Stressed11

Welcome, and good luck, I don't have a lot to offer, I'm fighting the same battle. Just wanted to show my support, since I was on that same cruse with you in 1980.

Had another question guys, below suggested I get an IMO to support my claim. The only doctors I have seen during the past 7 years are the VA docs. I really don't have a doc outside the VA. So how do I get an IMO, go to a strange doc, and ask him to certify me as unemployable? Seems like he would be reluctant to do this?

Ratings decisions was dated 30 Sep 10 Denial based on the SS disability determination of a Fracture of the right leg (not SC) The Dr. statement included: "The examiner reported that you are likely unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment in the competitive market primarily due to your physical problems" The fractured leg could not be a part of this most recent exam, because it has since healed and I walk normally without and aid. The Dr. remarks must be directed at my Back problems which are SC.

I have a statement from the VA docs that says I'm unable to hold employment due to my injuries, isn't this enough? Or do I need an independent Doc to state the same? Or does the VA docs statement have to be specific about which injury ie. the SC one?

OK, in 2001 I was deemed to be in such poor shape my employer asked me to file for SSI. At the time I filed I had a broken leg, and sever back problems. I was imediatly awarded SSDI, and have not worked since 10/30/01. In 2003 I filed with the VA because my back injury was SC, I was awarded 20%. I appealed in 2005 was awarded 40%. I then asked for an increase, and now (2010) I am 50% for back 10% ridiculopathy for each leg, 10% for tinnitus, and 30% for depression from injuries and inability to work. Total combined SC of 70%. There was even a statement from my last examining Dr. stating it is unlikely that I could obtain or hold any type of employment. My IU was denied, because my SSI letter states "Fracture of lower extremity" as cause for award. Are they kidding I'm on SSI because I had a broken leg, so no UI!! No one gets SSI just because of a broken leg. When I ask SS they said they are only required to list one cause, and mine was my leg. Should I file yet another appeal, using the last Dr.s statement about my inability to work as cause, or have I been sidelined because of the statement of award in my SSI letter?

I have a current pending claim for depression secondary to physical injuries, and PTSD. We'll see how these come out. I've already been waiting almost two years!!!

I got my decision back from DC three weeks ago today, with a 30% increase granted and retro. As of today I have not heard anything from RO, or from DAV. DAV is my rep. I also have watched the bank account. Seems to me all it should take is someone in front of a computer, and a few keystrokes to get it done.

I just got my paper work from the SSA for my periodical review... to see if I'm still disabled...I'm planning on filling them out with my back issues. And also stating how the SSA seemed to miss the fact that I have back problems. Maybe they will review my case and get the back issue in the paperwork like the should have in the first place. Then again that would require the government to do the right thing for once.

The real problem is that VA says the broken leg on my SSD letter is the reason I can't work. Not my SC back injury, I think I need sufficient SC claims before I file for TDIU to place the burden on the service injuries, and not on the now healed broken leg.

Yes, I was disabled in 2001, but did not file until 2003, and got SC awarded in 2004. Even though I failed a reserve reenlistment physical in 1989, ending my career. I was not told, or aware of my benefits, until my nephew asked me why I had not filled. I'm just frustrated, my appeal sat in VARO from 2005 to 2008, with no action at all. Despite the fact that I was calling each month. The persons on the phone just kept saying "Don't worry the VA will back pay you". I finally got DAV involved, and things started to happen. My claim had sat for so long I had to undergo a new round of physicals with C&P. I finally got a ruling last week, but no money to date. I can't work and am raising a family, with kids in college. I need TDIU from the VA, but can't even file until I get 60%.

I thought I had posted this earlier, but I can't find it. I served in the Navy for 7 years active and 8 years reserve. I filed my first claim in 2004 for a SC back injury and hearing loss. I had the prof I needed and was immediately given SC but rated 20% for my back and 0% for hearing. Not enough since I haven't worked since 2001, and am on SS. I filed an appeal in 2005, and just got the results back last week. They bumped me to 40% on my back, gave me 10% for rediculopathy, and held the 0% for hearing loss. I plan to push on with a claim already filed for knee pain and depression. I probably should file for tinnitus, and PTSD as well. My question is on my SS disability letter it states that I was disabled due to a fractured right leg. When I questioned the SSA about this they stated "We only need to list one cause for our award of 100%". Yes when I had my SS exam I had a broken leg from a motorcycle accident(not SC). But get real they don't put people on permanent disability for a broken leg, my back was also considered. The appeal results pointed out that I was on SS for the fracture not the SC back injury, and did not consider me for TDIU. Did I get screwed by the SSA? My VSO is DAV, and I haven't heard from them as to what my next step should be. Any ideas on this?