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I am trying to decide if I should file or let it go. Any advice would be appreciated. These are the items I have issue with BiLat Pes Planus and plantar fasciitis 10% -Based on their own guidance this should be higher. 30% would be fitting Left ankle posterior tibial tendonitis 0% Right ankle posterior tibial tendonitis 0% -Findings for the left and right state a higher evaluation of 10% is not warranted unless the evidence shows: Moderate limitation of motion of the ankle; or, painful motion of the ankle. I was prescribed and wear hard plastic and Velcro ankle braces for just that. I don’t know what the ratings are for this but without a doubt both should be higher. Right knee condition to include meniscal tear 0% -Your VA exam also note that you to have left knee strain. If you believe this condition is related to service, submit evidence showing a nexus to service for consideration. (Left knee wasn't on claim) My left and right knees are shot, along with both hips. It is my belief and that of my PCM that the Lumbar, hips, and knees are a worsening result of the pes planus. I understand that I will need a Dr note stating this. Is there anything else I would need? My PCM is already scheduling me for a left hip arthrogram. I have already had two surgeries on the right for cartilage issues. Q-Regarding the non SC items, if “new” evidence is needed, does anyone have any ideas of what I could provide or how to approach this? They have in service records already. Q-I have seen on various websites that feet problems can cause problems with knees, hips and back. I know I have banged up those areas pretty good while in service but I have been off active duty and unemployeed for two years now and they're getting worse and developing more problems so it has to be from my feet. How do I get the VA to consider this? Thank you!

MSLA called on Saturday to ask to reshcedule Mondays C&P appointment to Sunday. I got a ride to the appoinment only to find out that VA or MSLA did not supply the doctor with records for her to do a review. So nothinig got done. I called MSLA this morning to let them know what had happened and they informed me that other C&P appoinments for this week have also been cancelled and they will inform me when they have new appoinments available. Is this typical? What a charlie foxtrot.

Thank you for the input. The claim was just reopened in Dec13 so im sure a new document shouldnt be interupting much.

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Thanks Asknod, Outstanding information! Fortuitous..very Fortuitous... I hope I went back and forth between the VA Outreach office and the county VA office trying to find a more precise answer as to how to approach a resolve to this issue. I have posted comments before regarding the knowledge or lack of with some of the VSOs. While at one of the local offices I saw a flyer on the bulletin board about a specific organization that was going to have a mobile office in town... today! Needless to say I was off and running. At first glance the VSO says "Yep, ya screwed up. You gotta make the appointments". I showed him the rest of my stack of papers of which he meticulusly inspected letterheads, postmarks and MY ADDRESS, then yelled over to his boss that was in the another cubicle of this RV. The boss came over (22yrs as a VSO) and said "Yep, that's a screw up by the VA". Apparently, this is becoming common with overloaded ROs sending case loads to other ROs and claimant addresses not being updated between the two. The specific issue is that the local RO was not updating my address with the exam contractor. Anyways, the VSO did about page and a half narrative on one form and a bullet list on another and had me sign. Asked for a contractor sent envelope and letter for C&P of which he couldnt copy but was one that I didnt mind being without the original if I never got it back. He said unfortunately it would possibly be 6-9 month before I saw movement again but its clearly on the local RO. They would submit this paperwork by hand to a VA supervisor because as simple and clear as it is it would be best to be explained also. My memory is really crappy but the guys will send me a copy of everything submitted in a couple weeks. I will try to get it back here so others have the form numbers and verbiage to avoid appeals process if the screw up really is the VA and not the vet. I dont want to get my hopes up but these two guys sounded like scientist rather than the typical "Well, maybe if ya were to...." So it appears that this VSO was following the same lines of thought as Asknod provided.

Thanks for the support Bevo! I hoping someone with a resolved similar situation comes by. Its always so hard to offer guidance to someone because ech case while similar is so different. I always hate the possibiity of giving a fellow vet wrong info.

Other than the contractor had me scheduled for exams that were 1.5 to 2..5 hrs one way trip. Even though the med records clearly state that I cant travel far. After I sent a 21-? via the VSO to correct the address and notify of the issues with distnce they sent a new C&P exam notice for a local Gen Med and MH. I attended the MH but the contractor cancelled the Gen Med. But even those were to old address. USPS forwarding got those to me the day before and I was able to get a ride. Thanks for the interest!!

Claim filed SEP 2011 Claim movement started in AUG13 with receipt of exam notices. Problem is the contractor was sending to a very old address. Looked on ebennies and they too had jumped back to an old address. So I updated VA and saw results of correct address on ebenies a few days later. Also, called and left three VMs with contractor. Was still getting contractor exam notices late because still sending to bad address. Address they were using only COC had. Was never used for official gov mail. So far I have corrected VA to current address three times this year. 25OCT was able to attend MH exam but contractor still sending to bad address. Made it with <24hr notice 28OCT received letter from VA, bad address 16NOV rec'd BBE all zeros, claim closed nonattendance of exams with notice of how to appeal through BVA. But they did hit the correct address!! My questions are: -Is it possible to get them to see where the problem is and simply reopen claim without having to go through the appeal process and adding more years to a two year old BDD claim? If so what would be the proper wording and form? -How do I track down the MH exam tht was done on 25OCT to ensure VA has it? -I think I can handle this one but... One of the injuries and relatd surgeries that they are saying is not SC its outlined in an LOD and within DD214 dates. They are accepting the lower limb injuries/surgeries but not the upper limb. Am I correct in assuming that would be a CUE and to just follow the postings here as how to point it out. Thanks folks!

