[Kicked Back F/decision To Development Phase]

BigCountry

well, it sounds like there's no doubt that the decision will be in your favor WHENEVER that decision finally gets processed. Please hang in there. Trying to stretch money to last the entire month is stressful and zaps a person's energy for sure.

Are you losing weight because the medicine causes you to lose your appetite? You lose anymore you're going to have to change your profile name . My 7 year old son is under weight. He drinks 2 milkshakes a day (banana & peanut butter) in addition to his 3 meals and two snacks. I wish I could send you 15 lbs right now. I wouldn't miss it!

Don't lose faith please. I was in a real bad "place" this past February and I called the VA Suicide Hotline because I was scaring myself (no one was here with me). The woman I talked with was very sincere and helpful. Trust me, I didn't make it easy for her at the start. I was very hostile & told her that I believed no one understood me or listened to how I felt. She was patient and non-judgemental. She actually called me 3 weeks later to ask how I was coping. That small gesture made me feel really good.

None of my business, but wondering if you applied for social security disability. That can be a long, gruelling process as well but a benefit that you earned and have a right to receive.

[Kicked Back F/decision To Development Phase]

No worries BigCountry..I felt your opinions were dead on. I have tried for the past 22 months to be very patient and respectful when talking to folks at the 1-800#. But let me say, i'm at the end of my ability to be understanding any longer. Like you, I have loads of medical (VA) Drs who state my SC disabilities greatly impact my ability to be employed. Heck, I was medically discharged for these injuries... Now, I'm the one ranting.

I hate hearing that you are at home all day. I go through periods of that but luckily my husband and young boys are relentless and force me to get out. It made me laugh that you talked about the checkout lady@Wal-Mart. I find that place to be a huge "trigger" for me. I always leave there angry & annoyed. They must be nicer in your town.

I too find this web-site very helpful & spend time here almost daily. Hope to read soon that you have heard some good news!

Respectfully,

Darcy (Eagel-Eye) in Texas

eagle-eye,

by the way that wasn't necessarily directed toward you. I'm just feeling burned from this claims process & all the other lack of quality care to say the least without going into full detail. sorry if i came off as a total ranter. i can't work, so i stay home the entire day and this is my only social interaction with the exception of the lady at the checkout aisle at walmart or the guy behind the counter at the gas station.

[Kicked Back F/decision To Development Phase]

I'm thinking it's a safe bet to assume the guys on the line only choose to issue a few general bull$ answers in order to get through the mile long line of veterans waiting on the call queue.

BigCountry..I feel your pain. Just today I called 1-800# just for kicks..most of the time I actually get some info on my IU claim this way. Well, today, I get "Gary". I knew it was going to be bad from the start because after giving him my ss# he was silent for about 4 minutes. At first I thought I was disconnected so I said "hello" again. He replied with a bored "hold on a minute". So, anyway, after he gets back to me he starts on with this speech about how my claim is in the development stage and VA will contact me if they need any additional information. I said, "well, that's odd since LAST week I was in the Rating phase and my file was actually checked out by a rater for the purpose of making a decision. Gary responds curtly with "yes, but that's a note written in my internal file and I should never have been told that."...HUH? I can't know where my file is in the claim process..why? My claims been filed sine Oct 09..it's not like i'm expecting special treartment or anything. Just want to know any updates. I tell Gary that I came by this information honestly and I also know there is a suspense date on my rating for today. He just started over, repeating the same rehearsed verbal statement about how my claim is in the developmental phase...blah..blah. I told Gary "thanks" and hung up. Than I screamed loudly into my pillow.

[Annual Income / Work Verification]

My last full-time employer took 18 months to send back form 21-4192 to the VA. I personally thought they never would. Seattle RO would not proceed with my claim even though I had other previous employers respond. I truly hope you have a better experience.

Speaking of Work Verification, I sent VA Form 21-4192 Request for Employment Information in Connection with Claim for Disability Benefits to my last two employers as part of my TDIU claim. One employer was my last full time employer back in 2008 when I was let go because of irratibility and the like (PTSD/Depression stuff), and the second was one who I worked for about 12 hours a week for about 8 months in 2009-10. Neither one of them has responded in any manner let alone returning the completed forms to me. My VSO says the VARO will mail the forms to them again and, once again, I expect them to be ignored.

Besides simply delaying a decision (thanks for nothing, guys), will the lack of these forms hurt my TDIU claim?

