justrluk

UPDATE: Received paperwork for the C&P in response to the 2013 remand for 12 Feb. Also, they are doing it locally = no travel/wait/etc. Still waiting for copies of records from the physician they mentioned in the remand, so I'll have to go there in person and pay for the records, but it's worth the $25 to finally see the end of the process. I have no way of remembering what was said in the records I requested, but will go over then with a fine-toothed comb when I get them. All of this after waiting since 1/2013 hearing and sending an email last month. More movement and interest in the last 3 weeks than in the previous two years. Still can't believe it and will keep this forum posted.

Good morning, all! The two year anniversary for my VLJ hearing recently passed and still no response regarding the C&P and decision/or issuance of a SOC. Nothing from the VARO. I emailed Mr. Secretary and within 1 day received a phone call that my email had been received and was being forwarded to the VARO. 1 DAY + PHONE CALL! I'm really impressed so far. Let's see what impact the email will have on the VARO.

Good morning, all! The two year anniversary for my VLJ hearing recently passed and still no response regarding the C&P and decision/or issuance of a SOC. Nothing from the VARO. I emailed Mr. Secretary and within 1 day received a phone call that my email had been received and was being forwarded to the VARO. 1 DAY + PHONE CALL! I'm really impressed so far. Let's see what impact the email will have on the VARO.

rootbeer,
I followed your path and sent an email as well. I posted in another thread that within one day, I received a phone call from the Office of the Secretary of the VA acknowledging receipt and was told they were forwarding to the appropriate VARO. I'm stunned. Let's see what happens next. It has been two years since my VLJ hearing with no movement on the remand order. So much for 'expeditious processing'.

I'm about 75 miles away from any facility. I already had a fee-basis dental referral, but wanted to see if they would cover the neurologist I see privately and a local rheumatologist. It might make making claims for increases more complex as I would have to then contact these providers for records, but hopefully I shouldn't have to do this much more. Either way, the care is the thing, right? As long as I can get care, I'm good with it.

WRT the symptoms, you need to be specific when talking to your docs. Even the somewhat gross details. Make sure these are in your records w/VAMC. I've been through this and lost 2/3 of my colon for cancerous/IBS issues. No weight loss (probably due to meds) but serious pain, frequency, etc. Keep a record of what your body is doing, your pain level and what it does to your life. Wish you all the best!

Transparency in the claims and healthcare process is the only way this system will improve. If we can't see the problems, we can't help fix them.

Transparency in the claims and healthcare process is the only way this system will improve. If we can't see the problems, we can't help fix them.

I tend to get a little more analytical:

In your decision dated mmddyyy, on page (##) you state (& quote) words, words and more words..... about denial(& quote)
According to (rule/section, etc.), the criteria for X% for migraine headaches is: (copy/paste from regs)
Currently, I am unemployed due to this condition per the letter dated mmddyyy from Dr. Freeze (encl.)
Although I am a student, I attend part-time and as is proven by my attendance record (if you can get this or if it is in favor of your contention), (enclosed).

-----------------

I have an accommodation signed by my doctor regarding late attendance, submission of assignments, etc. due to having long and prostrating migraines. I did this because while I was getting ready for the end-of-course paper, I ended up in bed for several days and almost blew the class because I didn't have time to get the final paper written. As you know, it can be a bit challenging to focus, study and write with a migraine! I've had to submit the letter with each class, but at least I am protected. I would suggest getting this in place for your classes and for your claim.

I checked the letter generator (practically every day). One day it was at 90%, the next at 100%.

REM sleep disorder was not evaluated for my last C&P, but influenced the decision/rating for depression/BPII. It's on the interview questionnaire.

State the specifics, quote the VA's reason for denial and add evidence. Make sure to put your VA ID (SSAN) at the top of each document. I do this regardless of whether the SSAN is located somewhere else in the document.

I guess it's time to share: last FDC filed in April 2014 closed out. I moved from 90% to 100%. I haven't seen the package yet to see the details, but will share once I see the decision. The details are in this other thread:

I guess it's time to share: last FDC filed in April 2014 closed out. I moved from 90% to 100%. I haven't seen the package yet to see the details, but will share once I see the decision. The details are in this other thread:

I just checked eBenefits: now rated at 100%. No letter or package yet, but it goes to show you: even in the middle of a remand, file for increases if you feel you are warrented. I filed in April, and just saw the change in percentages. My best to all - I can sleep now!

I think because the month doesn't end until Thursday, it may be another day before you see it. I see my housing from the Post 9/11, but that's it. They normally show much earlier than regular compensation.