Questions for filling out a 21-4134 I had not been on ebenefits for a long time because nothing was changing. I checked a few days ago after receiveing notices for C&P exams and I found that the status had changed from "Under Review" to "Pending Decision Approval" and I found a list of items they say had been requested. What We Have Never Received from You (solicited) 1. Request for Examination Opened -07/25/2013 Closed 09/18/2013 2. GW - Earliest manifestations/evid of illness -Opened 06/24/2013 Closed 09/05/2013 3. ASB - tell us where, when, how exposed -Opened 06/24/2013 Closed 09/05/2013 4. ASB - medical evid of disease (biopsy) needed -Opened 06/24/2013 Closed 09/05/2013 5. SSA medical evidence requested -Opened 06/24/2013 Closed 09/05/2013 6. EFT - Treasury Mandate Notification -Opened 06/24/2013 Closed 09/05/2013 7. 21-4142 (Dr. XXXX) -Opened 06/24/2013 Closed 09/05/2013 8. GW - Registry exam? -Opened 06/24/2013 Closed 09/05/2013 I went to the county office that had assisted me before and they suggested that write a 21-4138 detailing the items in the list. But they wouldn't give me any info on how to write it so here is what I have so far. Item 1 I did receive three notices for medical evaluations with the contractor XXX. Two were recieved after the date of the appointment and the final one was recieved on the day of the appointment but after the reporting time. All three notices were mailed to me the week prior to the appointments. Two of the appointments were over an hour and a half away, one appointment was over two and a half hours away. Due to my inability to sit for more than about 15 minutes as noted in the medical records that you have, I request that any future appointments be scheduled for the same contractors office that is in my town of XXXX. Items 2, 3, 4 I do not beleive that I have an asbestos related disease. While I did have my share of duties at the burn pits in Balad, Iraq during 2003-2004 and stateside unit had a indoor shooting range that was not used because of asbestos. We did use it for storage of training equipment. Aside from asthma, the only lung related disease that I have is "Valley Fever" which was diagnosed at XXX, AFB in 1998. Item 5 I did not provide SSA with any medical documents. I only provided tham with the information of the treating doctors/facilities. Item 6 Direct deposit information has been provided Item 7 21-4142 for Dr XXX has been provided Item 8 The exam was completed at Ft XXX or at the VA in XXX in March or April of 2004. I am messed up enough so I'm not looking for coaching, just guidance as to this being the appropriate format and if I am missing anything or not. I've never filled out a 21-4138 before. Thanks!

I had my frst meeting last Friday. I was asked if I had any ideas about what I wanted to do and we talked about self-employment and answered bunch of questions regarding my self-employment plans, I took some tests, answered some questions about employability, my physical and mental issues, then was handed a letter saying I was "entitled". I have heard this is a big first step on a long road. I was then given a couple handouts. One being a "Self_Employment Fact Sheet" and the other a "VR&E VetSuccess Program Orientation Sheet". Most of my questions were answered pretty clearly. What wasn't is what do I do next? I asked that question directly three or four times and never got a direct answer. Eventually another counselor came in and the two started chatting so I asked if that was it to which she replied yes. What should I be doing now? What are my next steps Thank you! I'm really worried about screwing this up.

How long does it typically take for them to complete the C&P report? I ask because I am a couple hours away and if I could get a copy the same day that would be great. Not that I will ever have a C&P exam... At least I haven't so far and I filed a year ago. Thanks!

Yup... All the fn time. Can't go to games, can't stand tall like a man in front of our colors, can't watch my boys teams win or lose, can't watch even simple kids movies. With all due respect to your wife, I think she may have missed something. This evening alone I have spent most of it in tears, with no damn good justifyalble reason. This post alone has done its job.Thanks for your service. I see you are moving along and I'm glad to you are. If my sig line is still up... It is accurate. Additionally, I just fund out that the contractor group, MAP, lost thier contract with VA. Not sure where I stand now. Havent had a single c&P, havent been contacted at all by VA other than their monthly letter tht they have my claim. Started a congressional... Thats how I found out the group lost their contract. They (VA) didn't give the congressman ofc any further details other than they would follow up in 30 days. Bestof luck

Thanks for the replies everyone. JBasser, I am at a loss. I am not sure how to answer your questions. I am not sure what the people do at the office located with the VA. I have never been there and I have not been to that VA since the mid 1990s. I only deal with the two offices near home about 2.5 hours from there. I'm sorry I couldn't help you.

