Vic

Been a LONG 2 years, but now I can move on and prepare for what I know is comming eventually. I made SURE my medical documentation was bullet proof, and it was, but the VA did not give up without kicking and screaming. In April, I was awarded 10% on a wrist injury and 10% emphysema, and I KNEW I met all legal criteria for 100%. I hired an attorney and he sent paperwork to the VA. Within a week, I got another rating package in the mail from the VA, I was rated at 100%...imagine that. I KNEW they didn't want me to go in front of a judge, it would have made them look like the JERKS they are. My advice is to make sure your medical and service documentation is spot on. NEVER settle for what they want to give you if you KNOW for a fact, you rate higher. USE AN ATTORNEY (and make SURE your attorney UNDERSTANDS not to step over a dime to pick up a penny). Attorneys are LAZY and they'll go for the quick and easy target, you'll end up holding the bag in the sense that they didn't get you the rating you deserved. The VA will under rate and deny because it's what they're trained/paid to do. For GOD's sake, stick it out and fight, dont give up and commit suicide (a lot of vets do this and it makes me sick to think about it). I'm glad I got the 100%, but I gotta tell you I'd rather feel better and be working than drawing compensation and feeling like garbage all the time. Fight the good fight, dont never give up.

My comp package is complete...been 18 months. Well, just add another 140 (+?) days to the waiting. THE SYSTEM IS FAILING THE VERY PEOPLE THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO SERVE. I read that some 8000 vets DIED before completion of their clam and this is not just unacceptable, it's CRIMINAL. Social Security Disability was cream and berries compared to the last 18 months I've gone through on my documented SC ASBESTOS injury comp claim. The entire system is broken and an investigation as well as high level commitee review is in order in my opinion.