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Michelle

Second Class Petty Officers
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Everything posted by Michelle

  1. Vike17: They do have all of my medical documentation from 2004 that is when I received an increase to my current rating of 70% Combined. I took the EMG/NCS and my civilian docs report because this is what the C&P office told me to do since I had my NCS/EMG just a week prior to the C&P. Plus I emailied VA thru IRIS after I received the Doctor's (C&P) report and notified them that she didn't report anything about what my Doctor's evaluation stated or the NCS/EMG. I saved the emails as well; I also asked them that if for some reason the Doctor didn't turn them in to please let me know and I would send them again. They never notified me of this until I received the rating. And yes, they are idiots because they have all of my EMG/NCS from 2004, 2002, 1999 which all diagnose me with the disease and that it has continually gotten worse each time I have the tests. Michelle
  2. Thanks Everyone: I just received this new rating on Friday and talked briefly to the VSO at the American Legion. To tell you the truth I think that I probably have done more research in the regulations and the laws then they have because they had to ask me a question the other week. But at any rate, Once I got my thoughts together I read over the rating again and it was kind of funny because they told lies, after lies. They stated they never received any of my new information (EMG/NCS , Documentation from my Civilian Medical Doctor). I personally took it with me to the C&P and gave to the MD (this is what they told me to do) and I told her that this was important but evidently she threw it in the trash so they went by a EMG/NCS that I had in 2004 which was still fine with me but they either didn't know how to read it or just lied about what it stated. Funny thing is it's documented on every EMG/NCS that I've had since 1999 that I have Chronic Polyneuropathy Bilateral, and in all extremities with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. On the Rating Decision it stated that they denied my hands for nerve damage that their was no documentation to support this (What Idiot's) I've started preparing my NOD and addressing each thing that I've caught them on, like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is Nerve Damage! and it just like they have someone that knows nothing rating these claims. They stated I was denied TDIU because the C&P MD stated "in their opinion I could do some type of sedentary work" Like I stated before my doctor is preparing a new letter which flat out states I am permanently and totally disabled, etc.etc... I have every piece of information that I've ever sent to VA. Yes my claim was brokered out to Huntington, WV but I believe it's been sent back to Montgomery. I'm going to go see the VSO and what ever letter they give me and hand deliver everything that they stated they never received. I sent them an IRIS the day I received a copy of my C&P Report from the Doctor and told the VA that I had given her my NCS/EMG, Doctors Report and that if they didn't have it please let me know. They never stated that they didn't have it. I also complained in that email about the doctor because she didn't do anytype of exam on me she just talked. At any rate I know that I will eventually get TDIU and T&P but you know how it feels when you wait for over a year and then receive this Crap from them. I'm a lot better today and will keep you all posted. Sixth Sense don't worry about me really...we will talk this week. Michelle
  3. Thanks Vike17: The VA can't hold that against me can they, If I go to a Private Mental Facility with my own insurance rather than going to the VA hospital? Also my last two C&P exams the doctors and my civilian doctor diagnosed me with Chronic Major Depressive Disorder, and the last C&P with Sleep Impairment; but the rating didn't address it. These are probably all secondary to my PTSD don't you think? Michelle
  4. Thanks Everyone for your suggestions and support. After yesterday, I start thinking that I needed to go sign myself in for a Mental Break because I felt like I was about to loose it. Let me ask you all a question. I still probably will go sign myself in at this civilian place here in town (Mental) because I have private insurance and really don't want to go to the VA Hospital. I did a few years ago for a week, but they treat everyone like sh_ _. Mentally, I can't handle that. I felt like going up to the VA RO yesterday but I would have ended up in Prison. I know that I'm like everyone of you in that I'm so mentally exhausted and frustrated that I can't stand it. My husband is supportive and he tells me "just don't worry about it" "We are fine financially" Well, that's not the point. I want the Military/VA to compensate me for all of the damage that was caused by me serving my country. I didn't grip or complain when they sent me to the Gulf War and now they shouldn't grip and complain about awarding disabled veterans their just compensation. I know they are tired of me I'm tired of them to. But, I've told them I'm not giving up unless I die first. Between dealing with my disabilities, the VA, SSD, my family, husband, I don't think I can handle much more. As far as SSD I have a firm working on that and I feel that it will come out favorable especially after I submit the Letter from my doctor. I just continue to ask God to bless all of the veterans and to keep us in perfect peace no matter what happens. Really, I couldn't do it without all of you and I really mean that (starting to cry)....Thanks so much for being there.... I'll talk to you all very soon and let u know if and when I go check myself in. \ Michelle
