cowgirl

Thanks Allan! This has been heartburn with me; so many vague references to records being used to validate things, rarely stating for sure they need to be read by examiners! Cg

Yes to the Cfile Request! - and semi/semi-annual updates! Also Request copies of VA medical records, which are seperate from the C File. Request Vocational Rehabilitation files. Copy of Service Medical Records. Maintain current Copy of assigned VA percentage letter. *Xray/Lab/PT records from VA contractors if possible. (had contracted physical therapy; records detailed&lengthy compared to breif VA). Cg,up!

I at one time thought this would be ideal. Scanning medical records into a data base for providers that give me or my family care. No Not Ever my thoughts. Okay I know my info is all over the place even with Hippa. My reason three different doctors in less than a 24 hours told me that's most dangerous. Va and civilian Drs.alike. Each said don't support it. Seeing near all the Drs. only keep what I consider 'tight' notes, meds, straightforward diagnosis and tests ordered. Docs said they would never have thier personal medical records online due to safety. We are vulnerable I feel , with Ssa, Va, Dmv, Insurance and IRs not to mention white pages reverse # lookup & satellite imaging. I see minimal release of information key to everyones safety. No paper checks or regular mail sounds extreme? My bank is starting to charge for paper 2009. Shredding is a fact and I tell everyone military related Copy Medical records and again later same year. Then keep them safe. My rant, my heartbreak for vets claims shredded. Cg

Sometimes I get frustrated with finding what to call my disagreement, NOD, appeal, or reconsideration. But here goes, one claim for increase headed to dro (nod?) and one claim appeal submitted with imo (reconsideration?). What do I call each? Mixing my apples'n' fuzzy oranges, must be Friday! HA. tanks, :P :P :P B) Cg

Ruby good luck and got my digits crossed here for ya too! Best to ya! CG

Rock, mail or direct deposit? If direct deposit is possible you could ask the bank to call you because you have special circumstances of concern. IF by mail, remember to copy the check for a paper trail. If I recall, my stuff came in a month or less, faster when I was busy tho! I am happy you got your foot in the door! Cg

Is your claim at the board now or on its way? I don't recall how long its supposed to take after the claim gets to the board, anyone? Cg

Good question as to what information you need to give the doc. If you have a local form, thats a start; what did your vso suggest? Sounds like you are on the way to getting what you need. In response to your question; what materials do you have on hand that you can supply the doctors with if your appointment was Today? Sorry not sure where to direct you for a Imo; ask other vets in your area, word of mouth may help. Best to ya, CG

Just double checking, dont have IU yet. Getting ssdi now, I figure being 'disabled' at 90% for VA sc disabilities is 'disabled'. Any comments or thoughts? (ok, am not a tax accountant to interpet the rules) Thanks, Cg

Carlie, that amount would be different if one is retired; are you? WOW thats a super 5-digit jingle sound! Hope you get everything due you! behind you working for 5-digit jingle too 20% for 10 years; then 60% for 2; if EEd fix 60% back 10 years (minus 20%?) = xx,xxx.00. Again, congrats for you..., Cg'up!

Gulf, I do similar, copies, CC listing on bottom to VSO, varo, etc (once cc'd a Dr. who wrote the opinion), then registered mail and follow up calls, Then I do iris checkins. The gripe I have is the registered mail reciept usually shows a quickly scratched name of the reciever. Thats all we get and keep it safe, eh? Now if we were attorneys, wonder if we'd get clear signature reciept for every titled page and page attached.hm. Once I saw C&P exam scheduling area, mountainous stacks of records and papers. Processors there looked dazed, with several files in front of each cubby, phones in ears, computers on; didnt realize I entered the office, till I spoke up. Paper delivery was breif and pleasant; probably needed the fresh air. Thanks Philip for reminder for getting current C file data, should be several pages since original copy I got. Cg

An old question popped up in my mind related to a recent post. In an IMO what are or is the best 'concrete' word(s) for unemployability claim? for example, Unable to work, can't work or....? Dont recall where I read (maybe dreaming) that a nonva Imo should avoid the term 'unemployability' because thats a 'rating' term.? Cg

Hi skunk, good question. Sorry, only have questions for you in return. No rush on the answers and I dont know is fine. I dont recall half the stuff I did after getting out. Just wish I had Hadit then. Do you have the last action you took on the 1987 claim? Did you appeal or just let it deny? Is the diagnosis in your smr's? Did you apply for the disability within the first year out of service? And did you get ongoing care for your condition? And - did/do have representation then or now? Just reflecting on the basics as I know em. Best to ya, Cg

