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combatmedic2004

Seaman
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About combatmedic2004

Previous Fields

  • Service Connected Disability
    None
  • Branch of Service
    Army

combatmedic2004's Achievements

  1. Yeah, I was awarded the Combat Medic Badge. I was close to some major explosions while over there. I was also an 11M and drove a Bradley the first two years of my military career. I sometimes wonder if that was the major cause. I had an appointment today for the VA's tinnitus retraining program. I am still within normal range as far as a hearing test goes but this ringing is out of control.
  2. I have a C&P for Tinnitus next Thursday. Can anyone tell me what to expect? Also, I work at a VA and the set up the C&P at that hospital. I didnt think that was allowed??
  3. I was just service-connected for PTSD 2 months ago. I would hope that they wouldnt do another C&P for that so soon? To answer the other question, I am currently able to work and wil so as long as I can. As much as it drives me nuts, I think keeping to a schedule keeps me alive. So they will do a C&P but it will basically be just to check for hearing loss? I'm already service-connected, so what forms do I have to send in for this claim?
  4. I was diagnosed with Tinnitus by the VA at an appointment this morning. I am a combat vet already service-connected for PTSD at 50%. I am wondering if it is even worth my time to file a claim for the Tinnitus. I have a few questions. 1. I went through hell with my 3 PTSD C&P exams, is it worth going through it again just to be called a liar? How will I benefit from this? 2. Does anyone know if they require a C&P exam for Tinnitus and if so, what does it consist of? 3. If service-connected, will my rating be increased to 60%? I'm just weighing all options. I know that "it couldnt hurt." I just went through hell with C&P exams the first 3 times. I'm not sure I want to go through with all of that again. Thanks
  5. OK, I just sent him an email explaining to him what I was told. I cant remember signing a direct deposit form but I did send them a voided check so I can only assume the form was with it. Back to the waiting game although I cant imagine it will be much longer before it is "official." I just want that letter in my hands.
  6. I called the 800 number today and was told that my claim has gotten all the signatures and is at Finance right now where they have approved my lawyer's fees. I have a few questions: 1) Do they pay my lawyer for me or will I have to send him a check? 2) Will they mail me a check or deposit it electronically with the voided check I sent them? 3) How much longer do I have to wait from this point? Lawyer's fees were approved last Friday. Thanks all! Combat Medic
  7. THanks for your help. Do I need to go in and specifically ask that they give me my co-pay money back to that date? I would assume I have to and if so, do you know how I can do that? Also, I had to hire a lawyer. I think he is only allowed to charge up to 20% of my retro for his services? Honestly, I was so worked up over being denied I didnt pay attention.
  8. I just got off the phone with Huntington and th elady I spoke too told me that I was granted service-connection at 50% retro back to 3/2006. The decision was made back in September and she has no idea why a letter has not been sent out yet.
  9. OK, so long story short I had to appeal my claim for PTSD after being denied after two C&P's. I finally got my 3rd C&P moved to Huntington, WV and of course my diagnosis with PTSD was confirmed by the examining physician. So they made a decision on my claim on 9/17 according to whoever answers the phone at the VARO down there. The first person I talked to told me that they service-connected me but the final rating decision has not been made. I then called a couple of weeks later and the person who answered the phone this time told me that she could not see that I was service-connected and that they are not allowed to disclose that information until it gets final approval. So my question is, how long does this take? A decision was reached over a month ago. I figure that the first person I talked to erroneously told me that I was service-connected (At least I hope I am right about that although I do have some worry). Anyone know the process/time frame for this part of the claims ordeal? I'm about to lose my mind. I'm sick of being called a liar. Thanks much.
  10. Thanks for the welcome. I have been reading posts on here for some time. I do not work for the Huntington VARO and can only contact them via the 800 number. Pete: I have a diagnosis from a VA psychiatrist and got one from an outside psychiatrist after my first denial. I currently get treated for PTSD and am on meds. (Have been since 03/2006) I am able to work at the moment. I have my days. My goal is to continue to work as it keeps me busy during the days. I am, however, looking for employment outside of the VA. I was awarded the Combat Medic Badge and it is on my DD-214. Soon after diagnosis, I contact buddies from the service, family and friends and had them type up letters about what we experienced and how I had changed after returning home. My claim is about as complete as its going to get. Like I stated before, it is a cut and dry case. At this point I am doing decent but I am on some meds. I am mainly concerned about paying for the care that I receive in the future and having some insurance in case I reach the point that I cannot work. I'm pretty scared.
  11. I live in WV. I work for the VA and could not have a C&P at my facility so they sent me to Pittsburgh where they are notorious for misdiagnosing vets so my attorney requested it be sent to Huntington. My file is kept there all the time anyway because I fall in their catchment area.
  12. So the DRO has it in Huntington and it will be sent back to the Medical Center and then back to the Regional Office? I'm pretty confused on the process. I was actually shocked when they sent me back for a 3rd C&P exam. I figured once they got the result of that it would be a cut and dry case like they treated it the first two times.
  13. Hello all. I was a Combat Medic in Iraq for OIF2 from March to December 2004. I originally filed for PTSD after being diagnosed in March 2006. 1st C&P exam was in Pittsburgh in May 2006...denied. I had a second C&P at the same hospital months later and the physician simply re-read the last C&P exam notes and denied. I hired a lawyer the day that I got my second denial. My attorney filed an appeal and requested that a 3rd C&P be completed in Huntington WV where I received a favorable diagnosis along with the doctor asking me what the people in Pittbsurgh were thinking. He has since requested all emails that were sent address improper diagnosis from VA officials under the Freedom of Information Act. HEHE. So anyway, I had my successful C&P June 17th this summer. A couple of weeks ago I started to call the VARO asking about the status of my decision. They continue to tell me that the case is with the DRO pending a decision. So today I asked what the time frame for this generally is and I was told 2-5 years!!!! Is this true even if it is a simple cut and dry case?? Thanks! Doc
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