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This "matrix" does not cover state benefits that your state may offer. https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/derivative_sc.asp

I just had a very interesting conversation with my VSO and wanted to check out the truth of the matter. I have never heard this argument nor does it make sense to me. I am trying to get an increase for my migraine headaches. I was having headaches 3-4x a week! with at least 1 prostrating(i would not be able to do anything, would have to go lay down and be away from noise or light or distraction due to the pain etc). I filed for migraine claim and they denied at first then gave me 0%. Now i am trying for increase. Now my VSO says i will never get the increase because i am on medication. I have been seeing a neuro doc at the va that gave me meds that have been a miracle. I have not had a migraine in a few months now. It has been amazing. so my question: i don't see how getting treatment for something changes how my va rating should be. if i lost a limb and they gave me a prosthetic, they wouldn't take away Service Rating or decrease that? How about sleep apnea; I dont get less service connection because i use a CPAP, i get more?!?!? shouldn't the fact that i require medication for the rest of my life to manage migraines show a worse condition? My VSO said its the same with blood pressure, that if you take meds and its managed then you lose your SC. is any of this true? I gave a hypothetical: what if they discover a magic pill that cures all us vets from PTSD but we have to take these pills for the rest of our lives. that means we would all loose our service connection for PTSD if we start taking them? what if we missed a dose? what if they get lost in the mail? (which has happened with my meds plenty) i just can't wrap my head around this flawed logic of a treated disability is no longer a disability. Thanks guys

Can i receive a VA rating for kidney stones ? I first had Kidney stones while at 29 Palms Ca in the Marines I had 2 separate events one on right side and the other on the left side sent to the emergency room both times . I was also sent to Camp Pendelton for a urine study. All of this is in my Medical File. After my discharge I have had 11 different passed stones .One surgery to break up stones and a stent put in .I currently have 5 more stones in my kidney now . Questions Should I file a Clam ? Can I file a clam? Could it be considered service connected recurrent issue ? If i do file how do i go about getting it Service connected? If it is approved what kind of rating could i expect?

I have been lurking on the board for 7 yrs. and would like to thank all who offer there knowledge to help. After 6 plus years I have finally been SC'd for sleep apnea. Just received award from BVA 8/23/2018 claim started 7/11/2012. Now on to the secondary items.

Hello group - I had a sleep study in 2007 while on active duty and got diagnosed with "mild obstructive sleep apnea." There was no treatment provided/necessary. I retired from the Navy in 2017 after 25 years of active duty and submitted the sleep study in my claim. Unfortunately, I did not have documented proof of hypersomnolence. In May 2018 I had another sleep study with the result being "severe obstructive sleep apnea," and was prescribed a CPAP which I use currently. This particular evidence was not submitted in my claim package. I just received my VA decision letter on 10/4/18, the VA assigned a disability rating of 0% for the apnea (as expected), but listed it as "service connected." My question is this: I have the medical evidence now to prove I have severe apnea and I'm getting ready to submit a NOD. Do I have to also prove "service connectivity?" or has this been sufficiently established and cannot be taken away by the DRO? Also, do I have to provide evidence that I had hypersomnolence from 2007 to 2018 to prove it's all connected? This will be the tough part for me. It seems pretty straight forward, but I know nothing is ever a slam dunk in this arena so what am I potentially missing? Thanks! Joe

