Commander Bob

I feel your pain, 'usmc/usa'. I call it "the Mailbox Blues". Good luck, and best wishes for a successful and prosperous new year. Cmdr. Bob

Hang in there my friend,'broncovet'. I too find it frustrating with the way of the world, "CEO, managers' bonuses vs. the line workers crumbs" syndrome. However, in this case you must admit we are talking apples and oranges... Best wishes for a very positive and happy new year, Cmdr. Bob

Thanks 'sharon'. Very informative. CB

Glad the surgery went well,'Mcafee'... Best wishes for a happy new year. Bob

berta , I was remembering your Topic Thread: (Posted 29 December 2009 - 09:07 AM) Nehmer Fast Letter Of Feb 2009

Fantastic job, 'fanaticbooks'. I am looking forward to the 11's. Your "monumental task" to complete the project reminds me of the poem... Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep. Again, thanks and best wishes. Bob

Thank you, Berta. I stand corrected. However, as I read through this tapestry and other related topic threads, I find you there. My mistake here. For this TL & FL Topic endeavor, my most grateful appreciation to Tbird and fanaticbooks.

I have just spent some time reviewing this valuable compilation By Tbird, berta, fanaticbooks, and others, who put the time and effort in this project. It is truly appreciated. Thanks again. CB

Thanks for HADIT, Tbird. And to all those who contribute to the effort.. Happy Holidays. CB

Welcome aboard, HADIT, 'me1'. I like your board name. Thank you for your comments, here on 'Jimme's' thread, I am looking forward to reading more of your thoughts and comments on other topics, as well, here on HADIT. Happy Holidays, Cmdr. Bob

Greetings,'Geo4K'. It's good to hear from you. I can relate to your C&P exam from hell story. My C&P exam was held on a "Black Friday" (the day after Thanksgiving), about three years ago. The PHD examiner had just got her PHD graduate degree, and being the low man on the totem pole, she had to work on that Friday. Well, it certainly showed!!!, LOL... What an attitude she had. These types of C&P exam topics are the kind of threads that I would like to stay informed of, and follow. Good luck, and best wishes,'Geo4K'. Comdr. Bob

Did you or your rep file a formal "Notice of Disagreement" (NOD) yet???

Remember, Jimme, you need to keep your claim, and or your appeal alive by meeting all the VA deadline dates .... Happy Holidays, Cmdr. Bob P.S. ~ Love your hat, Berta ~.

Congratulations! Merry Christmas 'marinevet1' Cmdr. Bob

I have read in one of your previous topic posts, that you filed for several disabilities. Is this 30% for your PTSD? Here is a breakdown of the various ratings and conditions required for the rating. If this 30% was for PTSD, do you feel that you were rated properly? Did you receive an award letter yet? You also mentioned that you were thinking about going to school. You have many options. Please keep us posted as you learn more about your situation. Good Luck, Cmdr. Bob TITLE 38--PENSIONS, BONUSES, AND VETERANS' RELIEF CHAPTER I--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PART 4--SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart B--Disability Ratings 4.129 Mental disorders due to traumatic stress. General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders: Total occupational and social impairment, due to such symptoms as: gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene); disorientation to time or place; memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name............. 100% Occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to such symptoms as: suicidal ideation; obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities; speech intermittently illogical, obscure, or irrelevant; near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; impaired impulse control (such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence); spatial disorientation; neglect of personal appearance and hygiene; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a worklike setting); inability to establish and maintain effective relationships............... 70% Occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to such symptoms as: flattened affect; circumstantial, circumlocutory, or stereotyped speech; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty in understanding complex commands; impairment of short- and long-term memory (e.g., retention of only highly learned material, forgetting to complete tasks); impaired judgment; impaired abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships....... 50% Occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), due to such symptoms as: depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks (weekly or less often), chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss (such as forgetting names, directions, recent events)...................................... 30% Occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or; symptoms controlled by continuous medication............ 10% A mental condition has been formally diagnosed, but symptoms are not severe enough either to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication................... 0%

Well said 'retiredat44'. I really feel for you. Excellent suggestions from our other HADIT members. It is inspiring, however, it still boggles my mind and triggers my PTSD, just thinking about boxes of records, missing files, etc... This is why I am seriously thinking about finding an attorney for my appeal. I'll pay the ransom...

I agree with those at the VA, who appreciate your kind disposition, and your patience, Pete53. I would add that it is especially appreciated here on HADIT. However, for some vets, the weight of waiting is such a burden that it is difficult to maintain one's composure when dealing with what sometimes appears to be a broken and apathetic system. For those who are experiencing the cold shoulder of an ungrateful VA employee, I wish you peace, and I can assure you that you are not alone in your struggle. Best wishes for a prosperous and successful New Year. Cmdr. Bob

I'm sure the negative experience you had with 800# person just adds to the frustration. However, Congratulations on not "sitting down and shutting up", like that VA employee with the borrowed power tried to make you do. It makes me wonder how some VA employees can sleep at night. Hang in there 'JHawks'. Good Luck, and best wishes in the New Year. Cmdr. Bob

congratulations, dannydad !!! After 12 years of you carrying the burden of your claim, you now have a lighter load, and I'm sure your heart is uplifted. For those who are still tormented by the delay and struggle of the appeals process, your success story is inspiring. Best wishes for a happy New Year. Cmdr. Bob

Happy Birthday just before Christmas. What a gift??? Wishing you many more... Cmdr. Bob

Ouch... I regret to report that the line has no head... I have reached the conclusion that there is no line, as we know it. JMHO, The easy claims are moving faster than the complicated dog claims. The VA is trying to bring up their number of completed claims. I am working on year two of waiting for my DRO review. Best wishes COOL BREEZE. Cmdr. Bob

Congratulations, MikeR. Great Holiday relief. Best wishes in the New Year. Cmdr. Bob

It sounds like you did your best with your claim so far. Congratulations on a job well done. JMHO.. I would suggest trying again to seek out an Attorney to take your appeal to COVA. Best wishes, CB

Yes, indeed, Bill. That's why we need HADIT... CB

Thank you for your service, Bill. As an "advocate", now on hiatus, I would always try to work on projects that would help the most veterans at one time, by my efforts. Helping one on one, can be very rewarding in a non-monetary way, as well. I would encourage your kibitzing here, without fear of legal liabilities. We could use you in our corner. Best wishes, CB