nlualum82

John 999, please tell me anything about long term disability insurance, including where to look online. I'm not familiar with the concept. I have about 1450 hours of postal sick leave saved up. I've always been scared to death to use it. I caught a lot of crap for calling in sick once following being rear-ended at a stop light over 12 years ago. Went to the emergency room and had a lot of PT. Some of the heat was because I had the audacity to be an accident victim on a Friday!!!! Gee, like if that didn't show I was clearly faking.... My major SL use was 4 weeks and 4 days (192 hours) following an emergency appendectomy 10 years or so ago. I tried to come back as soon as I could get my HMO's okay. They sent me to a postal Doc who sent me home another week or so! In reality, there are probably a great number of people who would have already gotten TDIU in my situation - and to be honest, many who would bite the bullet and work - but I tend to hide under the covers and do what I'm supposed to as long as I can make myself go through the motions. I'm not good at initiating and even worse at standing up to the person who "shames me for wanting something for nothing". My wife and I were as near celebratory as I can remember us being for quite awhile this weekend. Instead of my usual weekend under the covers, I got out to the driveway and brushed some rust preventative over the panel behind the seat of my old truck. One item on a long list of things that usually don't get done or get farmed out to someone else. I credit the meds. Plus, it was easier because my son was away for the day and didn't have friends over. I'll nearly starve not to have to walk past anyone in my own home. Means my computer use, access to the good TV, etc. is limited.. The supervisors have finally figured out (and acted, no doubt because of the documented reality of my condition) that I work the best I might by being put on the same repetitive task every night. I work with a rather disagreeable older woman who is also very hearing impaired. We interact very little, just both go about our tasks. Consensus would probably be that the other workers are happy that they don't get teamed with either of us. I am thankful for my wife's commitment to marriage, but it aint what it used to be. Sometimes I wonder if I'll be all alone as soon as our last one graduates. I have wondered if the post office will offer another early out at the right time, like another 3 years when I'll fit the criteria of "over 50 and at least 20 years with USPS" . I wonder if I could file for TDIU under those circumstances? Sorry to ramble, Gary

There seems to be disagreement about whether someone should go TDIU after retiring, and some rumors that this avenue will come under scrutiny and be closed off. I hope it is there for me someday! I will retire from the post office in 8 years, 1 month and 1 week if I make it that long. I will be 56 and should be working many more years, but wish I could get TDIU now. I have 50% hearing loss, 70% PTSD, 10% tinnitus, 10% L knee injury and 10% L knee degenerative osteoarthritis for a 90% total. Work is stressful. I cannot live without the postal income, but almost can't live with the post office. The knee compounds the stress - the supervisors, etc. compound the stress! Your 70% on hearing loss alone should fulfill the requirements for qualification. The other factors should add weight to your claim. Perhaps you should start by talking with a VSO. My current one has said something from time to time about how I'll draw TDIU after retirement, and related a story to me about helping an elderly vet do the same in the recent past. He's a good guy and I'm lucky to have found him. When I decided to try a VSO, the first one I talked to jumped down my throat about wanting to have my hearing re-evaluated (it was, and increased from 40 to 50%). He derided me long and loud for getting too much money. I "escaped" and went back into hiding under my covers for days, afraid that he was now on my case and would cut or eliminate my benefits. I eventually made some anonymous calls and over a few weeks finally dared to approach another VSO This one did what a VSO is supposed to do, and after 27 years, I was finally SC'ed for my other issues in a matter of months. I'm still a wreck, but my family now gets more money and understands why. There are many people here who can help you better than the bad or perhaps typical VSO so many of them have encountered, and I hope they help you. I certainly appreciate them. Gary

I saw my VA Psychiatrist today. We talked of many things. I mentioned that my Rx had expired for triamcinolone acetonide for my otitis. I told him that it seemed to me to be about the best documented claim I had and the only one denied last go 'round. I guess I'll give it another try - just got to get past my procrastinating. I seem to be overwhelmed by anything. I can think about getting out of bed and brushing my teeth seem like a mountain to move. I spend a lot of time in that weak, numb kind of limbo. I think it is a big part of my PTSD, I think it started when I felt that way during my major stressor. He asked me if there were any changes in my SC status. I said no. He seemed a little surprised and asked me another time or two through the session. Made me antsy. When I got home I called the VARO and asked them to look at my file and see if there was anything going on - apparently nothing, just my nature, but I couldn't stop wondering what he might mean. Still can't - wondered if he had recommended something like a decrease or increase in my mental rating. Sleepy and rambling.