  5. Well; I wanted to talk to you all yesterday but I had to Cry a while, take anxiety med and just try to get myself together first. Recap: Berta, SixthSense and other's already know but anyway. I was already 70% Combined SC for PTSD and Chronic Polyneuropathy (in all extremities). I've been SC since 1999, first at 40%, then 70% and once I stopped working Oct/05 I reopened my claim and asked for an increased to IU and T&P. Submitted all the evidence; New EMG/NCS that Neuropathy had gotten worse, private medical documentation, etc. Well after 15 Months they told me I received a increase on the PTSD from 30% to now 50% and they left the Neuropathy at 60% which equals 110% (A new Combined Rating of 80%). However they denied my IU and didn't address the P&T but I guess since they denied my IU that was denying my P&T. They stated that the MD at my C&P stated they didn't see why I couldn't perform some type of Sedentary Work. I also have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my hands but this is all a part of the Polyneuropathy. I saw my civilian doctor yesterday and basically she is now preparing a letter for me to pick up this coming week that states: She has been treating me for the past six years, every month I have an appointment and that in her professional opinion I am permanently and totally disabled and can no longer perform any type of substantial gainful employment. Primarily because I pose a danger of hurting others and myself with little provocation and due to the Chronic Polyneuropathy in all of my limbs I am restricted and can't sit, type, stand, walk, run, climb, bend, or use my hands and arms for over 10-15 minutes at a time. After that period I have to lie down and prop my feet up in order for the swelling, numbness and pain to subside (along with taking strong pain medications). She is also stating that I take a lot of strong medication throughout the day and evenings for my various SC Disabilities which have strong side affects including drowsiness, off balance, and can't operate a Motor Vehicle while on this medication. I'm going to personally hand carry this along with a letter from the American Legion who is now my VSO. But I'm a little skeptical about involving them. What do you all think?
  6. Thanks SixthSense: I sent you an email to your personal email address on the same subject and other things as well. You are right about the 800# because she really confused me. Berta and Everyone at Hadit, I really appreciate all of the talks and helping me and all of the other veterans. The waiting can kill you more than anything. Berta, so many people want to donate money to the website, maybe you should post a address for everyone. As soon as I know about my rating I wanted to send something. Thanks Again. Michelle
  7. They don't do anything; I think that veterans do more to help veterans than any SO. My neighbor had been working with them for two years trying to get 100% T&P for Lupus. They just kept saying VA is working on it. I asked her why would you settle for that type of answer after two years? I started helping her and within two weeks she had received her rating of 100% T&P. It wasn't brain surgery, the vet got out of the Military with a Medical Retirement due to Lupus, this was in 1997 and it's 2007 and she is just receiving her rating but no thanks to the SO. Plus they only retro her back to Mar 2005. I think we should start our own Non-Profit Organization and we could get Grants from HUD/Federal Gov't to do what they aren't doing. I use to be in charge of grants when I was working for the City. Because No one else seems to want to do their job. Michelle
  8. Berta: Thanks for responding. I did File the formal TDIU form so I should be getting the actual letter anyday now. But as far as calling the 1800# that is what they are there for and I wouldn't let it discourage me in the least. If you call five days a week they shouldn't be rude and say they can't work your claim if your continually calling. These are two different people the one that answering the phones and the ones that rating your claim. Personally I think a lot of them don't need to work at the RO because they don't know how to show compassion, or good customer service. Thanks again, Berta. Michelle
  9. Thanks. I have a VSO but just within the last month or two. I have done everything by myself up to this point. I have the American Legion and we sent their POA in over a month ago to VA but no one has put it in the system so they can't read or access my stuff yet. Thanks though. Michelle
  10. Vike17 Hello; I hate to interrupt but when your done can you go to this same forum and read what I posted today (Michelle). Subject: Just Talked to 1800#. I would appreciate any input that you may have (or anyone for that matter).. Thanks. Michelle
  11. Hello Everyone: Well to recap a little: I currently SC at a combined Rating of 70% (really 90%, 60% for Nerve Damage in all extremities and 30% for PTSD). I reopened my claim in Nov/05 for an increase due to the PTSD getting worse and asked for IU and T&P. Today the VA Rep told me that my claim was completed but she couldn't see all of the screens however what she could see is that they left the Nerve Damage at 60% and increased the PTSD to 50% which equals 110% but VA's Math wouldn't that be 90%? The VA Person said I have a combined rating of 80%. But she stated that she couldn't see the full rating only portions of it. She said something about from Dec 05 to ? (I wasn't really listening) I'll get $1800 and something and then she listed other dates and amounts which didn't make since. It's only Myself, My Husband, and one child so I looked at the chart and the figures don't match so I'll have to wait until I get the letter or call back when someone can tell me what it states completely. Has anyone ever heard of VA awarding someone a Total Combined Rating of 80% and not granting IU or T&P. I have not been working since Oct/05 due to the PTSD primarily but the Nerve Damage as well and I did ask for it but I don't know if they addressed it. Don't they have to say something about Denied for IU or T&P? Michelle
  12. Hay 1968 Army VV: Don't count on it though. I filed my claim for increase in Nov, 2005 and they just told me that a decisions has been made but it has to be signed off by a supervisor and no one would tell me at the 800# what the decision was but I kind of have an idea from my VSO but I'm going to wait and see. Michelle
  13. Hello Everyone: I'm so tired of waiting on my rating but I wanted to know if anyone has dealt with the RO in Huntington, WV. I looked up their average claims approvals, disapprovals, etc and they were better than most RO but I don't know. Anyone know's?