I first experienced kidney problem while on active duty as a Marine Security Guard in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1994. The doctor treated me as having been dehydrated. Years later, in May 2012, I experienced my first official Kidney Stone at 9 mm on left side, which I had to have a lithotripsy. In 2016, I developed a second kidney stone measuring at 6 mm on right side, treated by VA in Ann Arbor, MI. In June 2018, I developed my third kidney stone measuring 3 mm on right side, treated by VA Ann Arbor, MI. VA doctors informed me that I still had several smaller stones in both kidneys. In July 2018, I developed a fourth kidney stone measuring 4 mm on left side, a stent was implanted, and tomorrow I am scheduled for another lithotripsy. While, awaiting the lithotripsy, it appears i have another stone developing on the right side again. While in Ethiopia, I was constantly in Eritrea and Massawa having swam in the Red Sea. I do know that Gulf War Syndrome lists the Red Sea as an area of claim but during the Southwest Asia Threat. It appears, that I should still be service-connected but I'm unsure as personnel at Battle Creek, VA, suggested that I couldn't claim Gulf War Syndrome. This was also prior to my diagnosis of fibromyalgia. To add, I was also stationed at MWSS 272 New River Airbase during 1990, where vehicle were being painted as well as a motor transport driver moving airplane and helicopter parts and working in the areas of jet fuel during the commencement of wartime. What if any course of action do I need to take to have these service-connected as it relates to kidney stones and fibromyalgia? I am already 70% TDIU, for tennitus and PTSD. I have been diagnosed finally as having fibromyalgia in June 2017, for which previously I was denied neurological disorders. I am a diabetic with, high blood pressure and 16 of 18 points for fibromyalgia.

I have watched for years now our 100% PT Service Connected Disabled Veterans, who served our Country, served her proudly and through no fault of their own, were injured, honorably discharged and unfortunately unable to have the opportunity to committ to a 20 year career and now being passed over and denied again and again, the benefit to be eligible for the DoD's Space A Travel Program while other non uniformed service personnel whom never served, get added into the Eligibility Categories as if they were the cat's meow! It's time to RIGHT THIS WRONG! It's time to stand up and be heard, listened too and taken seriously! Let's get the word out there! Let's get it out there Loud & Proud and hopefully see a change this time! :) I have started a Petition to send to President Obama and to Congress about finally following through and amending the DoD 4515.13-R Regulation to include a "Category 7 entitling 100% PT SC Diabled Veterans" for the Space A Travel Program. I am hoping the way I have written the petition and the way I wish for them to amend the eligibility categories that it will pass without concerns and/or complaints from the nay sayers, the Joint Chiefs, DoD, The Secretary of Defense, the military uniform service members, DoD employees, 20 year retirees and/or any other eligible personnel. The Petition is asking to add an additional Priority Category 7, which will be the Category that includes our 100% PT SC DAV, hence placing them at the bottom of the Priority list for any available passenger seating that may be open. I am hoping this will make everyone happy. The DAV will finally be eligible and have the opportunity to benefit from the Space A Travel Program without any other eligible uniform category member to give up their priority listing. If you wish to help our DAV receive this benefit, please click on the link below and sign the Petition. Thanks. :) http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/space-a-travel-eligibility