Update on the situation. They got a new pager system not too long after my second complaint. I am the only user. They were supposed to keep sign out sheets posted and require their supervisors to learn to use it and to test the system at leasyt twice a month. Response time proved to be bad - I would get alerted to a fire drill 2 minutes or so after the alarm went off. I got "buzzed" that there was a safety meeting after a fellow employee had taken me there and it was half over! The supervisor said he paged me about it a half hour earlier! One test turned up a response time of over 10 minutes. I thought these things buzzed when prompted, like dialing a phone and having it ring on the other end - apparently I was wrong. Last week I repeatedly asked that they replenish the sign-out sheets for the pagers as we ran out of spaces on the existing ones - still not done. Also, there is a space where they record the response times of the tests on those sheets - none done for months now. TDIU seems like it was a pipe dream for me all along. Since the issue arose they have made a point to somberly express their satisfaction with my work on occassion. I don't wear headgear - though oddly, the audiologists say I should be protecting my remaining hearing with plugs at work! Hey, I can barely function as an employee with the digital amplification, but do turn it down or off when I am solo. My hearing is SC, has been since '78.. Currently 50% + 10% tinnitus. Gary

The same C & P examiner pooh-poohed my tinnitus claim twice before I apparently got lucky and the right VARO person picked up my case. VARO disagreed with her because my files showed that I didn't claim tinnitus on entrance exams in 75 and 76, but complained of it during exams for my hearing loss in late 77 and every time I was asked since. This finally had the very fine result of my family and I spending some retro money since last turkey day! I often feel like I'd die willingly for a few seconds of actual silence in my head there at the end! Gary

Slowhand, nothing nosy or offensive about your question, but had to grab the records to get the technical parts right. I was a passenger in a jeep with a Cpl. nicknamed "Crash" - big joke about him wrecking jeeps, haha! We were in his favorite, which was not supposed to be leave the motor pool. I didn't know this stuff, and was told to ride with him as low man on the totem pole, or FNG. He revved it out on a trail in the woods and topped a rise to find 2 jeeps blocking everwhere he could get through. He slammed on the brakes - unfortunately the reason the jeep had to be snuck out was that only the 2 brakes on the passenger side worked. We spun to the right and my side came up and over throwing me far and fast. I can still see it like yesterday. It was like it happened frame by frame. My mind had time to think about dieing so uselessly. I thought about all the trees and big rocks all over Ft. Lewis and the odds of hitting one. I landed on grass PLF style (I've got wings) but several times faster and crumpled. I laid there until I knew I was alive and had the nerve to wiggle my fingers and such to see if I was paralyzed. I concluded that I was mostly okay and thought about the driver behind me. I was afraid to look, but after hearing enough chatter, I rolled around to see that he was perfectly okay - the M-60 mount (with M-60 attached had hit and stopped it from rolling completely over on him. It had bounced back on its side. When I tried to get up I couldn't support weight on my left leg. I was in the field and they kept me there until we returned, hobbling around, sitting in jeeps. When I returned, I went on sick call and was wrapped and put on crutches for a week, then expected to drive on. The records from then and the C & P from last year say basically L knee imjured in MVA, Apr. '77, medial collateral ligament strain, still had swelling and locking at discharge. New diagnosis - degenerative joint disease confirmed by x-rays, result of injury and treatment in service, pain and tenderness at lateral joint line, 0 to 130 degrees with stiffness, loss of additional 15 to 20 degrees expected with use/flareups. Still gives me panic attacks, don't know when I had a day without thinking about it - got plenty to remind me! Gary

These posts make you look like ME! I can never read a rater, either, and the minutes go by like weeks until I know something. I thought the guy that did my knee C & P would torpedoe me, but his write-up looked stellar and I got 2 10% ratings (injury and degenerative osteoarthritis) The hearing lady came on sweet as sugar, then cold as ice when the exam was over. She dumped on my tinnitus claim, but I got an increase from the VARO based on the hearing test and a SC with retro on the tinnitus because some rater noted my 27 year (since active) tinnitus papertrail! Didn't have a clue about the Psych, ended up 70% PTSD/MDD on my only try. The only thing I could do was request my records immediately after each appointment. They eventually each arrived and I had something to look at, nothing conclusive, but some clues. It felt good to know SOMETHING! You never know with VA, all you can do is request copies and save everything - then log on to this site! Gary 90%: 70% PTSD/MDD 50% hearing loss 10% tinnitus 10% L knee injury 10% L knee degenerative osteoarthritis

