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I am very confused by what I am seeing on va.gov. Has anyone seen these kinds of things happen and what were the outcomes? or your best guess? Sequence of events: Mar 2021 - Submitted IU package with Vocational Assessment etc. Mar 2021 - Submitted FDC for Migraines Mar 2021 - VA Accepted claims and combined them. "closed" migraine claim. April-May - C&P exams (None for Migraines) Today - See Migraine Claim opened with yesterdays date for last updated / IU closed with date one day after submitted. No other updates in ratings or letters. Thoughts: (1) Could be the system is just catching up and I still have a shot at IU, but why would they now de-couple the migraine claim. My original thought was they combined the two because the migraine claim would be moot if IU was approved. or.. (2) They have denied the IU and have went back to processing the migraine claim? Also, will VA still process new claims/increases when U have IU? Thanks!!

Hi, Last week, I was awarded P&T TDIU for a claim that was previously awarded 70% mental health disability rating. Should I now appeal the 70% mental health rating? The word "total" is difference between a 70% and 100% mental health rating, as I read the information. Is P&T unemployable possibly considered as a 100% disability rating? Thanks

I was wondering who approves/denies TDIU claims. Is it VARO, BVA, or director of compensation? The director of compensation approved my disability as extraschedular. Does my disability being rated as extraschedular help my case? I also have 2 c&p examiners that say it affects my ability to work. Thanks for any answers.

I'm took anxious to wait for the decision letter which was mailed today (5.24), so I'm looking for feedback on what I do know. The decision was mailed today, 7 days after the evidence gathering was completed. A D&C exam was scheduled but the decision was made with the exam. My e-benefits page has not changed from my previous 70%. Should the e-benefits site change if awarded TDIU? Any ideas on what this MAY indicate? Thanks,

I was a non-professional successor trustee to my father's trust. I did not pay self employment tax on this money. Here is "According to Rev. Rul. 58-5 Generally, nonprofessional fiduciaries (that is, for example, persons who serve as executor or administrator in isolated instances, and then as personal representative for the estate of a deceased friend or relative) will not be treated as receiving income from a trade or business unless all of the following conditions are met:(a) There is a trade or business among the assets of the estate,(b) The executor actively participates in the operation of this trade or business,(c) The fees of the executor are related to the operation of the trade or business." Would this money be considered sheltered income for TDIU purpose? I am appeallng a TDIU claim for an earlier effective date and 3 of those years were during the time I received trustee fees as a successor trustee. This is from the HillandPonton.com website "Sheltered employment involves holding a job but in a protected work environment. In this case, you’re maintaining a position where the employer makes accommodations for your disability. In other words, while you may not be able to work at another job, you’re able to keep this one due to your accommodations. These accommodations may include diminished quotes, additional time off, extra breaks, the ability to leave work at will, etc. Sheltered employment essentially is a job where you are not working under regular expectations. It may be a job where you are expected to do the most you can and whenever you are able. Generally, with a sheltered employment position, you are held to a different set of standards due to any limitations you may have resulting from your service connected disabilities. The employer may have also developed the job specifically for you to allow you to keep working. For example, you may have permission to go home due to a migraine or are allowed to work individually if you have severe anxiety or other mental health condition. Family businesses are a common example of sheltered work environments, since you’re still employed but likely receive extra accommodations for your specific impairment. " Again, there was no trade or business and I was not an employee nor was I self employed. I did pay taxes on the money. It was categorized as other income. I was able to work at my own pace and quit whenever I needed. I do not think this was Substantial Gainful Employment. Any comments or suggestions as to how to approach this? Happy Trails, Paul

I know it's only a guess, but based on my application, I'm interested to know opinions on my chances of success. Here are the particulars. Very recently I'm 70% SC for mild neurocognitive disease. I have not worked full-time since 2017, but have had 2 part-time jobs. The following items were submitted as part of my application VA Request for Employment Information forms from both part-time employers documenting, cognitive and behavioral issues. Warning letter documenting many behavioral issues from my last full-time employer HR letter document my behavioral issues as the reason for my contract non-renewal VA note from my neurologist documenting the SC disabilities making me unemployable with no expected improvement in my conditions Wil you offer a guess on my chances of getting permanent and total TDIU? Thanks

