jc30655

You are also entitled to a MWR type brown (dependents) ID card where you can get on base, use the gym, the commissary and other services that are provided..... and your dependents also eligible.   This will come in your letter from the VA.   With that, also, you can apply for discounts online and in Lowe's Home improvement stores.  MOST Other places that offer military discounts will also accept it as proof.   There will be NO expiration on your ID.  It will be "Indefinite".   YOU will also get free 100% dental care as well.
Congrats for getting your 100%!  However, the fight is not over.  You will still have to fight the VA for the medical care that you have earned and deserve!  I have had to school my VA Primary Doctor that I do not want to go to the VA for ANYTHING.  I want to use Community Care as my standing specialist care.  It's been a bit easier since the COVID-19 thing because the VA is just about locked down.  I suggest once you have all of your letters, ID, etc. schedule a good sit down with your primary care doctor.  Take someone with you that can speak up on your behalf.   Take your time and compose a letter of what you expect going forward, such as Community Care. They may want to steer you towards seeing a "Whole Health" nurse and get you involved in Tai Chi, yoga, playing a musical instrument (because of PTSD).  Just tell them you are open to talk about it, but for right now, you want to pause, get your bills caught up, catch your breath for a few months.  Best of luck to you all.

I think the new NOD forms are to lure Vets into filing a Nod for no good reason, so the DRO can say, "Yep, the Veteran filed a NOD, but I agree with the original decision maker this should be denied". And why would your DRO not do that if you do not give him reasons?

Its like this. You apply for benefits. The rater denies you, calling you a liar. He says you dont deserve your benefits, that YOU thought you deserved because blah, blah blah.

Now, the ball is in your court. Its your turn to hit the ball back! You bounce it right back, and say, "The rater has it all wrong. I told the truth. See, here is a docs report showing the rater had it wrong. He either did not read this report, or shredded it. Its here in black and white that I deserve my benefits"

You asked about the NOD, and I wont get into the DRO/NO DRO contorversy, as there are good reasons for both sides.

However, on the issue of the NOD:

One attorney (I cant recall his name) said, to the effect whenever he got a chance to argue for benefits for his client he took it. I mean think about it. You hire an attorney..you go with him before the judge, and he says nothing in your behalf!! I would be mad, especially if he lost. I do understand that guys like Ken Carpernter may have already done his arguing before and does not need to repeat it. However, most "long term" hadit people recommend you do a great job on your NOD, and explain exactly why you think you deserve the requested benefit. Dont make some rater conncect the dots for you..this is your chance.

Now, one theory is to file a quick nod, I disagre with the decision dated xx-xx-2014 on all issues and request (or opt out) of a DRO review.
I say dont do that. Here is why:
1. At a minimum, you should know why you deserve benefits better than anyone else. Who knows your case better than you? Your VSO? I doubt that. Your attorney may, but then he should be filing your nod, not you. So you should explain why you think you deserve xxx benefit that was denied.

2. Some suggest arguing your case "later". Bad idea. VA tends to lose that "supporting evidence" or supporting statement. But, they can not lose that IF ITS INCLUDED IN YOUR NOD, and YOUR NOD MAKES IT TO THE BVA. YOUR reasoning will "have" to be read, and wont be lost, else the BVA wont ever get your case, as a nod is required to go to bva or its immediately denied. NO NOD, no appeal. There is no reason for a Veteran to self delay his claim. Does the VA not delay your claim enough without you also delaying it??

3. This is YOUR chance to tell your side. Make it persuasive by:
a. Citing evidence, backing up your position. Example: The VARO decision stated there was no current diagnosis of PTSD. However, Dr. Ima VADOC, on Sept. 14, 2014 specifically stated, "The Veteran was arrested for domestic violence again, due to his PTSD." (Doctors report enclosed).
b. Make sure you refute "reasons and bases (RB) for decision". The RO decision's RB should be a template for your NOD. If you can, refute each "reason" stated by the RO and cite your evidence. If you do not try to refute the RB, then you are, by default, agreeing with the reasons for your denial!!

it sounds like they are trying to trip you up. Maybe trying to trick you into saying something that will screw you, be careful with these snakes. I would ask them why they are sending it to appeals and wasting even more time, when a favorable decision should have already been granted.
The only time they ever call me is with some trickery in mind, like saying they havent recieved the evidence Ive sent, then when I tell them I have proof of filing, they magically " find " the evidence in a " wrong file". Ive been lied to so much, I dont trust anyone at the VAMC, or the RO at all.. It takes a real piece of shit to screw over a veteran, and the VA is chock full.

Congrats on the Great News bud!!! What were you SC and what %s before, I don't remember. As far as the SSDI, I believe that you will get it. When you file that claim, make sure and PM me and I will give you a copy of a report that you can fill out that will help you get SSDI. A few fellow Vets on here were granted SSDI mostly to this report. I was granted in less than 10 weeks, which in Tx is dang near impossible or PTSD and Multiple Bone Issues. Good luck and God Bless!!!! Take the family out to the Ole Red Lobster and which you the best truly.

I take Clonazepam 1mg 3 times a day for the same thing. I really dislike the Abilify myself and hope to be off of it by the December. Too many side effects and does little to nothing for my psychosis.