nbll01

Mine was the same way...My DRO NOD took 52 months to get finalized and eBennys never updated the status until the claim was closed. It said the same thing for years. Good Luck

Well my NOD completed after 52 months and I am at 60% with TDIU still deferred. As unbelieveable as it was to get this Chapt 35 benefit stuff once...you guessed it VA sent me more of the same again! I got another booklet and printed letter this past weekend. I realize its some type of stupid mistake BUT way to keep messing with the vets mind,Thanks VA

Did you submit a statement in your own words how the migraines have effected your daily life, how long they have persisted..etc? Did you also submit a headache log as well? Its also very wise to submit letters from friends or family that have witnessed your suffering. These would be considered lay statements, although not as powerful as a doc's statement...STILL very good evidence to use. Also are you currently being treated by the VA for Migraines or another Doc?

I just got my BBE in the mail and I was service connected for all BUT I had no idea why it was 0% service connected......(thought it would be 30%) To clarify for anyone who may be like me and not understand the VA's policy on Corticosteroids or "systemic therapy".... Here it is hot off the press from the DRO from my NOD verbatim.... Note: Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that are synthetic derivatives of the natural steroid, cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands. They are called "systemic" steroids if taken by mouth or given by injection as opposed to topical corticosteroids, which are applied directly to the skin. Corticosteroids that are applied topically are not considered systemic for VA purposes. So unfortunately for me I've been on the topical Corticosteroids for the last year and that doesn't cut it for the ratings....please don't tell my liver this..lol Hope this can help some fellow vets and save a little frustration.

Thank You for explaining that.

A little background. I got a partial decision about 4 months ago 60% backdated to 2009..woohooo On the July 12th my claim (APPEAL Dro Nod) said Closed and Statement of the case sent out. I called Peggy today as on my pending claims page it says Administrative review opened and closed on the 13th. I also had a dependancy claim that was completed on the 13th as well with backpay in route according to VA. The VA also opened a claim for me for TDIU as well which was inferred in my NOD today....WHEW Anyway my main question is I wasnt able to find out anything about the NOD (in general) as Peggy said that it wasnt closed out in the VA system and she couldnt look at it. If the SOC is in the mail (mailed on the 12th) why would they keep the claim open?? Peggy said its possible that there may be a rating and they are sending the SOC to me to accept or file a form 9??? Does this sound plausible??? I went into ebennys where you file a new claim and it shows I'm service connected for the contention (from the NOD) at 0%...just trying to figure out if this is the final say or could it still change. I ask because I had everything to get a 30% rating on this contention so I'm puzzled till the BBE arrives. Sorry if this seems rambling, Ive been at wits end for the last 4 months. Thanks

Three things will be required to have service connection/ compensation for your contentions. First you must have a in service incident or occurance(s). Secondly you must have a current diagnosis of the claimed condition. Lastly you need a medical opinion that the current treated condition is linked to your time in service (Nexus).

I just received a app for chap 35 benefits in the mail today for my 16yr old. I have a NOD in (DRO) and received a partial grant 4 months ago 60% with a few contentions deferred as well as TDIU. Does this just randomly happen?? possibly a VA blunder?? OR?? Seems I read about people getting the app before the decision letter shows up?

I feel your pain. Seems this is a original claim and not a NOD (appeal). I filed my original claim in 2008 and was promptly denied in 2009 across the board. You have the 30% going for you right out of the gate so thats good, Congrats. I have a feeling you may be like I was and really did not have any medical evidence to support my claims in the beggining.I never had insurance and wasnt aware I could go to the VA and get treatment. I also had no idea what to really file for (vso can help some in this area). I knew what I felt but wasnt sure what it would fall under in the 38CFR I would really get familiar with the 38CFR....Know what youre claiming and the symptoms as well as the percentages..it really pays to educate yourself on these. When going to your PCP ask them to be referred if you need treatment for something specific..IE mental or Neuro if they dont already refer you I filed my NOD in march of 2009 and I got a partial grant of my claim (60%) and it was backdated to 2009...turned out to be a huge retro payment..Point is NOTHING about this process is fast and there is no gaurantee it will be done correctly... YOU are gonna be your own best advocate for YOU...DONT ever expect that the VA will make your case for you. Educate yourself on how all this works, make sure you connect all the dots for them and with a little luck you will get the decision you deserve. You have to commit to the long haul when it comes to the VA..Good Luck

i would suggest getting a copy of your C&P exams, to see what the examiner put down?? Might help ease some of the stress, not that it means for sure you will win even if its in your favor.You can get them from ROI office or your RO...Good Luck

Thanks everyone... I got the BBE in the mail this past Friday....

Berta, Your posts are always so good. You truely are a tree of knowledge for us all here THANK YOU. I hope your claims turnout exactly the way you want. I recieved a call about 15 minutes after I posted the comment above yesterday from the VA. My claim was awarded 60% retro'd back to 2009 when I filed my NOD. Im still in shock......... Several contentions were deferred as well as the TDIU........So you never know. Youre right my VSO is a fool....if I wouldnt have stuck to my guns and went in for a face to face meeting...This could or would if I get TDIU costed me untold financial suffering. IEspecially if I would have to wait years more trying to apply for something I may well have gotten out of the gate.

I got a call from the VA a little bit ago. Im still in shock, I got service connected on my DRO NOD from 2009 at 60%...paying retro back to 2009....other items as well as TDIU deferred... Thanks to everyone for the advice and knowledge Ive gained from this site. Keep the faith everyone, Good things can and do happen.

We agree on that!......I couldnt believe he told me to trash the thing... He did a about face after telling me for 10 minutes why I shouldnt or couldnt fill it out, once he saw in the computer that the DRO specifically wanted it. Checked unfortunately no change to eBennys......From what Ive learned another C & P is in store and then a DRO hearing so heres hoping. Thanks

Filled it out with NSO and he submitted it. I hear you loud and clear IF I get the TDIU granted. I appreciate the advice about the scheduler 100. Thanks