38 CFR Book B 3.310 mandates secondary service connection for certain disabilities associated with traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) I have a couple of QUESTIONs since my MDD rating is still in limbo at the VARO: What does it mean by "...the secondary condition shall be considered a part of the original condition….” Does that mean MDD is to be rated separately as secondary service connected to TBI? OR,does that mean that MMD cannot be rated separately from TBI and receives just ONE rating? How can secondary service connected disabilities avoid the "pyramiding" accusation? §3.310 Disabilities that are proximately due to, or aggravated by, service-connected disease or injury. (a) General. Except as provided in §3.300(c), disability which is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury shall be service connected. When service connection is thus established for a secondary condition, the secondary condition shall be considered a part of the original condition. (b) Aggravation of nonservice-connected disabilities. Any increase in severity of a nonservice-connected disease or injury that is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury, and not due to the natural progress of the nonservice-connected disease, will be service connected. However, VA will not concede that a nonservice-connected disease or injury was aggravated by a service-connected disease or injury unless the baseline level of severity of the nonservice-connected disease or injury is established by medical evidence created before the onset of aggravation or by the earliest medical evidence created at any time between the onset of aggravation and the receipt of medical evidence establishing the current level of severity of the nonservice-connected disease or injury. The rating activity will determine the baseline and current levels of severity under the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR part 4) and determine the extent of aggravation by deducting the baseline level of severity, as well as any increase in severity due to the natural progress of the disease, from the current level. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1110 and 1131) (c) Cardiovascular disease. Ischemic heart disease or other cardiovascular disease developing in a veteran who has a service-connected amputation of one lower extremity at or above the knee or service-connected amputations of both lower extremities at or above the ankles, shall be held to be the proximate result of the service-connected amputation or amputations. (d) Traumatic brain injury. (1) In a veteran who has a service-connected traumatic brain injury, the following shall be held to be the proximate result of the service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI), in the absence of clear evidence to the contrary: (i) Parkinsonism, including Parkinson’s disease, following moderate or severe TBI; (ii) Unprovoked seizures following moderate or severe TBI; (iii) Dementias of the following types: presenile dementia of the Alzheimer type, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies, if manifest within 15 years following moderate or severe TBI; (iv) Depression if manifest within 3 years of moderate or severe TBI, or within 12 months of mild TBI; or (v) Diseases of hormone deficiency that result from hypothalamo-pituitary changes if manifest within 12 months of moderate or severe TBI. (2) Neither the severity levels nor the time limits in paragraph (d)(1) of this section preclude a finding of service connection for conditions shown by evidence to be proximately due to service-connected TBI. If a claim does not meet the requirements of paragraph (d)(1) with respect to the time of manifestation or the severity of the TBI, or both, VA will develop and decide the claim under generally applicable principles of service connection without regard to paragraph (d)(1). (3) (i) For purposes of this section VA will use the following table for determining the severity of a TBI: Mild Moderate Severe Normal structural imaging Normal or abnormal structural imaging Normal or abnormal structural imaging LOC = 0–30 min LOC > 30 min and < 24 hours LOC > 24 hrs AOC = a moment up to 24 hrs AOC > 24 hours. Severity based on other criteria PTA = 0–1 day PTA > 1 and < 7 days PTA > 7 days GCS = 13–15 GCS = 9–12 GCS = 3–8 Note: The factors considered are: Structural imaging of the brain. LOC—Loss of consciousness. AOC—Alteration of consciousness/mental state. PTA—Post-traumatic amnesia. GCS—Glasgow Coma Scale. (For purposes of injury stratification, the Glasgow Coma Scale is measured at or after 24 hours.) (ii) The determination of the severity level under this paragraph is based on the TBI symptoms at the time of injury or shortly thereafter, rather than the current level of functioning. VA will not require that the TBI meet all the criteria listed under a certain severity level in order to classify the TBI at that severity level. If a TBI meets the criteria in more than one category of severity, then VA will rank the TBI at the highest level in which a criterion is met, except where the qualifying criterion is the same at both levels. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 1110 and 1131) [44 FR 50340, Aug. 28, 1979, as amended at 66 FR 18198, Apr. 6, 2001; 71 FR 52747, Sept. 7, 2006; 78 FR 76208, Dec. 17, 2013]

Recently received my rating for ED rated 0 percent but I did not receive SMC for it. Turned down even though I thought it was automatic.

