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chr49

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Posts posted by chr49

    Money In The Bank.

    in Success Stories

    Posted

    My wife checked our account this morning and $36,000 was deposited. We were on vacation all wk. and had our mail held till Monday. So I hope I'll get the envelope Monday. I'm glade it's over. Maybe now I can relax.

    This is great news!! Congrats to you and your family!

    Systemic Issues Reported During Inspections At Va Regional Offices

    in VA Disability Claims Research

    Posted

    We inspected controls over NOD processing at eight VAROs. Of those, 6 VAROs (75 percent) did not timely control NODs in VACOLS. VARO staff exceeded VBA's 7-day standard for 108 (37 percent) of 294 NODs reviewed. Staff took an average of 21 days to record the 108 disagreements into VACOLS. The VAROs nonetheless generally met VBA's pending timeliness goal of 145 days for NOD processing. The untimely recording of NODs in VACOLS occurred because of a lack of staff training and inadequate oversight of the appeals workload. Further, one VARO did not consider this work a priority and one VARO did not utilize available electronic databases to assist in timely NOD recording. Delays in recording NODs affect the integrity of VACOLS data and misrepresent performance.

    I have never even heard of anyone getting a NOD recognized and completely processed in a 145 days most of the time it is a year or more I have one going on 18 months I think these reports are just a CYA excercise for the VA

    I agree...Filed my NOD on 8-1-10, received my letter that they'd received my NOD and request for DRO review in November 2010. Haven't heard a thing from them since then. My wife reads most everything on Hadit so I was forewarned that it would take much longer than my first NOD but I didn't think it would take forever. At this point I figure I'll be into retirement before it goes thru DRO review.

    Help - Quick - Fed Reg Comment By 7/11

    in VA Disability Claims Research

    Posted

    Terry,

    It's announced in the Fed Register and up for comment

    so I would think the form that they say needs to be completed prior to a C&P exam

    should be current and available to locate.

    Carlie,

    Interesting.....

    I've never seen the 21-2545 - Report of Medical Examination for Disability Evaluation form before.

    I keep copies of everything and didn't find this one in my file. I filed my first claim in 2008 and

    have had several C&P's since.

    Another Freebie For Vets

    in VA Disability Claims Research

    Posted

    Some time ago I started a post about "hidden" free Benefits for Vets.

    Here is a freebie I missed, feel free to post your idea for freebies or other discounts for Vets.

    http://www.webscription.net

    Baen Books offers a free webscription to all disabled vets. You can apply for it and it takes about a day or two to get a password to the site.<br style="min-width: 0px; "> Click on the link Baen Books Free to Disabled Readers.

    Thanks! This is a good one!

    Va Sends Out Caregiver Benefits

    in VA Disability Claims Research

    Posted

    "Line of duty after 9/11" sticks in my throat. My wife quit her job to help me at home. Now we both live off my disability. Both she and I suffer from my disability. Her SSA will be less and our income was cut by 20,000 a year. How is it fair just because I was in a different war?

    Berta, Thank you for posting this information. I believe this is a good program for caregivers. Any progress made is a step forward for veterans and their families.

    I'm in joining Commander Bob -- Hoping this program will be expanded to all vets quickly.

    John, I personally know of 3 families where the wives left well paying professions (years ago) to care for their 'Pre 9-11' vets. I'm sure they have felt a financial burden over the years and are having to live with the consequences of leaving their profession early, as you are. I know I would feel as you do if I were in your place. I agree that our spouses suffer from our disabilities with us. I know my disability has taken a huge toll on my wife, physically & mentally, especially since I refused to seek any help for so many years. I put her thru H--- and she's paid the price with her health. What's unfair is the fact that I get to be seen by the VA for my medical needs (I'm sorry, I'm thankful to have VA health care) and she's without insurance and proper medical care. My employer doesn't offer insurance and she has medical issues that make premiums unbearable. In 5 years she will qualify for Medicare. That's a long time! Thing is, our story isn't unusual and I know that. I'm sure many will read this post and be able to say they are in the same boat or much worse. That's why I come to Hadit as often as I can. It's a reality check, letting me know that we are all in this together.

    Just Got My Letter Today! Yeeeeeeehaaaa!

    in Success Stories

    Posted

    Papaw....

    This is such great news! Sounds like you are carefully considering how to use your back pay award. It's always a good idea to pay off any bills and set some aside. I'm assuming it's a P&T award which opens up many other benefits so be sure to check them out. If I'm wrong on that assumption, please forgive me. You will rest much easier now. BEST WISHES to you and your family.

    Success......in Spades

    in Success Stories

    Posted

    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.

    Congratulations Vic!!

    Lost A Good Friend On His 64Th B'day

    in DIC

    Posted · Edited by chr49

    Need a little help. A good friend died, on Friday, 5/6/11. He served w/101st Airborne(but he was a leg/non-airborne) 3/187 "Rakkasans," and was at Hamburger Hill. I'm fairly sure he was over 10yrs at 100%. Two days after he died the VA awarded him 10% for IHD, back to 5/2010, but no change in comp payment. We have the service and burial of his ashes, tomorrow. Cause of death was pneumonia, secondary to COPD. No autopsy done. COPD wasn't SC but has over 10yrs at 100%. Unfortunately no will or trust - people please do these things now!!! It's easier on the family if they know what you want. And, BTW, we "are" going to die, in case you have any doubts.