[Is This Good Or Not?]

Thanks John,

I have checked & double checked that VARO has my current address. Funny, there was a big, white envelope in the mail this afternoon. Looked very official. Unfortunately, that one is from the IRS-yuck!

Just be very, very sure the VA knows where you have moved to recently. Try and stay put until you get your decision. When you move a lot the VA has a habit of sending important mail to old addresses. The USPS will forward your mail for one year. The more it has to be forwarded the better the chance of things getting screwed up. I mean if you need a C&P exam in two weeks the mail may not get to you for a month if it has to go through forwarding by the USPS. I think I would go to my VARO and make sure they have your correct address. The VA changed my address via a screw up and it caused me no end of trouble.

[Is This Good Or Not?]

Good point Cooter, I don't know how to explain my thoughts on this. I just invision my file going to the bottom of the stack EVEN though I'm being told it's being reviewed currently. Not much faith with the process especially after reading how most of you guys have been yanked around.

Ok, your claim is back in Houston in the rating stage, what exactly are you concerned about? Is it your worried about the fact you didn't execute the claim to be moved? Sorry if I missed something eagle-eye.

[Is This Good Or Not?]

OK, in a nutshell, filed claim for IU in Oct09 at the Houston RO. By the time the C&P exams were scheduled I was living in WA state(long story). So, I was advised that I could move my claim from Houston to Seattle. Ignorant me thought that made sense and believed I was going to be living in WA for a significant amount of time. Fast Forward to current day.. living back in Texas) Claim is still open and I just learned from 800# that my claim just moved back to Houston as of 6July without me asking it to be. BUT my file shows to be checked out by an individual & going thru rating process. It seems to me Houston is moving it along now a lot faster than Seattle.

I didn't initiate moving it when I came back to Texas because I thought it would drag-out the process even longer. I also called DAV rep today at the Houston RO & she confirmed all I was told on the phone to be true.

ANY opinions or thoughts on this would really help me re-focus because right now I'm mentally & emotionally all over the place.

Respectfully,

Darcy

[Can It Work]

An EED of 03, the beginning of your son's chemo sounds like common sense to me. Isn't it worth a try? I'm just learning, but isn't his time running out for NOD?

Side note: sorry your son was so ill. I have two boys and can't imagine the ache for a sick child. Even when they're grown adults.

[Dr's Appts 5-8X's A Month]

I got a 0% rating for cardiac artery disease. I appealed and got some more tests via the VA. I made sure the VA was aware of these new tests. I got an increase to 60%. So new VA medical evidence can help you a lot as long as the VA knows it exists.

John999

Thanks..I'm actually looking fwd to sitting@DAV office for 3 hrs in order to tell them there's more evidence. I'll make sure to call 800# as well. Heck, i'll even get copies of Dr's reports and overnight them (w/receipt,of course) to RO. It's nice to have tasks and at least "feel" like i'm involved in the decision.

this site has been good for me. thanks everyone.

[Dr's Appts 5-8X's A Month]

Thank you Cooter & Pete

I suppose than I'll go to the DAV next week and get that statement included in my file. I appreciate the suggestion.

[Dr's Appts 5-8X's A Month]

OK..I'm at 21 months in waiting on TDIU decision. My claim went from development to rating phase just recently. Needless to say, my emotions went from inpatience to doubting phase at the same time.

In your people's opinion, especially the elders here, do you think my numerous appointments with the VAMC would hold any bearing with raters? All my appts are related to my SC disabilities. I also wonder if when your claim is in the rating phase do raters check for any new medical evidence that may have evolved recently? As in the last 2 weeks. My most recent appts clearly show my conditions worsening and I understand I can include that eviidence in a NOD or Reconsideration, BUT goodness, I hope it's considered now for obvious reasons.

I've been on Hadit a lot these past few days because my husband & sons are on vacation. This site has kept me occupied & focused. Thank you because I had really dreaded being alone for 2 weeks.

Respectfully,

Darcy

[Fibromyalgia Vs. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]

CFS and Fibromyalgia symptoms are so close and mimic each other to the point that it is almost impossible for doctor's to make a clear decision. Keep in mind to get an increase for CFS you must have increased incapacitating episodes/periods of at least six weeks out of a year and the doctor must prescribe bed rest for this time.

