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tami
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Posts posted by tami
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When the VA awarded 80%, was there any indication thaty they considered TDIU as they were sup-post to do?
Yes, they did, but that was prior to me being diagnosed with MS
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Thank you all for your kind words!
Tami
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I haven't posted on the site in quite a while but I have read and taken much advice from the wonderful people on this board, and I wanted to say thank you thank you thank you!!!!! I checked ebenefits this morning and my claim has been awarded at 100%, permanent and total.
I was rated initially at 80% after retiring from USAFA, then got diagnosed with MS 3 yrs ago. I received 30% for the MS which brought me to 90%, and in March of this year I applied for an increase. I am quite impressed that it only took 6 months for a decision.
Once again, thank you all for the time and effort you take in helping, it is greatly appreciated!
Tami
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Hello! I've not posted often nor in a while, but I have MS and am a retired vet. I was rated at 30% for the MS, although I am at 90% total. The thing about MS is you have to apply for EVERYTHING that goes along with MS separately, which I did not know at the time I put in for it. (working on that now)
You should definitely put in for the hearing aspect, MS can affect your hearing as well as your eyesight, and many with MS also have Meniere's disease/syndrome. I really don't think they understand enough about how this disease can affect your life, or the initial rating would be different. Things change DAILY with MS, and there is always that fear and likelihood that there will be a severe permanently disabling occurrence.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or just want to talk to someone
Tami
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No, I always forget that VA awards 100% for one condition. Most veterans try to get 100% schedular with multiple conditions which is harder but if you are thinking about trying to get 100% for one condition it is a Lot easier.
Ok, Thanks!
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Tami, do you know to get rated as 100% schedular, you will have to be rated around 230% and VA combines that to only 100%.
So does that mean if I am rated at 100% for one ailment, I would still be at 90%?
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Thanks for your replies...
I will probably go ahead and file an appeal.
Tami - what's your goal? Are you trying to get 100%?? Or TDIU?? Are you working, now?? Do your SC disabilities keep you from working?? Just trying to make sense of why you're asking for an increase. Thanks!pr
I am looking for an increase because the dizziness and falling is a lot worse and with the MS on top of it, I don't know how much longer I can work outside the home. I don't want IU because I have to quit working all together.
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Good morning and thank you! I am relatively new here and have been helped here before so I am looking for more advice! I am currently rated at 90% (60 meniere's, 30 each for MS, asthma, and migraine, 10 for numbness l foot 10 for right foot) gosh I look like a mess on paper!
I put in for an increase for the Meniere's and got the envelope yesterday which denied the increase. I don't have it in front of me, but it basically says it was denied because, even though I do get dizzy most every day, usually at night, that I didn't say that I had more "cerebellar gait", which I assumed was a given. (I know, I know)
Should I file an appeal and present more evidence, that yes, I do in fact lean, if not fall to one side when I get dizzy,or should I file a NOD?
or do I just leave it be
Thank you for your help,
Tami
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I was recently diagnosed with MS, after about 6-7 years looking for an answer. It is a very difficult disease to diagnose because it mimics so many other diseases. I am service connected and currently rated at 30% for MS (90% overall) I would suggest going to a "civilian" doctor if you have access/insurance. They may be able to hopefully properly diagnose.
Although it really, really sucks to have the disease, it is almost a relief to have an answer, and that it is not "all in your head". The VA definitely didn't diagnose me, and i don't think they would ever have, it was me having an excellent neurologist who diagnosed me and sent me for 2 second opinions. They gave un-refutable evidence. ( I think 30% is ridiculously low but I am working on that.)
MS IS a huge puzzle and as soon as you put one piece in the right spot, you find another empty one:) I hope you get the answer to your illness. The sooner you start therapy the better.
Tami
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Thanks everyone!
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Good afternoon everyone. I was recently awarded sc for Multiple Sclerosis, which bumped me from 80% to 90%. Unfortunately, I had not found this site prior to putting in my request so I wasn't aware I needed to put all of the fun stuff that comes with MS on my paperwork, which I am in the process of doing now. I recently received paperwork from VA stating they are working on my request for IU, which I DID NOT request.
Please correct me if I am wrong, but if I get approved for IU, that means I CAN NOT work, therefore, they would most likely deny me VOC rehab? (I am currently working) I was also under the impression that in order for me to be eligible for IU, I would have to be rated on the disability with the highest rating?