To list the many many Tags would have been ludicrous. My case is relatively new. I joined here last year, this place has always been great to calm burned out nerves. I sometimes don't make sense to myself let alone anyone else. But when I got out, I went tearing away from anything and everything that even REMOTELY resembled authority. People being able to control my life terrified me to the point where it has literally affected every single part of my life. I came here seeking help and I got it. So, if my story can help anyone else, and my opinions on what you can do to help your own Battle, because that's what this REALLY is, then I will feel like I have done a small and meager effort to pay it forward. My C-File isn't stuffed to the gills with medical records because I didn't serve long enough to qualify for VA Medical. My Claims were handled fairly fast compared to the average. My Story is simple, I got kicked out of the US Army Infantry, after Basic, but I did not finish my A.I.T. We were OSUT. How and why is my business, and I have completely accepted that now. I wasn't even aware I had "issues" until about 9 years after I got out of there. And, a further 6 years before I swallowed my pride and went and finally asked for the help, that I had been convinced by every Veteran I knew, that I now have. I filed my initial claim for PTSD with Anger and Depression. 5 months later they denied me without a C&P, oh gosh gee wilikers was I disappointed. But, once again, fellow Veterans pointed me the way. I went to my Second VSO, and they filled for Depression, and I was scheduled for a VA C&P Exam. Why do I emphasize the VA part, well, I had learned from reading here at Hadit that C&P exams don't show up on your VA website thingy. Which, I thought to myself, that IS kind of important, you know, so no one can "lose" your record of that particular exam. I must admit that my best decisions I have made after getting my actual 50% Service Connected decision letter last year was to continuously educate myself. Not just about me, but the VA itself. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU BRING YOUR COPYS OF YOUR PERTINENT INFORMATION WITH YOU. Sure that really friendly guy on the phone making your appointment is probably say it's not necessary to bring any documents, the Examiner will have ALL your evidence. Bullshit, don't ever leave your case DEPENDENT on ANYONE else' actions! Seriously, I took that advice from someone here, and it saved my ass. A actual Lt. Col. in the US Army Medical Hospital Diagnosed me with exactly what i was filing for. Match the Words, don't try to guess, don't try to infer. Take all your important verifying information with you. Don't leave out anything that you feel may hurt your case, if you think the VA is going to not use any excuse to take away what they give you, you are DEAD wrong. They will dig for it and hunt it down. Be honest, give them everything. But remember, you are literally not DEFENDING yourself to these Raters, you are pressing your case base on verified fact. They will work harder to rip your benefits away, than they are supposed to help you get them.Tell them something is wrong if you don't know exactly, and make them give you an examination, it is your right as a Veteran. I see too many Vets who are always asking others for help, guess what, it's up to US. DO YOUR HOMEWORK Seriously, you need to know more about your Disability's then the people who wrote the books and TREAT you for it. No one knows your Disability's like you. Because they are literally YOURS, not as a statistic or a Roster Number. Because remember, these are not minor discomforts or passing ailments. These damages are severe enough to make us DISABLED. You are LEGALLY entitled to the compensation for the damages done to you, maybe that's why the VA Denies us so consistently. No matter how many changes in Technology or public opinion, they have NEVER done it at a pace that allows most of us to barely maintain our composure and dignity. As far as the Law goes, if you have evidence, you're solid, it is not the RATER who is processing your claim wrong, it is YOU. Every "T" must be crossed, every "i" must be dotted. You have to make your case so solid,that it would literally be a breaking of the Law not to Service Connect you, or a fair Scheduler Rating, or TDIU. You have to SLAM THAT Claim DOWN ON THAT RO's desk, and CHALLENGE him to find flaw in every single interpretation of the Laws, Rules, Regulations....... Become your own greatest weapon, by realizing that you personally can't do that, you have to show it through your work, every page has to be meticulous, don't give them any reason to take the scalpel to your pages. I have a theory, based on how fast I was Denied the first Claim, how fast I was sent for a C&P for my second and winning Claim, and the fact that I was approved the DAY after my C&P exam. I personally feel, as if the moment a Rater can find a reason, and Literally the first reason, he denies and kicks out. Because I was denied without even a C&P exam. Then, when my second claim got sent up, they took one look at it, and knew they were caught out, so as soon as they got my results, they gave me 50% and expected me to be grateful for it. Never stop, always press on, continually advance, and when you can't advance, you bear down, shield up, and dig in. You are now in the Trenches of the VA, and we are literally all here because we are STILL Brothers and Sisters in Arms, against our own people. My OPINION of VSO's and LAWYERS A VSO, no matter where he works, is not gonna fight for you, oh they will file paperwork.....if you tell them what to file, you see, they just mostly don't have the balls for you, because they have balls for EVERYONE. A Lawyer, on the other hand, is motivated by Passion, and Profit. Think about it, if you were to Arm yourself with a Hypothetical Spear-like weapon, would you not want the one with the longest reach, sharpest point, and stopping power? A Lawyer, will fight, because he will look at your Claim, in whole, at ALL the FACTS, and take your case ONLY IF HE BELIEVES THE LAW IS ON YOUR SIDE AND HE CAN WIN IT! That alone, is a boost of confidence that will sustain your Hope, while unfortunately also being a two-edged sword. If he doesn't take your case, then do MORE HOMEWORK. If you can convince a VA registered Lawyer to take your case, you're fairly solid. ONCE AGAIN, MY OWN PERSONAL OPINION. Always Dig Deeper than the Surface Picture that the VA forces on you,If the Law is on your side, stand firm, and advance,Remember that you are right, and you need not defend against their No, but insist on your Yes. Good luck y'all