These posts make you look like ME! I can never read a rater, either, and the minutes go by like weeks until I know something. I thought the guy that did my knee C & P would torpedoe me, but his write-up looked stellar and I got 2 10% ratings (injury and degenerative osteoarthritis) The hearing lady came on sweet as sugar, then cold as ice when the exam was over. She dumped on my tinnitus claim, but I got an increase from the VARO based on the hearing test and a SC with retro on the tinnitus because some rater noted my 27 year (since active) tinnitus papertrail! Didn't have a clue about the Psych, ended up 70% PTSD/MDD on my only try. The only thing I could do was request my records immediately after each appointment. They eventually each arrived and I had something to look at, nothing conclusive, but some clues. It felt good to know SOMETHING! You never know with VA, all you can do is request copies and save everything - then log on to this site! Gary 90%: 70% PTSD/MDD 50% hearing loss 10% tinnitus 10% L knee injury 10% L knee degenerative osteoarthritis

Carlie, I only recall writing a claim for tinnitus 1 or 2 years ago (they kind of run together) but when they granted it they noted that I had responded that I had tinnitus in service, at my first Va appt. right after discharge and several times when asked since. They granted mine back to the day after discharge in early '78 and the back pay was eye-opening! Good luck! I guess it takes getting a thorough and ethical rater (the same C & P doc had belittled my claim twice to them). I figured maybe they ruled that they were in the wrong by not advising me to file, etc. at the time???? Gary

Wish the USPS would let me go on TDIU! About the loophole that allows an employer to get rid of you if you may be dangerous to others... When I was upgraded to 90% I asked my union rep about filing for disability retirement. I can trust him and said something about a small note in my records concerning HI/SI, asking if that would expedite it. He told me they had me boxed in - that they would escort me off the grounds, only able to return when I had a doc's note that said I was completely healed. He said that in no way would they put me in any status that would allow me to retire - just starve me out! I have given some thought to sending a written notice to the new plant manager. My records haven't been updated since I was hired as a 10 pt. 20% vet 17 years ago. Do you think I should submit some documentation and make them aware of my current 90% rating? A disability retired vet from Portland was talking to me from his table at a gun show a few years ago and said they had let him go in a sweep of vets with high ratings. My first glimmer of IU was guickly crushed out - still wish I could get out of there! STREEEESSSSS!!!! Gary 90%: 70% Mdd/PTSD 50% hearing loss 10% tinnitus 10% L knee injury 10% L knee degenerative osteoarthritis

If someone has a problem with you THEY have a problem! Good luck and drive on, Carlie! Gary 70% MDD/PTSD 50% hearing loss 10% tinnitus 10% l knee injury 10% l knee degenerative osteoarthritis 90% total, and Carlie helped with advice and encouragement! Thanks again!

Interesting thread! I blew away the ASVAB, more than qualified in every vocational category, signed on delayed entry then still had most of my senior year of high school ahead of me. When I got to basic, I was sent with 2 others for a battery of tests to evaluate us for USMAPS (prep to get into West Point). I had the highest GT score they'd seen at 153. The other 2 didn't do well enough on the tests and were dropped. I sailed through. I eventually got a "Dear John" letter from them - my high school transcripts were weak. I had not taken homework home since 4th grade, partly because home was subject to change without warning. Messy divorce, Father in a band, Mother liked to change the scenery like a channel surfer does with a remote - bailed on a lot of bills! 42 school transfers - Good thing I liked new places and new people - had friends all over the country (I just don't have any now). I kept it somewhat together long enough to get a teaching degree with 11 of my 16 sessions on the honor roll and blew away the National Teachers Exam on my only try - 95th percentile! Here I am middle aged, laboring at the post office at entry level, freshly diagnosed with 70% PTSD. I can relate to the problems with memory and concentration. Sometimes I just go far away wherever I'm at. The numb and void experience is a big part of my PTSD. I hope I'm not saying anything dangerous, but I've known a few suicides myself, and on more than one occassion noted that they were all intelligent, creative, interesting people. I've wondered if they just "thought too much". Has anyone else had similar or contrasting observations? Always such a sad waste! Does sound like propaganda to me, also! What's next? Will they say "sexually inadequate men most always the ones who show PTSD symptoms"? LOL! Gary

I got the updated amount (just upgraded from 50 -90%) for the first time today! My wife checked it out bright and early. Gary