I called the 800# ( i know, I know) and I am even more confused, as he told me that could still work, but i couldn't be gainfully employed, but he really couldn't explain that to me
I am sorry if I don't make sense( its part of MS
) any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I know I will eventually have to stop working because it is draining, but I would rather it be schedular so I still have that option.60% Meniere's
30% Multiple Sclerosis
30% Asthma
30% Migraine
10% numbness L foot
10% numbness R foot
Thank you
Tami
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Berta, I am currently working, Luckily my MS isn't that bad that I can't, that and my bosses are extremely understanding of the disease and my needs. I feel blessed they are that way,because I've worked where they weren't. My other issues that brought me to 80% are Meniere's syndrome 60%, Asthma 30%, migraine 30% and numbness in both feet, 10% each. Most likely the migraine and definitely the feet are directly related to the MS, and possibly the Meniere's. You are very right in saying symptoms can be misdiagnosed. I have probably had it for at least ten years, 6 of those years while still active duty.
Betty, thank you :)
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Congratulations on your rating, Tami!
I also have MS which I anticipate a rating for within the next few months. When I filed my claim, I included a lot of my residuals and secondary conditions. It has been a 2-1/2 year battle getting the MS service connected, but I'm quite confident now since the RO has finally scheduled C&Ps for the residuals and secondaries. My MS is secondary progressive and I am totally disabled.
I am certainly no expert on VA claims, but I would suggest that you file for all of your residual conditions as well as filing for IU. It may be possible that your residuals will get you to the 100% mark which would make IU a moot point, but if not, you will already have your IU claim in. Remember that things like depression, cognitive dysfunction, muscle weakness, spasticity and overwhelming fatigue are a few of the very common issues with MS.
I wish you the best in getting an increased rating.
Thanks kaykay, thank you for your service and I am sorry you have SPMS, and hopefully they will be quick with your exams. It was about 7 weeks after my exam that I was rated for the MS. I will definitely file for those other issues
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Thank you!
Berta, I hadn't requested the IU, but they sent the form with the packet... I'm not sure what I am going to do yet. I think I need to speak with someone in the know on my options... I am starting to get overwhelmed:)
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Thank you!
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First I would like to thank everyone here for one, their service, and two for all the help given to navigate the VA system.! I was rated for Multiple Sclerosis at 30%, which puts me at 90% . I do have a few questions though. The paperwork I received says they have deferred a decision on IU, and there are other issues with MS that I did not put apply for, would it be more beneficial for me to apply for the other issues( fatigue, pain, bladder issues etc) or just go ahead and do the IU?
Thank you for your time!
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Thanks Berta! Where does DR Bash practice? I am always up for another Medical opinion :D MS is so crazy because you can be fine one hour and not be able to move or mentally function the next.
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I guess I am "lucky" in that the VA Dr I have is very pro veteran and seems to be very against the bigwigs in the VA system. He wrote based on what I presented that I have had MS since 04 (retired in 06) I'll just have to wait until I get that envelope to see what my next steps are! Again, thank you all for your input
Tami
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Thank you for your help! I will check that site.
Tami
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Good afternoon. I am hoping some of the wise members here can help me :D I was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I had my C&P exam two weeks ago, and the VA Doc stated that since it is in my military medical records that i first sought treatment in 2004 for numbness that he was going to say that I've had MS since then. My question is, will I be compensated from that point or from the time I applied?
Also, does anyone know how they rate the "degrees" of MS? I know it starts at 30% but I've searched and can't find any info.
Thank you in advance for your time and help
Tami
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Thanks for the warm welcome! I had my appointment Friday and the Doctor was wonderful and very kind. Hopefully all turns out well!
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Hello, just wanted to introduce myself. I am retired USAF(2006) and currently 80%SC. I've recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and I have a C&P exam next Friday.
I must say I am a little frustrated because it seems I've had MS for quite sometime, but was misdiagnosed and ignored by military DR's for years, hopefully the VA will be a little more helpful :)
I m glad to have found this site and thank you for allowing me to participate!
Tami
) any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I know I will eventually have to stop working because it is draining, but I would rather it be schedular so I still have that option.
Retired Retro
in VA Disability Claims Research
Posted
Good morning.
I retired in 06 and finally put my claim in around 07. I was rated at 80% in 09 and received all retro pay within about 2 months. I was then diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and was given 30% for that which bumped me to 90% with the VA math.
With MS, there comes a slew of other issues, which my NYS Service Representative helped me put in for. I was rated at 100% in April 2012, and started getting paid at that rate in October 12. I received all but $2000.00 of my retro and "they" said it would be coming once DFAS works their magic to make sure I would not get over paid due to the retirement pay. I called DFAS in March 13, and very nice gentleman told me they released the money back to the VA in December 12.
I then called the the VA, and was told they are very busy and your claim is very important to us, but it could take up to year :) (still waiting)
In the grand scheme of things, my situation is minor, because I am getting paid at 100% and there are those that have been waiting a ridiculous amount of time for what they are owed, but it sure would help spoil my grandchildren :).
I hope your pay gets resolved soon :)
Tami