    I need to help his wife and need to verify what I need to do.

    1.) Apply for his final check.

    2.) Appeal his IHD for a higher rating and EED. I believe he's a Nehmer claim, as he didn't file. The VA did it themselves.

    3.) File a claim for her for 2yrs of whatever he may have had coming, if we can win the EED and increased percentage.

    4.) Apply for his VA life ins benefit.

    5.) Apply for DIC.

    6.) Apply for funeral and burial benefit. Funeral home says maybe $600 max. I say roughly $2300 is due. ???

    7.) Request a complete copy of his c-file and medical records.

    8.) Anything I forgot???

    Thanks to any who respond! He's at peace now and his wife is comfortable with her faith. She knows what happens, happens for the best, even tho we may not agree at the time.

    pr

    So sorry to hear this news. It's never easy to lose a friend. It's good to read that your friend's wife is doing OK and will most likely be eligible for DIC. I'm sure your help will mean so much to her and the entire family. I can only hope that somebody will help my wife in such a situation. Thanks for the reminder about having a will, we all need to put those things in order for our family.

    I read about death benefits somewhere recently but can't find them now. I know they weren't much. The only thing I can add to your list is to check into any State death benefits that may be available.

    Asbestosis Claim Rating

    in VA Disability Claims Research

    Posted

    I got my asbestosis claim service connected at 0% just received letter today. While it is not at a higher % I am happy that it was service connected. It if gets worse than what it is now thank God that I am now service connected. I know that there are many others who have tried to get their asbestos related claim service connected and have not been able to. I hope that this is the start of something good for all of us unfortunate folks who were exposed to asbestos. I thank all who have helped with their support and lets not forget that there are still many others with asbestos related claims who need our help. As for me I still have an NOD pending and I will be filing for an increased on my 0% hearing loss that is getting worse. Thanks.

    68mustang

    This is a huge win, even at 0%....Congrats 68mustang!!

    Great News, But I Have A Question

    in Success Stories

    Posted · Edited by chr49

    Hello, and thank you to anyone who takes the time to consider my post.

    I just got word from the DAV that I have been bumped up from 30% to 60% from the VA (which, is pretty much amazing to me since they have always denied what seemed to be the most obvious claims). Anyway, I did the math on the claims they awarded, and seems like they rated me too high. Can someone help me with this? I have used the disability calculator, and done the math myself as well. I don't want to give too many details on here because I am paranoid, but all of my issues are all othopedic in nature (back, knees, ankles, wrist, feet, elbows, etc.). I was awarded 20%, 10%, 10%, 10%, and 10%. None of the issues are bilateral. So, how come they are saying my "combined rating" is 60%? Shouldn't this be 50%? Thanks.

    Adding the figures you've given does come up with 48% which would be paid at 50%....BUT.....As Carlie has mentioned, if these are new ratings to be added to your current 30% they would add up to 64% which would be paid at 60%.

    Congratulations quidproquo!!

    Tornado & Storm Victims

    in Success Stories

    Posted · Edited by chr49

    I hauled a load of material from my home on the eastern edge of the TN plateau to Alabama early this AM. I drove from I-40 (west of Knoxville) down US-27, passing thru a small portion of GA and into AL on US-59. The damage I saw was really hard to take. There were areas where tornadoes went thru that were completely gone. Nothing left but scattered debris. My prayers go out to each and every person that has endured the rath of these storms. My wife and I were truly fortunate that the storms hitting our area (hail, high winds, heavy rain with light flooding) did not cause any major damage.

    Good Friday

    in Success Stories

    Posted

    Direct deposit came Tuesday, 6-figure retro VA Comp. Filing retro Chapter 35 for my 3 kids which will probably cause me overpayment in VA Comp---as VA paid me for them as dependents. Both daughters have already graduated college and hopefully will get a huge retro Chapter 35 dependents education check--each. In addition, my son is still in college, he should get retro plus a continueing award. I feel so so fortunate. Obviously, this is making my retirement much more comfortable than I expected. **Again, I credit much of my success from what I've learned aboard Hadit. Again, thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experience.

    Congratulations VMO!! A job well done! Best wishes to you and yours!

    Need Advise On Iris Response Wording

    in VA Disability Claims Research

    Posted

    I have attaached an IRIS response dated 4/9/2010 - 4-24-2010, which says "we acknowledge your inquiry as a request to reeopen your claim------" Does this mean that the claim is active, would carry the original claim filing date, etc?? i have not received a SOC, or any other paperwork other than the standard letter "we are still working on your claim". I have sent in new evidence as I received it (IME, Buddie statements) I realize that they are still working on the Nehmer claims, and mine may be on hold.IRIS Inquiry 4-8-2010.doc

    Thank you

    lugnut

    Last fall I received VARO notification (per USPS) that my NOD had been received, etc. The date of the NOD appeared to be incorrect so I checked things out. The NOD was dated for the day I had made an IRIS inquiry, nowhere near the date they received my formal NOD, I did not receive a notification per IRIS such as you did.

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