I saw my Vet Center counselor today. He told me that he and my VA Psych. had spoken about me. Part of it was about changeing my meds (they may be borrowing Marlon Perkins tranq gun) and part seemed like a genuine concern on both their parts that I get out of the post office. We discussed it as time permitted, and he told me to schedule with my SO and have him file for TDIU. I talked with him about the process as I understand it, that you apply for OPM retirement from USPS while working, then SS and TDIU when OPM has retired you. He says that they can initiate the process while I'm working. It sounds like he would be in my corner, for what it's worth. I am scared of not having security for my family, he understands, but is if possible, less optimistic about my "life", physical/mental condition and the odds on my making my last 8 years, 6 months, 4 days - as well as what would be left of me at that point. Having been recently bumped to 90%, I can now make more money by collecting AND working at USPS. BUT I DON'T CARE! I want out!! We aren't yet accustomed to the new pay rate and probably wouldn't lose much anyway. My family is my top concern, I don't want to fail them, but personally, I would certainly sacrifice more than what it appears we would to get out ASAP! I am primarily puzzled about his IU statement. Has anyone ever heard of a process by which you initiate consideration for IU while still working? It would be nice, as insecure as I am. From the VA standpoint, I could see an advantage to being started the day after your final day on the job, no earlier effective date, no back pay. Is he mistaken? Am I just too anxious to believe what I want to? Gary

The idea of accomodation sounds okay. If it's up to me, I doubt they can satisfy my requirements! Who's going to determine that? Got to allow for the PTSD/MDD, hearing and let's not forget the knee(s). I would guess the first step is that someone has to see my paperwork. Do I schedule a meeting with the plant manager? Let her copy the contents of my envelope? As usual I don't know where to start. Do I start with my Dr.s? That's what I have the most trouble with , bringing myself to take up their time to get me out of work - haven't done so yet. Do I just bring my paperwork to my boss? (which one?) Or contact some higher up office of the postal service? When the going gets tough, I go to bed. Been my problem for a long time. I tend to just continue what I'm doing rather than make waves. Things seem to look like a tidal wave coming at me, I guess. Gary

At the moment I can't help but be a little relieved. The only thing I could possibly see appealing is my denial for chronic otitis. Like tinnitus, it is either 0 or 10%. They state that I do not have a diagnosis of otitis "media". my diagnosis is for otitis externa. I don't see either word in the CFR, just chronic otitis. If "media" is essential to the rating, I concede that. My problem with it arises in the examiners notes. Since switching to hypo-allergenic hearing aids, I have had less frequency, but he states that since the switch "...it is no longer a problem..." - an out and out lie from a very rude examiner. Don't want to open a new can of worms - just finished digesting the last one! The 10% would not alter my new 90% rating, and I am getting a scrip from the VA for the otitis that helps me control it. My next battle I'm trying to crawl out from under the covers and face is probably getting out of the post office in 1 piece or what's left of it, and filing for IU, hopefully P & T. I find myself wondering if my perfect attendance is going to be the problem - I've been terrified of missing work, even when sick, thinking they are always looking for an excuse to fire me. Always worried about providing for my family, losing everything, etc., hasn't been a picnic for me or the postal employees or supervisors! Gary

On Wednesday I got the official notice. Kind of anti-climactic since my SO showed me everything weeks ago, and I recently got the money, but I still had some anxiety until I got it. I won't forget the help I got from the "Hadites", and hope to pass on the tradition. Gary 70% PTSD/MDD 50% hearing loss 10% tinnitus 10% left knee injury 10% left knee degenerative joint disease

Time for YOU to be #1 with YOU, Carlie. You have been so good to me here since the beginning and I have appreciated your advice and comments. You are a valuable person and I wish that everyone had someone like you who has been their bouy in uncertain times. The holidays are full of traditions, if they work for you, fine, if not, make your own. When I could hear better, I used to go to the movies on the holidays - and found no shortage of folks doing the same! Now I am happier renting them and watching them at home, and know I'm not the only one - better be early or the best will be gone! Not much for turkey on this day, either. In short, the things I like are pretty much the things I like most of the time and I'm beyond any reason to justify it to anyone else. There are more and more people finding their own way through the season, let go of anything that doesn't work for you and try something else. My list may be limited and vary in effectiveness, but I hope you have learned faster than I that we don't owe anyone else guilt for our choices. Gary On the computer today, because it is one of my ways

Got the check Saturday! Gary

I'm still waiting on an absolute explanation of why I got a direct deposit and a check. I believe the SO theorized that the direct deposit was the amount that the computer calculated and that the check was for the stuff they had to figure since 1/78....???? 70% PTSD has an effective date of 6/21/05, same as my 2 10% awards for my left knee (jeep wreck, injury, degenerative joint disease) My 50% hearing is continued (been SC since '78) chronic otitis externa was denied ( may NOD that - examiner falsely stated that I said I don't have it anymore) The interesting one was my tinnitus claim. The examiner mealy-mouthed and pooh-poohed it, but they decided there was enough to give me benefit of the doubt. THEN they awarded it back to the day after my discharge in Jan. '78! They noted that it was in my records since the end of active duty and on my initial interview at my first VA appt. right after discharge Most times I have been upgraded I have ended up getting a second "hit" when they figured that they had not sent me enough the first time, but in the beginning it was 2 checks, one for my rating, another when they calculated my dependents, etc. After direct deposit, it became 2 direct deposits. Still can't be sure why this is a direct deposit AND a check. Can anyone shed light on this? I keep hoping the envelope will arrive and have a pat explanation for that. I called the VARO and they confirmed it was all proper, but no reason... Thanks, for all the encouragement, Gary