I put in a intent to file on 19 February 2019, submitted claim for increase for mental health/other specified trauma/stress related disorder in Dec 2019. Was approved and increased from 50% to 70%. I then submitted for TDIU with my mental health disorder and sleep apnea I have a combined rating of 90% with my 10% tinnitis. I ended up having to submit everything on my own as it was march of 2020 and our VSO shut down the VSO offices and I could not make contact with DAV. I recieved a letter that I may get a call for info from a doctor as they would be doing a records review, I "assumed" since I just had a C&P for mental health in February 2020 that they were using it for review as well. In May of 2020 I recieved a denial letter, stateing I did not qualify for a increase from 50 50% for sleep apnea therefore my TDIU was denied. I stewed on it for a bit and kept rereading the letter when I noticed under the evidence considered, my mental health was never reviewed or even acknoledged. I was kinda stuck as VSOs were still not available at my local VA and I never heard a peep from them at all. I called the Veterans Service Orginazation in the next county over and made contact with a VSO there. Due to Covid, all communication was by phone but I sent copys and we discussed the situation and decided to ask for a higher level review. I ended up talking to a DRO in February of 2021 on a informal phone call, she noticed before I even said what I thought and said, they didnt even review your mental health. The call was short, she said she was going to look at it and see if there was anything she could find and make a decision without any further delay. 2 days letter on VA.Gov it says the reviewer found a error and was sent back for a duty to assist, and to correct a error. Got scheduled by LHI for C&P which was yesterday, I feel like it went well for me, but after everything so far just seemed concerned something is still not right. I do have a couple questions 1- will the C&P exam go back to the DRO, or will it be sent back to the original VA level who messed up the first time. 2- anyone else have a issue like this? More than anything I am just frustrated as I did everything I was supposed to do from the start, and they did not complete the claim as was needed and it ended up costing me more time, I am hoping this is it, not sure how long before I hear back with results of my claim but hoping for the best. Please make sure if you get a denial letter, read everything and make sure they did everything proper, because had I not kept reading it I would have never found the error and probaly would of gave up right then. Everyone have a great day.

I just had my appeals hearing with my ALJ I presented her that I am 100% TDIU PTSD 70 Back 40. I have a caregiver as well as my mental health doctor who wrote her opinion that I cannot maintain employment. What are my chances for a favorable decision. Thanks in advance

So I meet all the requirements, I have a service connected social anxiety disorder rated at 70%. Due to that, I am unable to work in around people, without severe symptoms. I have not worked in over 2 years leaving my last job due to social anxiety. I filled out the two forms and mailed it today. Should I have any worry about the next few steps? What i've read may or may not have to do another c&p, and it should be an open and shut case, because I match every requirement. What do you guys think, would I be an open and shut case, or will this be a long and drawn out fight? Also, is there a back pay for tdiu? Thanks in advance bros!

I submitted for IU (50%+50%+10%+10%+10%=80%) a couple months ago. Going through the process, just finished C&P exams. Just after submitting the TDIU claim I submitted a new claim for service connection for Migraines. This claim was closed immediately by the VA and now the documents appear in the "IU" claim. Q1: Does this mean they are not going to process the Migraine claim? I did not have a C&P for migraines, just for those major contributors to the IU claim. Q2: IF (a big word) I do get IU, can I still submit/resubmit for migraines and one other diagnosis I just got that can b service connected very easily? I am shooting for IU because I cant work, however, would prefer 100% scheduler for security and maybe pick up a few bucks (more than the poverty level) doing temp gigs in IT. Thanks!!

Hello all, I have been lurking on the board for a few years, a lot of good advice here for sure. I received a letter a couple of days ago from the VA stating that I have been approved for TDIU. I was rated at 80%, or still may be not sure. Reading the letter it says the criteria for TDIU have been met, it does NOT say anything in the letter about being permanent and total. I called the VA today but the lady on the phone seemed to have no idea what I was talking about. My question is with my new TDIU award will my wife be eligible for any medical benefits, educational benefits, etc? Thanks in advance for any input.