Thank you Stretch. I am torn between trying to do this myself and using the help of a VSO. My boots have the words "Toes in first" on the liner so I don't screw that up. I have a difficult time remembering things and keeping things in order. I have been off of AD for about three months. When I filed this BDD claim last SEP, needless to say I was quite upset when I learned that this 6 month BDD process was going to be more like 18 months because that is way outside my mental capacity. I have thought of using counsel however I doubt they would take the case as there isn't any money in it for them to recover from. If the VA comp is probably only going to be a few hundered $ over what I am getting now from DoD then the entire pot at this time will only be $1,500-$2,000. I don't see any counsel wanting to get into this case for that little. Their only option would be to really drag it out so that they have a bigger pot to pull their split from. Dragging it out will not get the CRSC started any sooner nor the CRDP if that were to come through. Side note, I did submit for CRSC and it sounds like they have green lighted it but can't follow through because there is no VA offset yet. Thanks again. Sorry for the ramble but I wanted to make sure the info is out there so a reader may be able to develop a better picture and maybe have an idea.

Well thank you Test. A hell of an answer. I have read many a webpage that reads "A VSO can.... And can...." but to date I've been wondering how to go about getting that type of service. Not wanting to offend anyone, I've never asked "How do I get on the website style plan". The org that I have used has called me from their main office collocated with the local VA hospital. I say local, but that is 2 plus hours out. They had called to tell me that the local VSO had used the wrong form. Actually they said "What the heck am I supposed to do with this?" Then it was determined that the wrong form was used. Anyways, that has been the only call to me since I started about a year ago. Over all they are 0-3 for correct paperwork and info. As I am approaching the one year mark I have considered calling the local office however I know I'll just end up leaving a message with the person at the desk. If I shw up there the VSO will be gone. What can be said? They are free help and probably volunteers... Although according to your post they do get paid. Or at least some do. Thanks again for the reply.

Can anyone tell me what a VSO should be doing? Maybe a laymans rundown of what an introduction through performace should be like. It's difficult to tell good from bad when I have no idea of a standard. Thank you

Has anyone heard of this contractor? This is what I received today via AW2: ------------Paste--------------- Your BDD VA claim is with the VBA map which is a contractor with the VA. VBA map is out of Washington. It was sent there to be processed faster. Of course, I got the answer that any day now a decision should be made. .....The VA representative stated time and again not to do another claim because it will start the process over again. ----------End--Paste--------------- Any intel on VBA map woud be greatly apreciated. Thanks

I am looking for some insight as to what to expect. I would like to be better prepared when all this gets going. If you have been through this and have insight as to what to do to prepare for the interview, what to bring or if you know of a website that has a list of "to-dos" that would be great. I just got a tip that I should be receiving an approval letter any day. Thanks

Thanks Boomer2. VA has not completed my initial claim so I don't have the offset yet. Going to see the VSO today....

I received a reply back from DOA regarding my CRSC claim and I am unsure of how to procede. ----------per letter---------------------- Your claim cannot be processed due to the reason cited below. RECORDS SHOW THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE A VA WAIVER: If you do not have a VA Waiver off-setting your retired pay, please call the Veteran's Administration (VA) Call Center at 1-800-827-1000 to request a VA Waiver (VA Form 21-651). OTHER: We will maintain the claim documantation you submitted in the U.S.Army's iPERM's system until you are eligible. ----------------end letter------------------------ Question- Does this 21-651 need to be routed/signed off by VA or can I just fill this out and send it to DOA CRSC? Background- I submitted the CRSC claim along with PEB findings of 70% and other related documents as requested however, my initial VA claim is still in "review" (280 days). Thank you!! Sorry if I posted this in the wrong place. I searched CRSC and it looked like most of the CRSC stuff was on this thread.

Awesome Thank you for the info. Do you think it would be best if I leave the records the same way the PEB organized them or should I restack them according to medical problem?

Hello everyone and thanks for being here! I have about 15 documented medical issues. In filing a VA claim which is the recommended route, filing just the biggest medical problem or all that you have documentation for? I retire in June and obvioulsy I would like to get through the VA process as quickly and easily as possible and I am wondering if when submitting for multiple conditions what happens to your claim if they can make a decision on 5 or 6 items but remaining items need further documentation? Do they hold the entire claim? Or do they adjudicate the ones they can and request more info on the others? Medical records- Is it needed to send all records regarding a medical condition to include all follow ups or is it best to send records that show initial, Dx and latest records that show current status? Reason for question is that sometimes less is more by them not having to wade through years of redundant records saying Pt is back for check up, etc. and just give VA the nuts and bolts of the condition. All of my medical conditions that I intend on filing for started in service. I have Dx's and records of follow up treatments. As of this time I am still in service so I assume they all qualify. Injuries have LODs and all issues are listed in the NARSUM and MEB with the major ones covered by the PEB. Thank you all. By the way. I was here a couple years ago looking for info to help my dad. He is a WWII glider airborne vet and with your help I was able to get records of his. There were many copied pages of serverely burnt pages from the riots during Viet Nam. There was not much left from his years of service but we now have much more than we had. Thank you for that!