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sparkle
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Posts posted by sparkle
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Just called my ssa office and asked when my first check and back pay would be released was told check was still at payment center. She said that's all she could see in her system. Now a man called me yesterday and said I was approved and also told me the amount of my back pay and what I would get per month and letter will be coming soon. Not sure she knows what's going on or maybe she's new. Have any body been told this? and if so what happen after that.
*Sparkle
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Hi Sparkle. I called the 800# today. The lady said that it has been 3 weeks since my approval and they have up to 6 weeks to release your back pay. And to call back after three weeks if I haven't received it. She told my how much back pay I was getting and everything. I couldn't pin her down about when the money would be released. It sucks but we both just have to wait.
Your award letter will answer most of your questions. It sounds to me like your getting the max 12months of retro plus the time since you applied. But I am no expert. Your award letter will explain everything for sure. I bet you will get it this week. Hang in there and be patient. I could default on my home loan on next month. I understand the stress this can cause. I'll let you know if I hear something. Mike
Thanks Mike, I feel we both will be getting some moo la soon. By the lady saying call back in 3 weeks I feel you are just a phone call away from that money. I was told some get the money in the bank before the letter comes. Going to call my ssa office right now and see what they say and will Get back too you soon. Thanks you give me hope.
*Sparkle
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Once Social Security notifies you they send the money fairly quickly. Good Luck to both of you
Hi and whaz up Pete, now would fairly quickly mean R U sayin two weeks (just pullin your leg Pete), I sure hope so, because my bills are piling up and some ones knockin at my door as we speak Tee Hee. Sure would be good to get some money before Santa comes.
*Sparkle
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I know this is alot, and some of the answer will come off the top of your head, but it's all good. Just give the ole girls some hope and happiness!!!
I know I will get the back pay, but I need to get a better understanding of the way ssd works.
1. I applied on Sept 9th 2011
2. Got approved on Nov 9th
3. Got a call from ssa Nov 14 @ 9am in the heckin morning
stating that I was approved and a letter will be sent to me4. SSA told me that I would get back pay back from Aug 2010.
Now what I am trying to understand is would I have to wait 5 months from Nov 9th which would be April or maybe May of 2012 to get my first check, or would they go back to Aug of 2010 to Aug 2011 for my back pay?
How long before I get my back pay? and how soon until will I got the letter?
What would be the first month for me to get a check?
What I came up with is If It was from the date I applied than my first check would come in Jan, or Fed. but if its from the date that I was approved which is Nov. than my first check would be April or May of 2012.
Now after I receive my letter would I get my back pay about one week ( I was told) after my letter or before my letter.
I know this is a lot, and I truly hope I made myself clear to get some understanding, and have some hope that I will get some money before my house note comes around to be paid. I feel I could make it until Feb about after that it's going to be hard..
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Not sure when I will get my back pay. The guy at ssa said a letter has been sent, so I hope it will be this week. Some say you get the money before you get the letter. Just have to wait.
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awww! That's great news!!!!!! CONGRATS! now don't give up the fight with the VA and don't get yourself down! half the battle is one step behind! I hope I have half the luck you do!!!!! Good luck and keep us posted!
Thanks so much!!
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Congrats!
Thanks so much!
*Sparkle
Congrats!
Thanks
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Congrats!
Thanks, just waiting on the IU from the VA. Once more thanks.
*Sparkle
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Sparkle - you might want to not post w/capital letters, as it's considered "yelling" and is considered by many as rude. I sincerely doubt you'll ever get 100% and IU, as you can only get one or the other. Congrats on the SSDI win!
pr
John, I am not a rude person and would never do any think to upset my friends on the forum. I guess I got a little to happy. As all know but you I am new at all this and will never post in caps again. Thanks.
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GOT MY AND A YEAR OF BACK PAY WOO HOO!!!! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP GUYS AND WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU CONNION. NOW ALL I NEED IS TO GET MY 100% AND IU FROM THE VA. HOPE THEY WILL LOOK AT MY LETTSER FROM SSD AND GIVE IT TO ME. ONCE MORE THANK YOU ALL.
*SPARKLE
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JUST HAD TO DROP IN AND TELL YOU THE GOOD NEWS. I GOT A BIG YES FOR MY SSD AND A YEAR OF BACK PAY. WOO HOO! AND ALL I NEED IS FOR THE VA TO DO IS GIVE ME MY 100% AND IU. ALSO A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU THAT HELPED ME GET THERE. COULD HAVE NOT HAVE DONE IT WITH OUT YOUR HELP WITH PTSD AND DEPRESSION (BAD). ONCE MORE THANK YOU.