I have attached my vocational assessment. I have attached my latest denial so you can see what is going on. Should I send this to the VA as a supplemental claim with new evidence to request an earlier effective date for my TDIU or just go straight to the BVA. Thanks 3-VA vocational assessment Redacted.pdf 2020-10-28 VA Decision Redacted for Hadit.pdf

Can anyone speak generally, or from experience, on how TDIU claims are affected when the applicant resigned from their last job? I am 70% SC for PTSD. While I am currently working now, my condition makes it impossible, and management understandably wants to fire me for cause. They cannot do it before the strong union "protecting" me drags things out for months on end. I don't want to go through any of that. If I just resign and leave the job am I sabotaging the TDIU claim I intend to file? Any insight or advice is appreciated.

Hello all, I'm hoping to get some advice from members in this forum that may have been in my shoes, or knows someone who has been. I have been retired 22 years now after 20 years of service. I currently have a VA rating of 70% for back issues and headaches. The 70% rating breaks down to 40% for lower back, 20% for upper, and 10% for headaches. It's been nearly 20 years since I've been back to the VA for a rating increase. My lower back is worse now, and about 6 years ago I ruptured a disk. I also lost my job this past October because my back issues limit my mobility so much. I plan on going back to the VA around October of this year to try for an increase. I'm waiting until October because that will be the 20 year mark of my VA rating. I have definite trust issues and I don't trust the VA, which is why I've waited so long. I wanted to make sure they couldn't take the rating I have away. I've had ongoing mental issues for quite a while now. Upon doing some research, it seems I have many symptoms of PTSD. My wife and daughter are encouraging me to start seeing a psychologist. I have no problem with that, but one of my questions is: would be a good idea to ask the psychologists office upfront if they would provide a NEXUS letter if they feel I do have PTSD related to my military service? My daughter advises me not to do that and to take the chance that they will supply one. Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel it's better to see a psychologist that I know will supply a letter. I feel a NEXUS letter carries a lot of weight, and it's frustrating when specialists tell you that your condition is likely caused by your military service, but they won't supply a letter to back it up. Another question concerns TDIU. I've been working in the maintenance field my entire life. As stated earlier, I was let go from my job because I could no longer effectively perform the duties due to my very limited mobility. Of course my employer gave me a letter that I was let go because they were "cutting back." I know they were protecting themselves because I was one of the more senior and experienced techs there. In any case, my second question is: should I file for TDIU as well as PTSD at the same time, as well as any secondary issues that I feel may be related? Or should I just file for one or the other? All replies and advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks to all who took the time to read this.

Hi. I'm new to the VA process and was awarded 70% for psych issues last September (initial claim made 2010). I filed for TDIU, but VA rules for unemployability are a little different than SS's. I'm wondering if my case is strong or not, and if so what is the typical time it takes for a decision. My anxiety levels are extremely high right now because of this. Here is my short case history. 1995: Treated for psych issues in the military 2005: Long term disability from my employer for psych issues, finally terminated in 2007 2007: Awarded SSDI for those psych issues (have not been employed since then) 2010: filed with VA 2020: Awarded 70% for same psych issues as all of the above Nov 10, 2020: filed for TDIU Currently: "We don't know your status" on ebenefits (which I'm told happens sometimes) Can anyone please tell me if this is a good case (without any guarantees of course. I'm new to all of this but I've learned that every va case works a little differently)? And if so, what is a typical timeline for TDIU from filing to decision. Thank you very much and have a good day.

As posted in these forums: Five Year Rule) If you have had the same rating for five or more years, the VA cannot reduce your rating unless your condition has improved on a sustained basis. All the medical evidence, not just the reexamination report, must support the conclusion that your improvement is more than temporary. I was granted 70% SC for mental condition on Feb 18, 2011. Date of application was January, 2010. In either case it has now been over 10 years regardless of which date is used so SC status is secure, though rating percentage is not. I was granted SS disability in 2018 for the same reason as the VA SC rating, on the first try with no appeal. Does SS determination create an automatic presumption against lowering of rating, or greatly argue for not "improved on a sustained basis?" I have put off applying for TDIU for a while but believe I should now. I have an application with the county rep prepared and ready to go. I am 65, have not worked since May 2016. The SS determination is included as part of the TDIU application.