Thanks for replying to me. Even though my C&P exam & medical records stated the long durations of when i'm incapacitated, no Dr has ever "perscribed" me bed rest. I guess that's why I was awarded 40% vs 60%. Not to sound snide, but bed rest is what a person does with this condition whether a Dr perscribes it or not. That is such a ridiculous requirement by the VA.

[Fibromyalgia Vs. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]

I currently have 40% for CFS and than seperate awards of 70% PTSD, 50% migraines and 10% hypertension. Is this unusual than? I often wondered which condition I truly have;fibromyalgia or chronic fatgue. I go through long periods of where the pain is my biggest "enemy" than I get a reprieve for awhile and have to deal with overwhelming fatigue for weeks at a time. Fun stuff.

I currently have a claim filed for TDIU. If that doesn't get awarded to me than I'm filing a NOD on the CFS. I strongly believe that the evidence they reviewed qualified me for 60%.

[Well Im At A Year And 5 Months]

Hints:

Sit down and think about what you want to file. Get all medical records pertaining to the claim up front ( it

May cost you for release of information, but in the long run it will pay off). When you get your Letter it says you have 30 days to submit evidence. (there are release forms 21-4142). No Need for them Because you submitted all your information Upfront. There is also a NCAA notice response attached to this letter (at the back before the Forms). Fill That out which says I have no Further evidence to submit. When the va gets that it comes down to va exam or ready for decision ( if nothing is found in your service records.).

Timeline: claim submitted with all information up front roughly two weeks until you get you first Letter. 30 days to submit info. no info to submit va exam or ready to rate. 30

Days. If va exam time for exam to be scheduled and examined 60 days (scheduling and folder to get to hospital and back and exam to be signed off). File to be reviewed and made easy for decision 30 days. All in all approx 6 months.

yes T8r, looks all clear-cut, huh? Well, I must just be an anomaly. I was prepared and took filing my TDIU very serious since I haven't been able to work since 2006 and my credit & mortgage were pending on a timely and positive outcome. I truthfully can't see where I've held this process up. I did not file any other claims, my C&Ps were done 14months ago, all my healthcare has been provided by the VA so there was no waiting for private Dr's to forward records. I responded back to all written requests within 3-5 days.

Problems: "claim takes forever"

File additional claims while original claim was being processed. (start over because new claim)

21-4142 relase of info forms submitted ( because info was not gotten upfront). Va has to go out for med records because directed to by vet. 30 days for first attempt. Approx another 30 days for sec attempt. (hence

GetInfo up front).

Be short and concise if you write the va. Do not five any inkling you are claiming other conditions. If you list symptoms of your claimed conditions then state these are symptoms. NOT new claims.

THESE are why claims take forever. Yes the

Va is at fault too, but don't help them make your claim linger by doing the problems!!!! Read the

Above.

[Va Medicine]

My complaint would be towards the medicine I get perscribed. I have Fibromialgia but VA doesn't perscribe the one medicine designed to treat it. I just get soemthing to tolerate the pain. Same with my migraines. I have nothing to prevent the headache but a drawer full of stuff to mask the pain..I have 11 different perscriptions for pain & depression. I don't want to think what long-term effects those are causing. I believe I was doing less damage to myself when I drank alcohol to self medicate before husband begged me to go to VA for treatment. I have to add that the people at the San Antonio out patient clinic have treated me VERY good otherwise.

[Washington (Wa): Seattle]

Thanks and good luck with your treasure hunting. Sounds exciting. Kinda a "Indiana Jones" thing.

Hope you get some sweet news soon, Eagle-Eye!

[Washington (Wa): Seattle]

Cooter..

I agree about holding onto copy of that e-mail. First, I don't understand why the raters are stumped by my request for increase since that's what a TDIU is. Also, saying that they're stuck with me makes me want to contact the person personally and tell them to find a different job. But yeah, the letter pisses me off but I feel like it's a "nugget" if I have to file a NOD. I'm telling you, I found a lot of interesting papers in my C-file. I had copies of things that weren't even mine and some other e-mail correspondence between raters. I wasn't looking for dirt but just trying to organize my records in order to have some sense of it.

Fourth of July is coming up. Enjoy!

[Have You Heard Of This Before?]

I also received a letter from the VA with a similiar statement stating that my dependacy pay would not kick in until an opened claim I had for an increase was resolved.

