gba

In 2017, the Veterans administration audited my benefits. It was determined that I received an overpayment of 39,000. Waivers were denied. In 2018 I filed an appeal. I presented evidence which my audit.
The evidence was available on the E-benefits page outlining payment history. I was granted my appeal after 2 years and 24,000 dollars reduction of benefits. The financial hardships are heavy. I am single.
Cant imagine the impact on a family. This is a success because I decided to follow my initial instinct. Not sure about the return of deductions. Haven't received paperwork. Good fortune to all especially to families.  
GBA

After 6 years, BVA approved claims forPTSD increase (50% to 70% ) and A&A. Recieved documents from BVA on April 7,2016. I had decided to wait for award letter from Regional Office. Paranoia awakened after discussions with fellow Vets who carry loads of VA induced doubt and suspicions. Mixed reactions regarding amount and time frame of retro payments. The claims are approved for the entire appoliate period. I have tremendous respect for friends who are "counseling" me. However, they cannot offer untainted advice. I have been told that it will take months before my award is processed. Is this a reality?  I am grateful for the decision but paranoia is awake.
thank you
gba

Absolutely! Every piece of submitted evidence was supported by 38 cfr regs. Its amazing how raters ease those decisions around and thru the regulations. Veterans have died on the streets, on mental wards and prisons because of indifference and downright meanness. Hopefully, my outcome will inspire others to hold on a bit longer. Remember, its a waiting game. If you are a VV--some may feel that you are on your way out. Say no to that. Stay around until you have to crawl to the bank.       GBA

In 2009, claims for PTSD increase and A&A /Housebound were denied. Today, I recieved notice of approval for both claims. Claims were approved for the "entire appellate period".  It was not my endurance alone that made the struggle worthwhile; the Hadit community offered support and superior guidance during a very difficult period. 
 
thank you 
 
gba
 

In 2009, claims for PTSD increase and A&A /Housebound were denied. Today, I recieved notice of approval for both claims. Claims were approved for the "entire appellate period".  It was not my endurance alone that made the struggle worthwhile; the Hadit community offered support and superior guidance during a very difficult period. 
 
thank you 
 
gba
 

Absolutely! Every piece of submitted evidence was supported by 38 cfr regs. Its amazing how raters ease those decisions around and thru the regulations. Veterans have died on the streets, on mental wards and prisons because of indifference and downright meanness. Hopefully, my outcome will inspire others to hold on a bit longer. Remember, its a waiting game. If you are a VV--some may feel that you are on your way out. Say no to that. Stay around until you have to crawl to the bank.       GBA

In 2009, claims for PTSD increase and A&A /Housebound were denied. Today, I recieved notice of approval for both claims. Claims were approved for the "entire appellate period".  It was not my endurance alone that made the struggle worthwhile; the Hadit community offered support and superior guidance during a very difficult period. 
 
thank you 
 
gba
 

Absolutely! Every piece of submitted evidence was supported by 38 cfr regs. Its amazing how raters ease those decisions around and thru the regulations. Veterans have died on the streets, on mental wards and prisons because of indifference and downright meanness. Hopefully, my outcome will inspire others to hold on a bit longer. Remember, its a waiting game. If you are a VV--some may feel that you are on your way out. Say no to that. Stay around until you have to crawl to the bank.       GBA

Absolutely! Every piece of submitted evidence was supported by 38 cfr regs. Its amazing how raters ease those decisions around and thru the regulations. Veterans have died on the streets, on mental wards and prisons because of indifference and downright meanness. Hopefully, my outcome will inspire others to hold on a bit longer. Remember, its a waiting game. If you are a VV--some may feel that you are on your way out. Say no to that. Stay around until you have to crawl to the bank.       GBA

Absolutely! Every piece of submitted evidence was supported by 38 cfr regs. Its amazing how raters ease those decisions around and thru the regulations. Veterans have died on the streets, on mental wards and prisons because of indifference and downright meanness. Hopefully, my outcome will inspire others to hold on a bit longer. Remember, its a waiting game. If you are a VV--some may feel that you are on your way out. Say no to that. Stay around until you have to crawl to the bank.       GBA

Absolutely! Every piece of submitted evidence was supported by 38 cfr regs. Its amazing how raters ease those decisions around and thru the regulations. Veterans have died on the streets, on mental wards and prisons because of indifference and downright meanness. Hopefully, my outcome will inspire others to hold on a bit longer. Remember, its a waiting game. If you are a VV--some may feel that you are on your way out. Say no to that. Stay around until you have to crawl to the bank.       GBA