The 5, 10, 20 year rules... Five Year Rule) If you have had the same rating for five or more years, the VA cannot reduce your rating unless your condition has improved on a sustained basis. All the medical evidence, not just the reexamination report, must support the conclusion that your improvement is more than temporary. Ten Year Rule) The 10 year rule is after 10 years, the service connection is protected from being dropped. Twenty Year Rule) If your disability has been continuously rated at or above a certain rating level for 20 or more years, the VA cannot reduce your rating unless it finds the rating was based on fraud. This is a very high standard and it's unlikely the rating would get reduced. If you are 100% for 20 years (Either 100% schedular or 100% TDIU - Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability or IU), you are automatically Permanent & Total (P&T). And, that after 20 years the total disability (100% or IU) is protected from reduction for the remainder of the person's life. "M-21-1-IX.ii.2.1.j. When a P&T Disability Exists" At 55, P&T (Permanent & Total) or a few other reasons the VBA will not initiate a review. Here is the graphic below for that. However if the Veteran files a new compensation claim or files for an increase, then it is YOU that initiated to possible review. NOTE: Until a percentage is in place for 10 years, the service connection can be removed. After that, the service connection is protected. ------ Example for 2020 using the same disability rating 1998 - Initially Service Connected @ 10% RESULT: Service Connection Protected in 2008 RESULT: 10% Protected from reduction in 2018 (20 years) 2020 - Service Connection Increased @ 30% RESULT: 30% is Protected from reduction in 2040 (20 years) 2022 - Service Connection Increased @ 50% RESULT: 50% is Protected from reduction in 2042 (20 years) ------- Second example for 2020: Example of protected percentages: • A Veteran gets awarded @ 30% in 1991. • The Veteran files for an increase and is awarded 70% in 2004. • The Veteran files for and is awarded TDIU status in 2005. --------- RESULT: In 2001 (10 years), the condition's service connection is protected. RESULT: In 2011 (20 years), the 30% is protected from reduction (except for fraud). RESULT: In 2024 (20 years), the 70% is protected from reduction. RESULT: In 2025 (20 years), the TDIU is no longer monitored yearly for income and is protected from reduction. In addition, the Veteran is automatically P&T. For clarity on the 5 year rule: This says the VBA must have proof of sustained improvement. An example might be when a Veteran has a mental health condition yet does not go to a psychologist/psychiatrist. Or, if the Veteran never has his service connected back status noted in the current medical records. Those situations would suggest a sustained improvement because the Veteran did not seek treatment or therapy or at a minimum get a current status noted in the medical records.

A fella claiming to be knowledgeable said I will lose my TDIU which is P&T at age 67 because that's retirement age. I think he's full of BS. Has anyone heard this before?

This is so exhausting, Granted 10 % in 10/2014 for Back injury lumbar strain I have not worked regularly since 7/2013 I have filed appeal for through ATTORNEY for ( increase rating with secondary issues and documented records left right hip pain neck pain sciatica left side chronic low back pain with muscle spasm and depression , TDIU many more ... I been on SSD since 11/ 2014 Just had my VA court hearing in May 2020 via ZOOM. I have 1000s pages of med report, Professional Expert Doctor Reviews What else can I do? advice welcome My chances of 100%rate increase or TDIU

my saga 90% TDIU 8 years 7 back surgeries, 20% degenerative disc, 10% Radiculopathy, 70% stress disorder, 30% bladder During one of my later surgeries on my spine the operation went completely sideways. They were installing a spinal stimulator and it didn’t go well. When I woke up I was paralyzed from the neck down and bleeding internally at the surgical site. I had to be rushed back and reopened to rectify the screw up. After I woke up the second time, I regained most of my movement back except for the use of my bladder. I’ve never urinated naturally since that day and man do I really, really miss it. I have to use a two foot piece of tubing in order to extract the urine. Which you could imagine builds up some animosity over the years. Coupled with a bad case ED from this procedure now we’re really having fun. I did get the bladder connected rate away and left it at that. My tendency to ignore things I don’t know how to process really hampers my existence. So my only interactions with the VA was just calling every three months to renew my gear and meds. Fast forward to 14 months ago I woke up one morning screaming because it felt like my balls had gone 12 rounds with Mike Tyson. It’s been 14 god awful months and it still hasn’t subdued. It hurts so bad I vomit regularly due to the pain. My blood pressure was sent out of control.The headaches are also unreal. I even had some old hernias repaired on my gut to see if just maybe that would help, it didn’t. It was suggested it was a nerve spinal issue. So 5 days ago, I go get an mri done on the surgical site. My doctor calls me and tells me to come in and didn’t elaborate on the test. I did so and he then informs me I had a stoke in my spine, from the surgery, Also that the bladder hypertension, headaches and testicular pain were connected to this issue. As far as the VA said they pretty much told me it was a medical mystery all these years and it might come back. They never said anything about a stroke and just thought it was the pressure on my spine when I was filling up with blood during the surgery. All the built up and suppressed rage from over the years came flooding out. I broke down, but am ok now. But, I’m worried that I my die from this sooner or later heart attack or another stroke it won’t be service connected and my wife and kids are SOL. I have no idea where to start. How do I S.C this VA surgical debacle? It was 6 years ago. They were installing it due to an S.C issue. I have chronic pain upper and lower back. I’m pretty much a professional with ignoring the pain what I can’t control (high bp during episodes, monster headaches, risk of stroke) is what scares me. Any direction on what type of claims this would start as is greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading

