cowgirl

Congratulations!! I am so very glad for you! If you have any special advice I'm all ears! Your P T question is good, do you have ssdi yet? I suspect that may help, I need to get back up to speed too. Best to ya! Cg

Welcome to Hadit and thank you for your service! Glad ya found us for questions and hopefully some fair canswers. I second this 'meds' motion, had me prescribed on active duty Vioxx and Motrin many years for arthritis, knees, back, etc. Service connected for acid reflux as result could change into other things as I age.(ulcer?) Best to ya, Cg!

Mcafee, this has happend to me also. Somehow the name of the condition gets 'morphed' through years between a category and a specific title. Seen differences in condition titles between Cfile ratings and VA medical records. Usually the diagnostic codes and condition title are listed on rating decisions, at the top of some med center pages, like for tests and lab slips. Have had mh issue title and codes start out with one name and evolve into another-meaning same thing, rating is same most important. Yes, do get specific if you were connected for the different issue. Be mindful of pyramiding in the same category. I've received ratings that only describe particular things evaluated for. The rest of the verbage is support for the decision, just as important to me. I may take your cue and request an updated letter showing my current sc rated conditions. Just gotta figure how to do that. Good luck and double check your assigned rating codes! cg

Well said Rental! Betty, How can you tell if the ratings are " Protected"? Sorry I dont recall where to find how ratings are protected. A matter of how long ratings have been in effect. Not to worry, I think you are set. What does P&T mean? Permanent and Total. Does your rating show any more exams required? or? Best to ya, cg

Do I file a NOD on the earlier years, to prove that I was 100% P&T in 1983 also, as I was never given a C&P at the time of each of my filings for chronic anxiety. Good question - you could let the compensation ratings you now have stand for now. Do you know if those ratings are 'protected'? Think I'd be concerned bout stirrin the pot with a NOD after shard earned ratings. Yes, everything this doctor is quoting he is getting directly from my post military medical treatment records from 1965 to date Good question - does the doctor state such in the c&p? That'd help. Support,nexus,IMO,diagnosis, all have to be there if so. Thinkin the best for ya. Cg

Yes, welcome to Hadit. Persistence is key, heed all the advice given here! Glad to have you post, while back I goofed and complained about my c&p exam that I didnt like. But I complained to 1-800 and servicing VA asking for another exam. Well got turned down for my claim, but raised in much needed ratings on same. The rating letter included reference to veteran complained about the exam not being correct (they used other words)... So when I stated my opinion and concerns on telephone or in person at the VA I re learned that 'they VA don't hafta' re examine sometimes and what I say in person, on telephoone or write could be 'recollected' when the VA thinks is necessary. Even got voc rehab records shows they copied front of an envelope I sent them! Ha. Next time I will write specifically (think like Berta, line by line) what I disagree with and ask for correction. Their response should include reference to that specific issue raised (if I am lucky!) Best of luck, Cg!

Betty, not medical here, if this is the C&P it just needs to meet the IU criteria. Gotta match the 'dots' now. My earlier question 'is this a Dr or personal prepared statement?, cause dates and diagnosis's arent specified. But if this is a VA report, I would hope CFile, smrs, etc can support anything and everything said here. That'd be good. Does the exam and conclusion statement describe your sc issues and facts? or do you have more support data to offer for your IU request? I sure hope that 'irrelevant' for most employment conclusion fits the VAs description for IU (p&t?)! Good thoughts for you! Cg

Betty, is this what the exam rater wrote or your words for the NOD? Hope you dont mind my questions. Should you add medical diagnosis at the beginning? Should you add date, names (VA compensation doctor?) and place of that exam. Others? Should you mention current treatment appointments needed? Should you place a job title on the jobs? Should you describe a day in your life today? Should you describe limited job skills? Should you add specific documents listed as attachements to back up your NOD? (ssa statement, va or private diagnosis, any vocational evaluation,etc)? I dont know answers, if the statement is yours or the docs, but think facts (dates/names/places/etc) may help clarify. wishin the best for ya, Cg

Thanks again, will try to get to nearby office for 'determination' paperwork. The benefits letter simply states the date found disabled and how much money to be received monthly. Guess ssa's protective of health info, ok by me. Family and I are blessed to get ssdi first time round. Best to ya, cg

William, thanks I'll ask for a disk. I looked over my application paperwork and it shows my health issues stacked in order (basically according to my sc % assignments). Sc issue just jumped up bigtime. Not sure if I have to present new info on it. Guess what I was asking is if the ssa has a detailed report on how they made thier decision so I can use that for IU NOD. Thanks pardner, Cg

Maybe I missed it, but is there a way I can see what disability the SSA used to award me ssdi benefits? Or do I have to request those details specially? thanks, Cg

Checking in to see if you have any notice about your check. Hope its soon for you, was told last week about ssdi approval and been notified of a deposit date. Got kiddos fixed up for benefits too. Got access to my account online (password) and it has some details. Regards you being a peacetime vet, thars no reason you cant file for sc disablity if you have proof. SMRs, VA Cfile and current medical care for same helps. Just dont give up, persistence and patience can be rewarded with earned benefits due you! Best to ya, Cg

Thanks Mr. Pete, you hit another home run. I searched the world over and found out the report is form 6230. Being ssdi here, a bit more simple, even a online ssa benefits worksheet for cya. (er. mine that is). Going with direct deposit to different bank account too. Cg quote name='Pete53' date='Sep 24 2008, 06:53 PM' post='107548'] Its been awhile but you can count money you spend on food clothing and shelter so the report is sort of a make due thing. Don't put it off all it basically says that an amount pretty much equal to what SS pays out for kids is used for them and not personal things of the person who gets the funds. The kids will get their own checks when they reach 18 if the stay in school for 13 months.