BUT VA did end up adding my dependacy pay (& paying retro) 2-3 months before that opened claim was rated & closed. Time frame of when I was eligible for dependacy pay and to the actual time I started receiving it was 14 months. That's with me sending marriage and birth certificates right away after VA initially requested it.

I truly hope they do you better.

[Effective Date For Tdiu]

Thanks John999 for the Super-Fast reply.

I will look at my copies of the C&P exams from my first claim for the increase. I do believe there was a statement from the examiner about my employer "no longer requiring my services" ( I was an Independant Contractor working as a firearms instructor for BlackwaterUSA). My last day of work was the day I told my supervisor that I was perscribed Buprion for anxiety. All Hell broke loose. It bothered me for a long time how quickly I went from a good employee to a piece of garbage. Co-workers that I considered friends avoided after I was let go. The Air Force had basically done the same thing after serving over 12 years with a spotless record. They medically seperated me for not being able to "adjust" after a personal traumatic incident. My Commander & First Sgt both wrote letters staing that a temporary retirement to allow me to get treatment would benefit both me and the military but the board didn't consider it. I was given 10% and severance pay. VA also "generously" gave me 10% for about 6 months than quickly took it away when I didn't show for a appt. that I didn't know about because I never thought to update my mailing address with them. I would have retired last week if I had been able to complete my career like I had planned.

Here I go again with the long stories. Husband & boys have been on vacation now for almost 2 weeks and the quiet house is making me batty (and lonely).

[Effective Date For Tdiu]

In April 2009 I was increased from 0% SC for major depression to 50% & 30% SC for migarines. Did not know about TDIU until 6 months later and than filed proper form through DAV office. I met qualifications since I had not worked full time since Feb 06 and gradually part time work became pointless after losing 7 jobs in 30 months. (not my proudest moment). While I've been waiting for a decision on TDIU I received other SC ratings. 40% for Chronic Fatigue (actually, probably should be Fibromyalga but it's similiar) and 10% hypertension. MY TDIU is just being considered for increase for the 1st two conditions I listed and I have a lot of medical records to support those conditions worsening. C&P exams for the headaches & depression both state that these SC conditions have greatly affected my ability to work and all aspects of my life. ...i'm rambling..blah.blah.blah..sorry.

I would like opinion on possible effective date IF i am rewared IU.

Respectfully,

Darcy

[Washington (Wa): Seattle]

Well..i'm feeling some pressure being the 1st one to say anything Let's just say that I'm "frustrated" with Seattle. My claim for TDIU was filed 4 oct 09..my c&p exams were all done by May 2010..and here we are 21 months later. I have responded to every request and I have reported to every appt. I know part of the delay was the RO waiting for a reply from 1 of my 8 previous employers. I guess the letters from the other 7 just wouldn't satisfy them. Than on the 19th month RO ask me to send back a medical records release form even though all my health care has been provided solely by the VA. I made sure they got that in a timely manner by asking an aide from the Congressman's office to help with that. Seattle didn't like that and sent Congressman a letter basically stating I shouldn't have bothered such an important person with my issues and that's what DAV reps are for and that I should get one. (the thing is, it wasn't my idea to involve the Congressman, that was advise given to me by my DAV rep.) Good news though, I just learned that i graduated from the "Developmental" phase to the "Rating" phase with a suspense date of 22 July. "hhmmm' Yeah, I know, don't count on it. I hear ya.

Oh, I guess what really set the tone for this whole ordeal wasn't so much waiting this long but it was a copy of an e-mail between 2 raters that was accidently included in my requested copies of my C-file. It says something along the lines that they (seattle raters) don't understand why they are being requested to increase my disabilities. They had already rated me once, grant it the rating WASN"T perfect. so I guess we're stuck with rating her again!...

WTH?!

do you feel the love . I'm not.

BUT I am likin' all the support i read between Vets on here. People's rank, or what branch of service, even different wars..none of that matters. We all raised our hand and took the same oath. God bless.

[Well Im At A Year And 5 Months]

Hulamatt...not trying to one-up-you, but I'm at 21 months. My claim also is a initial claim and not an appeal. Seattle, WA is my RO. Just today the DAV rep I spoke to said he has never seen a claim take this long. Funny, but that didn't make me feel better. My home was foreclosed on earlier this month and I sent my two young boys to stay with their grandparents during the summer so I can get settled into a new place without them experiencing all the stress. I guess my point in writing all this is " I understand and you're never alone". I really hope to see on here soon that your claim was resolved with positive results.