Vync

Thad is right. It seems that I am on hold 10+ minutes every time I call the 1-800 number and press 110 to get to an operator just to check my claim status. For those of you who have access to eBenefits and can see your claim status, does it also show the suspense date?

:) :ph34r:

Hey stretch, What was the effective date(s) of this claim? Did it go all the way back or was it from a new, recent claim?

Hi Cannon, I have a feeling that it is going to be quite a while before I get setup. I have run into some brick walls trying to get access. I hope dsgsr's tip pays off... Grats on the increase! Now you need to change the percentage on your profile. Btw... I have been trying for more than a week to just get the DAV folks to call me back (will reserve this for a separate topic instead of going on about it here).

dsgsr, Thanks for the tip! I'll try that...

Interpretation: The VA has made it easier for Veterans to hurry up and wait :D

Question: Does anyone here currently have access to the VA ebenefits site and IS NOT retired from the military?

Tried to get to the ebenefits site, but it appears to be down. You get a mile-long error. :D Hopefully they will have it running again soon...

Wings, That sounds like a possibility... Also, I called my VAMC. The myhealth vet web site helper lady said she didn't know anything about the ebenefits site or in person authentication. I guess I need to schedule a day off from work.

bump

I have not tried it yet, but the 1-800-827-1000 folks said you can do the in person authentication at the VAMC, just like you can for the myhealth vet web site. I'm going to call them today to find out. Could someone else also try to verify this? Of course, those 1-800 folks are often wrong.

That's fantastic! I'm so glad for you!

Marl, When you call the 1-800 number to get claim status, do you get any different info than what you see on the site?

(Sarcasm entry) If you look at the pictures on the main site, you'll find something interesting. In big BOLD letters, one of photos begins with "WHAT'S YOUR TIME WORTH?" Hmm... It's obviously worth a lot more to me than it is to the VA.

Vet12, I agree. It's only 100 miles each way for me. If you read further on the web site, it describes their commitment for security of our personal info. Too bad they just don't let us go to our local county service office. Isn't that why they have them?

Just got off the phone regarding not being in DEERS. Registering requires: - Physically going to the VA Regional Office - Providing two forms of photo ID - Proof of current mailing address (i.e. phone bill) - Original or certified copy of DD214 I'll have to take a day off work just to jump through those hoops. Last time I checked, they already verified those things.

From what I read, you register online and get level 1 access. You then have to go through an in-person verification to get level 2 access.

Just tried to register for level 1 access, but for some reason, I am no longer in DEERS. Will have to call their toll free number to find out what went wrong. From what I can tell, this looks pretty cool.

Merely getting a well-written strong nexus letter with the appropriate jargon could make a big difference. Try that route before getting additional imaging done.

Get with your doc and ask for an MRI and/or a bone scan. X-rays can only show minimal details. When I hurt my back, the x-ray just showed a slight change. However, the MRI showed I had herniation of two discs and other damage. Also, I had shoulder surgery. The X-ray showed nothing, but the MRI showed I had some serious soft-tissue damage. Also, for arthritis, they can also do a bone scan. Arthritis shows up on those too. It's better to have overwhelming evidence in your favor. If your doctor will write you a strong nexus statement, it will help. If you just pass along results, it might get interpreted incorrectly. Remember, the raters are not doctors....

CG, I would, but because my claims are in the ratings department, I don't want to hold them up.

Hey ddj6969, Basically, they want to have proof that you have had to use special steroids or medications a significant amount of time to treat your condition during the past 12 months. In my opinion: Constant = 7 days a week Near-constant 5-6 days a week Note: Ratings with the "during the past 12-month period" are typically considered temporary ratings. This will be spelled out on your award letter and you can almost guarantee they will take another look at your condition in a year or two.

Deltaj, It looks like the VA gave me the runaround and gave your husband the super runaround. I think the deal about the ex-wife apportionment was handled wrong. When your husband divorced his ex, they should have stopped payment of the excess allocation. When he married you, they should have started it back up. Of course, you have to tell the VA about significant life changes like that... Hawkfire, I agree about the "all they did was deny me a little quicker" part. I had a couple of denials occur so fast that it made my head spin. It has been a couple of months since my original post, so here's a current status: Requested copy of C-file 6 months ago Active claims at the RO as of 4 1/2 months ago * As of yesterday, my claim was still in the ratings department VA refuses to send C-file copy until claims are finished * This is understandable, as they are still working on my claim and I don't want an additional delay

Huff, Some of the elders here could probably offer you better tips regarding your PTSD claim, but here's my opinion regarding each of your main points. #1 I have heard of things like this happening. Someone must have been a real jerk at that shop. At the shops I used to use, the folks really never cared because they were too busy talking about cars. To me, this sounds more like some form of depression than PTSD, but I could be wrong. #2 I thought experiencing a kidney/bladder stone was painful enough. Sorry that happened to you. Definitely something to run past your therapist. #3 Arthritis is definitely a source of chronic pain, which can also cause anxiety and depression. Due to the onset period, I am not quite sure if this would be PTSD, but I could be wrong. Regarding other medical conditions: Sleep apnea - Do you think it is possible that this is a side effect of the arthritis meds? Also, did the arthritis cause you to gain weight (i.e. not really able to exercise any more, less active). People who gain weight tend to suffer more often from OSA. Do you have to use a CPAP or BIPAP machine? Without a machine, SC might mean 30%, but with it could mean 50% or more. ED - After issue #2, this definitely sounds related. Also, ED can be a side effect of certain meds and/or depression/anxiety/pain. If you get SC for this, it means $96.00/month extra, but it does not count as a percentage. Depression/anxiety/pain - Arthritis is definitely a serious source of pain and also leads to depression, anxiety, or other issues. It's really hard to tell what type of rating you could get, but it would be a good idea to look into this also. Just remember, you can be SC for multiple MH issues, but SC is only rated by the highest one. Did your therapist offer an opinion on your conditions? They would be more likely to tell you what is and what is not classified into or intermixed between specific conditions. I hope your claim works out in your favor.

You could always have your wife buy American Express travellers checks, or.... Pretty simple solution: Pre-paid card 1. Go to your favorite store (Wal-mart, Target, Publix, Kroger, K-mart, etc...) 2. Your wife writes a check (or brings cash) and buys a pre-paid Visa card or a pre-paid store card. Your wife will still retain the ability to 'manage' how much money she gives you. Pre-paid Visa cards are usable anywhere, but usually there is a very small fee to purchase the card, usually a few dollars. Pre-paid store cards are only usable at the store where you buy them. You can never go over your limit, like a credit card. It's just like plastic cash. Some of the cards can even be reloaded. Be sure to keep track of the current balance. You can go to a bank and ask for a checkbook register. 95% of banks will give you one for free. Just track the balance using the register. Be sure to secure the card when it is not in use. If it gets lost or stolen, you are out of luck.