MARINEVET

I was required by the VA to provide a copy of current marriage license and copies of divorce papers for each previous marriage.

Yes Berta I get SSDI and have for a couple years now. As I stated in my reply to John, I am in the process of requesting PTIU and now that you have brought the EED to my attention I will be requesting that too. Thank you all for being here with your valuable knowledge. I would have never thought to have asked for the EED if you had not brough to my attention. Richard

Thanks for pointing that out. I never thought of the effictive date issue until you and Bertha brought it up. I will be looking into an EED and am currently in the process of filing for PTIU. You got to love this site. Once again thanks for the valuable advice.

The tipping factor in 2008 was the results of the C&P Examiantion.

Today I got the envelope containing the results of my appeal to the BVA and July 21, 2008 remand that was sent to the Huntington Regional Office. The VA granted my claim for SC Major Depressive Disorder at 50% for the period of November 1, 2004 through November 1, 2008. They granted 70% for the period of November 1, 2008 to present. The letter stated to the effect that I could expect to see a check for the back pay in about 15 days. Thanks to everyone for all of the advice I have been given and the encouragement. Semper FI, Richard

I had a DRO decision within 9 months of the hearing. It was denied so I appealed to the BVA. I too thought the OIF/OEF were on the fast track. Semper Fi and Good Luck.

Hello USMC_HVEQ Is the claim you are referring to an appeal at the Board of Veterans Appeals or a remand at the Appeals Management Center? I have an appeal that was remanded by the BVA in July 2008 and has been at the AMC in the "ready for decision status" since November 2008. When I inquired about how long it would take to get a decision at this stage of the process I was told 6 months to a year. Semper Fi & Good Luck

Here is the definition I got on the disease from Google. Osgood-Schlatter disease is an overuse injury that occurs in the knee area of growing adolescents. It is caused by inflammation of the tendon below the kneecap (patellar tendon) where it attaches to the shinbone (tibia). Young adolescents who participate in certain sports, including soccer, gymnastics, basketball, and distance running, are most at risk for this disease.

Hello Gary. Carlos Hancock was a Marine Sniper and if I recall correctly, the Marine Sniper School is located at Marine Corps Base, Quantico Virginia. Someone who served in the Army may be able to attest to the period of time this person may or may not have trained in Germany.

My SSDI claim was approved within 120 days of application.

Accrding to Wikipedia a writ of mandamus or simply mandamus, which means "we command" in Latin, is the name of one of the prerogative writs in the common law, and is issued by a superior court to compel a lower court or a government officer to perform mandatory or purely ministerial duties correctly.

Wow. I do not feel so good after reading these posts indicating how long these claims have been at the AMC as a result of remands. When my claim was remanded in July 2008 for a C&P examination I thought the wait was nearly over. What a surprise, I guess I can expect more waiting.

Wings. When my claim was remanded by the BVA in July 2008 the AMC sent it to Huntington WV for processing. It was not sent to my RO in Jackson MS. When I asked about this I was told Huntington WV is helping out by taking on some of the backlog of other regions. Good Luck.

Itate90. As stated in my previous reply, the civilian psychiatrist's IMO helped with the SSDI award (the IMO it was my only evidence). Due to my VA claim being remanded for a mental health C&P examination, I question how effective the IMO was in that case. Since my civilain psychiatrist had worked at the VAMC years ago as a resident he had no problem writing the IMO. As for testing, he included my behavioral funtioning tests, the results of some written mental health / reasoning tests and my office visit my records. Good luck

I agree with Itate90. The civilian pyschiatrist's IMO was used to obtain my SSDI. It was approved on the first try and within 4 months of application. Since becoming 100% SSDI I see a VA psychiatrist.

Hello Kookiebean. Yes, I have used a non VA phyciatrist in a non post tramatic stress syndrome claim. This psychiatrist had treated me for the 3 years previous to my request for an IMO for Major Recurrent Depression. I was not charged a fee for the IMO but did pay the required insurance deductables throughout treatment. Since the BVA remanded my case with a request for a C&P examination its my opinion the IMO did not help much. I completed the required C&P examination in October 2008. Now its back to the waiting game.

Hello OldDave. To get a copy of your C&P examination you can go to the Release of Information Office at the Alexandria VAMC. You will need to complete a release of information form. I doubt you will be able to get a copy of the C&P examination on the day of your exam. I had to wait 3 weeks from the date of exam before mine was available. As for other records (claim file, medical and ect.), I have requested these from my Regional Office. These were sent to me in about 30 days after my request. Hope this helps.

Rockhound. Although you had a horrible day and your finances may be a disaster its not worth suicide. Its good to hear that you will be seeing your pyschiatrist soon. If you need somone to talk with at this time let me know. I will be here for you brother.

skunk. Thanks for the regards and you are correct, Marines are determined (hard headed).

Wow. I thought I was the only person who received denial letters like the ones described. I too took them very personal.

skunk. My claim has been at the AMC since July 2008. It was remanded by the BVA for a C&P examination. I completed the C&P exam in October 2008 and now waiting on a rating and decision. Hopefully, I will get a positive decision in the not so distant future.

AnonyMousVet. I am live in north Mississisppi "Hernando." If my claim had not been sent from the Jackson VARO to Washington on appeal, I would go to Jackon with you.

Attached are the score areas I copied from the inter-net. Hope these help answer your question. 91-100 Superior functioning in a wide range of activities, life's problems never seem to get out of hand, is sought out by others because of his or her many qualities. No symptoms. 81-90 Absent or minimal symptoms, good functioning in all areas, interested and involved in a wide range of activities, socially effective, generally satisfied with life, no more than everyday problems or concerns. 71-80 If symptoms are present they are transient and expectable reactions to psychosocial stresses; no more than slight impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning. 61-70 Some mild symptoms OR some difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning, but generally functioning pretty well, has some meaningful interpersonal relationships. 51-60 Moderate symptoms OR any moderate difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning. 41-50 Serious symptoms OR any serious impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning. 31-40 Some impairment in reality testing or communication OR major impairment in several areas, such as work or school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. 21-30 Behavior is considerably influenced by delusions or hallucinations OR serious impairment in communications or judgment OR inability to function in all areas. 11-20 Some danger of hurting self or others OR occasionally fails to maintain minimal personal hygiene OR gross impairment in communication. 1-10 Persistent danger of severely hurting self or others OR persistent inability to maintain minimum personal hygiene OR serious suicidal act with clear expectation of death. 0 Not enough information available to provide GAF.

Its a time of waiting "hopefully the wait will be short," and the reults will not be known until you get the brown envelope.

I couldn't agree with GuaymasJim more.