qwiksting

I am always having anxiety over this. I was SC 80% Mar 2005. I was then rated TDIU Sep 2013. I am 58 and can't shake this doom feeling. What makes it feel worse is losing mt Psyche Doc 2 years ago and am now on my second NP in mental health. The NP took terrible notes so the new NP was clueless. She wants a follow up in 2 months. Also, the new NP asked questions and one of the questions was about drinking, I said no, "Do you use cannabis or any other illicit drugs"? I said no. In Florida, with a med card, it isn't illicit. I use CBD for pain management and it contains THC, but I said no because of how she asked it. I also have a Primary care visit coming up on Tuesday. I quit seeing the Primary a few years ago because I get all my medical outside of the VA with the exception of MH. I am going to bring my most recent Dr notes and labs to this appoint. I tried to get my med records shared through FOI back in June but as of yesterday they were not uploaded. I got a call from the RN at the VA requesting recent colonoscopy and Dr notes/records. I feel very uneasy about this upcoming appt. You may ask why I have this appt? I was told by MH nurse that I would need a Primary care Dr. I made this appointment last October. I hope I am worrying for nothing.

I guess where I am getting hung up is, 2. Severance at 10 years. Would TDIU be considered a "rating" that at 10 years could not be severed. Or is it a "Special" thing and not a rating.

Ok, thank you for clearing that part up. Now, how about this. TDIU P&T awarded September 2013. Should the 5- and 10-year rule apply to this if it is being categorized as an increase? Thank you for your reply.

I have a question about Effective date of my rating and the 5,10,20 year rule, and maybe even over 55 rule as that applies to me. I was rated 80% March 2005, then September 2013 was granted 80% TDIU P&T (TDIU was for the 70%PTSD MH) I was called by the VA back in 2006 asking if I wanted to apply for TDIU, and at the time I did not know what it was and I was working and told the person it was my therapy to work to "Buzz off". I was let go in 2013 from my job on account of my SC issues and meds I was taking from work. So, how does having TDIU work? Does it start the "Clock" over again or reset it at Sep 2013 TDIU date and now I have a new 20year date?? Erasing the EED of 2005? Sorry if this is all over the place. I am trying to be as coherent as I can about my question. 10 years from 2005 is 2015 and 20 years from 2005 is 2025. Does TDIU just go with that date or is there another date? I do not plan on working or earning any income, (Physically and mentally I am unable to. This is just trying to know when I can breathe alittle easier about my situation. I have tried to read and understand TDIU and P&T and re exams and what not. But it always appears that there is a possibility of something popping off (anxiety and paranoia is what I live with daily) I will not be filing anything, even if I have a DX that falls withing the pact act nor try for any increase as I am already paid at 100%.

"all that money" isnt all that much really. But I do live in the free State of Florida. I just want to keep what I have. Cola's get sucked away quick. I hate the cold!

I applied for SSDI at the same time I applied for TDIU. I was granted SSDI, with the help of my (at the time VA MH provider). In fact, I was also granted State retirement based off of VA MH provider. Every 3 years or so since 2013, the VA MH health provider has filled out the state paperwork forms that provide continuing State disability. SSDI sends me a form that I fill out, doesnt need a Dr to fill out. The last time I recieved one from the State (Nov 22) I had a new VA mh provider fill it out. He wasn't as thorough as my past provider, but it was ok. I went to my private PCP and he did a much thorough job than this last VA one. The VA did not upload it in my notes. I thought that kind of stuff would get uploaded to my notes at the Va as it is a type of "record" as it had previously??? I will go to FOI to see about uploading it when I have an appointment this week. Thank you for the input!

Unusual circumstances....Well, I don't have a job, so no work. Thank you all for the replies. I was thinking TDIU, albeit, P&T, might have some protection at some point prior to 20 years.

