Gardener

I certainly agree with tbird. Get yourself to the emergency room right away if you are having those type of thoughts. Take care of yourself "first" and then consider how to fight the VA "later." YOU are the most important thing right now. Hang in there. Gardener

hedgey, Congrats on your win! Sorry for your disabilities, but at least you are somewhat vindicated. Also, it is quite normal to feel a little overwhelmed with the new decision, but in the long run you will realize that you are only getting what you so rightfully deserve. Fill out and turn in the IU form ASAP in order to perserve your effective date, but afterwards take a few days to just relax and have some hard earned fun! Congrats again, Gardener

They "may" need former employer verification showing "why" your husband was terminated? Also, is your husband on SSDI solely due to his service connected condition? If so, this is good evidence for TDIU and should be sent in. Gardener

landend, I agree with Wings. Also, I know just how you feel. The "system" can be confusing, especially when your fighting a demon disguised as PTSD. Hang in there. Best wishes coming your way. Gardener

Quibley, You can be TDIU (total disability) but not P (permanent: have future exams sceduled). But, if you are granted chapter 35 benefits then you are P&T. Keep us informed. Gardener

LarryJ, Does seem like there are more grants recently. That is a good thing! Maybe just a cycle? Hope it keeps cycling though. Gardener

Quibley, First, and foremost, a great big congrats to you! You can change your status to 100% now! Woo Hoo! Did they make you permanent and total? Anyhow, congrats again! Gardener

Make sure to let us know how the rating portion goes. Read up on the rating criteria for the different percentages (ie: 0, 10, 30, et cetera) to see where he fits in. Good luck to your husband, and again, tell him congrats on the favorable BVA decision (I hear that only about 20% of BVA decisions come back favorable: the rest are either denied or remanded). Gardener

VetsLady, Yes, if the BVA did not specify a percentage (but only granted service connection: which was the issue before the BVA I presume) then the VARO is left to assign the percentage. Although you signed a waiver the BVA was only deciding if to service connect it or not. Once the BVA connects the disability then it is sent back to your VARO to assign the percentage. Good luck and keep us informed. What is your husband's current rating (before the new service connection of course since you do not know the percentage that will be assigned)? Gardener

Congrats on the BVA win! Was there any remanded issues, or only the one for sc? Also, did the BVA grant a percentage? If not, then you will probably have to undergo a C&P exam to determine the severity of the disability (in order to assign a percentage). Either way, you are now SC'd which is the "hard" part of the claim. Again, a big congratulations coming your way! Gardener

bufloguy, A great big congrats to you! Now: relax and enjoy your hard "earned" benefit (but stay on it to get it p&t). Thank you for your service. Gardener

titlewave, Way to go! It really is a great day when someone comes along to help another. What a blessing for your father-in-law. Gardener

Congrats on your award! Gardener

Just called the 800 number folks and ask for an update on my percentage! Was told as of today the new percentage rate had been inputed along with P&T status. The nice person even faxed me a letter to that effect! Woo Hoo! Long fight, but prevailed in the end! Thank you to all on this board. Gardener

First, and foremost, congratulations on such a "fast" favorable decision by the BVA! Secondly, have you had a C&P as of yet for the PTSD? If not, you may have to undergo a C&P to find out the "severity" of the disorder (by your VARO) in order to give you a percentage. The effective date is from your filing for PTSD (including the time you waited in line at the BVA and received the favorable decision). Again, congrats! Gardener