vetmp

How do I apply for a increase? I will check out the TDIU forum, thank you.

Hi, I went through the claim system years ago and originally was rated 10% for my back 10% PTSD. I appealed and was award 30% on PTSD. That decision was in Feb 2011. Since then I have gone through a lot of different problems in my life, the worst being arrested for DUI in April 2011 and then drunk in public a couple months later. I rarely drink now, for the record. I've had issues with interpersonal relationships and being an xxxxxxx to a few friends who don't speak to me now. I was awarded Vocational Rehab but I have dropped out 3 of 4 semesters due to injury or stress from my ex over child support, contact with my son and her wanting to go after what little compensation I have right now. I also was living in a caustic environment because housing is so expensive here. The only other thing that keeps me afloat is my photography. I get occasional work for that. It is the only thing that gets me out of the house except for the occasional surf session. I have not been able to find employment since being laid off in 08/2008. My Voc Rehab rep has restricted me on what type of jobs I can have. I used to be in Sales, after I got out of the Army but they feel it is a stress inducing job (I don’t disagree), I have tried to obtain employment in several different fields Office Assistant, Bank Teller, etc. I think my age and lack of experience, combined with high unemployment here in CA is hindering my consideration for employment. I am wondering if I should appeal again and what the process for me would be like since I am beyond the 1 year to actually appeal the rating. I don't like my local VSO and since I don’t have my license or car, cannot go see the one that is an hour away. Is this super hard to do on my own or should I stomach being nice to this guy? Thank you.

Thank you, good to know!

that link does not work anymore http://www.dva.wa.gov/benefits.html

I just rec'd a packet telling me they re-interpreted my claim regarding PTSD and raised it from 10% to 30% which is right at or below what my docs felt. They did not change my rating on my back, which is at 10%. Back when i had the C&P my back was farrrrrrrrrr worse than it is now. I filed the the notice of disagreement because my back was still very painful. But the last few months it has gotten better. I dont know if 20 or 30% more is justifiable anymore. I'm a little bit irritated because I was supposed to have an MRI and my doc is a dumbass telling them I need my arm done and them refusing to do my back because of his dumbassery... I also was refused Physical Therapy because the assigned therapist was injured and no one to take their place, told to go to Palo Alto but they said they were not accepting new patients for Physical Therapy. There is more but I dont think it is really pertinent to my question, just imagine a vet that has a lot of "little" bullshit dealing with the VA, my VSO and another VSO indirectly refusing to help me, etc. So let's say my back goes real bad on me 2 or 3 years from now, am I able to do something or is this the rating I will be stuck with forever if I do not appeal their new decision? What if I have an accident and hurt my back, will the VA blame the accident (like a fall, not a car TA) on my worsened back or what?? lol

I was told on the phone, after speaking to 4 different people that on May 21st, someone, somewhere, was supposed to send me a notice, that they would begin withholding my check for my VA doc appointments that they consider non sc. Instead.. According to the woman on the phone at the 1-800 # a decision was made to just take it on the 17th. My statement came today and nothing has been taken out. No one is going to really care but it is only 243 bucks. No one but me. I am having a hard time with the VA everywhere right now, my mental health docs do not return my calls, I always go to voice mail and never even get confirmation they received my call. My medical doc acts as if he is hearding cows and cuts me off when I am trying to tell him why I am there to see him because he has stuff to put in his computer, briefly talks about my stuff from previous visits and then is out the door. I always leave pissed off. Today I fought U.S. Open traffic to meet with this guy from the Voc Rehab on the former Ft Ord, to take some kind of aptitude tests, calls me 3 minutes before the appointment time and leaves a message. I couldnt answer because I was driving and I didnt know who it was. I call him 15 minutes later and I am kicking myself for not pulling over to answer because this loon was calling to tell me he wasn't going to be there because something came up. I just hung up on him because I knew I would say something wrong and make things worse for me. I spoke to my therapist on the phone, in another nearby cllnic that is mostly mental health but they do have medical there on mon wed and fri and a doctor every wed. So I called and left a message that I want to have my mental health records transferred there. After hanging up, I realized I may to to go in anyway and sign something. So I will go back on Tuesday when there is far less traffic and do I what I need to do, to get my care "whatever" is transferred. Im sure like everything else, it will be a hassle.

The VA is playing monkey games with my tiny disability check, was told they withheld my June check on May17th, whatever that means. Just received current bill and nothing has changed as of their statement date of June 9th. Supposedly I was supposed to receive notice this month they would start with holding in Sept. Instead they did it now and with zero warning. Hindsight is 20/20..... I should have never gotten my congressman involved.

I have had very few appointments for non service connected and usually, those were for the side effects for the muscle relaxers... I tried changing docs but the asswipe patients dude blew sunshine up my ass. My mental health doctor has never tried talking to me. She just writes a prescription and say Ahh, u lewk deeepwesed, here is more pills. I cant change fro her because they have an "alphabetical system" that they will not deter from. SO you know what? They win, I give up.... game over. I hope the VA regional director in oakland chokes on his lunch. He can keep my checks to use for wiping his ass. I will not go back to the VA ever again.....

Yeah... It was NOT lost in the mail.. Today I finally got an answer. I was told that they were to send me a notification that the 350 I owe in medical bills to the VA would be withholding my check in Sept. INSTEAD, they took it, with absolutely no advance warning. Im being charged for service connected visits. Called my doc and told them I wont be coming back, if the VA is going to do that to me while asking me to jump thru hoops and make changes to my lifestyle. and then bend me over, they can all go xxxx themselves. They can keep their fukin meds, terrible medical and mental care and shove it straight where the moon dont shine! I cant change docs either, they wont let me., The ahole weasel in charge keeps telling to work things out with an idiot that thinks a toilet bowl full of blood is NORMAL. Fuk it!

my fault for not changing i guess but, they dont have an answer to why I did not get a check. I love this system......

calling now

First, I like the new board, easier to use as far as posting and what not. Awesome... I did not get my disability check this and I am worried. Is there a number to call? or better yet a website I can use? I have a pay as u go phone, so I cannot do the long holds without wasting money.

Well, Im already recieving the unemployment. I can work, there just isnt much out there that isnt labor or stress intensive. Anyway, I hope it works out, regardless.

Does anyone have experience in being on Unemployment and being approved for Vocational Rehab? I was on State disability for awhile, my benefits ran out and I had to look for work. While not finding any, I checked to see if I could reopen my unemployment claim and to my surprise I could and have 60 weeks left with all the extensions... Am I able to recieve both benefits at the same time or does one offset the other?

yeah, I was just hoping to not be like the majority.... High hopes I guess, lol. Im going to appeal and begin that process after my MRI on my arm and back next week. I am glad Im in the system now. I used to feel a public option for govt healthcare was a good idea.....