel conditions could cause you to have a right ankle pain or sprain. He/she would need your SMRs, the VA letter denying you Service connection and your current records that he/she has to give his/her opinion

Just edited my last post. Don't worry about that, they acknowledged that you had an in service condition, and a current condition and you are service connected for your left heel and left ankle. I am not a doctor but my thinking is if you have a condition on the left side of your body it can very much effect the right side of the body example bad knees, or feet a person may overcompensate the condition when walking or balancing. Just his opinion will do and for him to state he reviewed you medical records.

IMHO I think it would be easier if you get a statement from your podiatrist that states that your current right ankle condition is directly related to your left ankle condition and file a claim for S C right ankle due to already S C left ankle and heel. Your podiatrist may need to review you SMRs, current VA treatment and of course your records with him

I maybe wrong but they are saying that there is no proof that these to conditions are related because you have no treatment records or evidence from 1996 to 2009. Plus the C & P examiner stated You must try to give them some evidence over the missing years for them to consider service connection Did you file this claim as secondary to your already S C left ankle

Try calling 1 800 538 9552 and explain to them your situation. This is the number for the DEERS eligibility center and they will ask you to identify yourself and see if you are still eligible. Please let us know what they say for future questions

bronco, How much interest can you enjoy from $250? Like I said I was not trying to get in wholesale's pocket but the average person when they get money it seems it is already spent. I know you said "JMHO" but man I think your HO is way off compared to losing and fighting for $250 to $500 if SSD and VA or both recoup the funds to correct the overpayment. It was deemed by congress or whomever that only one $250 payment is allowed. Recouping the money could cause problems in his/her livelihood like paying rent, groceries, utilities etc. You never know what losing $500 could do. So I again say it is not worth it and to inform VA that it was a mistake

Hey Wings, Have you tried calling the VA direct deposit information line? 1 877 838 2778 They will ask you to Identify yourself but they can look it up and see if it was processed

If you lost your ID card take a copy of your DD 214, your medical retirement orders and several IDs to the nearest ARMY base and go to the DEERS (MILITARY I D CARD) section and they should be able to help you out. I just got my DAV disabled Veteran ID card and my name and information was still in the system. The clerk told me my old base address and already knew my dependents names. It has been at least 15 years since I had anything to do with DEERS but it was all their. If your ID card said indefinite why would you need to replace other than losing it?

Wholesale, I am not trying to get in your pocket, but this could bite you if you are on a tight budget. You never know when they will catch it and then request it back or take it back from your SSD or VA or both to try to correct the mistake. See where I am going with this. It could cause more problems then it is.

Hey, I called the VA direct deposit and they told me that there was nothing in the system for the stimulus. I then called VA 1 800 number and asked what was up. They took my info and told me mine was processed on the 18th with no release date. I called the VA direct deposit back and told them what the 800 number told me and I was put on hold and the lady came back and asked me who do I bank with and I told her and she told me I should have it by Friday and it is there now so all should get theirs soon. It took them long enough was beginning to think It would not happen. You know VA crap Don't you hate typos

Thanks Larry. this means I can rent a car and if I go to VA just get about a full refund

sorry, I was not trying to be confusing. Got over half back due to travel reimbursement.

yog, just be patient and tenacious. Do nothing right now but remember you have a year from your denial letter. let VA rate your other claims and if they process within a year then file your NOD. You don't know the outcome so you may have to NOD another claims just keep in mind the decision date

Call an make a reservation before you rent the car. Over the last few months I have been renting cars from enterprise. I just thought about asking them for a discount, I made a reservation for Friday past and asked for a discount and they gave me 10% off. Had to go to C & P exam and my car has been acting up so I rented one for the day about $70 plus $20 in gas and got over half back.

congrats, hope I am not that far away. I love to here the good news

If all the evidence is in should be no more than thirty days but as long as sixty days but I agree you are very close. If you get a vso now it could delay your claim if they want to review the evidence so be very careful

J, of course my doctors tell me I am over weight and border line diabetic so the HTN claim is something I have to continue until they award me SC. The doctor also did a EKG yesterday and asked did I have symptoms with my HTN and the last six months I have been to the ER with chest pains, rapid heart rate, migraines and dizziness at least twice. Thinking about my dependent if it is time for me to pack my bags and leave that she will be taken care of if it's SC.

hey Larry, I was born at night but not last night. I told him that my conditions over lap and it is hard to say. I take HBP pills that helps with my BP but I still get migraine which my BP could cause so, on average my BP is no problem but if I get a migraine I can't say if it is because of my BP which I am trying to get SC or my already sc fibromyalgia or my already SC sleep disorder. They can all cause migraines. I told him my rating for that could be none to moderate but my rating for my migraines and my spine could be moderate to severe. Some days a lot of days I don't even go out and some days I can't go out. But I was told that same thing years ago. When a C & P doctor ask you how do you feel always explain you worst day. I already filled out the ROI form and told the clerk that it was not completed so they can just mail it to me. They have been pretty good with doing that so I am OK with that. I will wait about a week and call them to see if they have mailed it. They Know me by my first name and they know if they don't mail it out I will call them or go in and get a copy of it. I haven't worked since 2002 that s why this is so special When anybody ask me how am I doing I always say I hanging in there, I never say I am fine because I know I am not.