If I file for tdiu while I have an appeal at BVA. It's still a legacy. I don't want to screw up my appeal so I have been waiting on it. So my question I guess is should I file my tdiu or wait till my appeal is settled

I got a pretty good deposit in my account the day after the election. It didn't sit well with me. I figured they just screwed me again and the fight would have to continue. When I got the envelope the next week I read the decision and knew I was correct. I try not to let this stuff piss me off but it still does. Sometimes really bad. I have attached a copy of the rating decision. I have also attached a copy of a letter that I wrote to my congressman where I point out errors that I see. I have looked at the ebenefits letters. The commissary letter states " compensation at the 100 percent rate due to service-connected disability(ies). This total disability is considered permanent. You are not scheduled for future examinations." The benefit verification letter shows the payment at the 100 percent rate, but shows my disability at 90 percent. The tax office said to bring the letter that shows I am 100 percent to get home tax relief. I am not sure of what letter they want. 2020-10-28 VA Decision Redacted for Hadit.pdf 2020-11-16 VA Letter to Congressman Redacted for hadit.pdf

I received 70% SC decision after an appeal with IMO in Feb 2011, Portland Oregon. The case has not been reviewed since then. I passed the ten year mark in Feb 2021 making the SC determination permanent though the rating percentage could still be changed. Reason was aggravation of high functioning autism (there was psyche “counseling” and a potentially dangerous med prescribed on active duty on a remote desert air base when I was 18-19 yo). Was awarded SSD in July 2018 on first try with no appeal needed, reasons were high functioning autism (same as VA SC award reason) and “poor impulse control”, both conditions rated “Severe” by SS. I filed an intent to file for TDIU in Feb 2019, then rolled it over to another intent to file in Feb 2020. I contacted vet rep in October to file the TDIU. I asked him to mail me the docs for review to make sure they were accurate. Never arrived, I called and he said they were delivered by trackable mail on Nov 3, they weren’t (should have asked for the tracking number, I believe there isn’t one). I called the county vet rep supervisor. They reviewed the case and found that I had applied for TDIU after the 70% award which I did not remember doing and that I withdrew that request in July 2011. (I worked for the next six years averaging $60,000/year, high year was $107,000, have not worked for four years). That makes my current claim request an “appeal” even though no VA determination was made because I withdrew the TDIU request at that time, according to the supervisor. That means the intent to file in Feb. is not the date for an award increase therefore wiping out 9 months possible back pay. Supervisor instructed my rep to get on phone with me and I got him to email me the filing documents. I then saw that VA wants a list of all jobs applied for or training received since the date claimed as onset of 100% disability for TDIU. The date placed on the form was 5-1-2016, same as SS disability date. From May to Oct. 2020 I was in the VA voc rehab program where they were paying me to apply for 20 jobs a month, and I also took two VA-paid classes in 2017-2018 (easily discoverable since they were under VA auspices) . All of which would have to be included on the form since the TDIU date is listed being prior to the job apps and the training (or attachments of the scanned pages which I sent to voc rehab). Rep wanted me to send it through as is. Wording at bottom of form says I am certifying all to be true under penalty of prosecution for fraud to get government benefits. So I cannot agree to the application as is. This was the reason I wanted to check the docs to begin with, to make sure there were no such problems. Rep knew I was working with voc rehab though didn’t know the details. Part of the TDIU application is a letter from state voc rehab dated this year saying they have no more help available to offer (it was meaningless to begin with; at my last meeting with them the two employees couldn’t wait until I got out of earshot to start mocking me, I am sick of going anywhere or to anyone for help at this point). I took my case to a psychiatrist retired from 20 years running the local VA regional office last year. After a $230 session (discounted non insurance price) he said he couldn’t make a determination on my chances of retaining the 70% rating (my concern on filing for TDIU) and wanted to charge me to review my hundreds of pages of docs for further analysis. Not going to do that. Point is, I have gotten all the help or advice possible. One useful comment was that it was “highly unusual” for my case to have gone unreviewed for 10 years. Likely indication my condition has been determined permanent and not likely to improve. He also said his office only did the comp exams, the ratings determinations were done elsewhere and were a mystery to him. I believe waiting till past the 10 year point was the right decision for filing for TDIU for peace of mind purposes since I would at least retain the SC determination even if the rating is still vulnerable. My concern is the risk of a rating reduction. Questions: - Can we just list the date of TDIU as the current date, which will then be after the job applications and training, therefore no need to list them? Is there any benefit / requirement to listing TDIU date as same as SS disability date? Don’t know why vet rep did that. If this has to be an appeal with no back pay, there is no benefit to listing anything other than current date that I can see. Goes without saying I do not trust the vet rep at this point. (Only other option would be DAV, they will not let me past the receptionist unless I agree to change power of attorney and start over, not going to do that either.) - do the job applications and training work for or against me for TDIU? That is, does looking for work show you are still trying to work and not “retired” or does it show you think you can work therefore should not get TDIU? I will be 65 in December, I was told by a different county rep that that age point helps in getting TDIU. Is the vet’s mind set a factor? At some point it seems to me it doesn’t matter, if you can’t work because you can’t find work or whether you have trouble functioning on jobs, whether you “think” you can work or not it would add up to the same thing. - is the view that my current application would have to be an appeal accurate due to the prior TDIU application withdraw? - vet rep asked if I had lost any time on job due to disability. Answer no. Is this a major factor? Thanks for any help.