*SPARKLE
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I can totally relate to what you're feeling. ANYTIME you feel like venting or dropping me a line or two, please feel free to do so- God knows I've used Hadit.com to do so on many occasions and sometimes it just makes you feel better to let things out to people with the same experiences. As for my SSDI claim...Its still a work in progress. I filed my original claim back in Feb '11 and it was denied around the last week in September. I immediately filed my reconsideration appeal only to have it denied in 8 days!! I spoke with the lady at disability determination services who told me I should file the next appeal within 60 days (ALJ Appeal) to keep my claim "alive/active" while I obtained additional evidence in the form of a C&P exam of my PTSD / TBI condition. I filed the ALJ appeal as she said. She also said that if I was able to provide her this evidence, she would be able to "recall" my case and change their decision if the medical evidence proved favorable to me.
Finally, I received a copy of the exam!! Its a great report that as I said, should warrant awarding me SSDI. I called the lady back and sent her the report via certified mail...Hope to hear some good news sometime soon. Crossing my fingers and I'll let you know if I hear anything back!!
Moral of the story: NEVER give up and be persistent while trying to keep your sanity! Dealing with the VA or SSA can be overwhelming and often seems like a full-time job.
LC
I am on your side with prayers that we both get what we are looking for with both the VA and SSD. We just have to keep each other lifted up. Keep me informed and I will do the same.
Thanks, Cannon
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I wouldn't worry much about the review just yet. I was told they same thing( I think). I called and was told a decision was made on 10/14 but my file was selected for a Quality Assurance Review. They said it could take up to 2months. This worried me a great deal. Then I got letter dated 10/26 with my ssdi online pin number followed by an award letter dated 10/31/11 explaining my monthly amount, disability onset date. What month payments began.etc... They said they would pay for 12 months before the date I filled. The whole review process took about 2 weeks. Hope this helps.
Thanks kymike, I do feel a little better now that I know I could have a fighting chance at winning this fight. All my 3 children are going away for Thanksgiving and I know they would love to take my with them, but they are so scared that I would or could not be able to take all the people around me, so I will be alone for Thanksgiving. My 2 weeks will be on the 23th of Nov. just one day before Thanksgiving, so I hope I will hear something by the first week in Dec. Once more I would like to say THANKS!! for all your input on my concern, and just keep me in your prayers.
*Sparkle
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Sounds like your going through almost the same thing as me. SSDI is a funny thing...some people report getting approval easy while others have to keep trying several times. I guess it all comes down to the documentation you have. As you know, SSA is very different than the VA when it comes to finding a person disabled. In their eyes, you are 100% or not. If you can work IN ANY CAPACITY they will use it against you and deny your claim. I suggest trying to get a doctor's report that states you are not capable of doing any work due to your condition...even SEDENTARY work. They have been very hard on me but finally I have what I feel will get me over the "hump" in a favorable C&P exam. By the way, I have PTSD/TBI also so I know how hard it can be to function in a work setting.
Take it one day at a time and don't give up. You are not alone!
LC
Cannon, how long did it take you to get your approval from ssd? Thanks so much for all your help. All of this is driving me up a wall, trying to deal with the VA for IU and the SSD people have taken it toll on me. At this point I am trying to keep my house (one more year and it's paid for), keep my lights on and just live, I know you know what I mean. I so miss my children, but my PTSD and BP has stopped them from coming and dealing with me and all my mental problems. They stay away in hope that the space will help me from getting upset so much. They all call me each day, but just stop coming over. My heart is hurting so much just trying to talk to you about all this, but I just have to vent to someone some time. Thanks for listening to my cry this morning.
*Sparkle
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Your doctor's note says you have not worked in over a year and a half... Why in the world would they pay you retro any further back than that?? Am I misunderstanding you or have you not been able to work longer than a year and a half?
LC
My Bad, I should have made myself clear on that one. Sorry if I set your Cannon off
I have tried to work, but couldn't get pass 1 year for over the past 15 years, which is in my work history. My PTSD is just to bad. Dr. did state that back in my 1997-2005 medical records, but I guess you maybe right on that one. So with all that you see other in the retro part do you think I could get a approval? and what is the review about? -
Called ssd and was told that my claim was send but for review. I filed 9/9 of this year, but have been dealing with my mental disorder from 1982 after I got out the Air Force. I never was see my a VA dr. after getting out. I did go to a private dr. for 8 years and after that start seeing a VA psychiatric in 2009 when I first saw the VA psychiatric, because I just filed my ssd claim. I was wondering would ssd go back to 1997-2005. I do have my dr.'s medical notes for 19997-2005 that state all me mental disorders and all the medication that I was taking( alprazolam, xanax, paxil, zoloft, prozac, zyprexa, celexia, ativan, lorazepam, trazodone and so much more from my private dr. My VA psychiatric also wrote a note stating I have not worked in over a year and a half because of my mental disorders. So why the review? This is the letter my VA psychiatric wrote. At this time I am not sure this letter will help me or hurt me. You be the judge.