QUESTION: Will/can a 100% TDIU P&T award get removed if my service connected disabilities reach or top 100% ? I ask this because I am +5yr into my appeal process and have received a "partial award" from the VA, as the rest of my appeal moves forward. I was given an increase to 70% TBI to qualify me for 100% TDIU which started last year. Already have 10% Tinnitus. Still on appeal is: MDD -- Arguing for 70% but probably will get 50% Sleep Apnea -- OSA with CPAP required to be rated at 50% My lawyer is inferring that I would be in jeopardy if I try and get +100% Scheduled award disability. I have also heard from a fellow poster (I referred to same lawyers) who informed me that after getting his early/easy disability award, this firm dropped him on his appeal moving forward. In other words, they took the easy money/award and ran on the tougher stuff. What my lawyer currently predicts my disabilities totaling at 94% (70-BTI, 50-MDD, 50-OSA,and 10-Tinnitus) which rounds DOWN to 90% award. He does not want to appeal further, apparently. My lawyer's inference that my 100% TDIU would be in jeopardy if I continue to pursue my scheduled appeal status, just does not sound right to me, but how can I know for sure?

Are there any other Veterans on here that were at the Pentagon 9/11-9/30 for search and rescue/recovery? I was denied PTSD in 2005 (VA said it wasn't service connected), I appealed it, but never received a letter that the appeal was denied, at that point I said f-it and gave up on the VA. I created an ebenefits account recently (December 2015) and it says that appeal decision (denied) was made in March 2006. I am still having issues. I am reopening the claim for PTSD. I have the VA ROI from 2005 that shows all the VA Psychologist and LCSW notes on file chronic PTSD and GAF:40. I was going to that VA clinic 2004-2006. went back in 2009 to get prescription for nightmares and flashbacks. shit is still not going away.

Hi, sorry if my message seems like a downer but my depression and anxiety is bad right now and i have questions that have me in panic mode. So im currently at 80% 60% for severe allergies rhinitis/sinusitis I developed and the rest split between asthma and cystic acne. here's my deal. i witnessed a b2 bomber crash (its only happened twice so you can probably guess my base). When i say i witnessed it i mean i was actually out working on the flightline during the crash. And i dont know why or how but iv been screwed up every since then. ive been off and on antidepressants, im afraid to be in front of windows, ive gotten in trouble for violence, and more. But it gets worse, the pain from the allrgies and asthma is sickening - literally. i can't sleep longer than 4 hours, headaches, constant shortness of breath, no energy, EVER, dont want to leave the house and so much more. All of that caused my depression to go overdrive - i have no friends, my family cut me off. havent been able to hold a job in over 3 years. I seriously thought about suicide and cant say the idea is fleeting at this point. It was so bad that i was forced to stay in the mental health clinic for 4 days. a few weeks ago I need help - do you think i would be able to file a claim for major depression, ptsd, headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome, and do you think it would possibly help me get to 100% - as that would improve my life so much right now. Im capable of working,i want to work, ive tried to work. but the jobs im skilled in i cant work because of the asthma and sensitive allergies/sinuses.. The hospital says the headaches are probably caused from the sinus infections i keep having, as i type im on antibiotics for a sinus infection, the mri shows that my right sinus cavity is extremely inflammed and filled with "stuff" as the dr. put it.. I caught strep throat 5 times last year. Thank you - and sorry for the sad posts - im just not feeling to well right now.

