First Experience With Va

[One-Zero]

Hello All,

I'm recently retired (SEP 2007) after 24 years service. I began the claims process while on active duty under the BDD program. My claim was submitted on April 23rd 2007 and boarded(decided?) 20 Dec 2007. I received the award letter in the mail on Dec 26th, 2007...I felt the process was pretty timely considering some of the dismal stories I've heard, the most frustrating part was having absolutely NO IDEA where my claim was during the interim period, regardless of IRIS queries or 1-800 calls.

I submitted 32 separate items on my claim, figuring I'd go for broke while everything was still fresh and I had the inclination to comb thru my SMR on active duty. I received 80% SC for the first 10 items; 30, 20, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10. Then 0% SC for the next eleven items I claimed, then NSC/denied for the remaining 11 issues.

This was literally done in order as if someone saw the big ol' claim and said "hell, lets give him the first 10 and maybe he won't bother with the rest"...

I'm rather thankful for the 80%, apart from the $ which is much needed, I understand I now have access to medical care whether the problem is SC or not because I'm over 50%, which was my major concern.

What I'd like advice on is whether I should leave well enough alone or perhaps get an IMO for the remaining items??? There's plenty of documentation in the record but I really don't know what more I could expect...many of the conditions are probably masked by others.

For example, the 2nd item (20%) is for Cervicular Radiculopathy with Myelopathy due to traumatic C-spine degenerative disk disease status post cervical fracture...

but item #32 (NSC) is Residuals of Multiple Brain Concussions (closed head injuries) even though it's well documented and they even say so in the letter, but I don't know which one causes some of the problems - more than likely it's a cumulative combination.

It's as if they gave up rating after the first ten items.

I'm not bucking for dollars here, as long as I can be treated I hope I'm going to be ok...and I certainly don't want the VA tinkering with stuff unless it's absolutely required.

any thoughts or experience with such a situation???

best regards,

One-Zero

[Berta]

One question One Zero-

whe you were mustered out- did the Military itself brief you on CRDP and CRSC and then provide the forms you needed?

I am always concerned with these transition issues and how they actually go.

[One-Zero]

One question One Zero-

whe you were mustered out- did the Military itself brief you on CRDP and CRSC and then provide the forms you needed?

I am always concerned with these transition issues and how they actually go.

Berta: the military did an excellent job at providing briefs. These briefs are available on a monthly basis (sometimes 2-3 a month if the military population is big enough). I've found the problem to be laziness or apathy on the part of the Vet retiring (PROCRASTINATION - then a 'woe is me' after they realize they should've done it)...

I'm a little loco, so I made 3 complete copies of my SMR and attended briefings in 3 separate locations to get a different spin on things. They do brief CRDP/CRSC but I can honestly say it is all greek until you see how it fits in your own situation - which doesn't happen until AFTER getting out...now that I've gone thru the initial claim process and see the numbers for myself, I get it now.

I tell all my friends who are close to retirement, save yourself some pain and frontload the prepwork while still on AD...I think it's why I got what I did without the help of a VSO, would like a good one now though...as I'm seeing some apparent holes that could be plugged.

Pete: I can't stop working, even if I could 'technically' do it by regs and going thru the TDIU stuff...or I'd be in a bad financial way real quick. Right now - after reading JB's and others comments on how they should have rated some things, I realize I may very well be eligible for 100% schedular if nothing else - which would allow to REDUCE my work load over time due to the extra compensation...eventually getting to a point where I can IU.

I've just need to figure out the steps to take at this point.

thanks to all for your comments,

1-0

[Berta]

Glad to hear that- my daughter said the briefings were excellent too-

the one about the VA- well- of course they didnt tell anyone how the VA REALLY is-

still they did a good job with the basics on claims.

She complied copies of her SMRs as they occurred-and also made sure she got the educational department to get her college credits down correctly-

she got a lot -especially for her Tech school-it was 2 years long-

Do they still award college credits for Basic training/Boot Camp?I think she got 6 credits for that alone-

These briefings are so important- it concerns me how a severely disabled serviceperson can get to them all prior to their discharge.

[One-Zero]

Glad to hear that- my daughter said the briefings were excellent too-

the one about the VA- well- of course they didnt tell anyone how the VA REALLY is-

still they did a good job with the basics on claims.

She complied copies of her SMRs as they occurred-and also made sure she got the educational department to get her college credits down correctly-

she got a lot -especially for her Tech school-it was 2 years long-

Do they still award college credits for Basic training/Boot Camp?I think she got 6 credits for that alone-

These briefings are so important- it concerns me how a severely disabled serviceperson can get to them all prior to their discharge.

Yes they do, and for many other things. between late nights, long weekends, and online courses I finished my bachelors at 18 years in, then got my masters done at 23 years just before retiring...the credits for military service helped alot.

Vets can get an idea of credit awarded at the American Council of education site here: http://www.militaryguides.acenet.edu/

cheers,

1-0

[One-Zero]

"Berta: before sending Dr Bash the whole SMR, etc...Is he willing to discuss particulars first so that a person can get an idea of what the best case scenario is before paying so much cash??"

Absolutely- he can be reached by phone or email at his web site-

http://www.veteransmedadvisor.com/

He is a disabled veteran too.

Berta,

I just sent Dr Bash a note asking for an initial consult and see if there's enough in my records to work with...I'll keep my fingers crossed. Thanks,

1-0

[john999]

I would write a NOD on all your issues. You want to appeal these ratings while you have the will to do it. Most regret letting low ball ratings go unappealed when it is too late. This will give you time to gather medical evidence because these appeals take time. If time passes the VA will claim that worsening of your conditions may be due to other non service connected reasons.