  14. Just my opinion but I would have contacted the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs in Washington D.C. by now..I'm going to pray for all of us because I am fed up as well. I have to try and make myself stay calm, so that I don't have multiple Anxiety attacks. Just keep complaining to higher up; eventually they will have to decide something. Michelle
  15. Thanks you all for the support and Josephine; my claim is not in appeals yet. I'm live on the border of Georgia and Phenix City, Al actually my house is in Alabama write by Ft. Benning, Ga. I'm going to see a VSO this morning in my area plus like I said I called Washington D.C. yesterday to the Senate of Veterans Affairs Committee. The Montgomery RO said they were to busy and that's why they sent my claim their. I know they are sick of me because each time they tell me something stupid, I quote the regulation to them. I told them I'm not going away so they can prolong this until the cows come home. If they are trying to wait me out until I die, I've already told my family to pick up where I leave off. I'm going to see what today brings and anything I find out I will let you all know. Michelle
  16. Hello Everyone: I to am so fed up with the VA RO bull s_ _ _. My claim has been passed around to two different RO and now this week they told me (Montgomery, Al RO) that my claim was at the Rating Team where it would be rated. Well, low and behold, I call back today (twice as a matter of fact to make sure) they told me my claim was sent to the Hunnington, WV RO for a rating decision because Montgomery, AL RO was to busy. I got so upset that I had to take two anxiety pills to get my heart and blood pressure to slow down. If it was ready to rate why the HELL didn't they just go ahead and rate it? After Montgomery had it for 7 Months, this really pisses me off because first Atlanta, RO had it for 7 Months then sent it to Montgomery. I do all of this leg work, another C&P, my own private doctors, etc and now they tell me It's gone to a 3rd RO. I called the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs contact that I had spoken to before and he said this is ridiculous and he was going to see what he could do or find out because I have been getting the run around for over a year...We all need to take a trip to Washington, D.C. to let them know we are fed up with this kind of s_ _ t! I wouldn't advise my DOG! to join the military because this is crazy what we go through. Michelle
  17. Thanks Jangrin; Thanks for the support....I don't know what I would do without you guys here. Michelle
  18. Question For anyone that may know. I had my C&P in Sept 2006. My claim is for an increase due to IU and being T&P. I'm currently at a total combined rating of 70% but I have Polyneuropathy rated at 60% and PTSD rated at 30%. Anyway on November 8, 2006 I got a return IRIS email that stated my claims folder was with a Supervisor and then I got another IRIS email on Nov 24, 2006 that a Supervisor took my claims folder to the Supervisor of the Rating Team to be rated. My claim is over a year old and I asked a few months ago if they could ensure that a Supervisor reviewed my claim before a decision was made ( I really don't believe the Rating Specialist knew what they were doing, because he/she kept asking for the same documentation) anyway does anyone knows how long it might take once it's at this final stage. Like I said my claim is over a year old and I have done everything C&P, forwarded my private doctors records, that my conditions have worsened, etc. Also, I haven't worked since Oct/05 Michelle
  19. Hay Everyone: I got my first denial letter from SSA for Social Security Disability due to PTSD, Bi-polar, Anxiety, Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Peripheral Polynueropathy (They have a lot of Medical Documentation of all of these things) and then I see they awarded here approval for PTSD. I have a good Disability Group of Social Security Experts (lawyers, etc) They told me not to worry that almost everyone gets turned down the first time and they wouldn't have taken my case if they thought I was not going to win. I just wonder how some can get approved for PTSD and others not...At any rate they are taking care of filing the reconsideration papers, etc.. I'm still waiting on a decision from VA on my increase due to IU and T&P..should be anyday now. Michelle
  20. Thanks all of you for your input and advice. After I get my letter from SSA. I'm going to move back over to Georgia (we have another rental home their) and ask to move my claim to the Atlanta RO. This was who I had dealt with for the past 7 or 8 years and it wasn't this bad. I'm going to wait a little bit until I hear back from the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs first. Berta, I did email them, thanks. It is just a sorry shame how we get treated and I think I'm going to call them first thing Monday and request that I have a appt to review my C-File, if they say I don't need one then I'm on my way up there. I'll keep you all posted. Michelle
