dougm

Congrats! Hope to join you with a similar rating for me on bipolar soon. Doug

I did claim the other issues at the same time, and responded to all issues in the VCAA letter at the same time.

Hey all, I had a C&P today, which addressed the following issues: bilateral flat feet, left wrist pain, left shoulder pain, lower back pain. The examiner was not asked to address the following items: upper back pain, bipolar disorder, insomnia disorder, hemorrhoids, rhinitis, and chronic bronchitis. Most of these other issues are well documented (with recent notes from VA treatment) with the exception of the upper back pain. The rhinitis and bronchitis were addressed by a pulmonary specialist, and bipolar/insomnia have been extensively addressed at mental health. Here is the question. Should I be concerned that these items were not included at the C&P exam, and that I do not have a scheduled mental health C&P? Additionally, does this mean they have already decided against service connecting these items? Thanks in advance. Doug

I just received an IRIS response confirming that 5 of 6 issues were deferred to the Travel Board from the DRO. This definately feels like a defeat, and while on the surface better than a flat out denial, I still feel like all of my issues were denied. Anyone know the wait time for a Travel Board hearing? It looks like this battle is going to be a long one. I guess I requested the Travel Board hearing back in January (unintentionally, and probably screwed myself with the DRO somehow). Thanks.

I've not yet had a mental health C&P, but I would recommend you study the rating schedule, because as I've learned the hard way, if you don't put things in VA language, they just won't understand your point of view. Understand your symptoms and how they are applicable in the rating schedule. Other than that, I agree with Sharon, you'll do just fine.

That's fantastic. Congratulations!

Thanks Sharon, This is stemming from a DRO hearing I had in December. I was at first shocked, hoping that didn't mean they denied all the others (the issues I thought were much stronger). I had a C&P for the issues in January, and all the issues were clear, so maybe the DRO thought the C&P was inadequate like I did. Thanks again, and hopefully I'll be less of a lurker from now on.

Hey all, simple question. I was told today by the 800 number that one issue had been service connected at 0% by the DRO, and that 5 others were deferred. Does deferred by the DRO mean denied and passed onto the travel board or delayed. I guess, what exactly does deferred by the DRO mean? Also, if a shoulder injury was not in SMR's, but was diagnosed 2.5 months after separation at a C&P, is it then service connectable by presumption? Thanks, Doug