tom91

I've never been IU nor have I applied for it

That's just it. I haven't received my notification letter yet. I'm just trying to determine the unemployability part based on what the letters read that I can retrieve

The letters in EBenefits say P&T but no reference to unemployable so I'm trying to figure out if that means the VA did NOT deem me unemployable, just P&T

to further clarify, I was already and continue to be 100% schedular

I'm trying to determine if the VA decision was to have made me permanent/total AND unemployable, would my letters in Ebenefits include reference to unemployable OR is the letters written as I described in my original note tell me they just put me as total & permanent

Based on Ebenefits, they have closed my open claim and awarded me additional ratings. I was already 100% combined; however, when I go to Documents/Records and retrieve a VA benefits summary letter, it shows YES for 'You are considered to be totally and permanently disabled due soley to your service connected disabilities. The commissary letter goes on to say it is permanent and not scheduled for any future exams. Here lies my question......would any of these state unemployable if the VA decision was that I am total, permanent and unemployable? I realize this will be all spelled out when I get the yellow envelope in the mail but thought others with experience might be able to let me know what I should see on these. Thanks!

I'm currently combined rated at 100% with 10% for right knee and another 10% for left knee. I'm scheduled for bilateral TKR in a couple of weeks and trying to understand what changes I can expect to my disability pay during my recovery. A representative with Veterans Services indicated that although I am paid at 100% currently, I would also draw another $400/month for up to 13 months. I can't find where or how that is the case. The only thing I can find is potentially SMC for A&A but that's not $400. Anyone educated on this that can help me?

I've been told conflicting information but can't seem to find clarification in my research. Does total knee replacement (bilateral - both knees) qualify for special monthly compensation?

Unfortunately I didn't get p&t. They have me scheduled for review in November 2015. I'm trying to determine if they would be doing that to determine if my condition has changed and if not improved make it p&t then. I was awarded 50% for ptsd in 2009 and now raised to 70%. Since that's more than 5 years it seems I could request p&t but still working (although barely).

I filed under fdc

I filed in March 2014 and received decision July 2014. Mine went from prep back to review evidence May 22, then to complete July 15. They didn't update anything in between.

Sorry for typo. I meant does P.&T. Make me unemployable

Does p & make me unemployable?

I received my decision letter this week, whereby they increased PTSD to 70% which granted me a combined 100%. They did not make it permanent and I am scheduled for a follow up appointment November 2015. Does anyone have any experience on this to know if there is no improvement, condition remains same, will they change me to permanent? Is this the VA method to put it off? I have extreme memory loss that will unfortunately only continue to deteriorate.

It shows in ebenefits that I am now 100% rated following completion of my claim but I've not received my notification letter yet. Is there a place in ebenefits that shows if they put me total and permanent?

Berta - Sorry for the delay in responding. 90% combined rating is my husband's - 50% PTSD/radiculopathy 40% upper & 40% lower/40% degenerative arthritis/10% R knee/10% L knee/10% tinnitus/10% intervertebral disc syndrome. Based on this, it's apparent the degree of pain he suffers and need for some type of pain relief. His PTSD rating includes extreme depression. He does not draw SSDI or filed at this point as he is presently still working, although he struggles to do so between the pain and now memory loss. I have not been able to locate official diagnosis for memory loss in his medical records but we will also have a diagnosis from outside neurologist following that appointment. Having said that, I realize it will depend on the diagnosis/cause before I can determine how to file but based on what I have found, it looks like the options are as follows: - If due to medications, file claim for (9326) Dementia that is substance induced as secondary to his various back related conditions - If unknown, file for increase to PTSD or secondary to PTSD Do you agree? I realize once TDIU is awarded, you cannot work but to initially file for it, do you have to already be out of work? What about permanent disability? What or how do you obtain this? Sorry for all the questions but I'm having to investigate all this on my own and just beginning to learn the ropes!

I'm writing in regard to my husband's condition as I need advise as to how we should approach a new claim. He was awarded 50% rating for PTSD about 5 years ago. Over the past 2+ years, both his mental and physical health has continued to deterioriate. He has been on a regimen of strong meds for some time now, including oxycodone and ambien CR for sleeping. In the past year, we noticed that he was becoming very forgetful. VA tests confirmed he has memory loss and he goes once a week for some time of training to help him track things, such as appts, etc. The VA has not diagnosed him with dementia or altz. and has indicated it stems from his PTSD. We have another appointment with an outside neurologist in February to get a second opinion. I feel we need to file a claim for increase but not sure what direction to do it. It seems it would be his PTSD rating but I don't know if memory loss is a condition that is rating separately and should be done secondary to his PTSD. Further, I can't help but believe the meds (particularly the ambien CR) has something to do with it. If that is the case, it too should be a secondary claim to both PTSD (sleeping meds) and lower lumbar (pain meds). Really not sure how to approach this so any advice would be most appreciated. Thanks!

The VA Dr has just prescribed for me a medication not available via VA. I am 90% disabled and as you know, that covers medical 100%. The meds are costing me $200+ monthly out of pocket after insurance.Is the VA responsible to reimburse me and if so, how do I go about it? I've not been successful in finding any info so any help is most appreciated!

I received a response from Appeals Management Center (AMC) about a month ago on appeal dating back to 2008. Although I was awarded both % and backpay associated with the increased %, I received a letter following this award from BVA stating they had my appeal and would make final decision. I spoke with BVA and was told that although I received a decision issued by AMC, additional % and backpay is noted but must be approved by the BVA Judge. Is there a limit on what the AMC can approve? Know what that limitation is??

Obtained copy of c&p exam for cervical spine condition secondary to HNP. The flex results appear favorable; however, the examiner responded to medical opinion as "the claimed condition is less likely than not (<50%) due to or result of svc. His rationale is "there is no medical evidence that a HNP of lumbar spine can cause DDD or DJD". In my med file, there is a stmt from the pain clinic dr that my condition is at least as likely due to injury caused from jumping in fox hole, which caused my lumbar condition. Two conflicting opinions...any opinion on which way they will lean is most appreciated!

I was curious if this was an indication that they agree w/svc connected since they scheduled for me a c&p for my outstanding claim

Will the VA schedule you for a C&P if they don't agree that your condition is service connected?

I'm coming up with 40+10=51,51+10=56,rounding to 60. Am I calculating wrong?

How do you get permanent and total disability assigned? How do you go about it and what are the requirements?

Received official letter advising me of decision but couple of questions: - they state I was 50% combined rating for period of time when I had 40%,10%, and 10%. Am I wrong in calculating that to be 60% based upon com ratings table? - awarded me svc for left knee FINALLY; however, claim dates to 2008 with c&p dated 2012. They say my LK is 0% in 2008 yet 10% due to c&p exam 2012 but 10% is effective april1,2013. Should it not be effective same date as c&p? - awarded 40% degenerative arthritus with reference previously rated under 5293 herniated nucleous pulposis. Ebenefits shows 10% for 5293 still. Does that mean I have svc disability for both DA and HNP?