Update: Went to the C&P on Friday (25 July 2014). The interviewer was very kind. He said he had already read my file, and only had a few questions. He asked a handful of questions and hit a few weak spots (I broke twice). After all was over, he made recommendations for where I could pick up local care for psych issues (which I am looking into). He then said that right after the interview he would write and file his report. He then told me he was recommending that my condition had seriously degraded, and definitely due to SC condition. He also told me he was recommending in his report that I only work part-time. As I'm writing this, I'm getting a bit emotional. The peaks and valleys really suck (if you're bipolar you understand this).

When we discussed how the condition (bipolar/depression) affects my work, I told him about the swings and that when things get really bad I end up in the rest room for a while (hiding). He said it was positive that I had developed a coping mechanism, but it was surely not the best way to deal with my issues. I also went into detail about how the psych issues affected my home relationships and friendships (practically none at this point - I've alienated most of those that were really good friends). I don't know what the decision will be, but if anyone out there is dealing with their psych crap and haven't seen someone, I highly recommend doing so. Also, I'm on 4 psych meds and the swings still happen. Meds won't solve your problems/issues, but talking through issues can help a great deal.

I was surprised the exam turned into a counseling session, but I didn't realize how bad things were getting until I had to talk about them. If you're reading this, I apologize for the length but felt it necessary to reinforce those with psych issues getting help (go local, go often).

Also: Claim moved from "Gathering Evidence" to "Preparation for Decision" from Friday to today (28 July 2014). I think this is a personal best as far as time goes. I don't know when I could get a copy of the report, but I'm definitely interested in reading it.

NavyWife,
Thanks for posting links to the DBQs. I have a psych exam this Friday and am getting really nervous about it. The DBQs at least prepare me for what I'm about to go through.

That is awesome! Remember to look at the benefits your state might offer and those now available through the VA system.

I received a letter telling me that my request had been approved. I normally receive two, but the letter didn't confirm this. Then the next sentence said I didn't qualify. I called the prosthetics people, and the woman told me they were having problems with this type of issue. At first, she told me I didn't understand the letter. I think I can read a letter! I told her there was conflicting information from one paragraph to another. THEN she pulled up my file and confirmed that I was approved. I still don't know if it was for single or double. I suggest you call them no matter what happens and have them pull up your file. I think my processing time was about a month (?).

It sounds like it. I get that they can't just approve all without some sort of proof. I was told the same (take pictures) regarding psoriasis flare-ups to prove I should be at 60%. If he asked for pictures, provide them. It will make your life a bit less stressful and will help them stick to their regs. I know it seems idiotic. If you are provided a device by the same office approving/disapproving your application, it should be a no-brainer. Then again, how many other processes within the VA are self-contradictory?

Update WOO HOO 100% as of Today. Thank you and God Bless all of you for the support and kind words.

I'm not quite sure where this falls topic-wise, but thought if it is worth it members might want to participate:

NSCIA Webinar
A program of United Spinal

Webinar: Access to VA Caregiving Benefits for Veterans with Disabilities
Wed, May 7, 2014 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Eastern Standard Time
Register For This Webinar

This webinar will discuss trends in caregiving for veterans, VA’s caregiver benefits, and policy changes needed to expand coverage of this VA benefit.
Intended Audience: Veterans and their family caregivers

Presenters:
Heather Ansley, Vice President for VetsFirst, a program of United Spinal Association
Christopher Neiweem, Director of Veterans Policy for VetsFirst, a program of United Spinal Association
Ziggi Landsman
VP of Online Relations
United Spinal Association
Privacy Policy

United Spinal Association
75-20 Astoria Blvd, Jackson Heights, NY, 11370
718-803-3782 - www.unitedspinal.org

Also, consider that the VARO may request records from your providers within the VA system through the VA system. Not directly, but through their notes in your file. I've downloaded my notes, etc. and am amazed that they are pretty much verbatim of what was discussed in the office, a review of my history, etc. I have found no real discrepancies.

OK, first you need a letter from a doctor requesting reasonable accommodations. Your doc should state your requirements, but does not need to state conditions (HIPPA violation here). You present this to your employer (or HR if your organization has one) and keep a copy for yourself. Your employer and you should negotiate what the accommodations look like for your conditions. I've been down this road, and if you stand your ground there should be no issues. Also, as you are a disabled vet you need to request info regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act:http://www.ada.gov/ . I had one of those "come and see me" meetings with my supervisor. He said "don't make me do a fitness for duty evaluation on you." I said, "don't make me call an ADA lawyer. You will lose." I haven't had a problem since. Also, check out: http://www.ada.gov/servicemembers_adainfo.html