photoman

I stand corrected on the attorney fees, but it often can approach 30% or more with expenses up to the cap of course. I come from a family of attorneys. That said I appreciate you information, but still feel that in light of new and compelling evidence there are other avenues to try that might work and wiithout the expense of the attorney. I am aware that law firms almost accross the board will not take cases that won't give them max. I was running into a bit of trouble as I navigated through the VA labarynth and called an attorney and he said call if your are denied again.

Remember that if you are awarded SSD using an Attorney he's going to take 1/3 of your back pay. If you have just recently been awarded P&T I would give some thought to submitting the P&T award to SSA and then if denied seek an Attorney. Just a suggestion, but in light of new and compelling evidence it would be difficult for SSA to turn you down again. Along with the submission you might want to take your appeal to your Congressman it is a great political environment for politicians to help Veterans. This worked for me and I didn't have to pay the Lawyer. Go ahead and meet with the Lawyer and see what he says. Photoman

That is reassuring and for all the Obama Bashers out there (I'm an Independent) he has a long history of supporting Veterans and was an integral part of forging legislation for better Veterans Benefits and a higher standard of care. He also has always championed legislation permitting concurrent receipt as a member of U.S Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs during his Committee tenure on the 109th CONGRESS, 2005 and 2006 and the 110th CONGRESS, 2007 and 2008. Minimal Standards of Care have been and continue to be defined. Follow the link below and take a read: http://search.military.com/search?site=mil...&submit.y=8 Priority 8 Veterans May Be Eligible to Enroll http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/01/mili...terans_010609w/ http://www.military.com/benefits/military-...eceipt-overview Latest on Concurrent Receipt: http://militarydailynews.com/2010/03/senat...urrent-receipt/ The various Veterans' Service Organizations (VFW, DVA, American Legion) have been very active in the fight to obtain and ensure that deserving Veterans are afforded the benefits they deserve.

Thanks for the message. I read my award letter about 20 times and thought so, but still wasn't sure. Chris

My experience with SSA has been easier. I was granted SSD based on evidence I provided from the VA. I was never formally evaluated by SSA shrink. Be careful select as an attorney to represent your case. They usually aren't going to take your case until they see big dollar signs, e.g. you have been denied at least once or twice or you potentially have tons of backpay in which case the sychophants will take at least 1/3. Did you forward you VA results to SSA as evidenciary and in support of your SSD claim. If not I would serious consider this. Many SSA attorneys will at least give you a consult. I think the key to being successful with any disability claim is to be thorough in gathering supportive documentation from; friends, relatives, providers (more than one), psycho-social precipitating events, write you own letter. Get someone to help you obtain the documentation and organize it. The VA documentation - if in your favor - might be better shared with SSA as well. It's worked for some of my other brothers and sisters.

The Value of the CRSC Benefit: DFAS pays CRSC based on the combined disability rating of combat-related disabilities as determined by your branch of service. Additionally, only combat-related disabilities for which you actually receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation will be considered. DFAS recently posted new information regarding changes associated with the National Defense Act of 2008. Visit the DFAS website to learn more. Follow the link below for more detailed information. http://www.military.com/benefits/military-...al-compensation

It has been awhile since my last post. I was wondering if the Dependent Compensation I am receiving for my 18 year old daughter will disappear now that she has begun to receive DEA (Dependent Educational Allowance). Thank-you in advance for any help. Photoman 70% IU P&T Air Force '77 - '82 :D