halos2

AT 23 I DOUBT IF YOU WERE EXAMINED BY A PSYCHIATRIST AND/OR PSYCHOLOGIST...UNLESS HE WAS A CHILD PROTERGE SOUNDS LIKE A SOCIAL WORKER. Nehmer cases are moving faster in all the VARO's now so maybe you will have better news soon especially since you have the Diagnoses already and treatment. The VA has not paid you for going to the mainland for exams, and treatment if 4 months...what do they say is the reason? You better get your VSO on this as if you don't file within 30 days they may not pay you...some stupid thing they do at my VAMC, saying regs specify this... Also how could they expect Dr's to do exams without reembursement? Stop giving VA employees Bonuses!! I hope they get your claim validated soon and pay you your $. Have you spoke to the Patient Advocate at your VAMC regarding your travel pay, and appointments without having funds/transportation to get there? They may diresct you to one of the VP's to assist you along this too. Hope you get your dues FAST. GOOD LUCK!!

Carlie, Just saying I know a vet in Tx who had a C&P done at a QTC clinic last year and was told he could return for a copy of the exam in 3-4 weeks. He went in in 4 weeks and got a copy of the exam after signing a FOIA form. Don't know if this was usual or not, but he got it. They did a pretty decent exam and write up on his claim too. He went from 20-40% va math...looks like more but we all know VA math.

Carlie, I like you came to the same thought when I read the post. My VSO from STL VARO also made reference to the Nehmer claims reviews ASAP too.

I am still in and it began in 08...went to STL VAMC after pplication sent in...watch VSR tape about 45 min. Filed out a few pages...received letter within a week accepted in program. Months later OT from Wash U came to home for 3 hrs for eval. 3 months wort of substinance volunteering at a center(as could not work) had dental care over 1 1/2 yrs all care completed...shower seat/bars in bathroom, cane, new select comfort bed, new computer, fax machine, finally had ramp and steps installed in garage and also from garage door into house 5 months ago. Still waiting for a new brace too. Am on my 3 rd counselor, the first was good, the second didn't respond to 18 emails, and the third is almost non existent...she is always at some training somewhere?? Sorry it is not post 2010 but I am still in it...prob for not too much longer maybe 36 months total??

Check the VSO for information regarding your claims. You have never received any mail or notifications regarding these decisions? Who told you BVA decision and dates and TDIU and when?

You cannot assume anything with the VA...You need to spell it out or as john999 says get something in writing or IMO/IME. Remember VA will grant % on service connected disabilities, and SSDI will grant on all disabilities they see regarding THEIR examiners opinion on the SSDI examination. My SSDI was awarded years ago within 2 weeks, the VA however took many years later and they finally used what the SSDI used in their determination...but retro is another story. VA plays games with "Take this now, or else you can fight for years!" Valid medical evidence trumps the theories/opinions of a rater...

Deacon, Can you change your avatar to 80% as it still has the 40% you previously had. Thanks. Yes put in for IU now.

Put your 60% in your avatar where you have TBI, please. Thank you. Glad you did not allow that exam to occur.

What era are you from? When did you receive your award of TDIU? Did they start out low and then add on over what period of years? Who did you use as your VSO all these years? When did you finally begin your journey with this lawyer?