I do go to the VAMC and get meds through the mail from them,however the meds that work are not generic, they are name brand. VAMC does not carry it, won't order it. I have tried..over and over. Even went to the military hospital pharmacy, and it is the same. Generic only. Thanks for your reply BTW, I was wondering if the TDIU date is protected at 10 years, or TDIU doesn't fall under these rules, or can't be severed. Maybe I am thinking about the 20 year rule. I know what your saying about P&T, but I have a very hard time trusting the VA after what I have been through with them.

Good afternoon, I have a question, and I have searched, but maybe I am missing something. I was granted 10%, 04/01 for my hand. I was granted 70%, ptsd/anxiety and 10%, tinnitus on 03/05. I was granted 0% for my digestive system 08/13, EED 08/08. I was granted TDIU P&T 09/13. Can someone who understands this rule, tell me how TDIU works in relation to this rule. I am past the 5 year threshold and coming up on 10 years in September. I am over 55 as well. I really have been thinking of looking at increasing my Gastro claim as I feel cheated! I had/have binders of evidence and symptoms. I have to pay for co pays for my meds for this, (granted, it is not a whole lot, just the principal) because it is not on the VA formulary, and Tricare requires a co pay because it is not a generic. I also have been thinking of the pact act (Iraq 04). I have breathing and lung issues that my Pulmonologist has attributed to Asbestos and military service. I guess, what I am asking, at what point can I file for an increase and or new claim....without worry ? Or, is it just not worth the hassle?

Thank you for the reply. Guess the VSO's in my area need to learn how to get that information. Could be pertinent.

Ok, so how I managed to get this far without a C file in hand??? I keep seeing that word being thrown around. I went to my local VA today to try and get it. I am not interested in filing any new claims, just wanted to see what disabilities are "static". I started at FOI desk at the local VAMC, and was given a form to fill out and mail into the RO. I thought there had to be a better way of doing this. I called the VET center and was told to get with a VSO. I got 2 phone numbers of local VSO's. Left messages with both calls. One called me back to set up an appointment but was told they could only see what my %'s were. Hell, I can do that with effective dates on ebenefits. The VSO gave me the number to VA to ask. Is this really how it is done? I am skeptical about calling the VA, as I don't want to be on their radar.

So, I feel your pain. I am sure I have a few red flags. My question is how did you find out you were flagged? Last year, I had to have some disability paper work filled out by my MH provider. As luck would have it, My previous MH provider was a Dr with a license. He left the clinic, and the clinic is so short handed they are employing MH NP’s. All the previous patients of Dr were shuffled to this NP. My Paperwork requires a Dr signature with license number. I told the NP this last year, and was told it would be handled. Surprise…..when it was time to get forms filled out, NP said “No” I can’t do it and we don’t have Dr’s to do it. I went to Patient advocate to complain, and his reply was….”we don’t want to burden the Dr’s anymore or they will keep leaving”. He said don’t quote me on that. I told him, not only am I going to quote you, I am going to make an appointment to see my Senator, Rubio. A few days later, while in the parking lot at my Senators office (I got an appointment) I got a phone call from a Dr. In the clinic, telling me to drop off paperwork and it would get taken care of. Point is, all that had to be done was MH NP fill the papers out, give to Head Dr., because they are practicing medicine under his license. I went on and spoke to my Senator about it, and was told, they (VA) don’t like congressional involvement. The next appointment I had with MH NP, I was asked about it, and told them yea, it was taken care of. I also informed NP about VHA directive 1134. It spells out, the VA must and will assist veterans in filling out disability paperwork. Flag me..idk

This is my mindset...just leave me alone and refill my scripts. I do not leave the house with the exception to seek healthcare or go to group at the vet center. I don't like crowds and don't have patience for stupidity. Just leave me alone. This is one of the problems I am having with this NP. An appointment every 3 months? Like, I have been on my meds for 18 years or so? It just feels weird. I get a 6-month visit, but 3? When I see her in April, I am going to bring this up. I get more out of the VET center. To me, she is nothing more than a medication manager. I still have a question about the typed out memo I gave her at my first visit. Why it did not make it in my records? Should i try again when I go in April, or should I try and submit it at FOI on my own?