Congratulations Cav, must have had Super Glue! ALL right for you! YAY! now if you had to sum up your IU story, what do you think turned the tide for you? Could help a few of us trying to get there, thanks. Cg'up!

Congrats to 1968 and hope he gets good care for his needs. Any way one looks at it, 100% is an achievement of getting whats due. cg

Wow Tagnbag, hope my letter comes soon too. Just did the kiddos interview today for benefits. As they say, checks in the mail. Again Congratulations and good job! CG!

HooRah marine. You went there, got the business done. Hope the examiner will give a valid report. After downloading, do you have a regular provider that you can visit just now? Just a thought. Now whats next? Like Southern Belle said. relax. Then when you are ready, get back on the pony and ride to the next desitination? Used to be after exams, I did the yuckiest thing I had to do 'to work it out!'. Stirrin compost aint fun, but is important come spring. Maybe I just liked the hot shower after. Ha. Yes family is it. I feel for ya marine, my kids and husband are my everything. Had hardworking but happy grandparents and plan to have my grandkids see me in the same light. Best to ya, cg

Thanks Berta for the heads up, hope to get on tonight for the show. I did email him to be added in for his women vets connections. cg

Hello all, this is what I have for IU, denial. I think I have a good chance for IU. Thanks for any ideas. In a nutshell, this is how it reads *less bit of verbage for few odd jobs. Sometimes I feel like the lion, scarecrow and tinman all in one! Cg'giddy up

Just had a thought after you posted that you are giving IMEs and other evidence. If there's time think about doing a cover letter addressed to the VA and list by number the attachments, what you are submitting by title, subject date author for cya. Date your cover letter too. Once had doc return copy of info to me before I left the office, but I wanted it included. Best to ya, Cg name='dav_marine72' date='Sep 28 2008, 06:22 PM' post='107950'] Hey Everyone, Thanks for all the great advice. I am as ready I can be. I'll report back tomorrow the fun details. Berta: I don't know how I missed your post. Especially since you were the first. I must have been post sleeping. Anyway you suggested an awesome idea. I'm going to deliver the IMEs to the examiner along with the other evidence. This isn't for TDIU yet just for a mental increase. By giving the examiner the IME's although they are for back, testicle pain, and high blood pressure this may get the VARO to acknowledge them. I'll just tell him I thought he should see them since the mental is secondary to the back. Show him my back is worse making the mental worse. Either way if it gets the IMEs in it's worth it. I owe you girl I didn't think of that one! Thanks.

Dav_marine, my best wishes for you and Hoo-rah too. (my voice aint too deep tho). Dont get if your mh is sc or not, my mh c&p took a long time, few breaks unless I asked. Notes included references to my walking into the office and telephone calls made during a break. Certainly wish you the best. trying to recall my mh c&p, think I described fond early childhood memories of parents and role models before joining the military. When asked to draw pictures made a smiling mom hugging me and smiling dad holding my hand or eating together. If I had to 'redo' my mh exam now, I'd study the exam sheet, didnt have a clue the first time. Took me years to get correct rating 30%. First c&p doc was picture of weird, made Adams family look normal. I deserve extra % just for that experience. Docs money in mail when patient enters. Also got sc D3 back issues and eat snacks often to balance my meds. Most places I go today, hard to sit for more than 15 minutes before getting up carefully, stretch a little, move gingerly, dont twist adjust lil travel pillow for lumbar support and walk straight forward like my physical therapists suggest. Hard to stand for long either. Husband says I wiggle. Oh and I do carry my own snacks too. Got young VA psych dr, helps with sc mdd, seems to know very little about real military experiences, soooo...I explain. ....about institutional 'living' conditions, drugs, rampant infidelity, weather exposure, mandatory commands to follow or else, unrequested transfers to foreign countries (or stateside bases) destroyed families, previewed personal mail, request for medical care denied, mission first. Tough making freinds today years later with civilian women or men that don't 'get it' - hurryupwaitinline, 5 minute onthejobtraining from newly transfered brownoser commander cant discharge thanks cya to 'patron' politician uncle, midnight fivefingerrequisiton, forced retraining into another job field due to'overages', dontgripekeepyerchinupsoldier, 24/7 life with restricted civil liberties and low person in the unit sacrifices first. Havent explained UCMJ yet,,,,,. All the best and wishing you all the luck, Cg'ip!

Mcafee, here hoping the doc reads up on where you were and are today. Who knows, hard to say why new Mh Dr is assigned. You deserve a 'reason why' explanation. Probably nuthin but a thing, Hang in there, new doc could be a good fit. cg Years ago saw my first VA Mh dr for few visits and meds. Ok, waited for next visit call from clinic. Didnt happen. Wondered and struggled til a year or so later, called to be told 'X not with the VA' Thats all. I was left ALONE, not told or given new provider after doc 'left'. Truly dumb on my behalf. Alls good now, but sure left hangin for a while.

Can anyone here advise on the annual reports the ssa expects for childrens allocations? I am looking for the form or instructions, heard there are spending 'rules'. Sure thankful I put the years in, ssdi plus dependents rate will help. Tanks, cg

Thinking very positive for you tagnbag...sounds great....yippee... Best to ya, CG!

Tag'bag, good luck. Maybe try the 1 800 number. Again wish you the best. Cg 1 800 ssa clerk said my 'case in review and decsion coming.' my reply ''Oh ok, well Gods good, isnt he?" happier clerk 'oh you believe in the man upstairs?' me 'Oh Yes!' then even happier clerk said 'continue to believe!'. Looked on the SSA site and said that there has been a decision made. I called Allsup and they said that it went back for review september 11. I don't know what to think and just hoping for a good end result.