I am writing to provide documentation for________ regarding her psychiatric history and employment. I am her primary VA psychiatrist since November 2009. During this time, she has experienced persisting mental health symptoms including anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disturbance, mood swings, withdrawal for other, depressed mood, low energy, and one manic episode. She is diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder. Exacerbation of symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder have limited her ability to maintain gainful employment during the past year and a half. She is currently engaged in mental health treatment and plans to participate in trauma focused therapy. The goal for treatment is symptomatic improvement and improvement in functioning, however, it is difficult to predict the response to treatment at this time.
With this why would I get a review? I feel I have given them all the proof that is needed to get approval for me claim, but I have been wrong in the past on a few things. Could some one give me some input on what you may think of all of this. Not sure they will go back to 1997 or 2005 or 2009 and give me retro, but that would be nice.
Thanks
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"major depressive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder
30% from 08/28/1997
50% from 12/03/2004"
Was 8/28/97 the date of your initial claim for the PTSD?
Berta tried to post but I think I have been removed, don't know. PM Carlie because I am sure she knows what happen, but back on topic. I think I may have some of the same problem as you. Some of my medical concerns are not in my medical records at all.
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"the records speak for themselves".
But many times the VA will say the SMRs are silent.
It pays for a veteran to clearly establish their nexus by reviewing their SMRs themselves and then sending VA highlighted copies of whatever is in them that will support the claim.
If the claimed disability is due to an inservice accident or event,it can also help if the veteran obtains buddy statements to prove that something occurred that requires an eye witness account.
Buddy statements can be searched here as a topic. The "buddy" has to have same period of service,same unit, and same MOS (in most cases) to be able to adequately describe an event that a veteran became disabled from in service and be able to state the veteran was at the scene of the incident. They need to give contact info in case VA calls them and I feel all buddy statements should be notarized.
Reason I say that as to the notarization is I was the unfortunate recipient for a buddy statement request some time back.
I was asked to state I witnessed an event aboard ship 35 or 40 years ago for a PTSD claim.
I am a civilian and women were not on board ships in those days.
I felt like giving that vet some real PTSD.
A buddy statement -better yet more than one that corroborates the event can definitely help some claims succeed when an inservice nexus is required.This is what I mean:
My daughter helped some vets with their claims.They had all been in the same unit at time of a major stressor and had already had contact with each other. Two buddy statements contained the 'buddy' vet's C file number and statement that VA had already SCed them for PTSD for the same incident which VA had verified and VA could check out their claim and award.Their statements corroborated each other's accounts.
They not only all got their SC, she also translated a Vietnamese document one of them had found in Vietnam that held their SSA numbers on it. He thought it was a hit list from the enemy.And kept it for decades.
It was from a very high Military Vietnamese official and they all received additional awards from DOD with her professional translation.One got the Distinquished Flying Cross.I am very proud of what she had done for these veterans.
I am quite sure their claims would have succeeded without the Vietnamese document but they would have never seen the additional awards on their DD 215 without it.The document had statements regarding each veteran of their specific bravery for the same incident they claimed PTSD for.Brave actions which saved lives.
and in that way it was additional corroboration too.
One of the best things new vets can do is to stay in touch with units members when they leave the Mil. The internet has made it easy to search and find buddies and many units have their own web sites that span decades of unit history, members covering many times of service, and even reunion lists.
The new PTSD criteria regards "hostile activity" and that new reg is in the PTSD forum.
Other claims might need a nexus statement from an independent medical doctor after a thorough review of the SMRs and current clinical records.
The letter Sparkle posted might help her with SSDI and the PTSD claim but the doctor has not made a nexus statement so that will still have to be established for the VA claim.
Berta for some reason you seam to know just what i need and how to get that over to me, because i hear and feel the love and understanding in your writing to me. My ear and eyes are more open when you write the information. I will follow what you have said and try to find a buddy, but it's been so long and i have not hear or seen a one sense i got out over 30 years age. I will check the internet to see if i can find someone that will be able to help me and if not i will just have to put my trust in God that he will work it all out for my good. I thank all that have took time out to give me help in finding the answers to all the questions i have post here. At this time let me just say THANK YOU ALL!!!!
