George2002

Got the dreaded brown envelope on Thursday, 29 Apr. Seems that the VA had decided to grant me IU, 100% due to PTSD and diabetes. First filing for the IU aspect. I do still have appeals pending for 100% s/c on other stuff previously denied. Sitting on 80% permanent, but the relief is here, can wait for the rest of the appeals to come thru now. By the way, paperwork was dated 26 Apr, and direct deposit was in the bank Friday morning. During all this time I also was able to get SSDI approved, so now am sitting a whole heck of a lot easier. Thanks to all the Hadit folks who put up with a lot of ranting and raving during the past 2 years.

Just got the letter today. Was awarded IU, effective pay date of Jan, 2010. Still have the medical claim being appealed to get to 100% s/c, but this will help in the meantime. During all this mess, it was discovered that I also have a hearing loss. A new claim was started on that in March, 2010, not looking for any answers for a while on that. I was told that the IU is normally decided first, then all the appeals and stuff like that are worked on. Seems that IU is more of a cut and dried issue, easier for the powers to be to make a decision and rating.Starting my original claim in Aug 2008, was placed at 80% in Apr 2009, and granted IU today. Not a bad turnaround time, all in all. There is hope at the end of the tunnel, folks. When they say no, just say yes and keep on appealing.

Ok folks, thanks for the info. Still waiting for my results for both unemployability and for the denied parts of my original claim. I did talk to a person on the IRIS line, was told that the umemployability would probably be decided first, because the DRO would be reviewing the denied parts of my original claim. All denied parts of my original claim are pending, so hopefully will received some good news about them. VA did state that cardio problems were not caused by DMII, so that was appealed. Have a great day, finally stopped raining here, time to get out the fishing gear and walk across the road to the lake!!!!!!!!!

Not trying to be a wise guy, but what does being a member of the DAV have to do with getting an answer to my question? I do have a vets rep, if that is kind of what you are implying. Figured with as many people that come on here, I would be able to get a couple of opinions.

Ok, I am at 80% (70% PTSD, 10% Diabetes). I had parts of my original claim denied, which I appealed. Consisted mostly of cardio, vascular, etc. I also applied for unemployability at the same time that I appealed the denied parts of my claim.Had a psych review and medical review in Feb 2010. My original PTSD Global assement score was 45, the new score is 35. I think the 45 score is what put me at 70%, so if I am reading the charts correctly, a GAF of 35 should put me at 100%?Also, the medical doc stated that back in Oct/Nov the government approved a lot of the cardio/vascular problems under the ischemic heart thing and that I should be entitled to a ratings degree for that. Is this correct?Finally, I was told that ED, if s/c, pays an additional amount monthly. If so, what is the amount and what is the qualifications.Thanks, Folks.

Ok, I was awarded 80% overall (20% diabetes and 70% PTSD) 12 Aug 2008. The rest of my claim was defered, then denied. I appealed and finished my C&P reviews in Jan and Feb 2010. My medical doctor stated that a lot of the heart/coronary/vascular problems that I was claiming had to do with the Agent Orange thing that changed last oct/Nov? Any idea on what she is talking about. Also saw another shrink again. He was wondering how I managed to get 70% on the first C&P exam, was surprised that I had not been granted total and permanent. He stated to me that he would write his report in such a way that I would be granted total. I am totally confused now. If I am granted 100%, will I be entitled to retro pay back to my original claim approval date?I also applied for unemployability. My rep felt that since the original claim had been denied on parts of the claim, we should go for the unemployability. Any ideas at all as to what is going on?Thanks,George

How can I get around the secondary factors for the heart/artery problems. I had both untreated high blood sugar and high blood pressure/heart problems for several years prior to going to the VA for treatment. Also, with the VA shrink recommending 100%, does the rating board normally go with the shrinks opinion? We have established the problems since returning from Nam, the stressors that caused the PTSD, etc. Thanks, George

I was discharged in 02/1988 from the Army with a 10% disability rating. Have not used the VA until July 2008. In Oct 2008 I had a C & P exam, using VA doctors. I think the Agent Orange/diabetes is a given (?) at a minimum of 20%. Before I started using the VA, I had private health care insurance. Massive heart, artery, kidney problems through the first 6 months of this year. Advised to file Social Securtiy disability, which I did. Still awaiting an answer. It is my understanding that the heart/artery problems are secondary to the diabetes, which is a result of Agent Orange. Is this correct? I also had a C & P exam for PTSD, again with a VA shrink. The shrink stated that he was recommending that I be rated at 100% disabled. The stressors are in place, i.e. Bronze Star, Air Medal, CIB, hostile fire, 11C MOS, etc. My questions are: After the exam, how long will it take the review board to make a decision? Does the review board normally take the recommendation of their ratings doctors? Thanks, George 2002