[Comp & Pen Exam For Increase/ui]

Hi, i'm new here and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for my upcoming appointment. I am service connected 50% for mood disorder NOS. I filed for increase last November and have my exam later this month.

Over the past year I have lost my job, granted SSDI, and have had persistent depression, anxiety, insomnia, mania, and fatigue. All this is in my notes over the past year. I lost my job last year after I had a manic episode and cussed out a customer. This is also in my medical notes. My Psych stated I was in a manic episode which led to my termination. Soon after my termination I applied for SSDI and was awarded in November 08. SSDI is for the same condition, mood disorder NOS.

I also have a record in my Voc Rehab to discontinue due to ongoing depression and anxiety.

I haven't been able to work or do Voc Rehab since May 2008.

With what I just presented do you think I have a chance at getting UI? My DAV rep told me I definetely should get an increase to 70% and then I would probably have to apply for UI. Does this sound right?

Thanks,

Jay

[C & P In Jan. Claim In Authorization Office]

Still to this day after 9 years the VA still hasn't located my SMR's. I requested them myself and got a letter back saying they are lost. Luckily I was discharged in 2000 so it was very soon afterwords I put a claim in and continuity of treatment is what got me my first award.

Jay

They rated my back at 40%, but the partial paralysis of the sciatic nerve at 20%, for a total of 52%. They denied most of the remaining items I had filed for, except my shoulder. I will be appealing the rulings on those items, but think it's unlikely I will get anywhere with any of them except for my hearing, and ringing in my ears, and possibly my left knee. I think they will rate my shoulder at 10 and I am filing for pain radiating down my leg as an secondary to my back. It's well documented, so shouldn't be too hard to get that rated. If I am correct about those, I will end up somewhere between 70 to 90%, but the effects of my back are influncing my ability to do my job, and I am not sure how that will affect my rating or if it will.

I think 3 things have helped me have a pretty easy process so far, 1st, I have a complete copy of my medical record I request before leaving the Navy. 2nd, preparing for, and listening to the rep at my local office, and other vets who have gone through the process. 3rd, without a doubt has been this place, very helpful and informative.

[Service Connection At 0%]

What additional benefits would there be for 160% vs. 120%?????

Let me know because I have searched and can't find additional benefits.

All i'm saying is don't reward yourself by putting yourself through all the stress again.

You only live once.

Frank

[Service Connection At 0%]

I am with you on that. It wouldn't make sense to keep filing for other things when you already have the max. And why put yourself through the VA beurocracy again and stress yourself out when you don't have to? Plus you're just backlogging the system when you don't have to.

Jay

My cardiac condition could easily be SC'd as it did start while on active duty. So why haven't I ever filed for it? Because I don't want the VA messing with what I already have...IU, P&T. I know that once you have something like that and file for other claims it gives the VA an open door to screw with you.

I might consider Tort action/1151 claim against the VA since they almost killed me with this latest round of cardiac fiasco.

I can't count the number of times I've been on antibiotics for sinus-related stuff...I"ve also had sinus surgery....it sucks....mine also started while on active duty; but I feel that sinus infections are so minor and most ppl get them at one time or another.

[Service Connection At 0%]

I believe 100% is the limit so 100 + 60 would still come out to 100% unless your housebound. In other words you should apply for UI if you haven't yet.

I'm new so I could be incorrect on that.

Jay

Because if I was awarded like I should have, it would have put at 160% I could use the extra money you get at 100% plus 60%.