Megan, I just read your posts and saw where your dad won his claim...I am glad you, he and your family can now devote spending the time together, and not having to fight the VA. You have been given valuable assistance here from many, and post anytime you want. If you have questions on any of the issues already addressed, just log in and ask. Sometimes so much information might overload you, but you will find the folks here at all hours, and although some may not be as versed in your dads illiness all will read and extend encouragement. Berta is probably the best source of information person to go to regarding needs you might have in the future. My father in law was buried in a private cemetery, and the VA paid the funeral home either $800.00 or $1100.00. Also VFW or AL honor guards were there, and a 21 gun salute, and my husband received the flag that draped his coffin. The funeral home director got in touch with all and he had the VA forms my husband signed and they sent them to the VA directly too. He didn't have to deal with that at all. There is a medallion that the VA will send that goes on the tombstone/grave marker the VA will send too. I don't know the form to file for that, but I am sure someone else here knows which one it is. You are a great daughter trying to help your dad and mother at such a sorrowful time. Find peace and calmness talking with your family, and especially your dad. Sometimes just holding one's hand gives much comfort. When your dad wants to talk you might want to tape some conversations too in case you have none to listen to from the past. I have a few from my dad and it gives us a sense of peace listening to his voice and always remembering the great love shared by all of us. Comfort and strength is sent to you from me at this time. Peace be with you all. halos2

Chu Lai69 Instead you you trying to discredit members here on hadit YOU NEED TO READ THEIR POSTS!! I have been on this site about 3 years and when I post I do so from personal knowledge, experience,research, and for those I have worked with in MO on their claims!! ADDITIONAL ONES IN TEXAS, AND MICHIGAN, AND VIRGINIA TOO! There is no where in my post do I state or post what you claim to have read!! It would be wiser to read and possibly reread one's posts before you spout out untruthful statements. Too bad you can't read the entire post where it contains..even if you have all the evidence...ONE CANNOT BE SURE HOW THE RATER WILL DETERMINE YOUR CLAIM. BE MY GUEST AND READ MY OLD POSTS. I AM NOT IN THE HABIT OF WRITING THE SAME INFO OVER AND OVER AGAIN. BTW HOW MANY VETS HAVE YOU WON CLAIMS FOR? ALSO HOW MANY PRINTERS HAVE YOU GONE THROUGH WORKING ON VETERANS CLAIMS, RESEARCH, HOURS SPENT,PURCHASED PERSONAL LIBRARY BOOKS ON VETERANS CLAIM? I HAVE DEGREES IN SCIENCE, NURSING, AND BUSINESS AND DEVOTE YEARS HELPING VETS. I can no longer work, and have devoted my time to help people by writing/saying what has worked for me/them and how to use the VALID information they receive first hand too! NO WHERE DOES IT STATE THE AWARD IS BASED ON GAF'S...IT IS ELEMENTARY THAT IF ONE KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT CLAIMS, IT IS A COMPONENT USED(ONE OF THE COMPONENTS) USED. "I HOPE THE BEST FOR YOU AND THAT YOU RECEIVE THE ASSISTANCE YOU NEED AT YOUR LOCAL VAMC OR OUTREACH CLINIC." WHERE DO YOU READ NEGATIVE ASSUMPTIONS IN THAT SENTENCE ON DEALING WITH MO VAMC? BTW WHAT IS A VAMAC?? Also I find it strange YOU WANT TO START A RUMOR RANT...(as you posted...), well do it somewhere else!! I am not here to play games, and ALL of my fellow vets and PERSONAL FRIENDS here are ONLY HERE TO HELP OUR FELLOW VETS AND EACH OTHER!!!!

99.9% of the time your VSO gets the answer before you do...so they can tell you...

You write you filed a NOD in 08? Also you were not filing paperwork on time. So you were already given exams, and determinations from the VA? There would not be a reason for you to file a NOD unless you disagreed with a decision made by the VARO. Are you getting any % from the VA now? Why are you seeing a psych dr outside of the VAMC? Why have you never received your records? How far do you live from your RO? Did you personally request your records from the VA personal records center Page Ave, St Louis Mo? I reread your post here and don't understand with what you wrote and what you said you have done so far....especially filing the NOD in 08??

Did you put in for a reconsideration for them not using all of your records/files? If so when? Do you use a VSO? You might be able to get answers quicker with a VSO who is in the VARO...Mine is across the hall and near the VARO manager. You had better put in your NOD for them wanting to decrease you.

