September

Thank You folks for the information, I found a site that all of you may be interested in checking out, some of you may already have been there but there is a ton of information there and the forum is set up very user friendly, I hope I'll see ya all over there. Allen... http://p203.ezboard.com/bvetbenefits

I would like to ask a question and also would like as much information as I can get about IU, maybe some of you have some sites I could visit to obtain this info, Now the question: On the form I filled out for IU there was a question that asked, "What was the date you became too disabled to work?" I would like to ask if you know why they ask this question, The reason I want to know is because the date I entered was over 2 years ago and I was curious if they pay retro back to that date or if they only pay back to the date I applied? Thank You all for any information. On a different note, I am SC 60% and was wondering if I could apply for Social Security Disability, I have DDD and have had two surgerys to fix the problem with little progress, and currently in the process of another possible surgery, I just figured I would ask before I waste my time, Please post your information even if it is just an opinion, Thank You again, Allen...

William I don't think there were any problems with my surgerys, I cannot recall any of the doctors saying anything bad about them, I agree with you it is an uphill battle with the VA however you should get ahold of your local DVA and have a representative on your side and things will be much easier for you when dealing with the VA. You have to be patient though as these things don't happen over nite and usually takes several months but I think you will get compensated for your injury if you deserve it (Service Connected) Just hang in there and follow all their instructions and don't miss any appointments, Good luck my friend, hang in there!!!

Hello William75 I have had very similar lower back problems, I was discharged from the USCG with a 20% rating for DDD and was refered to the VA for evaluation in 1991, following numerous doc visits and emergency room visits for low back pain they finally did an MRI and figured out I needed surgery. I had the first surgery in 1998 and was given a disability rating of 40%, was fine for a while then started all over again with the doc and emergency room visits, I had the second surgery in 2003 (to fix the problem again) and was given a rating of 60%, I have now applied for IU and am waiting for a decision now, I feel for you, I know what the pain is all about, I hope you get what you deserve. If you have questions please ask them and I will answer them if I can. Good Luck!!!