  21. Hello Everyone: First, is their anyone out there that deals with the Montgomery, Al RO? You know I've discovered that VA thinks if they just keep you going in circles that you will get tired and pissed enough that you will just let it go. I've told them that I will fight this until I die because I was in perfect health prior to going to the Persian Gulf War and they are responsible for the conditions mentally and physically that I have now. I have as much time as they want to drag this out (God Willing). My claim for an increase for T&P and IU has stayed at one regional office for 7 Months (Atlanta RO), then they sent it (without notifying me, but a week prior to them sending it when I telephoned them the Atlanta RO told me it was "Ready to Rate". The next thing I knew, when I called back again they had transferred my claims folder to the Montgomery, AL RO, where I had to start all over from the beginning (even though Atl had stated it was ready to rate). Now, that I've done everything all over again, including their C&P, all my civilian tests, exams, etc each time I call the 800# I get a different answer and it has gotten on my last nerve. I've sent many inquires thru IRIS just to get their response in writing and the other day I put in a complaint with the Chairmand of the Senate on Veteran Affairs Committee in Washington (I figured what the hell they are taking me on a ride anyway so it can't hurt) and explained all that I have gone thru and what all of my fellow vets have to go thru to get what the law states we are entitled to. Also; I had to stop and think and I told him that the Veteran Service Reps try to make the veterans feel like they are applying for welfare or food stamps and it's very degrading. I have been out of work for over a year, (Prior to that year I have worked all of my life from the age of 16) and my claim is over a year old, I've been SC for PTSD (1st Gulf War) and Chronic Peripheral Polyneuropathy (Nerve Damage) in all four limbs. I get 60% for the Nerve Damage and 30% for PTSD which = 90% but we all know VA's math and this = a combined rating of 70%. I applied for my SSD in June and it seems like everything has gone favorable and my adjudicator called me on Thursday and said everything is complete that I will be receiving a letter by the 26th of Nov. I didn't ask her if it was approved because I was nervous and didn't know if she was supposed to tell me but the process from beginning to end, even going to their doctors has been smoothed and the doctors stated I shouldn't have any problems getting approved. I will let you all know. If I didn't have you all who I know understands what we all go thru, I don't know what I would do and as soon as I get approved for either SSD first or VA I will be donating to Hadit.com...Thanks so much... Michelle
  22. 1968 VV - I filed my claim Oct/05 this is so frustrating...
  23. The person that responded from IRIS stated it was already at the Supervisor's for review before he took the my IRIS question to them. It's been a year already. Michelle
  24. Hello Everyone; I hope that everyone has been doing as well as can be expected, especially if you have been going through the process of waiting, waiting, and more waiting. At any rate, I've completed everything in the claims process (have claim in for T&P Due to IU- Currently at 70% SC). I sent the VA an email thru IRIS and ask them to waive the 60 Day waiting period and that would they go ahead and rate my claim. I know they have everything because I have given it to them, but they still had sent letters out to my doctors after my C&P, so this is why I told them to waive the days and go ahead. Today, I received their response that my file is currently with a Supervisor for review and that they would give her my inquiry and I should get a response from the Supervisor. Do you all think that they are finished and about to rate me or what is going on? Michelle
  25. Hello Again Everyone/Berta; Well, I had my C&P last month one with the Psychiatrist (PTSD has worsened) and one with the M.D. (she didn't know anything about Neurology and that's why they sent me there) but I sent VA a message through IRIS that I had received a copy of my C&P results and the report by the M.D. was incorrect, and not true. She didn't do any type of tests, labs, anything she just talked to me and I didn't talk much because she started off by asking me "Now, why do you think your not supposed to work"....I told her that I've worked since I was 16 so I don't know what she was talking about. I asked her if she had read over my file, and She said, No. Well, how the hell is she supposed to know anything about my history if she hasn't read anything? But what she did was skimmed thru it and the way you can tell is that instead of reviewing the information from my Civilian Primary Care Doctor who has been treating me every month since 2000. She went back a quoted something from a Neurologist that I saw in 1999, one time and then she didn't even get that correct. I told the VA that I wanted them to disregard her report because it was just wrong. Anyway, I didn't ask them for an increase in my Polyneuropathy I'm already at 60% for it. My claim was for P&T due to IU because of PTSD. The Psychiatrit on the other hand did a very, good report and he told me I shouldn't have any further problems with VA. I haven't heard back from VA yet because I asked them to let me know if the M.D. didn't turn in my Nerve Conduction Study and EMG, also a report from my civilian doctor. My claim is a year old on the 25th. I'm so tired of this and I know what you all can understand it. I get 30% for PTSD for a total combined rating of 70%. But now based on my NCS my polyneuropathy has gotten worse but the M.D. didn't report that. How long do you all think it will be from this point? Michelle
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