Got my HLR call Saturday. Yes, Saturday. Hard to believe that someone in the VA is working on Saturday. Good thing the phone displayed VA or I wouldn't have bothered to answer it. I submitted my HLR back on 2 June 2020. Her call was on 24 October 2020. 144 days. The VA will definitely not make their goal of 125 days to the decision on this one. I am not sure what she had looked at in my case, if anything. She wanted to know what I was disagreeing with. I explained to her about the CUE I had filed, all the trouble I had getting VA to accept it. I explained to her how the VA had requested C&P exams when all I was trying to do was get the VA to look into a CUE. I explained to her how since the VA had done C&P exams the rater had put in the effort to communicate with the examiner twice to reduce a rating from 40% to 20%, yet the examiner couldn't find my SSA grant. I explained to her about the SSA records in my C-file, how I had about 20 pages of someone else's records in the middle of my records. I told her maybe this is part of why someone didn't approve it sooner. I told her it looked to me like someone dropped the paper files and didn't have enough sense to separate the two files. I told her about the latest denial where the rater looked into the SSA records and found a denial but didn't look up the grant of benefits that is in the SSA records. I explained to her that I hadn't worked since June 2000. I told her about the VR&E denial based on my doctors statements. I told her how the raters kept denying me stating other evidence in my records showed I wasn't unemployable. I explained to her how the raters kept saying I quit my job, but M21-1 says that doesn't have any affect on the decision. She seemed very sympathetic. She said she would take care of me. Well, it will be very interesting to see if she does. I had a prior call from a lady at the Roanoke VA, she thought I was going to get approved. In just a few weeks I got the denial. I had written to my congressman about all this crap. I got a reply back from the congressman's office but it was the same BS from the VA. I sent back to the congressman's office quite a few pages of all the documentation showing the VA crap. I think this was sent by the congressman to the VA Secretary Wilkie. I have no idea if this is at all related to the call or not.

I'm currently service connected at 70% for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and situational specific phobia. I also have a 50% rating for cirrhosis with hepatitis and alcoholic gastritis. During my claim, I listed PTSD as the disability that makes me unemployable but I was under the impression that VA would consider the combined affects of all disabilities. Is this not the case? If anyone has advise on how I should proceed, that would be wonderful. Based on the symptoms listed in the my award letter, is it even worthwhile to appeal?