navydoc2

congrats should be a decent amount of retro. spend wisely! /doc

My hydrocodone and clonazepam both come certified with a pink label. I guess it would not be hard for someone to figure out. Once you've been doing it for awhile I'm sure you can tell whats what. /doc

Just wanted to give update meds came this morning in mail, so I will hopefully get a good nights sleep tonight my eyes are heavy as I speak. lol Thanks to all for your responses. /doc

Thanks all, I guess I was too wound up to think straight. I'm going to do exactly what you guys have suggested. Thanks for being there for me AGAIN!. /doc

Congrats, thanks for your service. /doc

I just saw my psychiatrist last week. She renewed all my meds as usual, one being trazodone. I received all of my psych meds within a week of my appt; all except the trazodone. I called the pharmacy yesterday and was told it was on back order, they didn't have any in supply. She also told me she couldn't tell me when I could expect to get any. I had two weeks worth when I went to see my psych doc; thinking that was more than enough time to get more. I am now down to my last few days and don't know what to do. My wife said today, I'm hard to get along with when I'm off my meds. I get about 5 hours of sleep with my meds, without I get about 2 hours and short naps all day which sends me into a downward spiral. I'm worried. /doc

That is exactly why they denied me last year I separated in '99. They said I had not made the claim within a year and my medical record did not say I had hypertension. I was told when I was in service that I was borderline hypertensive and I needed to quit smoking most of my numbers were in the 150's and high 90's. /doc

navy, Is SSA aware of all medical issues that VA granted IU for? Yes they are aware of my SC issues for IU which was 70% for MDD with anxiety and agoraphobia. They responded by saying that they don't have to agree with other agencies. My passing out/ seizures is not SC.

Congrats. I'm putting together a NOD for OSA based on that same issue overweight due to meds. Good Luck. /doc

You have a lawyer, right? Yes John, I got a laywer when I was denied the first time.

navy, Why exactly - did SSA deny? What exactly - is stated in your VBA rating decision to support an evaluation of 100% SC ? Carlie SSA denies me twice because, they said that although I could not do my job that I was doing. I could do something less stressful and complex. The VA rated me TDIU in feb '09, I was then granted P&T, in July '10. I would like to know what job I can do where I pass out?

Finally I received my letter informing me of a hearing date with an alj. I was wondering what advice if any that you can share about how to deal with it. What to expect is it adversarial like a C&P exam. I am told there will be a vocational expert there. I'd like to know what job she says I can do where you can pass out and have seizures. Its not til December so I can feel my anxiety building already. Thanks in advance. /doc

I feel your pain. I am also having episodes of lightheadedness, but have also passed out and had what has looked like seizures. The doc's can't seem to figure out what is wrong so now they think its all in my head too. I just had my psych doc kick it back to the medical doc's last week. I agree with the others you should file, the longer you wait the shorter you effective date will be. Good luck. /doc

Congrats! always great to hear success stories. I was granted IU in late '09, and had an exam scheduled for aug '11. I waited a few months after the IU award and filed a NOD for the P/T and was granted it in Jun of '10, I believe you can do the same as long as your SC issues are going to be static in nature as they say. Great news again, spend wisely and don't forget to check your state benefits as well. /doc

What is your claim for? It may be that based on your SC disabilities, you have an inferred claim for IU. If your claim on it's own would take you to 100%, I wouldn't be quick to scrap the IU claim as it will pay at the 100% rate. Do you have a VSO that your are working with?

Congrats Carlie! I told you it would work out. I had no doubt you were prepared. That is two big wins for you recently if memory serves? I really appreciate your straightforward advice on this board. You rock! /doc

I recall my first appeal with the VA was for sc for right knee. I explained my symptoms to the CP doc and to the person via teleconference. He then dismissed all of my testimony based on me not being an "expert". My appeal was denied and it hinged on my word vs what the cp doc made up. It was determined that my injuries were because of a surgery when I was seventeen. When I got out of the military I was 38 and had spent years humping with the Marines with no problem before it started taking its toll on me. I never re appealed that case but I learned an important lesson from that experience.

Its been awhile; but if I recall I would call a 800 number on the 1st; and then the check would come within a week of that. That was back in 06, by the time I left the program I no longer had to call I just took my schedule to the va rep on campus and it was good to go. I would receive a check each month usually by the second week of the month. That worked for me as I would pay my bills with my compensation and then use the stipend for my monthly expenses. I had dependents so my stipend was around 850.00. Hope that helps. Good luck. /doc

congrats on all your bennies kicking in.

Congrats, good news always; lets keep it coming. /doc

I had my C&P's in Feb09 and didn't get a decision until Sep09, that was fast by some standards from talking to people on this board. The best you can do is wait and every few weeks or so call your VSO. Trust me we all know how nerve racking the wait can be. Good luck. /doc

I'm curious how 12 years in service could be considered an adjustment issue lol. Seems like you adjusted just fine. Can there be a case made for and earlier effective date for the 50% or has that ship sailed. /doc

I know the feeling Carlie, and I also know that if there is anyone who will be prepared and locked in it would be you. I'm sure you have it all tabbed and highlighted lol. Hey maybe you can kill two birds with one stone go to the mall and stop at the food court, and on the way out sit in one of those massage chairs. Close your eyes and imagine that doc's head exploding when you drop all that evidence in their lap. It will at least tell them you are serious and will be watching every move they make. Good luck I'm sure you have more than you need. Now breathe lol doc/

I have a question Maurice, did you win at the alj level or before?