Thank you for the input and giving me a ladder to climb down out of the crazy tree. My anxiety is kicking my skinny butt. I just have had such bad luck with NP's, see my previous posts about that! The AMC, the BVA, the RO. Man, that feels like a lifetime ago. I am sure I could go back and open the worm jar up with some 0%'s but it won't help me, only exacerbate my already symptoms I am trying to control. With the PACT act moving forward, I was downloading my private outside the VA Lung Doctor notes. As well as my Gastro Doctor notes. Just in case I get a nasty gram from the VA. I want to have something to give them to play ring-around-the BVA/RO/AMC. So, I guess with just a couple of NP's notes that don't accurately describe my symptoms, reexam is kind of out of the question. As I said, I go to group every other Wednesday and see a MSW at the vet center every other Wednesday.

I was changed to a MH NP back in January 2022 due to my MH Psychiatrist leaving the VA because of COVID. Prior to that, for the previous 11 years I was seeing him at the VA. This Psychiatrist had been one of the best Doctors I had. He would willingly fill out Social Security, State or County forms with no questions. My MH notes were pretty much on point. He would document pretty closely what we discussed, upload anything I would bring in, got me a sleep study and CPAP, as well as chronicle my chronic symptoms and problems. Based off of his notes, my work history, I was awarded 80% TDIU P&T. A brief timeline: OIF vet 03-05. 70%ptsd, 10%tinnitus awarded Mar 05. 0% GERD (40mg Nexium 2 times a day, 5 mg RegLand 3 times a day, 20mg of Famotidine when breakthrough) with ulcers awarded after BVA circus 2012, backdated to 08. I am sure anxiety does not help this. My TDIU was granted Sep 2013 So, since December 2005 to Sep 2021 (Last visit with Psychiatrist at the VA) my notes, which are over 700 pages MH alone were in order, and matched close enough of what my progress was/is. Now that I have a new provider, MH nurse Practitioner, I feel let down. I looked at the past 3 appointments, since she likes to schedule follow ups at 3-to-4-month intervals, and it appears I am "cured". Sleep and nightmares have improved. Nothing about intrusive thoughts appear on her report. Only a few sentences I say, and at the end of her notes it states," continue going to group on Wednesday and seeing Ron every two weeks". Ron is a MSW at the vet center where I do group. I typed out a summary of my day to day and how i feel typically, on our first appointment. I gave her a copy, so she could have some idea along with my prior notes who she was treating (Isn't anything you provide to the health provider, supposed to be uploaded to your record?). My med list was somewhat unchanged, only a slight increase in one and "prazosin" for the nightmares. Since then, nothing has been discussed with the exception of getting over covid back in January 2022. All other appointments have been by phone. In fact, the next appointment scheduled for April was to be by phone, but I rescheduled it a week early to get a in person appointment. The VA I go to are extremely short Doctors and rely mostly on NP. In fact, I discussed with her a form that would need to get filled out when we had our first appointment (January 22) and she said she could take care of it, except when I got the forms (Nov 22) and questioned her she refused. She asked if I had a Primary care at the clinic. I do not use the clinic for anything except MH. I have TFL and Medicare. I don't want to take up space for less fortunate dudes. But to that extent, I called and made an appointment for a Primary care, which is scheduled for August this year. What a joke! My question is, with her notes over the past year, be potentially harmful to my rating? Could a Re Exam be in my future? I am 57 , 80%TDIU P&T, with multitude of other issues I have not filed for because I did not want to pokey the bear. My experience with the VA and NP's are not good. All board-certified Doctor diagnosis/ notes go out the window when 1 bad NP is sloppy with notes!

Is 80 mg of Nexium worth more than 0%. I feel I was cheated. Look up my previous post…BVA finally granted SC. This all started in 05. 40 mg of Nexium 2x a day, raglan before each meal, and 40 mg of Famotidine for breakthrough.