About 3 days until the bank transfer and another couple for the check in the mail. Gary

Got a direct deposit a few days ago and a check today! For all the agonizing I do whenever I have to wait, they have been so much more prompt and fair than they have with so many. I Hope you all get a fair, prompt settlement. Gary

I hope so! I have been SC for hearing loss for 27 years, currently 50%. The big envelope I'm waiting for now should say (according to my SO's advance copy): 70% PTSD/MDD 50% hearing loss 10% tinnitus 10% left knee instability 10% degenerative joint disease, left knee Of course 150% + 90% VA math I would think the post office would play better safe than sorry if they knew about the homicidal and suicidal ideations. If the OPM will put me on disability retirement, then I won't be working and will be required to file for SS, and will be quick to file for IU! Lot of steps, and I only know what I know because of the help I get from other disabled vets! Thanks to all, Gary

According to the charts I refer to in the CFR, those numbers still rate 0%. He can be thankful that he can hear that well, and keep monitoring it. I have gone from 0% to 50% over 27 1/2 years. Hearing has a way of declining with age, which is not factored by theVA. I personally believe that some ears are easier to damage than others ( things like ear canal size, flexibility, etc) and that you then have the ears naturally declining by the adaptation mechanism (look up recruitment, for instance) as well as not protecting them as you should because you're not aware that a noise is too loud. I have gotten some bad headaches from noise I couldn't hear! My audiologist says I should wear hearing protectors at work to ward off damage in the noisy environment - my ears are being ruined by noise that is pretty faint to me! It is almost masked by my tinnitus! I also must communicate at work, we work the machines in pairs + the supervisors are constantly giving you orders, soooo on top of it all, I'm amplifying sound with my hearing aids! 27 years of ratings came about pretty haphazardly. I missed 9 years of payments before going back and getting 20%, meaning there was some period of time I should've been 10%. It was 11 years after that when an audiologist said I was significantly worse than my records and guided me to a C & P where I ws awarded 40%. Obviously I would've tested at 30% some time in the interim and would have picked up the extra for my dependents sooner. Have they offered you hearing aids? If so, take them, good sometime for watching TV with a group or going to a movie, gives you some control over volumes you can't adjust at the source. The last movie I saw at a theatre was "The Passion of the Christ" - finally captions! I have given up on any kind of amplification for viewing and rely strictly on captions for tv, and see movies after they've gone to captioned DVD's. Check out the CFR , title 38, part 4, subpart 4. Print out the charts (table VI, VIA, and VII) and the instructions under "4.85 Evaluation of hearing impairment" and check every hearing test you have from now on against it. This should tell you when to request a C & P. Gary

I knew that they offer the insurance, just didn't remember the correlation. HEY! Me and my wife are "nice" postal workers! It's the not so nice ones you have to watch out for! I have wondered before, though. When I transferred out of my first office to come here, we were on a financial shoestring. We were holding out for the 20% check that would be delayed a little due to change of address. Well, there was a "pet" there who hated me, rules didn't seem to apply to him - had 2 fights on the premises (instant firing) but was never disciplined for either - they did fire the guy half his size that he beat up the second time, though. Well, we waited and waited and I contacted the VA for a replacement check. Could have something to do with my selling our house to a friend of his, or just him having access to my mail at work, but 3 MONTHS after the check was due, he just walked up to a supervisor and handed it to him! Investigation? discipline? Federal charges? ARE YOU KIDDING!!! I'm supposed to be 90% since my effective date, need to outline my steps to go for IU. I keep wondering how long I can take the pain in my knees, needing amplification in a noisy environment and still not communicating well, if I'll stop just blowing up at the supervisor at long intervals and have an intense meltdown. I think I'll get some 3 x 5 cards and put the steps on them and get them in order - will make it easier to add a step I find out about along the way. I've got to present something to them and see if they'll try to find something to do with me that doesn't aggravate my conditions. I doubt they'll consider that I have such a problem sleeping (3 hours is typical on trazodone) and that I'm a hazard not only to myself on my way to work (I often pull over and try to get a nap in when I catch myself nodding off on the way home).