vetinpa

I guess I am waiting on signatures, what ever that means!!!!!!!!

Gunner, My claim was done out of the Pittsburgh office, They assign the VSO to you, so recommending someone would not help. I would say to pick up the phone or write them. They are in the federal bldg, same as the VA. Contact: Disabled American Veterans, 412-395-6241 or 6242 1000 Liberty Ave. Room 1606 Pittsburgh, PA. 15222 Hope you get the help you need.

sandman, I have all these symptoms through the va medical center, 5 volumes of records since my activity duty release in 91. However last year things got real bad so I went to a civilian rhumatologist (sp) and he diagnosed me with the fibro, all the symptoms were there, the va just was not diagnosing it. Because I have arthritis with a back injury I could go there with 3 heads and they would attribute it to the arthritis. In my records for years were the sleep, stomach, muscle and joint, etc, they would just keep giving me the naproxen, muscle relaxers and stomach pill, I finally had enough and went to a civilian rheumatologist. then the DAV put in a blanket claim in when the presumptives come out for persian gulf illness, not undiagnosed because they were diagnosed. so they listed them all and said due to persian gulf illness.

How did you get 100, can you break it down for me? I think I should be there too, I have to wait to get my official letter but according to the DAV they lumped a bunch of things together and put it at 40, I already get 30 for my skin and 40 for my back which they combine as 80 I guess when I get my letter. I am not sure how they broke it all down, but I may have to file a NOD to get the others as separate issues, will discuss more when I get notification so I see how they did it. How is yours broke down? I do have a depression claim in as a separate issue that is on vba appeal, they did not address it at this time, that case is sitting there waiting for the vba to pick it up.

Gosh, I am still in the authorization stage, how long does this take? has been there for 22 days now. Anyone have any idea, letter from DAV was Feb 3 and still nothing from the VA

Still waiting on the big brown envelope, got the DAV letter dated 2/3, they said it should be between 3-14 days, it has been 20.

Are these service connected? Do you get your meds from the VA?

Who lets the DAV know about a claim decision? I am playing the waiting game, so silly me I called the 800 number today, the guy on the phone told me a brokered decision was made on 2/17, that it still had to be reviewed for accuracy, however the DAV letter was dated 2/3, so now I am wondering who notifies the DAV. I had two claims, one went to authorization, which made no sense since it was the denied one, so now I am left in doubt. I tried to call my VSO at the DAV today, but they were all in training. The guy on the 800 line said it would not be long now, but now I wonder long for what?

k, so I guess I am playing the waiting game, but I had a few more questions that I need to ask. I have or will have the following once I get this rating. 80% combined Most recent is the fibromyalgia, with the joint and muscle pain, stomach issues, sleep issues, etc. 40% Skin issues 30% Back issues, which is what I was put out on with nothing, took 10 years to get to 40% So all these combined is 80%, It has been a struggle for me to work full time, but I have continued. I have one hell of a time getting through the day, most times having to get up and walk around to even stay awake because of sleep issues, once I do get home, the nerve endings in my legs have a party and put me in misery, I use up my sick time, vacation time and personal days on health issues. I love my job but it is increasingly hard to function at full capacity, it is a desk job, but that is no better for me, sitting is an issue with my back and my legs. Looking at the computer screen all day makes me tired because of my lack of sleep. I guess bottom line is, I am used to working, I have all my life, I don't know how Not to work but my body is not cooperating very well, How does one in my situation go about applying for unemployability, I would have to quit my job I know that, but how long does a Unemployability claim take? I have 5 volumes of medical records from the VA hospital. Just wanted to get some thoughts from people? I am totally lost on this issue, appreciate any help you can give. thanks

I did not get official notification from the VA yet, just the DAV service officer, sent me a letter that said unofficial but it will happen

Well the VSO said between 3-14 days, but when I spoke to the people on the 800 number they said that it is in the notification phase which means it could stay there for 16-27 days, then it has to go to the authorization stage which is another 10-14 days, not real sure who has the most reliable information. Just came on here to ask thinking maybe some of you all had some experience in this type of situation and could give some thoughts on it. appreciate your time.

I hear ya, just seems strange the DAV got word, so there is a decision, why they leave the cat out of the bag so to speak, then you wait and wait, and wait. I am hoping not to wait much longer. This claim has a lot of dust on it.

wow, under the snow, unreal huh. I did talk to the VA today, I was told by the 800 number people that it is approved, it is in the final stages, this stage could take between 10-27 days (odd number, huh), then it would go to authorization that would take another 10-14 days. So, I am probably looking at the middle of next month right? I was so excited when I got the letter from the DAV, thinking okay, big brown envelope then my retro. Now it seems like it will be at least another month long wait. Could this be wrong????? Appreciate all the input Have a great day!

I am amazed that it was approved the first time around, I have two other claims that are being released to the BVA now that this one is cleared up. I am hoping by the end of next week to see it in may bank account, would be nice.

That is what I am doing was just wondering, claim is about 2.5 years old, so it should be a good sum to pay off some bills and get my head above water

I got a letter from the DAV that stated that my increase was approved, however I have not gotten anything from the VA yet. When I spoke to the DAV, they said that it could be 3 days to 14 days. The Va will not tell me a thing. Money is really tight, has anyone had this situation. How long did you wait for retro pay? How long did it take the VA to act?? any help is appreciated. thanks dav letter is dated 2/3/11

The psychologist I had was also a desert storm vet, when the exam was done he said that he would write me a good report and I think that he covered all the new requirements that the va expects for a claim.

how do you log on to ebenefits and see it? I have never heard of this before?

If the VA doc (psych. doc) during a comp exam states that the veterans issues are directly related, how would this get passed the board of appeals? Even if they would deny it at local level, you would think the bva would look at reasonable doubt and the diagnosis and reports state that they feel it is directly related, they would almost have to be granted right?

yes

Does anyone know the timeframe that a completed claim will be at the rating board at a regional office, this is a 2008 claim that is complete, would it be 30, 60, 90 days? It moved really quickly to the rating board once the exam was back. Like with in a week, so should it move through the raters as quickly considering it is a 2008 claim?

The poem is awesome, I have often wonder if the SOB is still on active duty or not. After it happened to me I left the service and my husband, came home, cut off my hair, got my tubes cut, burnt and tied, wanted to destroy any part of me that would attract a male. I drank myself to sleep, not suicidal, but not caring if I woke up in the morning. I still deal with it today. The VA is fighting me on it of course. I guess it is normal to throw away 8 years of active duty, a marriage and do all the above mentioned things, they have so far not considered looking at what prompted me to do all this?? I have been diagnosed with PTSD on the civilian side of life and mst on the va side. Filed a claim, still fighting!! I wanted to retire at a young age with 20 years, he took that desire a way from me and replaced it with horrible memories. I am ashamed, I am remarried and can not tell my husband about it. I have a dark secret that will haunt me for the rest of my life.

I have read this decision several times, would some one else please give me their interpretation. I have a back brace that I already recieve one clothing allowance for, I also have a skin condition. In July the VA prescribed me a salve to use on this condition. It affects my chest, arms, back, etc. Should I be eligible for a second allowance under this decision? The VA says that they have no directive on it yet. However the county director says to apply and see what their answer is. What are your thoughts? Apply or not for the second one?