I know a Gulf vet who got a big check in the mail less than 3 weeks from his C&P...mind you it took 3over 3 yrs to get his 2 C&P's and the VARO and his VSO didn't have a clue what was going on...It took a couple of weeks for them to realize what happened...he laughed all the way to the bank. He did sign up for auto deposit after he got 2 monthly checks. But the first one was a doosey...over 47k SO good luck and keep checking the bank too.

Are you putting in a new claim? According to your post you have been getting compensated @ 70% since 88 or 97? For Anemia you have not received compensation, right.(noncompensable). So you have always, and continue to take medication for this condition...you did not file an appeal so the only avenue I see is to file a new claim and lab value will be done with a new C&P. BTW what have your lab values been all these years? Low? Therapeutic range or what? In order to evaluate if your current medication is in the range lab values will determine that...so you have been going to a VAMC for what else? If you intend to put in a claim for this the earlier you put in the date of claim for payments if approved is this date. Also are you working? If not did you ever put in for TDIU? Please fill in more concerning the last years since 98...

John46 You were recently raised to 90% why didn't you just put in for TDIU? With you planning on retiring very soon the TDIU doesn't happen overnight? If you were looking at 2 months to retire di you have vacation sick time or personal time in pay available to you? If you have problems with peripheral neuropathy, doesn't this affect your mobility? What were the claims you put in for and were denied? You can always appeal but you have to have the valid medical evidence to back it up.

None of the VARO's work claims very fast. They work on their time and low speed. So you better strap on your seat belt as you are in for the ride of your life...some for years, some still pursuing for years too!

IF EVERYONE WAS WORKING ON YOUR CLAIM, THEN WHY DIDN'T THEY HAVE AN ANSWER? TOO MANY PEOPLE CAN SPOIL THE BROTH SO TOO MANY VARO WORKERS ON ONE CLAIM CAN ?? I HOPE IT IS FAVORABLE FOR YOU, BUT I DON'T EVER TRUST THEM!

Reddit, I see your avatar notes you are 70% disabled compensated, so do you have some non service issues you are questioning? I believe the others here have explained the in service connection and compensation topic you started. Remember also there could be secondary conditions that could be linked to a service connected claim too. If you need further assistance please post your questions.

A person I know who is in a treatment program now had to sign all the treatment consent forms upon the first day of admission. The program director informed him the VARO would receive confirmation regarding his participation in the treatment program in the 4th week and then at the completion of the program. The vet said he was concerned about financial responsibilities he had, and that's why they told him that.

Bull. Doesn't it look great to have a positive balance in your bank account. 15 months worth, pretty good haul. Enjoy it and get something nice for yourself and the family too.

testvet, You really deserve a break some time, and now might as be as well. I hope this is true. I think they are scared you are pretty vocal about this and they want to appease you and give you this so you will go away and be quiet. JMHO.

Carlie, good thing you are versed in the tests ordered and persistent enough to stand your ground. Too bad for all the vets who don't know what tests they are to receive and may only get some half-azz one's.

If you guys are not comfortable with the representative you have assisting with the claims, get another. You can get another one and change your POA to another person. Don't settle! You need someone to work with you or at least advise you you need to do the work and be efficient so you can do it and they can turn it in. Having a Dr write a statement like you posted her sounds pretty weak for granting purposes. Also if he is more comfortable with same sex VSO's, therapists then request so. My therapist is same sex as me, and if not the session would not be therapeutic. Also seeing a Behavioral Health Therapist only every 3 months does not seem to be frequent enough, at least not in my region/area. Besides every 5 weeks seems to be helpful for coping at least during the first 7 yrs here. JMHO. If one has BH problems, seeking more frequent sessions could potentiate the rater, especially if the sessions were documented as such and with the symptoms and discussions/topics could assist a higher level if the problems still existed/got worse/maintained difficult. They may think little therapy sessions= little problems and no increase in symptoms/thoughts = no higher rating, and may even propose to sever, which they do at times. These are all JMHO's.