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For VBA purposes you will still need a nexus to AD.
JMHO
Girl so glad your here to help a sista out, first what is a "nexus" and what do I have to get next to at less try to win something. I was thinking that, that letter would be good enough for me to win or at less make it a little better for me. Been out of it for a few days, I get like that from time to time with my panic attacks, have them about 3 to 4 times a week, writing or talking about things just sometime put me over the top. Girl, I have been working so hard on trying to get my stuff together, so if I am asked to send in more info I will be "Johnny-on the-spot"
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Just got a letter that my psychiatrist wrote for me, hope it helps we win with both my VA claim and with the ssd. This is what she wrote. Tell me what you think (John999, berta, T, and carlie) about it, and any others that may like to help me out.
I am writing to provide documentation for -------- regarding her psychiatric history and employability. I am her primary VA psychiatrist since Nov. 2009. During this time, she has experienced persisting mental health symptoms, including anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disturbance, mood swings, withdrawal from others, depressed mood, low enery, and one manic episode. She is diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress disorder have limited her ability to maintain gainful employment during the past year and a half. She is currently engaged in mental health treatment and plans to participate in trauma focused therapy. The goal for treatment is symptomatic improvement and improvement in functioning, however, it is difficult to predict the response to treatment at this time.
Sincerely,
Not sure if this is going to work for me, but I feel it should hold some wt. at less with the SSD so I can get that.
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Sparkle
If my post sound like I was calling you "stupid", that was not my intent. I intimately understand wanting to get out of the military, just sign those papers and not read them. I did the same thing. I am simply suggesting you get a copy of your C file, and see if you listed the dependents back when you applied.
If you are getting a 10% disability, you are not eligible for dependents benefits. Eligibility for dependents benefits does not begin until/unless you reach at least 30 % rating. It will be fruitless to apply for dependents benefits previous to the time you were rated at least 30%.
However, if you think your 10% was too low, then you want to thoroughly look over your paperwork, trying to find an error that rises to the level of "CUE". OR, you can also get "back pay" if you reopen your claim based upon new and material service records. In summary, you have 3 choices:
1. Try and get your dependents benefits back dated (that is retro payment) to the date you were awarded 30% or more.
2. Find a "Clear unmistakeable Error" in your RO decision, and obtain an EED on that basis.
3. Reopen your claim based upon "new" service medical records.
Once more let me say thanks for the info. Not good at typing any more and sometimes have to walk away from the computer for a few mins. to read what has been asked of me and some times (not all the time ) forget what i was doing or just what i am doing, but after a few mins. i am good to go. I think you were telling me that i just should leave this along if my children are 36 and 34 now (not sure ) and specially if i have no proof that is not on paper. Now i am not sure what a c-file is, but i did sent for my medical service records and have them now. Is this the same as a c-file? I feel as you said that if this was in my records and i should try to get the back pay for the 30% until now, but if it isn't in my service records just leave it along and call it a done deal. Not sure if i am making any sense to you right now, but it's the best i can do for now. Some times things have to be said to me like a second grader (just typing) to just catch on, but if talking to me face to face i do so much better (funny) understanding. I think i understand pretty well what you has wrote. I will go back and read it much lower. If its not what you where saying just let me know. I thank you for being so patient with me. I know now that you where not trying to call me stupid, but i just get like that, and i would like to say i am sorry for typing any thing that may have hurt your feeling (know you are tough ) and let things just roll over top of your head and keep it moving (i need to learn this ) and go on with life.So with all that said, just let me know if i was right or wrong with what i got from your reply.
*Sparkle
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Its possible you could get back pay. Here is the way the VA did it with me, tho it is not supported by the regulations:
When I applied, I gave them all the names, ages, etc. on my kids. They denied me. Then, I appealed, and won. Well they rated me as "single with no kids", however, they KNEW I was married. When I spoke on the phone with the guy, he said they automatically do that, because people get divorced and stuff, so they dont want to create an overpayment.
I am in appeal, among other things, for the effective date of dependents benefits. You see, I have documentation that they knew about my dependents. If you have such documentation, then you may be able to get and EED.
However, "ignorance of the law" is never a valid excuse. In other words the fact that you "did not know" about dependents benefits is not going to help you. It is your responsibility to know. HOWEVER, there have been court cases that shows that when a Veteran is seeking benefits, he is assumed to be seeking the MAXIMUM benefit, and this would include benefits for applicable dependents.
The bad part is if they award you benefits LESS than the maximum (such as without dependendents benefits), then you have a right to appeal. If you do not appeal, a RO decision becomes final in one year.