I accidentally deleted my original posts and apologize for that. I was trying to respond to rwoods 4? who had a question about the timeline of how long it took my claim to be finalized. I will retype my original posts real quick. My apologies. My claim was for PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia caused my MST and the VA combined all of these under PTSD. My rating came back service connected at 70%. I'm satisfied with this rating and now I'm on continuing on the road to recovery which has been a very rough ride the last 10 years. In my original post my advice was to make sure that you track down all of the records and information for the VA to have as that is what I did because I wanted to make sure they got all of the records and background information that they needed. It was a lot of work and I had to keep calling prior therapists, hospitals, and previous bases to get the right information which made me learn patience. Also, the C&P exam was a very huge trigger for me. I had and have had many panic attacks and unfortunately it's been a huge challenge. I have had a hard time overcoming going over specific details, but I know they have to have all of the information available to do their jobs and know how it affects me now. My only other advice is to make sure you try and stick to the questions that the examiner asks and very much be yourself. I couldn't be anything but myself as my anxiety and lack of focus took over the entire exam. My exam was done over the holidays and was completed around the second week of January of this year. I hope this helps and thanks all that responded previously with congrats and well wishes to recieve the proper therapy that will help me be happy in life. Thank you all for your service, continued service to veterans or one another, and God BLess. P.S. How do you like someone elses post? LOL I couldn't find out how to do that?

Rated 10% (SC) painful joints/Arthritis. When filed for increase unaware, but last week! diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Explains why my pain is severe. I need information. A condition caused or worsened by a SC condition is rated secondary to the SC condition. I don't know how to address acquiring after service a condition that aggravates existing SC condition. Am I stuck at 10% rating for painful joints or can I get compensation for the disabling pain either for effects on arthritis or as a secondary diagnosis? BTW I have SC conditions (IBD,PTSD,Migraines) which are common with fibromyalgia,... still getting Fibromyalgia SC is unlikely. Fibromyalgia alone is painful, but co-existing with arthritis is unbearable. Is there precedent to allow increase above 10% or allow secondary diagnosis? ANY SUGGESTIONS!!!!! I'm in constant pain. My claim is in reviewing evidence and will be decided soon. Any good advice is appreciated. Thank You

I read the notes in the C & P exam and the doctor put information in my records that he did not cover with or untrue, should I just print it out and make corrections and send it in with my grievence?

my knee was injured in 1988 basic training i was torn from the top of the cargo net by another trainee who panicked when he went to flip over the top... he held onto me and we both toppled over and fell strait to the ground and hit on 1 leg.. my left 1... the knee buckled and something inside snapped and my left foot was broken across the arch. because i was 18 and not a quitter i managed to get through basic training on bottles of motrin and a will to not fail. over the 5 years and 2 duty stations i ended up having surgery on the knee twice. it never got better, i also injured my back and my hearing while on active duty. i was givin a permanant profile no running, jumping, squatting, kneeling etc. i really wanted to stay in and fought like hell to do so an eventually i was found fit for duty at a medical review board and thought i had it made... then 8 months later i was barred from reenlisting due to the permanant profile. i got out and have struggled since, its hard to find a job when your body is a mess and you cant hear over the ringing in your ears lol. i ended up living in a mobil home on my mothers property and doing odd jobs and things to get by since 1994... she passed away a year ago and i still have not been able to come up with the money to pay the estate taxes so i can keep my home. then about 4 months ago the brace they gave me for my knee in 91 finally failed to the point i couldnt weld it, tape it or pin it back together and 2 weeks without it i ended up in the emergancy room because i couldnt walk and the knee was the size of a pumpkin. the emergancy room made me fill out paperwork for obamacare and it came back saying i would be able to get health care for 120 dollars a month... and it made me a little angry here i am picking through trash to find things i can fix and resell on ebay, digging around for scrap metal to recycle, fixing peoples computers and cell phones for a few bucks here and there and doing other things i really dont want to talk about to keep the heat and electric on and my govt. is going to charge my broke ass 120 a month for help? i never applied for benefits through the va because honestly i didnt feel my little problems were anything compared to guys coming back WITHOUT legs... but after that i got mad and went and applied. i got health care but it was marked non service connnected... i have had 3 appointments since then 2 at the hospital and 1 at my local clinic. i have a complete copy of my medical records and i took them to the ortho appointment along with my 26 year old knee brace... after looking me over and looking at my records he spun around in his chair and said how exactly is this NOT service connnected? you need to go down and get measured for a new brace then go to the american legion in the basement because you have a case here and should be getting disability compensation. he scheduled me for an mri and sent me on my way. the nice girl at the legion went trhough my stuff and asked a bunch of questions and said i should let them apply for help on my behalf... turns out the hip problems that im having are related to the knee from limping on it for 26 years (i didnt even tell the doctors aboutthat just figured it was cause im getting old you know and that sure isnt anyones fault!) so thye are putting my in for my hearing loss, tininitus the constant ringing in my ears (my records from the army show i had a hearing loss issue while i was still in), my hips, my knee and my back. I have to get a certified copy of my 214 to the girl at the american legion... and then all this fasst track stuff starts... im not sure if i should do this or not... i feel like im biting the hand that fed me!! im so greatful just for the free health care! you have no idea how greatful i am! i get really bad sinus infections and sometimes they last months cause i could never afford to go to a doctor or to pay for meds... last winter i was buying horse and dog antibiotics off of the internet to help get better and now i can just see a doctor and they will give me medicine to help... for FREE!! and the knee brace... the one the army gave back in the 90s cost the army 3 grand it was custom made to fit my leg it even has my name engraved on it... over the years it has broken, bent, the straps have torn, i have sewed it, welded it, used duct tape to keep it on... and i took it hoping it could be refurbished but they just laughed and said no we will give you a brand new one JUST LIKE THAT! and then they told me i could go to a travel office and they would give me money for my 160 mile trip to the hospital... and they paid me enough i had money left over to stop at burger king on the way home (and not just get a 79 cent burger either!! i got a double whopper and large fries and drink!) and now im starting to think that i made a mistake and shouldnt have went to the leigon for more help... these guys have already dont more for me than i would have even thought possiable and i feel like a shit head for turning this in to get more from people that have already done so much...