In 2009, claims for PTSD increase and A&A /Housebound were denied. Today, I recieved notice of approval for both claims. Claims were approved for the "entire appellate period".  It was not my endurance alone that made the struggle worthwhile; the Hadit community offered support and superior guidance during a very difficult period. 
 
thank you 
 
gba
 

In 2009, claims for PTSD increase and A&A /Housebound were denied. Today, I recieved notice of approval for both claims. Claims were approved for the "entire appellate period".  It was not my endurance alone that made the struggle worthwhile; the Hadit community offered support and superior guidance during a very difficult period. 
 
thank you 
 
gba
 

Your detailed response is appreciated. A prime example of veterans who continue to serve their fellow vets. I will follow your suggestions and will post the results.
Thank you
 
GBA 

Your detailed response is appreciated. A prime example of veterans who continue to serve their fellow vets. I will follow your suggestions and will post the results.
Thank you
 
GBA 

This is one of those examples of what happens when you have an inept VSO. It really makes no difference if it's  DAV or any of the other brand names. Allow me to explain. You have one claim and only one claim at the VA.. Back in the old days you filled out one (1) 21-526 and it stood for life. You might add dependents to it but it essentially was the bedrock filing with VA. When you first file, that is the beginning of your claim. Any new diseases or injuries are merely a continuation of the original claim. With that in mind, when you have a claim currently at the VARO and you have a DRO review, you get a DRO decision. That adjudication is an up or down decision that you appeal from with a VA 9 (if you choose to). In the interests of judicial economy, VA likes to combine multiple claims on appeal before a VLJ to speed things up. There are only about 110 VLJs and they are booked out to 2020 so if you can combine one Vet's claims together and speed it up. it makes room for others who are waiting. 
What it sounds like you are saying is that you have two different claims streams that were never combined. This is unheard of if you have proper representation. No lawyer would ever put you through this wringer and cause you to wait. It is very simple to ask the Judge to combine the denied decisions at the beginning of the VLJ hearing. If the DRO is not finished with his deliberations, you ask for a continuance on the VLJ hearing so you can combine (if necessary) the denied DRO review with the existing BVA appeal. I've done this several times at the very last moment. The VARO pukes don't like it but they have no say. The VLJ is the arbiter. 
I would personally call up or visit the VARO and ask to speak to the VARO Director or the Veterans Service Center Manager and ask them to explain what in Sam Hill they're pulling. Failing that, I'd be pounding on the door of the DAV rep and asking him if he got his legal training certificate out of a box of Cheerios. I'm sorry to hear you are going through this. It was unnecessary to say the very least.

SFG: How long has your BVA appeal been pending? I read yesterday, your VARO keeps your complete C-File up until your BVA hearing is approximately 4 months out. At which time your C-File is transferred to the BVA for their review of all evidence received up to and including "All Evidence" received prior to the "90 Day Evidence" cut off. Your suppose to receive a letter from the BVA indicating the BVA is in possession of your File.

As Berta opined, Evidence is king at the BVA hearing. The Board is made up of VA Attorneys experienced in C&P Appeals. If your evidence, both Medical and Lay is solid, you should be good to go. Determining if you need representation is strictly up to you and your self-confidence level. All VSOs have VA Appeals Specialist that have extensive experience with Appeals Both DRO and BVA. They're free and might provide insight. If you haven't already done so, at the very least I think a couple of FREE VA Accredited Appeals Attorneys consultations, are absolutely essential before proceeding to a DRO or BVA Hearing Pro Se.

Have you been advised of your hearing date? I viewed the VA BVA Appeals site yesterday for all hearings adjudicated in 2014. Check your Docket number against the list. The cases are heard according to docket number unless a Vet gets a Hardship bump to the front.

If your solid, you don't need a "Good Luck." Luck really isn't part of the deal, it's all on you.

Semper Fi

Gastone

Called 202# The person who I spoke with reviewed my fie. He expressed concerns about the length of time since DRO meeting.  Also, he found results of C&P exam for PTSD. (I had this exam in 2014; was told that I had to request in writing the results) He stated that he would be contacting the RO.
thanks for the # GBA

Congratulations.
Good news to hear!



................Buck