There are at least 2 ways to overturn a final unappealed decision (this would include dependents benefits):
1. Submit New and material evidence. The effective date of this will be the date you submitted the new evidence. However, if you submit new SERVICE records, then it will go back to your original filing date. See 38CFR 3.156 a and 38 CFR 3.156 C
2. File a CUE. You have to show not only that the RO committed an error, but that error is
1) outcome determanitive 2) meets the Cue criteria and 3) is based upon the laws at that time.
Because I do not know if your decision has "Cue" or if you have N and M evidence, if is not good that I speculate as to whether you could win retro on dependents or not.
First let me say thank you so much for the info. I am not stupid, i was just (not excuse) 22 years old and got hit in the head so hard i saw stars (very true) and was out like a light of about 5 mins. After that i was walked to the gates and kicked in the butt. To you i may have not been so smart, not knowing the law of the VA and i know that may not be an excuse and it was not a excuse to me. Just got some papers AFTER i got out that said i had a 10% service connected disability and at that time it was ok because i needed the little $62 dollars to help me take care of my children, every thing else was like water under a bridge to me (husband ran out on children and me) and i had to keep things moving and work what ever job i could with my disability. My children didn't know at that time what was going on with me(4 and 6) and took a lot of crap from me that they should have not had too take because of my TBI (ignorant as a Mother) and a Young Beautiful African American Women. Now they are 36 and 34 and are some of the best adults you could ever meet. See i was not a Master Chief Petty Officer (wished i had that break) when i got out with a 100% disability and believe me Chief i do respect you for the time and service you put in. I was not like this when i went in, but just look at me now, I am just a broken thing trying to get back to a place i can call normal. Chief, i had been a Office Manager for 5 years in a dental office and could not get a job doing what I loved and did best, after i got out the service. Once more let me say thank you for all the info and what you have done for this country. I have found some real good people here on hadit, that are trying to help me from becoming not so ignorant to the laws of the VA and i so thank my GOD for them (pete, berta, John (J), and so many other and of course you to Chief. So please be patient with me as i walk this road of darkness TBI, MST, Depression, panic attacks and more) to try to get to the light.
*Sparkle
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SORRY SO LONG
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I GOT NOT ONE DIME FOR MY CHILDREN AND I WAS S/C BACK IN 1982. I WAS 10% FOR TBI. I PUT IN A NEW CLAIM FOR TBI WITH HEADACHES IN AUGUST 2009 AND STILL GOT 10%, BUT DID GET 10% FOR DEPRESSION AND THAT WAS INCREASED TO 30%. SO THE 10 AND 30% GAVE ME 40% WHICH I AM OF THIS DAY. NOW I FEEL I SHOULD HAVE GOT SOME TYPE OF PAY FOR MY CHILDREN FROM 1982-2009, I NEVER DID. PLUS NO ONE TOLD ME I COULD GET A CHECK FOR EACH ONE OF MY CHILDREN AT THAT TIME. I NEVER GOT ANY INFO AFTER I GOT OUT THE SERVICE. LIKE I HAVE STATED BEFORE I HAD GONE 25 YEARS AND NEVER GOT HEALTH CARE AT THE VA BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW I COULD (FUNNY BUT SO TRUE). DO ANY ONE THINK I COULD GET THAT BACK PAY FOR MY CHILDREN THAT I SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN? I WOULD HAVE NEVER GONE THAT LONG WITHOUT GETTING ANY MONEY FOR MY CHILDREN AND WAS RISING THEM BY MYSELF AT THAT TIME. I COULD HAVE USED THE MONEY REAL BAD. IF I COULD HAVE GOTTEN THE MONEY WOULD THEY GO BACK TO 82 AND GIVE ME THE 10% FOR EACH CHILD AND INCREASE THAT AS I GOT MY INCREASES. NOT SURE ABOUT THIS, JUST HAD TO ASK. BERTA, T-BIRD, JOHN (J) OR ANY ONE. LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.
I have tried to work, but couldn't get pass 1 year for over the past 15 years, which is in my work history. My PTSD is just to bad. Dr. did state that back in my 1997-2005 medical records, but I guess you maybe right on that one. So with all that you see other in the retro part do you think I could get a approval? and what is the review about?
At Payment Center
in Social Security Disability Questions
Posted
Carlie u the best and always have the answer I am looking for. Girl you make me feel so good. Carlie my bill are coming left and right. I was in hope that I would get it by Friday of this week but if not all I can do is wait and wish for the best. Thanks, sure feel alot better!
*Sparkle