my knee was injured in 1988 basic training i was torn from the top of the cargo net by another trainee who panicked when he went to flip over the top... he held onto me and we both toppled over and fell strait to the ground and hit on 1 leg.. my left 1... the knee buckled and something inside snapped and my left foot was broken across the arch. because i was 18 and not a quitter i managed to get through basic training on bottles of motrin and a will to not fail. over the 5 years and 2 duty stations i ended up having surgery on the knee twice. it never got better, i also injured my back and my hearing while on active duty. i was givin a permanant profile no running, jumping, squatting, kneeling etc. i really wanted to stay in and fought like hell to do so an eventually i was found fit for duty at a medical review board and thought i had it made... then 8 months later i was barred from reenlisting due to the permanant profile. i got out and have struggled since, its hard to find a job when your body is a mess and you cant hear over the ringing in your ears lol. i ended up living in a mobil home on my mothers property and doing odd jobs and things to get by since 1994... she passed away a year ago and i still have not been able to come up with the money to pay the estate taxes so i can keep my home. then about 4 months ago the brace they gave me for my knee in 91 finally failed to the point i couldnt weld it, tape it or pin it back together and 2 weeks without it i ended up in the emergancy room because i couldnt walk and the knee was the size of a pumpkin. the emergancy room made me fill out paperwork for obamacare and it came back saying i would be able to get health care for 120 dollars a month... and it made me a little angry here i am picking through trash to find things i can fix and resell on ebay, digging around for scrap metal to recycle, fixing peoples computers and cell phones for a few bucks here and there and doing other things i really dont want to talk about to keep the heat and electric on and my govt. is going to charge my broke ass 120 a month for help? i never applied for benefits through the va because honestly i didnt feel my little problems were anything compared to guys coming back WITHOUT legs... but after that i got mad and went and applied. i got health care but it was marked non service connnected... i have had 3 appointments since then 2 at the hospital and 1 at my local clinic. i have a complete copy of my medical records and i took them to the ortho appointment along with my 26 year old knee brace... after looking me over and looking at my records he spun around in his chair and said how exactly is this NOT service connnected? you need to go down and get measured for a new brace then go to the american legion in the basement because you have a case here and should be getting disability compensation. he scheduled me for an mri and sent me on my way. the nice girl at the legion went trhough my stuff and asked a bunch of questions and said i should let them apply for help on my behalf... turns out the hip problems that im having are related to the knee from limping on it for 26 years (i didnt even tell the doctors aboutthat just figured it was cause im getting old you know and that sure isnt anyones fault!) so thye are putting my in for my hearing loss, tininitus the constant ringing in my ears (my records from the army show i had a hearing loss issue while i was still in), my hips, my knee and my back. I have to get a certified copy of my 214 to the girl at the american legion... and then all this fasst track stuff starts... im not sure if i should do this or not... i feel like im biting the hand that fed me!! im so greatful just for the free health care! you have no idea how greatful i am! i get really bad sinus infections and sometimes they last months cause i could never afford to go to a doctor or to pay for meds... last winter i was buying horse and dog antibiotics off of the internet to help get better and now i can just see a doctor and they will give me medicine to help... for FREE!! and the knee brace... the one the army gave back in the 90s cost the army 3 grand it was custom made to fit my leg it even has my name engraved on it... over the years it has broken, bent, the straps have torn, i have sewed it, welded it, used duct tape to keep it on... and i took it hoping it could be refurbished but they just laughed and said no we will give you a brand new one JUST LIKE THAT! and then they told me i could go to a travel office and they would give me money for my 160 mile trip to the hospital... and they paid me enough i had money left over to stop at burger king on the way home (and not just get a 79 cent burger either!! i got a double whopper and large fries and drink!) and now im starting to think that i made a mistake and shouldnt have went to the leigon for more help... these guys have already dont more for me than i would have even thought possiable and i feel like a shit head for turning this in to get more from people that have already done so much...