Thanks berta, I filed that 2 years ago and they, the Army brought me back in service to medical me back out if that makes sense. They medical me out with 50% permanent retirement. The ABCMR granted partial relief with the "The army brought me back in to medical me out". I am waiting on uspda to complete this process, in which the ABCMR told them that if I were found or should have been medically retired in 2006, To Void that (2006) discharge and to issue a new dd214 with may 2006 medically retired, entitled to all backpay and or allowances. So I have to apply for crsc, when uspda issues a new dd214, and you may be correct, it may well be a dd215, as I received on when I was awarded CAB,Bronze star in 2010, 4 years after my discharge. Confused yet? :)

I don't think I can apply for crsc yet…..not until I have new and improved dd214 with a discharge date of May 2006. I am curious as to how that will be handled now that I was granted TDIU.

Thank you for your kind words….its been a long time coming….since 2006. At least I get backpay

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Had it Tbird, Hoppy and Carlie!!!!

Don't know where to start, except by Thanking Hoppy,Deanbrt,Jbasser,and Berta. I will go backwards in what has happened so far. I checked E benefits this morning to find my claim had closed. So I checked the letter generator, and sure enough, it looked different with commissary and deers stuff. So i checked summary of benefits and I was unemployability, although I am 80%. I filed unemployability last September. I was granted SS Disability last November. I was medically retired from my State job in December. Also, I was brought back in the military because of error in discharge on the military side. I was released back in 06 from the army due to ptsd. So fast forward to May 13, I was put back in to complete an MEB/PEB. Because of the time (06) the military used the Legacy system instead of IDES to medically discharge people. I fell in that category. Monday I was notified from Ft. Bliss that the Army was offering me a 50% retirement tax free because of combat incurred and related. So, all said I was granted everything from the ABCMR to Army retirement backdated to 2006 to SS to VA unemployability to state Retirement. Thank you from a confused, pissed off soldier that listened and read…."Do not give up"…and I didn't, and with the help from this Forum board and advice from the moderators/elders I prevailed. Thank you to everyone who commented on my silly rants and questions…Thank you everyone.

Yep, I suffered the same fate from 2008-2012. Requested DRO, they sent it to BVA..BVA sent it to AMC…amc sent to BVA. BVA found in my favor (thank you Hoppy) BVA sent to RO..RO grants a 0% rating. I appealed that.

Thank you sir for your reply and template. I appreciate the help and replies. I am researching the CFR and this board.

Can a prescribed VA medication for a SC problem anxiety (quetiapine) which aggravates a Non Sc problem (hyperlipidemia) to the point of Arthelscosis or CAD which led to a HA be claimed as a secondary to the SC problem. I am linking the side effects from the FDA: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm089126.pdf I am not trying or looking to nickel and dime the VA, but……I am sick and tired of being nickel and dimed by the VA on claims that had to go to BVA (4 yrs) and was granted and another one that took 10 years to get SC. the 10 yr problem is because I gave up. It was my first dealings with the VA. I know an IMO/IME would be needed (nexus)

Thank you for your reply, and no it doesn't sound cold. I only know of this man from the C&P MH IU (21 Feb 2014) exam. It took about 3 weeks or so after the exam to get the report. It just was so weird that, the day after he finished and signed my report, he died. The day after he signed his report, I did fill out a 21-4138, in trying to clarify something he said that I reported to him which was overblown,out of context. He used this to justify his opinion. He reported that I drank 3 or 4 times a week and each time I had 2 or 3 shots to calm down. He said that my previous C&P MH (6 Feb 2014) differed from that answer of "drinking in the last 6 months". Partially true, but to be more exact, I had reported to him I drank 3 or 4 times in the past 2 weeks, since having MH C&P's so close together and having family issues. He reported that my Ptsd alone does not preclude me from some tip of limited interaction/ low responsibility work. He mentioned something about the alcohol and not being rated secondary at this time. I still am shocked that he passed. Yes, I didn't agree with his report and I did upload the rebuttal to the report via E benefits in hopes of clarifying that and a couple other administrative errors on the report. I uploaded the form on the 12th. I really don't know what the criteria is or was that was used. I am not a good advocate of myself while stressed.