Thanks Ricky for helping me 'order' my steps. I submit for reconsideration asap with ssdi and other med info on hand. Then get IMO and submit that too. But will hold for NOD about 60days. You're da best! Cg

Mcafee, what a terrific post! I am truly thrilled for you too. 30 years is an outrage and much more. So glad to see where you are at in this process. Ya even gave yourself credit along with the Hadit 'guys'. Like Berta said Persistence and Wings regards the decision. Best to ya' McDear, Cg

Old man, sorry about the heart and back issues. Sure glad you have care for them. If your doctor will provide an IMO for your back, get it. If the claim is still processing, submit the extra evidence, IMO along with a support statement. I get the impression that you are asking for IU based on your sc heart issues. Is that right? Adding your worsening sc lumbar issues to your IU claim seems very just. Anyone? or John, whats the best 'concrete' word(s) for unemployability the doc can give oldman for IU? Unable to work, can't work or? Read somewhere va raters prefers docs not to use 'unemployability'. Am thinkng correct wording wins and deters fudge factors that delay.Thanks, Best to ya Oldman, Cg

Ricky, you dont have a worn out mind with that type of laff! Ha. And thanks for posting, cowgirls need inspiration too! The IU claim was put in this year and SSDI later. Cg'with Hadittude!

Erich, thanks for signing on to Hadit. Took me a few months to get courage to start talking here, but sure saved me from bottoming out over the past few years. I don' have medical training at all, just a proactive "Hadittude'! Now I have copy of my smr's (service medical records) and c-file and va medical records, records from civ docs (only keep em 7 years) and more. Are you getting medical care through a private doc now for depression or other health things that could be related to ptsd? If so, to help you, request a statement from the doc how the ptsd or symptoms impact your health. Don't know myself, may be good that your c&p is coming up. or not, Hope you remember its a one time pony show, use the exam sheet as a guide; you'll do fine. Remember examiners aren't hired for follow on care, so if you need help, ask for it. The va should help. Hey, I went to primary care, during an intake they asked if I was ok. replied 'nope.' Told me where mental health offices are. I just walked into the clinic and said "I need to talk to a counselor for help'. That worked for me.. Can't tell how things will turn out for any of us myself, just want the best for every vet and precious families. Best to ya, Cg

Denied IU; Nod time; Ditty bag packing list: One ssdi determination letter with sc med conditions primary&secondary. One VA 60% single issue rating . Do I need to add another IMO and new 21-8940? Thanks CG'up!

Thanks Allan, gotcha. Guess I get my daily priorities rearranged a bunch any ole how. You mentioned brain freeze; makes me think for mhy families sake, I need to re-list VA issues that need resolved, along with basic notes. Gonna take day off tommorow just cause, Cg'smiles! Take care not to let it overwhelme you. I get a brain freeze sometimes and nothing gets through. Take it one day at a time. Allan

Wow, I am dumbfounded by this just now happening. There is so much Americans take for granted. God rest their souls. God bless their families. I am deeply touched by this news, Cg

Will scour my med records for eeg this week, but not sure how it goes. Thanks mil nurse. Rock and Allan, I'll use your thoughts in proceeding for tbi (or not). With other unfinished claims in work and in progress, I need to re-prioritize, yikes! With mdd, on other meds and on ssdi has me wondering some days, I tell ya. Too much to complain about, so guess I'm doin ok for now. "thanks, Cg

Thank you. Can a new eeg would capture information from decades old injury? need to learn more myself. Cg

Hello Caravan, not sure if I welcomed you to Hadit. I see you too have some military, VA gripes and claims stuff going on. Thank you for your service and sacrifices. I wish you good luck on the consideration of discharge. My thoughts, since the VA gives you medical support, do you have a copy of your C-File and va medical records? service medical records too? I found my records the most valuable resources. Thanks PETE! Have you already posted specifically what you applied for and what the va response was? That'll help Hadit help you. I just mention this because for VA stuff, I've been a slow learner, to go get my files and figure out the next steps. Post my va decisions. Thankful with other Hadit members had the experience to sort it out. In fact since I've been here, its been a reality check. Got some things straightened out. Not that I always like the answers either, but I guess thats life. ha. Again, welcome and know VA has benefits, just we vets have to work to get them. Hadit has been my support in the battle and saved my young family, honestly. Heres wishin' you and your family the best, Cg