Eagle

I realize that this is an old post, but the subject line hit home and I just got my VA decision letter in the mail today on my TDIU claim. Bear with me, I'd like to share my story. Like you Oldman, I, too, am rated at 90% and have been since Sept 2009. I got out of the military in June 2002 after suffering a back and leg injury and dealing with an unsuccessful surgery. At the time I was rated 20% on discharge and started a civilian career. Over the years, my condition steadily worsened in spite of additional surgeries, doctors, and treatment modalities. Along the way, I sought treatment from VA and non-VA providers. As my symptoms worsened and new and exciting pain sources popped up, I would file a claim for additional compensation with the VA every 2-3 years. By 2007, I was rated 50% and my daily life of work and family was becoming an endurance test. In Feb 2009, I was no longer able to continue working due to the pain, muscle fatigue, nausea, and several other symptoms. While out on short-term disability and awaiting approval for yet another procedure, I was fired from my job in April 2009. At this point in April 2009, I was rated at 60% and had been waiting for 12 months on a VA claim filed in April 2008 - a claim that argued for a higher % rating and compensation. At this point in my life, with no job, no income and a wife and two kids to support, I was waiting on the VA (and SSA) to make a decision. After working for and suffering with a steady increase in pain for 10 years after my in-service injury in Sept 1999, I knew that I had lost the good fight to remain working and I recognized that I was totally disabled. My strategy was that (1) I would wait for a VA decision (one that I was sure would put me at 70% or higher) and (2) then file for TDUI based on the higher rating including (hopefully) a positive decision from Social Security (SSDI). While researching TDUI claims on the Net, I discovered this forum and one single truth shone through all the posts: DON'T WAIT TO FILE A TDIU CLAIM. Despite all the warnings from the VA about delaying my April 2008 claim and 'messing up the claims process,' I spent a week putting together a TDIU claims package and mailed it off to the VA in May 2009. Since filing my TDIU claim in May 2009, I received a VA decision on my April 2008 VA claim in Nov 2010 bumping me to 90% effective Sept 2009. Today, August 15, 20111, I received the VA decision letter concerning my TDIU claim filed in May 2009 - filed in large part to the single truth held within these forums: DON'T WAIT TO FILE A TDIU CLAIM. What was the decision? The VA has awarded me TDIU and 100% disability with Special Compensation amounts EFFECTIVE MAY 2009. the month I filed for TDIU. In addition, I am entitled to 30 months' of retroactive compensation and my wife and kids are entitled to all Chapter 35 benefits: CHAMPVA, education, base privileges,etc. Shortly after reading the approval letter, it occurred to me that, had I waited for the April 2008 claim, I would have filed my TDIU claim in Dec 2010. Given that it took the VA 15 months to make a decision on my TDIU claim, I would have been waiting until April 2012 for a decision, at a minimum - another 8 months from now. I want to personally thank the founders of this forum and all the vets who have taken time to post their experiences on this forum. Moreover, I want to thank the senior posters and founders who continually help vets fight the good fight with the VA and get what they deserve. Finally, I want anyone who has made it this far in my post to walk away with at least one takeway: DON'T WAIT TO FILE A TDIU CLAIM . All the Best and God Bless the United States and Her Defenders, Eagle

Sailing It may be time to see a private (non-VA) physician who can document your ailments correctly. I haven't met a VA doc yet that has ever given two sh*** about me or my predicament. My non-VA docs, on the other hand, have been lifesavers (literally). Eagle

New to these forums - thought I'd take the plunge and join the conversation. Oldman - I am also in my early 40's, have a similar back/sciatic/leg nightmare and trying to get IU. My surgeon actually discussed fusion with me, but did not recommend it ('you're young, you can wait for device improvements, it's permanent with mixed results, etc'). Therefore, no fusion for me. Alternatively, I see a non-VA pain mgt doc and, after mixed results with an implanted spinal cord stimulator, he put in an intrathecal morphine pump. I now receive morphine directly to the lumbar region and it helps to cut donw on the back and leg pain. If this is new to you, you may want to conuslt a pain mgt doctor or anesthesiologist. I still take orals for peak pain periods, but the pump reduces the baseline pain level. Keep us posted on your progress. All the best. Eagle