Can anyone tell me what just happened? I looked at my claim on ebenefits today and it latterly changed in front of my eyes. It went from Gathering Evidence to Preparing a Decision. Skipping review of evidence. I called my friend who was at the same point of gathering evidence. He told me his did the same thing. Several of my friends claims did the same thing. I called my DAV rep and he said they were almost finished with it. I asked how that could be. Just last week he said it would be a while go ahead and schedule an appointment for an IMO. This leads me to believe something is going on and I don't feel we are getting a fair review. Is anyone else in this situation?

Can you get the disorder call "sleep apnea" as a secondary service connection? If yes, what would be your primary service connected disability?

Hi all! Thank you for your service! Husband was just rated at 0% for TBI, this is service connected but No compensation? He was also denied completely on his Epilepsy & shoulder dislocation. He was in Special ops, maybe his records were classified, which is why they couldnt compensate or put the two together, because they could not access records? I am not sure how he can be rated service connected but 0%? TBI can later cause epilepsy, and clearly this happened to him. What do we do? We are trying to obtain his records that are now archived at ST. LOUIS, MO. and planning to get an atty. Anyone been through this? Since they do recognize the TBI, do you think the appeal process may be easier? Anyone w/ any input is much appreciated. THANK YOU ALL !

Morning, Going to try and cut right to the chase. Marine Veteran with 1 year service, discharged with "personality disorder" that was diagnosed as an pre-existing condition. That's my first question, I have my entry records showing my exams were clean and I entered on a clean bill of health. Is there any way to correct this? Since I was in the Marines and had left I have been having issues ever since. As of late I was finally pushed into seeing a therapist and psychiatrist. The standing right now is a diagnosis of PTSD and Schyzotypal Personality Disorder (Cluster A), they are both concerned that these are service connected and I agree. How and what do I need to submit from the therapists to the VA to get my claim rolling. It's been suggested that I quit work and file for disability as my conditions have become severe enough to interfere with work and my interaction with the outside world. I have my OMPF, Medical records, and DD214. I can get any written statement from the docs to forward for my claim so that the VA will consider doing an eval. Any advice is helpful. At the very least I need to get the particular reason for my discharge corrected, I didn't have any issues mentally or physically when I entered and I have documentation to prove so as well. Thank you all.

I have a service connected injury from active duty, I get 20% for pain left knee. I have had two surgerys so far on the same injury, and it took 12 years just to even get up to 20% for the left knee. The VA doctor says the next surgery would be a partial or full knee replacement. I was told by the VA that a total knee replacement is no more or less than 30% after your 3 month rehab. So my question is will this affect my 20% that I have (Knee) or will the knee replacement be a seperate award? in another words will the 30% add to the 20% I get for knee pain? or will they just add a 10% increase to the 20% I now get for the knee? My total service connected disibility is 40% at this time. Thank You for any help.