Bravo6

ITS THE SAME THING EITHER WAY, SSD or SSDI! SO I WAS WRONG ABOUT MEDICARE.....I CAN ADMIT THAT! NOW WHAT! B6

Didn't know any of that Larry! Thanks for the heads up....good info! B6

Have you applied for SSD? You will get medicare for your dependents if you are approved for SSD but you need to file a claim! I would advise you do it as soon as possible. Good Luck! B6

Yes, you have to report your VA Compensation income to SNAP! Good Luck! B6

You will only be reimbursed for your dependents! B6

Welcome to Hadit!

Congrats! B6

Are you using the LR VARO? I live in the Arkansas Ozarks brotha! I have a few contacts in NLR and LR VARO! Good Luck! B6

If go in-person then you will leave with a copy of your C&P......no mailbox watching! B6

Usually hits within 7 days! Hope this helps! Good Luck! B6

I would think that you could try "Release of Information" office at your local VAMC! After my C&P, I waited a few days and then went to ROI! Good Luck! B6

If you have a letter from VR&E stating that you are unemployable, then you WILL win your claim for TDIU! That's what it took for me to get my award, said letter! Good Luck! B6

Sounds like to Pete and myself that you need to make a appointment with VR&E! They will help you find suitable employment based on your qualifications and your physical abilities! Go here VR&E @ VA.GOV B6

From my experience I couldn't get my VA Primary Care Doctor to write said letter. He told me that the medical director has tied the PC Dr's from letter such a letter for veterans in that clinic. This is what I was told by my outgoing PC doctor that I was seeing on a regular basis which left shortly thereafter. It took a letter from VRE stating that I was unable to work anymore because of my SC conditions. Once that happened, TDIU was almost automatic. Now bear in mind that this was with my case only! So you never know, you might want to see if you can be screened by VRE and see if they concur with you being unemployable because of your SC conditions. Good Luck! B6

IMO, I would request another doctor ASAP. Seems that doctor has a hidden agenda, and I feel for you brother, I really do! Get an MRI done as soon as you can. Request one thru your Primary Care doctor, x-rays alone will not show what is really going on with your back and your secondary issues related to your back. Good Luck and DON'T GIVE UP, that is exactly what they want you to do! B6

Excellent info Hoppy!

Great points about the fusion John999! Also the point about being on a serious painkiller! Excellent info! B6

IMO, I would do #2 but #1 or #2 would be good! It's REALLY all up to you! Good Luck! B6

I know that feeling all to well! As far as the fusion goes for me, I'm going to hang on and see what happens! You do know that once you have a fusion, that the other discs above the fusion will start developing DJD or DDD in those areas. Just something to be mindful of, if I were you! Good Luck again! God Speed! B6

Welcome! Hang in there 1lonewolf! Good Luck! B6

Great News! Congrats! B6

I think we have the same problem. They want to do a back fusion on myself as well. But I don't want to have it done as of yet because of my age, early 40's! Maybe in due time, but I don't know! Anyway, IMO, I think that letter from the Neuro will help if not win your claim for IU! Good Luck! B6

LegalZoom is the way the we when! Like 80 bones for the will! Keep up the great work Carlie! B6

I TOTALLY agree with Philip Rogers! It's his fault and he can't blame no one but himself! With that being said, I would pay back the money and chalk it up as a lesson learn. B6

I agree with Pete992 and John999! IMO, I think you may need to get evaluation by an VRE counselor so VA can see that you are not employable due to SC! A good VRE counselor could make the differences in getting IU! Good Luck!